What If Pokémon Sword & Shield Anime: The Complete Series

[@warnejoseph]

For all of Journeys' faults, I massively respect how Zac was able to meld things that it did well into the rewrite, like giving closure to the Aether family, all the Masters 8 cameos, as well as the final battle with Leon being the uncontested high point, while also managing to give almost every single Galar character, Gen 8 Pokémon and new form a spotlight and do the Darkest Day plotline better than Sword and Shield themselves. The amount of passion and love in this project is staggering and it deserves to be celebrated

[@jenniferdaniels701]

Even with all of the complaints we had/ have, not everything in the official story is bad.

[@masanomchannel9436]

the bigest sins of nintendog is not hire this man

[@jaredthomas4663]

OMG, I just realized that 151 episodes are a direct nod to the fact that 151 Pokemon were originally introduced in Kanto!

[@Temjin747X]

As well as the total amount of entries in the SwSh Curry Dex!

[@TurboWonder16]

Me too!

[@TurboWonder16]

I mean, I saw that coming a mile away!

[@Bar-i2t]

Same

[@MissMyah37]

… you didn’t know that?

[@Vgvgcfc]

This is genuinely one of the greatest pieces of fan fiction I've ever seen. You captured the spirit of the anime from OS-XY perfectly. It genuinely felt like I was watching a plot synopsis of a regular pokemon series. Great job Zac can't wait for Paldea!

[@mr.penguindrewmateo8146]

Yeah, about that. The next video is his last video. (I got it from his Twitter)

[@Vgvgcfc]

@@mr.penguindrewmateo8146 Yeah I saw that too. I'm hoping its just gonna be a rebrand and he isn't quitting because Zac is one of my favorite KZbinrs.

[@mr.penguindrewmateo8146]

@@Vgvgcfc I mean that could always be a possibility, though I have a feeling that if it’s a rebrand his content will be less anipoke.

[@franksandoval6046]

@@Vgvgcfc what is a wobbuffet do ?

[@AveD3M0N]

@@mr.penguindrewmateo8146 before rebranding LOL

[@YoelSchwarz]

Was surprised by how much I was surprised. Urshifu changing forms, ash catching zacian, and ash actually becoming a champion. This was such a good What if? series, with so many twists and turns. Someone needs to animate this.

[@雪者]

Dude I was shocked too. Wild

[@dnmstarsi]

Or at least make some fake screenshots. Especially given some of the moments in this series like Ash scolding Hop, Ash losing to Piers, Gloria reacting to Avery around the end, Rose apologizing to Peony for what he did and my favorite Ash's reaction to G-Max Melmetal.

[@Panikedhehe-ed7sz]

Say less ill work on it if I have time..

[@johnokane1899]

he is the champion of alola???

[@dnmstarsi]

@@johnokane1899 Yeah but while that is a major achievement, this is him becoming champ while dethroning the previous one which is what we got in Journeys.

[@trainerjezza9390]

Zacian: *dumped at Oak's lab* Kanto-Kalos teams: *First time?*

[@문브라더스-h7e]

All I can say is: damn

[@anothergamer112]

Alola team: *you got to go to Oaks lab?*

[@Wildcatt1999]

Boxing legendaries be like:

[@SupraGtr-z5m]

But ash stonk fire type got a rival

[@AveD3M0N]

i beg you zactoshi do do it

[@thenintendosquad3252]

I gotta say, this man did Galar way better than Journeys ever did. Although i honesty preferred the Journeys format more than just an Galar anime, but this is 👍

[@heavyfromteamfortress2356]

Fax

[@cometcartoons8528]

I don’t mind the whole region hopping stuff i just feel like that type of thing would better off as an after SWSH thing like it’s still a part of the Gen 8 anime but it wouldn't be the whole Gen 8 because of how underutilized the galar region was.

[@goodbar318]

So ash journeys is still not over just yet if a nother new Pokémon game come out what well the next gimmick be fusion or RPG!!!

[@雪者]

I was a fan of Journeys already. But I was really excited to see this alternative anime in Galar. It really gave the region more justice

[@Jadinite-2006]

I think the Journeys format can still be there in the What If S&V Series.

[@geoxaga6507]

You can say all you want about the games, but you can't deny that it had the best depiction of the gym league we've seen in the franchise. It was a shame that the pokemon anime couldn't adapt it to the show. It's so great that you were able to capture the great possibilities with your videos.

[@eljordinio7647]

That's a definite. This was the best way to handle the gym challenge

[@thelonemask]

Only downside is that there’s no elite 4.

[@thethundernado6670]

