Galar Region
Galar (Japanese: ガラル地方 Galar-chihō) is the eighth region in the Pokemon franchise. Introduced in Generation VIII with Pokemon Sword and Shield, Galar is based on Great Britain, featuring industrial cities, pastoral countryside, and the Wild Area. It is renowned for the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena, where Pokemon can temporarily grow to enormous sizes, and for the Gym Challenge being a major spectator sport and form of entertainment.[1]
Overview
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Based On | Great Britain (United Kingdom) |
| Generation | VIII |
| Native Pokemon | 400+ (base game), 664 (with DLC) |
| Gym Leaders | 8 (with version exclusives) |
| Professor | Professor Magnolia |
| Champion | Leon (undefeated) |
| Games | Sword/Shield, The Isle of Armor, The Crown Tundra |
Geography
Map Layout
Galar is arranged in a vertical layout from south to north:
| Direction | Key Locations |
|---|
| South | Postwick, Wedgehurst, Wild Area (South) |
| Central | Motostoke, Turffield, Hulbury |
| North-Central | Hammerlocke, Stow-on-Side, Ballonlea |
| North | Circhester, Spikemuth, Wyndon |
| Special Areas | Wild Area, Crown Tundra, Isle of Armor |
Major Cities and Towns
| Location | Gym Leader | Type | Badge | Notes |
|---|
| Postwick | — | — | — | Player's hometown |
| Wedgehurst | — | — | — | Professor Magnolia's lab |
| Motostoke | Kabu | Fire | Fire Badge | Industrial city |
| Turffield | Milo | Grass | Grass Badge | Ancient ruins |
| Hulbury | Nessa | Water | Water Badge | Port city |
| Hammerlocke | Raihan | Dragon | Dragon Badge | Castle city |
| Stow-on-Side | Bea/Allister | Fighting/Ghost | Fighting/Ghost Badge | Version exclusive |
| Ballonlea | Opal (later Bede) | Fairy | Fairy Badge | Forest town |
| Circhester | Gordie/Melony | Rock/Ice | Rock/Ice Badge | Version exclusive |
| Spikemuth | Piers | Dark | Dark Badge | No Dynamax allowed |
| Wyndon | — | — | — | Capital, Pokemon League |
Version-Exclusive Gym Leaders
| Location | Sword Version | Shield Version |
|---|
| Stow-on-Side | Bea (Fighting) | Allister (Ghost) |
| Circhester | Gordie (Rock) | Melony (Ice) |
Notable Locations
Wild Area
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Open-world zone |
| Features | Free camera, weather zones, raids |
| Pokemon | Varied by weather and location |
| Notable | First fully explorable 3D area |
| Max Raid Battles | Dynamax Pokemon in dens |
Slumbering Weald
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Mystical forest |
| Notable | Zacian/Zamazenta encounter |
| Pokemon | Fog-shrouded legendary site |
| Access | Beginning and late game |
Galar Mine
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Cave system |
| Locations | Galar Mine No. 1 and No. 2 |
| Pokemon | Rock, Ground, Steel types |
| Notable | Required story path |
Glimwood Tangle
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Luminescent forest |
| Location | Route to Ballonlea |
| Pokemon | Fairy, Psychic types |
| Features | Glowing mushrooms |
Dusty Bowl
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Wild Area section |
| Features | Sandstorm weather |
| Pokemon | Ground, Rock, Dragon types |
| Notable | Central Wild Area location |
Giant's Seat
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Wild Area section |
| Features | Mountainous terrain |
| Pokemon | High-level encounters |
| Notable | Ancient ruins |
Lake of Outrage
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Type | Wild Area section |
| Access | Water bike required |
| Pokemon | Rare spawns, type rotation |
| Notable | Stone circle, Wishing Stones |
| Legendaries | Galarian legendary birds (Crown Tundra) |
Energy Plant
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Eternatus location |
| Type | Power facility |
| Story | Darkest Day climax |
| Access | Late game only |
Rose Tower
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Location | Wyndon |
| Role | Macro Cosmos headquarters |
| Notable | Chairman Rose's office |
| Story | Major plot location |
Isle of Armor (DLC)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Release | June 2020 |
| Based On | Isle of Man |
| Features | Dojo, coastal beaches, forests |
| Pokemon | Kubfu, Urshifu, Galarian Slowpoke |
| Dojo Master | Mustard (former Champion) |
Crown Tundra (DLC)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Release | October 2020 |
| Based On | Scottish Highlands |
| Features | Snowy landscape, Max Lair |
