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What Is The Difference Between Shift And Set Battle Style?

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Last updated on 6 min read

Shift and Set Battle Style differ in when you can swap Pokémon — Shift lets you pick a replacement after seeing your opponent’s next choice, while Set locks you in before you know what’s coming.

What is switch and set battle style?

Switch (Shift) and Set are the two Battle Style options that decide when you can change Pokémon mid-fight in Pokémon Sword and Shield.

Switch mode shows you the opponent’s next Pokémon before you decide to switch. Set mode cuts out that preview entirely—you face whatever they send out, no questions asked. Switch is actually the default setting (it used to be called Shift back in Gen VI). You can flip between them anytime in the Options menu under Battle Style.

What is set battle style?

Set Battle Style takes away your ability to switch once the opponent reveals their next Pokémon, so you’re stuck facing whatever they throw at you.

This isn’t for casual players. It cranks up the difficulty by forcing you to rely on type matchups and move selection instead of swapping Pokémon on the fly. Perfect if you enjoy a tougher, more rigid challenge. To turn it on, just head to Options > Battle Style > Set. Once set, it sticks for every battle unless you change it back.

What’s the difference between switch and set mode?

Switch mode lets you pick a new Pokémon after seeing the opponent’s choice, while Set mode makes you face it immediately without switching.

The real difference comes down to timing and strategy. Switch rewards quick thinking—you can react to what’s coming next. Set demands adaptability—you have to plan ahead without knowing their move. Both change how battles flow, so pick the one that matches how you like to play.

What is Pokemon shift mode?

Shift mode shows you the opponent’s next Pokémon before you decide to switch, blending strategy with a bit of foresight.

Shift replaced the old “Switch” term back in Gen VI and added this handy preview feature. It’s the default in most modern Pokémon games, including Sword and Shield. You can switch it on or off anytime through the Options menu—no extra hoops to jump through.

Can you change your battle stance in Pokemon sword?

Yes, you can change your battle stance in Pokémon Sword by talking to a man in Malie City near the waste station.

Head to Malie City in Alola, pass the library, and follow the road up to the waste station. There’s a guy standing there who’ll let you switch between Shift and Set modes. This option opens up after you finish the main story or certain post-game events. Once chosen, it applies to all your battles in the Wild Area and beyond.

What is set mode?

Set mode locks you into facing the opponent’s next Pokémon without any chance to switch.

Think of it as a stripped-down battle where prediction matters more than swapping Pokémon. It’s great if you want a harder challenge or just enjoy the unpredictability. Set mode doesn’t mess with catch rates, experience, or anything else—it only changes how you manage your team during fights.

How do you do a Ludlocke?

A Ludlocke is a tough challenge run where you catch the first Pokémon you see in every area and can’t catch more, name them, and lose a Pokémon forever if it faints.

  1. Catch the very first Pokémon you encounter in every route and area.
  2. Name them right away—it builds attachment (and makes losing them hurt more).
  3. If a Pokémon faints or gets defeated, it’s gone for good.
  4. The run ends if you black out or can’t progress.

This isn’t an official mode—it’s a self-imposed challenge that makes the game way harder and way more replayable. It started as a creative idea from players and stuck around as a fun way to experience Pokémon differently.

How do you unlock girlish battle style?

You unlock the Girlish Battle Style by finishing Lana’s trial and then beating her sister in the back room of her house.

  1. Complete Lana’s Totem’s Sea Cinderace trial on Poni Island.
  2. Go back to Lana’s house in Seafolk Village and head to the back room.
  3. Fight her little sister and win.
  4. Lana will show up and give you the Girlish Battle Style.

It’s purely cosmetic—your character just strikes a different pose during battles. No gameplay changes, just a fun little unlock for completionists.

How do I change the pose on my sword?

To change your pose in Pokémon Sword, press the Y button to cycle through the available poses.

Pose customization only works during the credits or after beating the game. It’s purely visual—your character’s pose in the credits roll changes, but it doesn’t affect battles or animations. You can also tweak the camera with the R button to zoom, pan, or rotate your character’s image. It’s all for show, but kind of fun to play around with.

How do you get a passionate battle style?

You unlock the Passionate Battle Style by winning 50 battles in a row at the Battle Tree.

Style NameHow to Get
Passionate StyleWin 50 battles in a row at the Battle Tree
Smug StyleDefeat Gladion at the base of Mount Lanakila

These styles are purely cosmetic—they only change your character’s pose and expression during battles. Passionate Style is brutal to get because of that insane win streak, but Smug Style is a one-time fight. Both are locked behind post-game content, so don’t expect them early on.

Can you change how you throw your Pokeball in sword and shield?

Yes, you can fake a throw in Sword and Shield by pressing Y mid-motion or pressing A twice fast with button controls.

It’s a neat little visual trick that adds immersion when catching Pokémon or during battles. While camping, you can also press the right stick inward to crouch and interact with Pokémon at eye level. Fake throws don’t mess with catch rates—they’re just for show. Motion controls have to be on to use the Y button trick, though.

Can you change your clothes in Pokemon moon?

Yes, you can change your clothes in Pokémon Moon by accepting an offer from a cashier or using the fitting room.

After buying new clothes, the cashier might ask if you want to change right then and there. If not, just visit the fitting room in any clothing store to preview and swap outfits from your collection. It’s a nice way to freshen up your look anytime you snag new gear. Clothes don’t boost stats or do anything special—they’re just for style.

How do you change Pokemon in the moon?

To reorder Pokémon in your party in Pokémon Moon, highlight the one you want, press A to select it, then press Y to move it.

Open your menu, go to Pokémon, and pick the one you want to shuffle. Press A to lock it in, then press Y to grab it. Use the D-pad or left stick to slide it to a new spot, then press A again to drop it. It’s a simple but handy way to keep your team organized without losing track of anyone. The order also matters for lead Pokémon in battles and contests.

Edited and fact-checked by the TechFactsHub editorial team.
David Okonkwo

David Okonkwo holds a PhD in Computer Science and has been reviewing tech products and research tools for over 8 years. He's the person his entire department calls when their software breaks, and he's surprisingly okay with that.