Highlights of this series: Ash being looked as a goal to many of the trainers here due to his champion status in Alola. Hop, Marine, and even Bede whether he admits it or not. This also led to Ash being comfortable of being one of the strongest to the point where he was caught off guard when everyone around him suddenly got a lot stronger. This is similar to what happened with Sawyer in the X and Y series except this one is even more intense because it was Hop and Marine who suddenly got a lot stronger. This led to Ash’s humiliating defeat to Piers which then led to Ash starting over and remembering his principles to always keep improving. Gloria had some decent development despite the fact that Gloria was clearly the smarter and more responsible of the group. Her studies in Dynamax play a crucial role in uncovering the Darkest Day as well as providing support to others. Her best performance would be during the Darkest Day where she taught everyone how to control the Dynamax as well as leading the assault against the rampaging Dynamax Pokémon. Her development with Toxtricity was great as well. Toxtricity did not trust Gloria due to the Dynamax incident and it took forever for Gloria to win it over. However, her tenacity and dedication to befriending Toxtricity won it over. We even see her understanding with Toxtricity when it rampaged again. Unlike before where Gloria defeated Toxtricity, this time Gloria chose not to attack and get through to it. Hop probably had the best developments out of any of the characters. He started off gung ho but weak as he did lose quite a bit. While losing didn’t bother him at first, it was after he was crushed by Bea, humiliated by Bede, and then failed to stop Bede is when he became lost and depressed. He tried to rethink his strategy by using different Pokémon but that only made him worse. It was only through Ash that Hop realized what he needed to do. We then see Hop’s massive improvement where he starts sweeping the competition like what Leon did in Journeys. (That doesn’t exist) This not only shows how strong Hop is which didn’t really show in the game, but also influenced he can be with Ash and Leon. Ash’s Pokémon: Unlike many times in the anime where a few of Ash’s Pokemon rarely get any wins, Torkoal, Torterra, Noivern, and Sir Fetch’d, here all of Ash’s Pokemon get at least one highlight victory. There are a few that take a little more loses than the rest being Corviknight and Centiskorch, however their big wins more than make up for it. And I’m not talking about in the beginning like Torterra. Near the end where it matters the most. Even Ash’s ace being Urshifu has an appropriate win/lost score. Urshifu definitely had some great wins but it wasn’t through bullshit means like Lucario. It was through actual effort. Speaking of Ash’s Pokémon, we got the return of Ash rotating Pokémon as well as getting redemption for those who have lousy win/lost records. Pokémon like Torterra, Noivern, and Torkoal getting some wins, Gliscor being the MVP in the battle against Bede, taking out Gardevoir who was causing a lot of trouble for Ash and getting a draw with Rapidash so Melmetal isn’t at a disadvantage against Hatterene. Also, it also showed that Ash was using his Pokémon more carefully as he chose his team based on the type of Pokémon his opponents specialize in as well as focusing on mostly his fully evolved Pokémon or Pokémon that have techniques that could be helpful like using Buizel against Melony to use the Ice Aqua Jet. Ash didn’t bring out Pokémon like just for energy cause while energy is important, you can’t win with that alone. While it does mean that we miss out on some action from some fan favorites like Rowlet, Talonflame, Staraptor, and Swellow, it does show that Ash is fighting smarter. (Now that I think about it, Ash didn’t really use any regional birds aside from Corviknight. I can understand not using glass cannons like Talonflame but Swellow can tank electric attacks.) Side Character Protrayal: There is a slight difference in how the side characters were portrayed in here compared in the game. Mainly Marine and Bede. Both had their core personalities but like Hop, their strengths were really shown here than in the games. Especially with Marine’s Grimmsnarl taking out Ash’s heavy hitters like Snorlax, Torterra, and even Incinaroar. It really showed how far they have come since the beginning. Ultimately this series was very great and I loved watching it. My only gripe is that it makes me want to have this as an actual anime which will probably never happen. Honestly, the Pokémon anime could be a lot better if the company hired Pokétubers to write the story. But regardless, great job Zach! I hope you continue with these series. And just to remind you guys about the time where Zach was sponsored by Pokémon itself which is insane!

[@FalkonStrike]

How has no one replied to you the dedication is immaculate

[@thethundernado6670]

@@FalkonStrike well yours is a start at least

[@Kobi-s7i]

So true my man

[@dragonsvideos6737]

Hey what if marnie traveled with ash in place of Gloria and she was like a side character or something I mean Henry could be the third character or it could be ash Henry and Gloria or ash Gloria and marnie. I know Marnie’s trying to do the league challenge for her hometown but what if she traveled with ash?

[@thethundernado6670]

@@dragonsvideos6737 you really want Team Yell on Ash’s ass 24/7?

[@AsinfulParadox]

Ive read countless fanfics over the years and have found some fantastic stories. This is definitely one of them. It feels realistic to the anime and how it would go about things while also being well written and extremely enjoyable.

[@Thefallenpea]

sorry to bother but what fic do you recommend?

[@starstrucknohime727]

Having seen every episode of this series before this compilation & the epilogue, I got to say you could easily be a writer for the anime, because you got the style down to a science. A very rare fan work that gets as great as the source material. It's not perfect & a few moments aren't all that great, but the highs are through the roof, outweigh any negatives & show a lot of passion. The fact you have a huge understanding on how the Pokémon anime works & to make a fan project that rivals the show when it gets really well made shows you have achieved high results. Plus you did Hop's character extremely well & made his arc even better to the point your version of him rivals being my favorite version of him, which is saying a lot with how he's one of my favorite rivals in the games.

[@Zactoshi]

Thanks so much 🥹

[@anerdwithamic]

Yeah, he handled Hop excellently!

[@雪者]

​@@ZactoshiGood work buddy.. hey is the epilogue gonna be released separately-

[@veemon8882]

awesome job on this man i don't like it i love so munch and everything about it man here are some ideas try doing the same with ash adventure in the paldea region and also try doing the same with your journey zac you going to all the regions going to all the gyms and how you catches all your pokemon and also all your leagues battles and your battles with the elite four and also all your other staff you did on your journey and i say this once more awesome job this keep up the awesome work man send back message are reply and tell me what you think p.s i mean this awesome job on your youtube channel love you work man

[@dragonsvideos6737]

@@ZactoshiI have plans to write my own fanfic of this series but I worry I won’t be as good as this one cuz it’s so good and authentic.

[@RioluLucario1994]

Hop vs Bede in that tournament is the redemption Hop SHOULD'VE received in the SwSh games. I was so excited to see that chapter

[@Dr.Disney]

Have you noticed that everytime Hop faces Bede in battle, he only uses Wooloo/Dubwool?