| Pokemon | Calyrex, Glastrier, Spectrier, Regis |
| Notable | Dynamax Adventures |
Max Lair
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Location | Crown Tundra |
| Type | Raid dungeon |
| Features | Dynamax Adventures |
| Pokemon | Legendary Pokemon raids |
| Notable | Co-op exploration |
Pokemon League
Gym Challenge System
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Structure | Stadium-based battles |
| Format | Spectator sport with crowds |
| Endorsement | Required to participate |
| Opening Ceremony | Held in Motostoke |
| Finals | Champion Cup tournament |
| Broadcast | Televised throughout Galar |
Champion Cup
| Round | Format |
|---|
| Semi-Finals | Single elimination |
| Finals | Best challengers face Champion |
| Champion Match | 6v6 battle |
| Stadium | Wyndon Stadium |
The Champion
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Name | Leon |
| Status | Undefeated Champion |
| Signature | Charizard with Gigantamax |
| Title | "The Unbeatable Champion" |
| Hometown | Wyndon |
| Relation | Hop's older brother |
Chairman Rose
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Pokemon League Chairman |
| Company | Macro Cosmos |
| Goal | Solve Galar's energy crisis |
| Plan | Awaken Eternatus |
| Assistant | Oleana |
Gym Leaders
Gym Challenge Order
| Order | Leader | Location | Type | Badge | Signature Pokemon |
|---|
| 1 | Milo | Turffield | Grass | Grass Badge | Eldegoss |
| 2 | Nessa | Hulbury | Water | Water Badge | Drednaw |
| 3 | Kabu | Motostoke | Fire | Fire Badge | Centiskorch |
| 4 | Bea | Stow-on-Side | Fighting | Fighting Badge | Machamp (Sword) |
| 4 | Allister | Stow-on-Side | Ghost | Ghost Badge | Gengar (Shield) |
| 5 | Opal | Ballonlea | Fairy | Fairy Badge | Alcremie |
| 6 | Gordie | Circhester | Rock | Rock Badge | Coalossal (Sword) |
| 6 | Melony | Circhester | Ice | Ice Badge | Lapras (Shield) |
| 7 | Piers | Spikemuth | Dark | Dark Badge | Obstagoon |
| 8 | Raihan | Hammerlocke | Dragon | Dragon Badge | Duraludon |
Notable Gym Leaders
Raihan
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Final Gym Leader |
| Specialty | Weather and Dragon types |
| Strategy | Sandstorm with Steel types |
| Personality | Social media influencer |
| Rivalry | Leon's main rival |
Piers
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Dark-type Gym Leader |
| Unique | Refuses to use Dynamax |
| Location | Spikemuth (no Power Spot) |
| Relation | Marnie's older brother |
| Style | Punk rock musician |
Opal
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Fairy-type Gym Leader |
| Age | Elderly, seeks successor |
| Successor | Bede (post-game) |
| Personality | Eccentric, quiz-based challenge |
Native Pokemon
Starter Pokemon
| Pokemon | Type | Mid Form | Final Form |
|---|
| Grookey | Grass | Thwackey | Rillaboom |
| Scorbunny | Fire | Raboot | Cinderace |
| Sobble | Water | Drizzile | Inteleon |
Legendary Pokemon
| Pokemon | Type | Location | Notes |
|---|
| Zacian | Fairy/Steel | Slumbering Weald | Sword exclusive |
| Zamazenta | Fighting/Steel | Slumbering Weald | Shield exclusive |
| Eternatus | Poison/Dragon | Energy Plant | Dynamax source |
| Kubfu | Fighting | Isle of Armor | Dojo gift |
| Urshifu | Fighting/Dark or Fighting/Water | Isle of Armor | Kubfu evolution |
| Calyrex | Psychic/Grass or Psychic/Ice | Crown Tundra | King Pokemon |
| Glastrier | Ice | Crown Tundra | Calyrex steed |
| Spectrier | Ghost | Crown Tundra | Calyrex steed |
| Regieleki | Electric | Crown Tundra | New Regi |
| Regidrago | Dragon | Crown Tundra | New Regi |
Galarian Forms
New Regional Variants
| Pokemon | Original Type | Galarian Type | Evolution Changes |
|---|
| Ponyta | Fire | Psychic | Unique to Shield |
| Rapidash | Fire | Psychic/Fairy | Unique to Shield |
| Farfetch'd | Normal/Flying | Fighting | Evolves to Sirfetch'd |
| Weezing | Poison | Poison/Fairy | No evolution |
| Mr. Mime | Psychic/Fairy | Ice/Psychic | Evolves to Mr. Rime |
| Corsola | Water/Rock | Ghost | Evolves to Cursola |
| Zigzagoon | Normal | Dark/Normal | Linoone line |
| Linoone | Normal | Dark/Normal | Evolves to Obstagoon |
| Darumaka | Fire | Ice | Zen mode differs |
| Darmanitan | Fire | Ice | Zen mode differs |
| Yamask | Ghost | Ground/Ghost | Evolves to Runerigus |
| Stunfisk | Ground/Electric | Ground/Steel | No evolution |
Galarian Legendary Birds (Crown Tundra)
| Pokemon | Original Type | Galarian Type | Location |
|---|
| Articuno | Ice/Flying | Psychic/Flying | Crown Tundra |
