In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the player and Hop receive their first partner Pokémon in Postwick from Leon, the Champion of Galar. The player's friend Hop will choose the Pokémon with a type disadvantage to the player's choice. Leon takes the remaining Pokémon into his care, eventually using its final form in the Championship Match against the player.
In the Isle of Armor, the player has the option of giving their final form first partner Pokémon Max Soup, giving them a Gigantamax Factor and allowing them to enter their Gigantamax form in battle. Hop will use his first partner's Gigantamax form in the Galarian Star Tournament.