[@Kobi-s7i]

@@Dr.Disney :0

[@jstinftw]

This series clearly shows how much you care about this anime. I used to have to read summaries of the episodes after they aired in Japan, and this series felt like I was reading through one of those official Serebii summaries way back when. This felt so legit! It's amazing how much effort, energy, and attention to detail you put into this masterpiece. I loved Journeys, I'm a fan of Horizons, and while I wouldn't necessarily choose all the same mons, they all definitely FELT like Ash Pokémon! This was so good. I don't know if you're thinking about doing a Paldea version, cos that would be super hype! But if not, I'm glad that you did at least this one! Such an amazing job, this one!

[@雪者]

I'm a Journeys & Horizons fan, but *DAMN* this is the good stuff! 👍

[@AnimeBoy0811]

I want to try horizen but I don’t wnat to since ash ain’t there and all will just feel weird to me

[@ThePokeRaf]

Beyond proud of all the work you’ve put into this project bro. The true Pokémon Sword and Shield anime ❤

[@Zactoshi]

My Brother 🥹💙❤️

[@heavyfromteamfortress2356]

​​@LumioseTrainerZac Hey zac I have a question for you How did it feel whenever you were writing this series

[@dragonsvideos6737]

@@Zactoshihey I wonder why you chose to give ash just one traveling companion this time instead of a third that’s a gym leader or trial captain.

[@Aboimrcool]

@@dragonsvideos6737 do you not consider hop a companion thats like saying Clemont wasn’t a companion because he left for a while so he could get stronger so he can match Ash

[@dragonsvideos6737]

@@Aboimrcool I do consider him a companion it’s just, it’s like with so many rivals in the game who is the one we don’t see that often and who stays with ash to travel, grow, cook for, share funny moment and have the other starters to round out the group you know?

[@michaela6425]

Gotta love Regigas and it's "These hands are rated E for Everyone" mentality during the Crown Tundra Arc

[@Asksalot_VeryCool]

Pokémon or not, he will kick their asses.

[@Wildcatt1999]

If only Regigigas was this OP in the games... 😔

[@michaela6425]

@@Wildcatt1999Neutralizing gas has entered the chat

[@dragonphoenix790]

It's sad that is gonna be the end of What If series but what an incredible time we had with the story

[@victorsilva-ib6im]

There always a possibilite for another for a new game!

[@Kobi-s7i]

WELCOME TO PALDELA

[@arlissmith876]

I WILL NOT LIE

[@ScorbaceVS]

This is Peak. Why isn't this the real thing?! It's amazing, and you did such a great job! If only we went to Paldea next ...

[@willtheraven1920]

We are going to Paldea this month.

[@kamarismith9422]

It's genuinely impressive how much this feels like the actual anime. Rewatching this series has really made me appreciate how well you wrote Hop as a character. Also, as a Team Rocket fan, I really appreciate how much better written they are in this series compared to Journeys.

[@georgemiser]

Everyone but Ash and Team Rocket need British VAs.

[@_SilverSoul]

Truueee

[@HunterDarling-xj2uj]

BRI-ISH

[@seastriker4437]

Except Gloria, she needs a Sco-ish accent

[@jsb6975.ah.crapbaskets]

And there needs to be a running gag that Ash and the TRio have no clue what any of them are saying half the time.

[@Dedinho910]

Including the Pokémon Adicionally, everyone intruces itself with: Oi, Oi mate

[@WarioWareFan01010]

Ok. We all agree that Journeys was non canon fan fiction and this is what really happened? Good.

[@anerdwithamic]

Sure why not lol

[@Geezer_Weezer]

We could technically treat it like that

[@ryderdeston8107]

I believe Journeys takes place way later than this series anyway as I'm doing a complete rewatch of the anime and this series comes before Journeys as well as Zach's upcoming Scarlet and Violet anime

[@carterryans]

Definitely let’s say that from now on

[@ElectroPikachu]

Eh, I honestly disagree. Yes, Journeys has its low points, but this series does as well. Both have value to me, but there's stuff from Journeys I also enjoy more.

[@holtzz9684]

HOLY HELL!!!! that was incredible. I was so enthralled, honestly listening to that, quite a few times I had a crystal clear picture in my head of that as the anime. The battles, the humour, the Pokémon. Beyond incredible. Nice work

[@haxrex8]

Don't be sad at the end, be glad for the journey... and look towards tomorrow. This was an amazing series, a great adventure to follow, from start to finish. The writing was great, having an animation to follow along with was nice for comprehension... it's clear you put time and effort into it. Thank you for this, Zac. I hope to see you again in Paldea!

[@FRAPPEFIZZYY]

i’m so glad Gou was integrated at least in a small way 😭😭 i love Gou so much;;and having him be a shiny hunter….while keeping his pokedex goal…even in an AU he is STILL just like me fr

[@featherstyles]

LUKE?

[@dnmstarsi]

Same goes for the Prize Master.

[@veggieboysupreme]

This defiantly was this man's peak series that he has every done; I'm sad it has ended, but the fact we got this at all make me happy. I defiantly have some other ideas as to how I would of had the anime, but this is way more solid and put together than I could ever do it. Can't wait for the Gen 9 one!

[@yasaminhashimi8699]

wow… Zac I have no words. From the laimar region the re writing your own series. The blood sweat and tears you put into your videos never seem to not amaze me. Incredible job 💙

[@Zactoshi]

Thanks 😊💙 I try my best

[@TevinBlair]

​@@Zactoshi Well Done with The Entire Sword ⚔️ And Shield 🛡️ Series, Now You have Paldea with Kitakami And Unova/Blueberry Academy plus what ever Game(s) that's coming as part of Gen 9 which means that The Scarlet And Violet Series going to be much bigger and longer than your Sword And Shield Project. So I was wondering if I could help with planning out Your Paldean Project since doing it in my head, I see it being 4-5 Seasons Max judging by what other things TPC might come up with that you might have to adapt into the Future Series as Episodes additionally to any Tournament Arcs.

