What TRs are for in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Explaining the difference between TRs and TMs in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Pokemon Sword and Shield is full of new additions and adjustments to features from previous games. For example, not only can you acquire TMs to teach your Pokemon new moves, you can also pick up TRs. Wondering what the difference is between TRs and TMs? We’ve got you covered! Below, we’ve put together a guide explaining what TRs are for in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

What TRs are for in Pokemon Sword and Shield

What TRs are for in Pokemon Sword and Shield
TRs are similar to TMs in Pokemon Sword and Shield, though TRs can only be used once.
© Game Freak

As mentioned above, TRs join TMs in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and function similarly with a few key differences. Both TRs and TMs contain moves you can teach to compatible Pokemon. Unlike TMs, TRs (Technical Records) can only be taught to one Pokemon once.

After you’ve taught a Pokemon a TR, that TR will disappear from your inventory, while TMs can be taught to multiple different Pokemon as needed. What’s nice is that you can acquire TRs again if there’s a TR move you want to teach to more than one Pokemon. Typically, TRs can be purchased in exchange for Watts.

To earn Watts, you’ll need to catch or defeat Pokemon with a Brilliant Aura, participate in Max Raid Battles, try your hand at the Rotom Rally, and interact with Pokemon Dens. To purchase TRs using Watts, you’ll need to keep an eye out for Watt Traders in and around Wild Areas. You can also earn TRs as rewards from Max Raid Battles depending on the Pokemon you beat.

As such, it’s worth doing as many Max Raid Battles as you can. Not only can you earn Watts, but TRs as well. In Pokemon Sword and Shield, there are over 100 TRs for Pokemon of all types. Once you have a TR, you can view it in your inventory to see what it does. When hovering over a TR, you’ll also be able to see if any Pokemon in your party can learn the move, or already know the move.

For example, you won’t be able to teach a Water-type TR like Waterfall to a Pokemon like Scorbunny, though if you have Sobble, you should see that the move is compatible. Again, you can only use the TR once, so be sure to choose which Pokemon you want to teach it to carefully.

Now that you know what TRs are for in Pokemon Sword and Shield, be sure to read through some of our previous guides including where to get the IV Judge in Pokemon Sword and Shield, how to fast travel in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and where to find the Nursery in Pokemon Sword and Shield.

Morgan is a writer, indie game lover, and socially awkward coffee addict. Need something? Morgan can be reached at morgan.shaver@allgamers.com or if you like, you can say hello using GIFs on Twitter.

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