How to Get False Swipe in Pokémon Sword & Shield

Catching Pokémon efficiently is crucial for completing your Pokédex, and False Swipe is one of the most valuable moves for trainers. This guide explains exactly how to get False Swipe in Pokémon Sword & Shield, how to use it effectively, and tips to turn you into a catching master.

Step-by-Step: Where to Find False Swipe (TM94)

False Swipe is sold as TM94 in Motostoke. Here’s how to get it:

1. Progress through the story until you reach Motostoke City (after earning your 2nd Gym Badge).
2. Head to the Poké Center on the west side of Motostoke, near the entrance to Route 3.
3. Speak to the vendor on the right inside the Poké Center.
4. Purchase TM94 for ₽10,000.

Pro Tip: Need quick cash? Sell Exp. Candies or battle Dynamax Pokémon in the Wild Area for rewards!

Why False Swipe Is a Must-Have Move

False Swipe is a Normal-type move that always leaves the target with 1 HP, making it impossible to knock out wild Pokémon. This is critical because:

• Lower HP = Higher Catch Rate: A Pokémon at 1 HP is far easier to catch.
• Pair with Status Effects: Combine False Swipe with Sleep or Paralysis (e.g., Hypnosis, Thunder Wave) for even better odds.
• Avoid Accidental KOs: No more frustration from critical hits wiping out rare spawns!

Ghost-Type Warning: False Swipe doesn’t affect Ghost-types! Fix this by:

• Teaching a teammate Soak (changes target’s type to Water).
• Using Foresight to negate Ghost immunity.

Best Pokémon to Teach False Swipe

Not all Pokémon can learn this move! Ideal candidates include:

• Gallade: Learns False Swipe naturally and can use Hypnosis.
• Sirfetch’d: High Attack stat for consistent damage.
• Bisharp: Resists common moves from wild Pokémon.

Advanced Tips to Boost Catch Rates

1. Get the Catching Charm: After completing the Pokédex, visit the Circhester Hotel for this key item (+10% catch rate).
2. Use the Right Ball:
   • Quick Balls on turn 1.
   • Dusk Balls at night or in caves.
   • Repeat Balls for Pokémon you’ve caught before.
3. Level Up Your User: Higher-level Pokémon are less likely to miss or get outsped.

FAQ: False Swipe Questions Answered

Q: Can I get False Swipe before Motostoke?
A: No, but early-game alternatives like Hold Back (given with the gift Eevee/Pikachu in Let’s Go mode) work similarly.

Q: Does False Swipe work in Max Raid Battles?
A: No—raid Pokémon can’t be caught with False Swipe. Save it for overworld encounters!

False Swipe is a game-changer for completing your Pokédex efficiently. Pair it with status moves, the right Poké Ball, and the Catching Charm to become a legendary trainer!

Mastering False Swipe is just the start! Level up your Pokémon Sword & Shield journey with our guides on how to customize your bike’s clothing colors, track down special move tutors for battle-ready teams, and boost your odds of finding rare Shinies with the Shiny Charm.

What’s your go-to False Swipe user? Let us know in the comments below!