[@TurboWonder16]

@@TevinBlair Yeah, it should at least be 4 seasons with all the content.

[@TevinBlair]

@@TurboWonder16 Yeah and If Even More stuff gets revealed that Zac will have to up It Even further.

[@TevinBlair]

@@TurboWonder16 Also It's very possible that Each Season would have to get a Higher Episode Count in order for It to work and Zac has to incorporate Both the Past And Future Paradox Pokemon. This definitely means that Our Paldean Group will be facing off against Both Versions Of Donphan In The Desert 🏜️🏝️ which will be a Major Challenge to overcome.

[@KathyHarrington]

You should bee a writers for the Pokemon series. This is world's better than Pokemon Journeys and gives the games and characters as a whole the respect they deserve. This series, as a whole, needs to exist.

[@TheNuzlockeHD]

this was only 4 months ago? wow. honestly, i still watch it just causally and i love this so much. i can’t wait for the rest of your scarvio anime!

[@endi-star8410]

My calculations might be a bit off to some since we might not all share the same views of what should count, but here are the win rate percentages! Pikachu (Galar) - 71% (27W, 10L, 2T) Pikachu (Overall) - 67% (140W, 65L, 9T) Rillaboom - 66% (16W, 8L, 1T) Corviknight - 57% (17W, 13L) Drednaw - 64% (16W, 9L) Centiskorch - 59% (9W, 7L, 1T) Urshifu - 64% (11W, 6L, 1T) Zacian - 50% (1T) Buizel - 42% (7W, 10L, 1T) Hawlucha - 53% (10W, 9L) Gible - 50% (3W, 3L) Infernape - 74% (18W, 6L, 1T) Melmetal - 67% (4W, 2L) Torkoal - 39% (5W, 8L, 1T) Gliscor - 35% (3W, 6L, 1T) Leavanny - 56% (4W, 3L, 1T) Heracross - 37% (3W, 5L) Scraggy - 59% (5W, 3L, 3T) Incineroar - 64% (7W, 4L) Snorlax - 75% (12W, 4L) Noivern - 36% (2W, 4L, 1T) Torterra - 39% (7W, 10L) Lycanroc - 62% (8W, 5L) Krookodile - 71% (5W, 2L) Charizard - 70% (19W, 8L) Sceptile - 55% (17W, 14L, 1T)

[@Kobi-s7i]

How did you caculate 4 hours of words?!

[@agatha6999]

@@Kobi-s7iProbably the same way Zac calculated 20+ seasons 😭

[@VYSGAMER12]

Impressive

[@nitiie]

Congrats Zac!! What an awesome series you made much love ❤

[@Zactoshi]

Thank you so much 🥹🙏🏽

[@Geezer_Weezer]

This is the greatest what if pokemon series ever made. The arcs, the characters, the battles. You have made the perfect series my guy. Was not expecting that final catch of Zacian for Ash but it was a welcome surprise. Can't wait to see what you will do next. I hope you have a damn good one.

[@thenintendosquad3252]

After this, I'm looking forward to see Ash in Paldea, but i think Zac should wait until Gen 9 is overall done and maybe even wait until Horizons is finished because he could use some ideas.

[@natform]

Zac could also do hisui next up before paldea to knock out some time for waiting for gen 9 to be done with

[@Aboimrcool]

Fr like it can be Dawn and Ash go to Hisui

[@nickwilliams904]

Gonna be a crazy morning going to have to push back my walkthrough stream for this

[@nick1epick1e2]

This…this right here is what we should've gotten for the Gen 8 anime instead of whatever Journeys was. Zac you did a phenomenal job at creating this series and although I'm sad it's now over, I'm so excited to see what else you have in store for our boy Ash. Very much well done good sir 🔥

[@ZachIMAO]

Cant wait to see the full series from start to end After: OML THIS WAS AMAZING!!!! ASH CATCHING ZACIAN?! URSHIFU?! HOPS CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT, A LOT OF ASH’S OLD POKÉMON RETURNING!!! SEEING PENNY IN THE CREDITS IS HYPEEEEE! THIS WAS AN AMAZING SERIES!

[@InfamousTrainer]

Glad I finally got time to sit back and watch this amazing story unfold. This only pushes me to work on my series more, create interesting characters, storylines and more. Zac, FANTASTIC series. Can't wait to see what you do with Paldea and that story and I only hope mine is as half as good!

[@speeder1526]

You gotta do a Paldea arc for Ash where he teaches new students

[@benjour9056]

I find it so funny that galarian yamasks evolution condition is SO BAD that a whole episode was made out of it here

[@nintendogamerkid350]

Ash really had a great journey in galar can't wait for his paldein journey (although I still want him to have a paradox pokemon and a meowscarada).

[@twifsvsp]

The fact that this is 200 times better than the swsh anime js just proof how much a KZbinr can do.

[@Ryko175]

If I’m gonna be honest, I really like journeys, especially the ending. But It did come with the cost of actually travelling around galar. This galar region is so awesome, and I really like it. You did an amazing job Zac, and I liked the surprising twists and turns.

[@dericksmith6526]

It's really great to see how everything has come together. I like how you actually added some extra details to earlier episodes like 12 and 13 to show more of the plot. I didn't expect much more than the missing episodes being added, so that was a nice surprise. It was also nice seeing some improved animations as well. Ash and Hop catching Zamazenta and Zacian was very unexpected, but I suppose it's fitting since Gloria has Eternatus.

