Pokémon Sword and Shield have become the most divisive entries in the entire franchise. After it was announced that not every Pokemon would be included in the first mainline entry on home consoles, a vocal group of fans attempted to boycott the game. Nintendo and Game Freak did listen, with patches' announcement that would allow fans to transfer some older Pokémon via patches that launched alongside the various pieces of DLC and Pokémon Bank.
However, despite Nintendo and GameFreak's best efforts, not every one of the 800+ Pokémon has been included in the latest game. So, with the release of the last bit of DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield, here are 10 Pokémon that were not included in the DLC. Legendary and Mythical Pokémon will not be included.
10 Pidgeot
To many, Pidgey was the very first Pokémon they ever caught. The little bird Pokémon eventually transforms into its fully evolved form of Pidgeot. It's mighty wings gifts Pidgeot with the ability to reach speeds of Mach 2, making it one of the fastest Pokémon around. It was also one of the last Pokemon to receive a mega evolution before they were discontinued in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Alas, those hoping to have a trip down memory lane will be disappointed to learn that Pidgeot didn't make the cut. While Corvaknight is an impressive and powerful creature, it'll never live up to the speed and grace that was Pidgeot.
9 Ampharos
Before Wooloo stole the hearts of millions, the sheep Pokémon that captivated audiences was Mareep. The electrical sheep used it's fleas to generate electricity before it fully evolved into Ampharos.
Ampharos is best remembered for being the sick Pokémon that they had to heal to battle Jasmine. Still, it was a pretty strong Pokemon, thanks to its powerful electrical abilities and its ability to help sailors with it's flashing tail. Alas, Wooloo's popularity made Ampharos yesterday's news.
8 Donphan
While Copperjah is undoubtedly a powerful Pokemon, it still lacks the rugged yet sleek strength that is Donphan. The original elephant Pokémon was best known for its ability to curl-up and use Rollout to takedown any opponents that came into its path.
Donphan was one of the first Johto Pokémon introduced to US audiences, thanks to the release of Pokémon: The First Movie, where it fought and lost against Ash's Bulbasaur. Adding Donphan's popularity was its pre-evolve form, Phanpy, becoming one of Ash's Pokemon in later seasons, where it eventually evolved while fighting Team Rocket.
7 Ursaring
Next to Gyarados, Ursaring is one of the most aggressive Pokémon around. This mighty Pokémon will never stop attacking its foe, just like a real bear. They're also extremely territorial and do not want any other being near them or their cubs, Teddiursa.
During its mating seasons, it will lash out at you with Hyper Beams, and it's deadly claws, just like what happened when Ash, his friends, and Team Rocket accidentally encountered them. Maybe it was this reason why Urasring isn't native to the Galar region.
6 Houndoom
Every Pokemon generation has a loyal canine companion Pokemon. Red and Blue had Gowlithe, X and Y had Furfrou, and Sword and Shield had Yamper. Gold and Silver had one of the fastest and strongest dog Pokémon, Houndoom.
Armed with this literal fire-power were its impressive speed and Dark-type attribute, making this one of the more valuable Pokémon in Generation II. Not even an impressive Mega Evolution could save Houndoom from being axed.
5 Mightyena
Another Canine Pokémon that's MIA in Sword and Shield, Poocheyna, was also one of the first Pokémon trainers encountered when exploring the Hoenn region since you need to battle one to save Professor Birch.
Once it evolved into Mightyena, it became one of the deadlier Dog Pokémon in the franchise. It's powerful jaw, and speedy attacks made this vicious Pokémon in the wild. But, if you were able to tam one of these hostile Pokémon, you created a friendship that couldn't be broken. But, it seems like this intimidation was too much for the people of Galar, as Mightyena can't be found in Sword and Shield.
4 Gliscor
Gliscar started as one of the lesser-obtained Pokémon when it was introduced in Gold and Silver. But, when it was given an evolved from and became a member of Ash's roster in Diamond and Pearl, Gliscor's popularity started to skyrocket.
Thanks to its vastly improved design, especially compared to its pre-evolved form, and it's impressive speed, and defensive states, Gliscor become one of the more popular Pokemon in the Sinnoh Region. Still, it wasn't enough for Game Freak since Gliscor cannot be added to Sword and Shield.
3 Pyroar
Before Incenaroar battled his way out of Pokémon and into Smash, Pyroar was the original fire lion Pokémon. While it's female counterpart is a little more divisive amongst fans, the male Pyroar is one of the coolest looking Pokemon around.
Pyroar was one of the stronger fire-type Pokémon around. The flames it spewed contained temperatures of 10,000 degrees. That's far hotter than anything that can be found on earth. It's a shame that this Pokémon isn't available in the Galar region.
2 Tropius
Tropius was one of the coolest looking grass-type Pokémon around. Taking the form of a Brachiosaur with wings and a banana-like beard, the Pokemon could fly short distances and unleash powerful grass-attacks.
If fans could capture this tough to obtain Pokemon back in Ruby and Sapphire, one had one of the stronger Pokémon available in that region. But, because Galar isn't particularly known for its Jungle-like wildlands, Tropius aren't fans of the European-inspired area.
1 Generation II & Gen IV - VI Starter Pokémon
When the Crown Tundra DLC was released, and fans took part in the Dynamx Adventures, many were surprised to see the return of Combuskin, Grovyle, and Marshtomp arriving as one of the Pokémon that could be obtained in a DLC sidequest.
But, those were the last of the older Starter Pokémon that could be obtained in Galar. Cynadquil, Piplup, Oshawott, and even Greninja were a no-show. Greninja's absence is especially painful, as it was also featured in both Detective Pikachu and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, it seems like that wasn't enough.