| Zapdos | Electric/Flying | Fighting/Flying | Wild Area |
| Moltres | Fire/Flying | Dark/Flying | Isle of Armor |
Galarian Slowpoke Line
| Pokemon | Type | Evolution Method | DLC |
|---|
| Slowpoke | Psychic | Base form | Isle of Armor |
| Slowbro | Poison/Psychic | Galarica Cuff | Isle of Armor |
| Slowking | Poison/Psychic | Galarica Wreath | Crown Tundra |
Iconic Galar Pokemon
| Pokemon | Pokedex # | Type | Notable For |
|---|
| Cinderace | #815 | Fire | Starter final, soccer theme |
| Inteleon | #818 | Water | Starter final, spy theme |
| Rillaboom | #812 | Grass | Starter final, drummer theme |
| Corviknight | #823 | Flying/Steel | Taxi service, early route |
| Toxtricity | #849 | Electric/Poison | Two forms, punk rock |
| Dragapult | #887 | Dragon/Ghost | Pseudo-legendary |
| Grimmsnarl | #861 | Dark/Fairy | Evolution line exclusive |
| Wooloo | #831 | Normal | Sheep Pokemon, fan favorite |
| Dracovish | #882 | Water/Dragon | Fossil combination |
| Falinks | #870 | Fighting | Formation Pokemon |
| Sirfetch'd | #865 | Fighting | Farfetch'd evolution |
| Obstagoon | #862 | Dark/Normal | Zigzagoon final evolution |
| Cursola | #864 | Ghost | Corsola evolution |
| Alcremie | #869 | Fairy | 63 different forms |
| Copperajah | #879 | Steel | Elephant Pokemon |
| Frosmoth | #873 | Ice/Bug | Rare encounter |
Important Characters
Professor Magnolia
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Regional Pokemon Professor |
| Research | Dynamax phenomenon |
| Location | Wedgehurst Lab |
| Assistant | Sonia (granddaughter) |
| Gift | Starter Pokemon via Sonia |
Sonia
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Professor's assistant, researcher |
| Relationship | Magnolia's granddaughter |
| Research | Galar history, legendary Pokemon |
| Childhood | Former Gym Challenger |
| Later Role | Becomes Professor (post-game) |
| Friends | Leon (childhood friend) |
Hop
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Main rival |
| Relationship | Leon's younger brother |
| Goal | Become Champion like Leon |
| Character Arc | Finds own path as researcher |
| Signature | Wooloo, then Dubwool |
| Post-Game | Becomes Pokemon Professor's assistant |
Bede
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Rival |
| Sponsor | Chairman Rose |
| Personality | Arrogant, ambitious |
| Type Focus | Psychic, later Fairy |
| Character Arc | Becomes Opal's successor |
| Background | Orphan raised by Rose |
Marnie
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Rival, later Gym Leader |
| Relationship | Piers' younger sister |
| Hometown | Spikemuth |
| Fans | Team Yell (overzealous supporters) |
| Type Focus | Dark types |
| Post-Game | Becomes Spikemuth Gym Leader |
| Signature | Morpeko |
Leon
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Undefeated Champion |
| Status | Most famous person in Galar |
| Signature | Charizard (Gigantamax) |
| Personality | Friendly, terrible with directions |
| Post-Game | Battle Tower host |
| Relationship | Hop's brother, Sonia's childhood friend |
Chairman Rose
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Pokemon League Chairman |
| Company | Macro Cosmos Corporation |
| Goal | Prevent future energy crisis |
| Plan | Harness Eternatus' power |
| Motivation | Impatience to solve problem |
| Fate | Imprisoned after Darkest Day incident |
Oleana
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Rose's secretary and assistant |
| Loyalty | Devoted to Chairman Rose |
| Company Role | Macro Cosmos Vice President |
| Battles | Psychic-type specialist |
Peony
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Crown Tundra expedition leader |
| Relationship | Sonia's father |
| Past | Former Gym Leader |
| Daughter | Peonia |
| Goal | Solve Crown Tundra mysteries |
Mustard
| Attribute | Details |
|---|
| Role | Isle of Armor Dojo Master |
| Past | Former Galar Champion |
| Student | Trained Leon, Sonia as children |
| Wife | Honey |
| Gift | Kubfu |
| Dojo | Master Dojo on Isle of Armor |
History in Games
Pokemon Sword and Shield (2019)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Release | November 15, 2019 |
| Generation | VIII |
| New Mechanics | Dynamax, Gigantamax |
| Open Area | Wild Area |
| Controversies | National Dex cut, limited routes |
The Isle of Armor (2020)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Type | Expansion Pass (Part 1) |
| Release | June 17, 2020 |
| New Area | Isle of Armor island |