[@Jadinite-2006]

I agreed

[@carterryans]

I’m gonna miss this series I always looked forward for it every week this is probably my favorite thing Zac done and way better then journeys

[@Zactoshi]

💙

[@joshuafrizzell7856]

He did everything the anime staff should've done in the first place.

[@Bon_Marshmallow]

Agreed

[@Jawahr-hl8qx]

I am super sad that this series going to end, I loved watching it😭😭

[@georgemiser]

Hop - Norfolk Accent. Gloria - Scottish Accent. Miner - Yorkshire accent. Milo - Welsh accent Chairman Rose and Professor Magnolia - Received Pronunciation Bede - Cockney Sonia - Essex Team Yell - Brummie Marnie - Scouse Allister - Midlands Raihan - West Country Clara - Chav Master Mustard - Posh Colonel

[@dnmstarsi]

If this existed, there would be a compilation of the various English accents in the dub.

[@Mr.Freeze420]

Damn In the first 5 minutes you made wobbufett do something actually useful. We haven’t seen wobbufett so useful since x and y. And making meowth have an actual fight against gmax pikachu is nice.

[@anerdwithamic]

I’m honestly kinda sad that this series is going to end, I’ve really enjoyed watching it!

[@MatthematicalReactions]

The lead in for what i can only assume is the next series being Ash feeling lost and unsure after gaining champion status? Literally perfect, that's what they should've done in Journeys (a statement that's getting said a lot at this point 😭)

[@ErintheAutisticOctoling]

This was such a perfect rewrite. This gives gen 8 the justice it deserves. I know it'll be hard to find one better than this

[@dragonsvideos6737]

Ikr, it has a much better story based plot instead of the loose episodes we got. I mean rapping ash and goh? Goh gets suicune!? Where were they going with all that

[@niravparikh384]

I loved rewatching this whole series from start to end and I thought it was phenomenal, so I’m giving it a 9/10 rating. I thought it was 100% great and there were lot’s of great things like: the rivalry between Ash’s Rillaboom and Hop’s Cinderace, how Goh and Chole were put in good places in the series, how Ash got fully gigantmax team, how we got multiple good rivals and returning companies then just the last series, how Gloria and dynamax were handled as understood better, how we got many Ash Pokémon returns for the league, and so much more.

[@Dr.Disney]

So why 9/10?

[@ssmc2112]

The Sword & Shield story was the best it deserved all the love it gets 🗡️🛡️

[@Wailmur]

Was it really though

[@Soya-Sauce]

I’m rlly impressed by how well made this is, from the character arcs to the editing that fills in rlly well for animation, and the pacing of everything, I rlly enjoyed this

[@KaratekidSMW]

Even as someone who had a pretty negative view of Gen 8 as a whole (outside of Arceus), I have to say you absolutely knocked this one out of the park! It served as a brilliant What If, you did a great job with the authenticity, and the writing style and structure felt like something right out of the official show! I also love how you handled the Sinnoh Festival and the evolution of Dawn's Quilava, not only did it feel authentic, but it felt like brilliant bookends, given she got it in the very similar Johto Festival back in Diamond and Pearl. You also managed to make Hop a much more engaging character, which I applaud! The story divergences and version-exclusive characters/events were mixed together and integrated beautifully (Victor, both of Calyrex's steeds, the version-exclusive gym leaders, Klara and Avery, etc), while also giving the more standalone Expansion Pack characters their own place in the greater narrative! Absolutely beautiful! If I were writing this I'd only make a couple of small changes - First, I'd give Victor the victory in the curry-making contest, since its his thing and it'd give him his moment to shine (as wonderful as Gloria is, she gets plenty of moments to shine already, while this was Victor's only real chance). Second, the Hisui temple felt rather forced, since there isn't any real reason why all of this historical Sinnoh stuff would be in Galar (so it felt a bit forced, even if they'd absolutely want Legends Arceus promo. Sun and Moon had a lot of narrative dictated by marketing obligations, Lana's Eevee being the most egregious example). I'd have them be transported to the past for an episode or two (similar to the dimensional travel in the Zeraora two-parter in Sun and Moon) via a space-time distortion and go to Hisui itself for a bit (maybe have them join someone like Mai for a short adventure). Those two things aside, this was a fantastic watch, and I had a big smile the whole way through! Keep up the great work, and we'll all see you in Paldea! I'd love to see you tackle the Sun and Moon style next, since the academy's school theme and central location in the region makes it perfect for the format!

[@FlyGli1]

This has gotta be one of the best pokemon fan projects of all time, Thank you for making this wonderful series.

[@lucarionite452]

thank you soo much im currently in hospital and in lots of pain but people like you who put in so much effort make me so happy and lets me forget my struggle ill deffinetly enjoy this

[@Zactoshi]

Im glad my content is able to help in some small way. I hope things get better for you 🙏🏽

[@lucarionite452]

Thank you so much , I’m currently halfway through and I love how you corporate things from the actual anime as well as use both victor and Gloria as characters it probably took you a long time to make this all

[@Celestic_Origin]

Amazing series. Truly spectacular Zac. You've made me want to do this sort of Pokémon storytelling for a while and I can see the standard is set very high! Truly a joy to watch and go through!

[@wazzawarrior5715]

The series was great, I hope you do one on Ash going to Paldea and any other future regions.

[@snakeshifter02]

Incredible series by an absolutely incredible person! You’ve done an amazing job with this series Zac, I can’t wait to see what’s next! And massive props for going back through every single episode just to add the backpacks lol, that’s dedication

[@primarinite]

I just binged this series this past week and I WISH so badly that this is what we actually got. You've retroactively given me a better appreciation for Galar and its Pokemon after both the games and the anime were a letdown for me. While I'm loving Horizons as it is so far, I would absolutely love to see another series in this style from you in the future from a "what if Ash went to Paldea" angle. Keep up the great work man!

