Sword or Shield: Which path should you choose in Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes Timed Research?
The Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes event kicks off on September 26, 2024, bringing a new Timed Research questline to complete. Upon starting the research, you'll be asked to choose between the Sword or the Shield path. Either selection provides different special incense encounters and Collection Challenges, but which should you choose? Early signs point to the Shield Path.
While the Sword Path isn't too bad, this one offers more advantages during Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes due to the incense encounters it provides. The priority Pocket Monsters just happen to be a bit more useful overall in the meta, be it PvE or PvP, particularly because of the presence of Larvitar and Croagunk, both of which evolve into upper-echelon battlers.
Note: This article is subjective and reflects the writer's opinions.
Why you should pick the Shield Path in Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes Timed Research
The Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes Timed Research offers different incense spawns, and the Collection Challenge available to you features entities based on your choice of path. With that said, it's worth comparing the two paths' incense spawns to determine why the Shield Path is the preferred option.
Sword Path Incense Spawns
- Seedot
- Scraggy
- Gothita
- Deino
- Swirlix
- Passimian
Shield Path Incense Spawns
- Larvitar
- Lotad
- Croagunk
- Solosis
- Spritzee
- Oranguru
Comparatively, these two paths both offer quality PvE and PvP Pokemon once they're fully evolved. Seedot's evolution, Shiftry, is a great Ultra League fighter and can do a decent job in PvE. Scraggy's evolution, Scrafty, is exceptional in both the Great and Ultra League. Deino's evolution, Hydregion, is a quality Dark/Dragon-type PvE raider, but the remaining options aren't much to write home about.
By comparison, Larvitar evolves into Tyranitar, a capable PvP-er in the Master League but also has a Mega Evolution. This makes it one of the best PvE attackers in Pokemon GO.
Croagunk's evolution, Toxicroak, is solid in the Great League/Ultra League and performs admirably in PvE, thanks to its stats. The creature's Poison/Fighting type combination also serves it well in any battle as that makes it tricky to counter.
Spritzee's evolution, Aromatisse, performs similarly to Swirlix's evolution, Slurpuff, as both are Fairy-types. However, Aromatisse gains access to Electric-type moves like Thunderbolt, giving it a type coverage in PvP that can surprise Flying- and Water-type opponents. Elsewhere, Oranguru's quality base Defense and Stamina stats make it a good tank for mid-range Great/Ultra League teams.
Solisis' final evolution, Reuniclus, and Lotad's final evolution, Ludicolo, are where the Shield Path spawns in Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes fall a bit short. However, the latter does have a compelling Water/Grass type. It can still serve as a bit of a pesky gym defender due to this type combination but isn't really built for high-end PvE or PvP.
Also check: Pokemon GO CP Calculator
Overall, the deciding factor comes down to Larvitar's presence on the Shield Path. Tyranitar is the lone evolution available from Pokemon GO Legendary Heroes' incense spawns that are capable of battling in a solid capacity in PvP (particularly on Master League teams). Additionally, the creature's access to a Mega Evolution greatly enhances its performance in PvE battles.
You're always free to follow the path you choose in Legendary Heroes Timed Research for other factors, such as shinies you might be after (the featured incense spawns from path selection can all appear as shinies) or to fill out your Pokedex. However, when it comes to Pokemon with battle meta upside, the Shield Path has a bit more to give, especially if you can get some Mega Tyranitar energy.
Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator