Hidden encounter

An exclamation mark indicating the spot at which a hidden encounter will occur

A hidden encounter,^[1] also known as a random encounter^[2] (Japanese: ！エンカウント ! encounter), is a type of wild Pokémon encounter found in the Galar region in Pokémon Sword and Shield. While walking in the tall grass, an exclamation mark will appear nearby and the grass will begin to shake for a couple seconds; walking into that spot before the grass stops shaking will then trigger an encounter.

Unlike symbol encounters, the Pokémon cannot be seen in the overworld until it is battled. The player does not know what Pokémon will appear until they enter the encounter, similar to random wild encounters from previous generations. However, unlike in previous games, hidden encounters are only triggered in tall grass, and only when the player makes contact with the spot indicating the hidden encounter's location. This makes it possible for the player to avoid the hidden encounter altogether.

Using a Repel, Super Repel, or Max Repel will prevent hidden encounters from spawning. A Pokémon with the ability Stench will decrease the rate of hidden encounters by 87.5%.

See also

• Symbol encounter
• Wanderer
• Fishing
• Berry tree
• Pokémon Den
• Let's Go!

References

This game mechanic article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games.