[@THGMR-ox7sd]

I’m glad you have a better appreciation for galar. It’s potential makes it one of my favourite regions but it gets executed poorly a lot of the time like swsh and maybe journeys? I haven’t watched most of journeys but from what people are saying, this what if video is better. I hope we get a redemption for galar some day. Kalos is getting something with Legends: Z-A and I’d love them to do galar justice.

[@thenintendosquad3252]

Zactoshi had inspired me to do my own What If Ash was in Galar, which i am doing right now.

[@anerdwithamic]

Same here!

[@dragonsvideos6737]

I plan to do a rewrite of the whole series but yea this one was super inspiring. I just hope that I can do it justice like this too.

[@GamingWithKnuckles2800]

OK ZAC, THAT WAS AN ABSOLUTELY EXCELLENTLY WELL EXECUTED SERIES AND THE ENDING WAS JUST BEAUTIFUL.

[@ZenithDhamala-up6di]

Now that the sword and shield anime is over you should update the ash pokemon tier list and add the sword and shield i would love to see how these pokemon stack up agaisnt the rest

[@TurboWonder16]

Here's my choices: Rillaboom (A Tier in between Incineroar and Melmetal) Corviknight (A Tier behind Goodra) Drednaw (B Tier in between Bulbasaur and Torkoal) Centiskorch (C Tier in between Gliscor and Pignite) Urshifu (S Tier behind Sceptile) Zacian (Top of S Tier)

[@firemiracle]

As much as I do love the actual pokemon journeys anime, I still love that Zac did a rewritten story for journeys, it was so well written and fun to hear 😄

[@SarahGarcia-f8n]

same here too I love journeys but it had it up and downs

[@malikmiller2786]

This was PEAK FICTION! I loved it all from the beginning to the end, this is FAR better than journeys and aim to be mid! And I love it! I’m psyched for paldea. Zac, you made this series GOD tier! Solid props to you bro!

[@federickamen9354]

It was four ours of my life watching the whole series and it was competly worth it, I loved how some of the older scenes were reanimated and the epilogue of the show was great with Hop and Ash capturing Zacian and Zamazenta, the gang's situation after Ash's battle with Leon and the random shots and drawings of Ash, Gloria and Hop's journey through Galar as well as Ash's individual pics with some of his pokemon and the last collective pic of his Galar team. I'm probably going to miss your fantasy sword and shield but also have high hopes for Scarlet and Violet. Keep up the good work while also having yourself "A damn good one!"

[@Triobros1098]

The fact that there’s 151 episodes of this just makes it even better

[@kwdgolden2716]

Zac you have outdone yourself once again. I was very surprised at the ending when Ash and Hop caught the legendaries. The episode count referencing the original 151 was a nice touch. Can't wait to see what the future holds. Well done. Also I wonder what does "Next time, The Final Chapter" mean, a sendoff perhaps?

[@LexGaming6629]

RESPECT FOR THIS DUDE HE LEGIT WROTE AN ENTIRE POKEMIN SERIES NEW SUBSCRIBER ❤❤❤❤❤

[@natform]

OMG THE EPILOUGE WENT HARD

[@samcullen3496]

One of my favorite videos on KZbin. So satisfying and well-made, deserves millions more views

[@maxtopia5733]

I'm enjoying the story about Ash travelling the Galar region and I'm looking forward how it all end

[@dragonyoshi-ninja]

ASH CAUGHT ZAICAN!! THIS IS THE BEST WRITTEN ANIME EVER!!

[@문브라더스-h7e]

And then he gets the oak lab treatment

[@somerandomcritic4397]

@@문브라더스-h7eshe Zaican is a girl according to the Pokédex

[@SuperDJTWS]

3:52:39 I love how Krookodile steals the shield lmao

[@PixelPikmin]

Ok this series is so good! Every character is done so well (especially Hop who was basically a one time gag in journies) can’t wait to see what you do with SV! Keep up the good work

[@uh9522]