| New Pokemon | Kubfu, Urshifu, Galarian Slowpoke |
| Features | Dojo training, Max Soup |
| Expansion | ~100 returning Pokemon |
The Crown Tundra (2020)
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Type | Expansion Pass (Part 2) |
| Release | October 22, 2020 |
| New Area | Crown Tundra snowy region |
| New Pokemon | Calyrex, Glastrier, Spectrier, new Regis |
| Features | Dynamax Adventures, legendary hunting |
| Expansion | Additional returning Pokemon |
Game Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|
| Dynamax | Temporary gigantification in battle |
| Gigantamax | Special Dynamax with unique forms |
| Max Raid Battles | Co-op battles vs giant Pokemon |
| Curry | Cooking mini-game with recipes |
| Pokemon Camp | Interactive camping system |
| Rotom Bike | Upgradable bicycle on water |
| Box Access | PC boxes accessible anywhere |
Cultural Significance
Dynamax and Gigantamax Phenomenon
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Dynamax | Any Pokemon can grow giant for 3 turns |
| Gigantamax | Special Pokemon with unique forms |
| Power Spots | Energy from Eternatus enables it |
| Max Moves | Powerful moves with secondary effects |
| Cultural Impact | Spectator sport, entertainment |
| Stadiums | Built around Power Spots |
First Home Console Main Series Game
| Milestone | Details |
|---|
| Platform | Nintendo Switch |
| Significance | First non-handheld main series game |
| Graphics | HD visuals, 3D environments |
| Scale | Larger, more detailed cities |
| Performance | Mixed reception for visuals |
Gym Challenge as Spectator Sport
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Format | Stadium battles with crowds |
| Uniforms | Gym Challengers wear numbered jerseys |
| Broadcast | Matches televised |
| Ceremony | Opening ceremony in Motostoke |
| Culture | Major entertainment in Galar |
| Endorsement | Sponsorship system |
Wild Area Innovation
| Feature | Impact |
|---|
| Open World | First freely explorable area |
| Free Camera | 360-degree camera control |
| Weather System | Dynamic weather affects spawns |
| Online | See other players |
| Raids | Cooperative multiplayer battles |
| Future | Influenced later games' design |
National Dex Controversy ("Dexit")
| Issue | Details |
|---|
| Change | Not all Pokemon transferable |
| Available | ~400 Pokemon in base game |
| Reason | High-quality animations (stated) |
| Backlash | #BringBackNationalDex trend |
| DLC Response | ~200 more Pokemon added via DLC |
| Long-term | Policy continued in later games |
DLC Model
| Change | Details |
|---|
| Previous | Third versions (Yellow, Crystal, etc.) |
| New Model | Expansion Pass with two DLCs |
| Cost | $29.99 for both expansions |
| Reception | Generally positive |
| Content | New areas, Pokemon, stories |
| Industry | Influenced Pokemon game model |
Real-World Connections
Based on Great Britain
Galar's geography and culture are inspired by the United Kingdom:[2]
| In-Game Location | Real-World Inspiration |
|---|
| Wyndon | London |
| Hammerlocke | Various medieval castles |
| Motostoke | Manchester (industrial) |
| Ballonlea | English forests |
| Circhester | Bath (Roman baths) |
| Spikemuth | Post-industrial towns |
| Turffield | Stonehenge (ruins) |
| Stow-on-Side | Cerne Abbas (hillside figures) |
| Wild Area | English countryside |
| Isle of Armor | Isle of Man |
| Crown Tundra | Scottish Highlands |
Cultural References
| In-Game Element | UK Inspiration |
|---|
| Gym Challenge | Football (soccer) culture |
| Stadium Battles | Premier League stadiums |
| Curry Dex | British curry culture |
| Tea Culture | Referenced in dialogue |
| Punk Aesthetic | Spikemuth's design |
| Castles | Medieval architecture |
| Industrial Cities | Industrial Revolution history |
"Galar" Etymology
| Theory | Explanation |
|---|
| Gaul | Ancient name for region including Britain |
| Galahad | Arthurian legend knight |
| Gala | Festive celebration (Gym Challenge) |
Trivia
| Fact | Details |
|---|
| First Switch Game | First main series on home console |
| Sold Over 25M | One of best-selling Pokemon games |
| Version Differences | Different Gym Leaders, not just Pokemon |
| No Victory Road | First game without traditional Victory Road |
| Numbered Jerseys | Player wears jersey number in Gym Challenge |
| Curry Recipes | 151 curry recipes (same as original Pokedex) |
| Pokemon Jobs | New feature for passive training |
| Trading Cards | Simplified from previous games |
See Also