The Pokémon franchise began in 1996 and has since grown to be one of the largest media franchises of all time. It is a turn-based game centralized around catching and battling the eponymous Pokémon, with some elements around exploring and finding hidden items and secrets.
Since that time there have been 8 generations of games, all with their own iconic locations, characters and, of course, Pokémon. The newest Pokémon games, Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019), are set to have their first DLC expansion, The Isle of Armor, release in the coming months, so what better time to revisit some of their hidden areas that many players probably missed than now?
10 Giant's Mirror
In the Wild Area, just south of Hammerlocke, there is a small, serene area named Giant's Mirror. Like many locations in the Wild Area, it is named after a Giant, with the prominent feature being the 'Mirror', a large pond in with a boulder protruding from its center.
This is area is just east of Dusty Bowl and as such shares some overlapping spawns of Pokémon, such as Excadrill and Dugtrio in the dirt patch behind the pond. The pond itself hosts many creatures as well, including the iconic Gyarados and the newcomer Drednaw, with the Machop family and flying Braviary (Sword) or Mandibuzz (Shield).
9 Giant's Cap
Southwest of the sprawling Hammerlocke, once again in the Wild Area, is Giant's Cap. This area is somewhat off the path of the main game and is very easily missable. Giant's cap is just west of Dusty Bowl and is an area with a large rock formation as its main marker and draw point.
This area is home to the famous duo from Pokémon's third generation games, Ruby and Sapphire, as well as resembling the namesakes of the seventh generation games Sun and Moon, Solrock (Sword) and Lunatone (Shield). It also attracts the Shield exclusive Pokémon Lombre, and Sword exclusive Pokémon Nuzleaf.
8 Wyndon Stadium Viewing Area
In the big bustling city of Wyndon the climax of the story takes place. There are many big moments, including the final showdown in the massive Wyndon Stadium, fitting the Dynamax theme of the Galar region. But hidden away behind all of the bustle is a quiet street next to the river running across the city.
In this small secluded street, the player can sit on a bench and watch as trains pass on the rail overhead or look at the glowing lights of the stadium. It's a refreshing change of pace for such a big and colorful area like Wyndon in a small, hidden corner of the city.
7 Slumbering Weald Altar
During the post-game content for Pokémon Sword and Shield, the player revisits the Slumbering Weald from the start of the game. Within this area, much like the main game, the story is once again kicked off, as the player and Hop meet the two antagonists of the post-game.
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Setting aside all of the story conflict being able to revisit this area after finishing everything is a very peaceful experience. Ignoring the extra story elements, this area doesn't offer much, but it is a very serene sight with good ambiance, hidden away in the Slumbering Weald.
6 Lake of Outrage Island
In the Wild Area, there's a lake filled with high-level Pokémon called the Lake of Outrage. However, there is actually an island on the other side of the lack, teeming with rare and high-level Pokémon such as Rotom and the Eevee-lution Pokémon. It also has a stone circle in the center with each of the evolution stones relating to the Pokémon Eevee present.
This island can only be reached once the player has acquired the upgrade to the Rotom Bike that allows it to ride on water, and must then use that upgrade to traverse the waters guarding the island.
5 Axew's Eye
In the Wild Area, south of Motostoke is the huge Lake Axewell, and in the center of that lake is an island. The island's name is Axew's Eye, and it is host to several Pokémon, including the final evolution of Axew, Haxorus.
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The island can be accessed by using the Rotom Bike, after getting the upgrade that allows it to ride over water. It is a relatively large island, and only accessible in the latter half of the game, so the Pokémon located there are at a decent level, coupled with the Haxorus, which makes it very worth visiting.
4 Stow-on-Side's Secret Rooftops
In the southwestern corner of Stow-on-Side, there is a small alleyway that leads behind the buildings. It leads to a backstreet with three Digletts and a hopscotch court made out of Pokéballs. At the end of the street is a ladder that stretches all the way to the rooftop of the building.
On the roof, the player is treated to a sprawling view of the Pokémon Gym of the town, along with a Metal Coal item and a Venoshock TM. There is also a man located on this roof, offering to trade his Hatenna for the player's Maractus.
3 Hammerlocke's Hidden Dock
On the western edge of Hammerlocke, just before Route 9, is a small path off the main road. Following this path leads the player to a set of stone steps and Hammerlocke's secret dock. Lit with some atmospheric torchlight, the player can't help but wonder what the purpose of this dock once was.
The man on the dock is actually the Combo Move Tutor, and he offers to teach Pokémon some special combo moves to use in battle. They can only be taught to the starter Pokémon, and are the Fire, Water and Grass Pledge moves.
2 Game Freak's Office
In Circhester there is a large building east of the Pokémon Center called Hotel Ionia. Traveling up to the upper level of the hotel, then heading to the eastern side directs the player to two rooms.
One of these rooms has the game designer for most of the franchise in it, as an NPC that can be battled titled GAME FREAK's Morimoto. In the second room is an NPC who calls himself the Director, and another one that claims to be the composer for the game. Neither can be battled but the Director will give the player some useful items.
1 Route 2 Islands
At the start of the game, the player is taken down Route 2 to the Professor's house, and near it is a river and lake. Later in the game, the player receives a bike and an upgrade that allows it to ride on water. This new development allows the player to backtrack to Route 2, and explore the lake and river, finding some useful items and some Pokémon that are a significantly higher level than on the rest of the route.
In the center of the lake is a small island, and off to the side is another part of the mainland, completely inaccessible by any other means. Both areas have Pokémon, and the lake itself is swarming with Pokémon like Arrokuda, making it a must-see destination.