Pokemon Sword & Shield: the Series Season 1 / Arrival in Galar: 0:20 SWSH001: 0:31 SWSH002: 3:31 SWSH003: 5:16 Exhibition Tournament: SWSH004: 7:30 SWSH005: 9:23 SWSH006: 10:03 SWSH007: 10:43 SWSH008: 11:16 SWSH009: 11:43 SWSH010: 13:01 SWSH011: 13:54 SWSH012: 14:51 Turrfield - VS Milo: SWSH013: 15:42 SWSH014: 16:22 SWSH015: 17:05 SWSH016: 17:46 SWSH017: 19:22 Hulbury - VS Nessa: SWSH018: 21:39 SWSH019: 22:08 SWSH020: 22:42 SWSH021: 23:11 SWSH022: 23:41 SWSH023: 24:19 SWSH024: 25:18 SWSH025: 26:40 SWSH026: 28:52 SWSH027: 30:11 Motostoke - VS Kabu: SWSH028: 30:45 SWSH029: 32:12 SWSH030: 33:47 SWSH031: 34:34 SWSH032: 35:40 SWSH033: 37:51 Dynamax Rampage: SWSH034: 39:34 SWSH035: 41:03 SWSH036: 41:38 SWSH037: 42:08 SWSH038: 42:36 SWSH039: 43:18 SWSH040: 43:45 SWSH041: 45:33 Meliant Tournament - VS Allister SWSH042: 46:41 SWSH043: 47:36 SWSH044: 48:48 SWSH045: 49:55 Season 2 / Armored Adventure / Isle of Armor: 51:49 SWSH046: 51:58 SWSH047: 53:33 SWSH048: 55:33 SWSH049: 56:17 SWSH050: 57:23 SWSH051: 58:38 SWSH052: 1:00:23 Stow-on-Side - VS Bea: SWSH053: 1:01:27 SWSH054: 1:01:53 SWSH055: 1:02:11 SWSH056: 1:04:10 SWSH057: 1:06:13 SWSH058: 1:08:49 Ballonlea - VS Opal: SWSH059: 1:11:22 SWSH060: 1:12:08 SWSH061: 1:13:08 SWSH062: 1:13:56 SWSH063: 1:14:35 SWSH064: 1:15:02 SWSH065: 1:15:44 SWSH066: 1:18:05 SWSH067: 1:18:56 SWSH068: 1:20:01 SWSH069: 1:21:25 SWSH070: 1:24:18 Circhester - VS Gordie: SWSH071: 1:25:19 SWSH072: 1:26:11 SWSH073: 1:27:42 SWSH074: 1:28:28 SWSH075: 1:29:16 SWSH076: 1:29:54 SWSH077: 1:32:11 SWSH078: 1:33:31 SWSH079: 1:34:17 SWSH080: 1:35:38 SWSH081: 1:37:51 Griflet Tournament - VS Melony: SWSH082: 1:38:25 SWSH083: 1:39:29 SWSH084: 1:41:19 SWSH085: 1:43:34 SWSH086: 1:45:54 Spikemuth - VS Piers: SWSH087: 1:48:36 SWSH088: 1:50:04 SWSH089: 1:50:53 SWSH090: 1:53:15 SWSH091: 1:56:01 SWSH092: 1:57:07 SWSH093: 1:58:00 SWSH094: 2:00:01 Season 3 / Crowning Legacy: 2:02:32 Hammerlocke - VS Raihan: SWSH095: 2:02:42 SWSH096: 2:04:17 SWSH097: 2:04:45 SWSH098: 2:05:31 SWSH099: 2:06:00 SWSH100: 2:07:20 SWSH101: 2:09:17 SWSH102: 2:11:32 SWSH103: 2:12:42 Sinnoh Festival - VS Dawn: SWSH104: 2:14:14 SWSH105: 2:14:44 SWSH106: 2:15:36 SWSH107: 2:16:37 SWSH108: 2:18:17 SWSH109: 2:20:42 SWSH110: 2:22:32 Crown Tundra: SWSH111: 2:24:27 SWSH112: 2:26:09 SWSH113: 2:27:42 SWSH114: 2:29:52 SWSH115: 2:31:36 SWSH116: 2:33:09 SWSH117: 2:35:08 SWSH118: 2:36:48 SWSH119: 2:38:57 SWSH120: 2:41:07 SWSH121: 2:43:21 Galar League First Round: SWSH122: 2:47:25 SWSH123: 2:49:44 (Ash VS Melony) SWSH124: 2:52:34 (Hop VS Avery) Galar League Second Round: SWSH125: 2:54:58 (Ash VS Clara) SWSH126: 2:58:18 (Hop VS Bea) SWSH127: 3:00:34 (Bede VS Nessa) Galar League Quarter-Finals: SWSH128: 3:02:45 (Hop VS Victor) SWSH129: 3:04:43 (Ash VS Bede: Part 1) (Gloria VS Goh in ) SWSH130: 3:06:59 (Ash VS Bede: Part 2) SWSH131: 3:10:41 (Marnie VS Piers) Galar League Semi-Finals: SWSH132: 3:12:16 (Hop VS Raihan) SWSH133: 3:14:44 (Ash VS Marnie Part 1) SWSH134: 3:17:12 (Ash VS Marnie Part 2) SWSH135: 3:19:01 (Ash VS Marnie Part 3) Galar League Finals: Ash VS Hop SWSH136: 3:21:19 SWSH137: 3:23:49 SWSH138: 3:26:46 SWSH139: 3:28:46 The Darkest Day: VS Eternatus SWSH140: 3:31:23 (Ash & Leon VS Chairman Rose) (Hop VS Sordward & Shielbert) SWSH141: 3:35:37 (Ash & Bede VS Chairman Rose) (Gloria VS Oleana) SWSH142: 3:38:54 (Peony VS Chairman Rose) SWSH143: 3:42:34 (Ash & Pikachu, Rillaboom / Hop & Cinderace / Gloria & Inteleon / Spectrier VS Eternatus; Eternamax Form) Final Showdown: 3:44:28 3:44:37 3:45:20 (Ash & Pikachu / Hop & Dubwool / Gloria & Eevee / Legendary Heroes (Zacian & Zamazenta) VS Eternatus (Eternamax Form) End of the Darkest Day: 3:47:05 Championship Battle - VS Leon SWSH144: 3:47:50 SWSH145: 3:51:11 (Pikachu/Lycanroc VS Haxerous) (Krookodile VS Aegislash/Zarude) (Charizard VS Dragapult) SWSH146: 3:54:36 (Charizard VS Charizard) (Sceptile/Pikachu VS Seismitoad/Zarude) (Urshifu VS Zarude) (Lycanroc VS Charizard) SWSH147: 3:58:19 (Charizard VS Charizard) (Pikachu VS Charizard: G-Max Fight) SWSH148: 4:01:06 (Ash Ketchum (Alola Champion) & Pikachu VS Leon (Galar Champion) & Charizard) Motivation Time: 4:01:21 Ash Ketchum feeling Motivated:4:02:10 Final Showdown: 4:02:29 4:02:42 Epilogue: 2 Months Later… SWSH149: 4:04:40 SWSH150: 4:06:50 SWSH151: 4:08:31 Endings: 4:11:56 Credits: 4:12:18 Bonus Scene: 4:14:16

[@ninisiar]

Underappreciated

[@garvgupta3567]

Whoever made all that art, kudos to you. This was amazing, In many aspects better then the original. I originally watched all parts while they were airing and now this MEGA video

[@MoonsDemons]

I love the final pic at the end & that Ash caught Dacian because look at that happy doggo like look at him I do hope you do one in Paldea next becuase that's sounds soooooo cool! other wise I had so much fun listening to this! :3

[@PK_HH]

gen 8 is my second fav and you did peak to show us this masterpiece

[@blueflameboi]

Can we just appreciate how he explained 10-20 episodes a video in 11 minutes when in reality it would've took over 3 hours to watch them.

