How To Find (& Catch) Liepard in Pokémon Sword & Shield

Liepard is a Dark-type Pokémon first seen in the Unova region back in the Black and White duology that has returned for Pokémon Sword & Shield. Many trainers are drawn to this Pokémon’s elegant fur, which are developed by their muscles. Their fast movement allows them to sneak up on their prey without detection.

This Pokémon’s high speed is also one of its main selling points, letting it move before it’s opponents in battles. It learns many tricky moves, like Taunt, which forces the target to only use attacking moves, Torment, which prevents them from using the same move twice in a row, and Fake Out, an attack that forces the foe to flinch and end their turn. Because of this, Liepard is particularly useful in double battles as a supporting ally. On top of that, it’s Attack and Special Attack stats are relatively equal. While not the highest, this lets it be a mixed attacker or one that specializes in physical and special damage. For players wanting to add this sneaky Pokémon to their team, here is where to find them in Sword & Shield.

Catching Liepard in Pokémon Sword & Shield

Players can appropriately find this Pokémon in areas around Spikemuth, where the Dark-type gym is located. This includes Route 7, outside the tunnel that leads to Spikemuth, and Route 9, but only on the southern shore adjacent to the city. They can also be found roaming in the wild areas. In most weather conditions, Liepard will appear in the southeastern areas, North Lake Miloch and Giant’s Seat, and also at Giant’s Cap, Bridge Field, and the Eye of Axew. Their encounter rate isn’t common, but not rare, so it should not take long to find one when looking in those areas.

Liepard doesn’t have many moves that will get in the way of being caught; so long as players bring Pokémon that resist Dark-type moves, like Fighting, Dark, and Fairy types, then they won’t be able to do much damage. Ensure that the Pokémon weakening it has more than one attack that will not defeat it, as Liepard’s Torment will prevent them from using said move twice in a row. The only other counter they have against being caught is the Limber ability, which makes it immune to the paralysis status condition. As status effects increase the odds of a Pokémon being caught, Liepards have a natural defense against this condition. Instead, try putting it to sleep with Spore, Sing, or Hypnosis.

Pokémon Sword & Shield is available for Nintendo Switch.

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