Pokemon Go Legendary Heroes choose a path: Should you pick Sword or Shield?

The Pokemon Go Legendary Heroes Timed Research challenge comes with a pretty tricky choice: should you pick Sword or Shield?

Paths are tricky decisions to make in Pokemon Go. Each offers different rewards, and each can be useful to either fill your Pokedex, finally catch that one Pocket Monster that’s been eluding you, or viable in a competitive battle, both of which you don’t want to pass up on.

So, while the Legendary Heroes event has finally kicked off with the debut of Shiny Zacian and the ability to grab the Galarian version of Weezing, there’s one path that’s baffling thousands.

So, which path should you choose in Legendary Heroes? Here’s all you need to know.

Should you choose the Sword or Shield path?

NIANTIC / Dexerto

While the choice is yours, the Sword Path is the best.

Pokemon Go players should choose the Sword Path, as it offers significantly more power for competitive matches.

Hydreigon, the final evolution form of Deino, is a top-50 Pokemon in Master League player, per PvPoke. Passimian is a good option for that format, as well. Additionally, Slurpuff, the evolution of Swirlix, is a top-140 Pokemon in Ultra League play and is among the better Fairy-types in the game.

Oranguru is quite good for Ultra League play, as it ranks #78 per PvPoke. Additionally, getting enough Larvitar can help acquire the supremely powerful Tyranitar, at least in the console games.

However, those who aren’t worried about competitive play should focus on what Pokemon are needed for the Pokedex.

It’s worth noting, that the rarer shinies in the Sword Path are Scraggy, Gothita, and Passimian, so be sure to keep an eye out for those on your adventures.

Sword Path rewards

NIANTIC / Dexerto

The challenges are pretty easy to complete through a bit of walking.

Those who selected the Sword Path will encounter these Pokemon when attracted by Incense:

All these can be Shiny.

• Seedot*
• Scraggy*
• Gothita*
• Deino*
• Swirlix*
• Passimian*

The rarest Pokemon in the group have been bolded.

Shield Path rewards

The Shield Path, will attract these Pokemon when you use Incense:

All these can be Shiny.

• Larvitar*
• Lotad*
• Croagunk*
• Solosis*
• Spritzee*
• Oranguru*

The rarest Pokemon in the group have been bolded.

Legendary Heroes Timed Research quest steps

Niantic / Dexerto

Catching eight Pokemon shouldn’t be too tough with some Incense.

Legendary Heroes step 1 of 2

• Catch 8 Pokemon (Skwovet encounter)

Rewards: 8 Poké Balls, 800 XP, 800 Stardust

Legendary Heroes step 2 of 2

• Choose a Path: Sword or Shield

Legendary Heroes: Sword Path (step 1 of 2)

• Catch 8 Pokemon (8 Great Balls)
• Use 8 Berries to help catch Pokemon (1 Incense)
• Power up Pokemon 8 times (Koffing encounter)

Rewards: Galarian Darumaka encounter, 800 XP, 800 Stardust

Legendary Heroes: Sword Path (step 2 of 2)

• Walk 3 km (8 Razz Berry)
• Use an Incense (Deino encounter)
• Catch 8 Pokemon (8 Ultra Balls)

Rewards: Rufflet encounter, 800 XP, 800 Stardust

NIANTIC / Dexerto

The Shield tasks are the same, but its rewards are certainly different.

Legendary Heroes: Shield Path (step 1 of 2)

• Use 8 Berries to help catch Pokemon (1 Incense)
• Power up Pokemon 8 times (Koffing encounter)
• Catch 8 Pokemon (8 Great Balls)

Rewards: Galarian Ponyta encounter, 800 XP, 800 Stardust

Legendary Heroes: Shield Path (step 2 of 2)

• Walk 3 km (8 Razz Berry)
• Use an Incense (Larvitar encounter)
• Catch 8 Pokemon (8 Ultra Balls)

Rewards: Vullaby encounter, 800 XP, 800 Stardust

So, now you’re well on your way to completing the Legendary Heroes challenges, be sure to check out the upcoming Spotlight Hours, how to beat Giovanni, or the Shadow Raid schedule for the upcoming month.