[@PomPalm15]

If this was a real anime, it prob be my favorite, great story-writing, Zac!

[@JPstudios.official]

I hope that you make a Scarlet and Violet anime as well with Liko Roy and maybe our boy Ash, this was amazing Zac you are the best Pokétuber ❤

[@painters04]

Potential episode titles: 001: The Road to Galarian Greatness! 002: Secrets of Slumbering Weald. 003: The Journey Starts Today! 004: Snorlax to the Max 005: Shocking New Friends 006: Raid in the Ruins 007: Rookidee, Get Out of our Lunch! 008: Hi Hi, Butterfree! 009: Galar League, Commence! 010: The Opening Exhibition! 011: You Can Leave Your Hatenna 012: Job Well Done, Lads! 013: Galar Starters Seperated! 014: Old King Coalossal! 015: Scorbunny's Flaming Ambition! 016: The Grass is Greener in Turrfield! 017: An Appletun Product! 018: Day Care Duties! 019: Chu Vs. Chew! 020: Fun with Water Gun! 021: Nest-Flix! 022: The Trolls Utop the Bridge! 023: Flashback to Reality! 024: Fashion or Fighting? 025: Making a Splash at Hulbury! 026: Rose's Ambition! 027: Wrangling Up Water Types! 028: Gacha Catch 'Em All! 029: Gathering the Wishing Stars! 030: A Hop, Skip and a Jump! 031: Marnie and Me! 032: Disco Centiferno! 033: Setting Motostoke Ablaze! 034: Clash at the Wild Area! 035: There you are, Eevee! 036: Cram-I-Am! 037: See Through the Sand! 038: Aim for the Horn! 039: Loud, Large and Sleepy! If anyone has any better ones, I will replace it and credit you!

[@Sheepish1y]

I love being here from the very start, I love this series and everything you do ❤️

[@eljordinio7647]

And so ends an amazing saga of Ash's journey, and honestly what we deserved out of journeys and especially Galar from the beginning

[@jeremyandersonteen.7502]

you're an abuser

[@jeremyandersonteen.7502]

you're an abuser.

[@lyomuna894]

Great job! I enjoy it very much. Hope you are planning a sequel of this story with Paldea arc

[@BeeMajor]

I know this is just fan-fiction, but it is, hands down, the most exciting fan-fiction I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to see what you have up next…but…I do want to see what you would rank each episode in 10 words or less, just as something fun

[@LovelyLara123]

I hope he does one for SV

[@Wildcatt1999]

Wow.. what an incredible journey! This was the anime series Sword and Shield deserved! Phenomenal job, Zac!! 👏👏👏

[@JessieRoses08]

I've rewatched this so many times already, it's so good. I cannot wait for the Scarlet and Violet anime, anipoke writing team hire this man

[@umapessoa240]

Oh man this was AMAZING! The ending theme got me a little misty eyed, it all wrapped up so well. I’m curious, do you plan on covering Paldea or was the ending just a neat teaser?

[@TurboWonder16]

I have the win rates for Ash's Galar team; Pikachu: 20 Wins 6 Losses 2 Ties 75% Rillaboom: 13 Wins 6 Losses 1 Tie 68% Corviknight: 17 Wins 11 Losses 61% Drednaw: 13 Wins 8 Losses 62% Centiskorch: 9 Wins 6 Losses 1 Tie 59% Urshifu: 15 Wins 4 Losses 1 Tie 78% Zacian: 1 Tie 50%

[@VYSGAMER12]

Nice

[@VYSGAMER12]

What’s Urshifus 4th loss

[@TurboWonder16]

@@VYSGAMER12 Hop’s Cinderace.

[@clownygamingcircus]

Congratulations on something that was nothing short of a fantastic and fun telling of a Galar Series, genuinely inspiring for others to write and try out the same thing! Also I ironically binged the entire series yesterday when I was working so to find the finale today was awesome! Thank you for an awesome experience, I don’t know if you still plan to do these in the future but if you do, please know that you, like Zanolith, have a real talent for storytelling. P.S. How in the hell do you do your editing? Like… seriously you animate action of your series so freaking beautifully!

[@Zactoshi]

Thanks 😊💙 And to answer your question at the end, it takes a lot of time to edit, but worth it lol

[@aureliamastergoomba1278]

Silver Storm suddenly, based pick of song!

[@pokelover1743]

After a year of watching this series, I gotta say it again: you really outdid yourself here. Journeys focusing on the world championships was a great idea and all, but to be honest - it should have come after Galar or at least had a Galar centric focus in setting(NOT KANTO). This was a great what-if for an alternate universe where Ash goes back to traveling a region and doing the Galar characters justice. Hop's arc of becoming his own trainer and Bede outgrowing his idolization of Rose and becoming his own trainer were awesome Really excited to see what comes next after this

[@rebeccamabury4140]

All of the episodes of your Pokemon Shield and Sword anime in chronological order. Nice, I love it. