Earlier today (Tuesday, August 3), Niantic shocked the Pokemon GO world when they revealed the theme for the third and final part of this year's Ultra Unlock event.
After Hoopa, The Mischief Pokemon, showed up at last month's GO Fest, players were anticipating some research to earn an encounter with the Mythical creature.
Instead, it's been confirmed that more Pokemon from the Galar region will be gracing the game with their presence - skipping the Alola region altogether.
Part of the announcement also revealed that both Sword and Shield's mascot Pokemon, Zacian and Zamazenta would be appearing in the game in their "Hero of Many Battles Forms" - but what exactly does this mean? Let's take a look!
What Are Zacian and Zamazenta?
As stated, Zacian and Zamazenta are the two main Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
They're a pair of dogs, which, when equipped with a special item can hold either a sword or a shield, representing the titles of the game.
What are Their "Hero of Many Battles" Forms?
Zacian and Zamazenta's "Hero of Many Battles" Forms are effectively their standard forms, before either have been equipped with the Rusted Sword or Rusted Shield items.
When in its "Hero of Many Battles" Form, Zacian is a Fairy-type Pokemon. It specialises in Attack and Speed.
Source: Pokemon.com
Zamazenta, when in its, "Hero of Many Battles" Form is a Fighting-type Pokemon, which specialises in Defense and Special Defense.
Source: Pokemon.com
When both Pokemon enter their Crowned Sword/Crowned Shield Forms, they take up a secondary typing of Steel and their base stats get a significant buff.
Their alternate forms are what players are used to seeing, most prominently on the boxes for both Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
Source: Nintendo.com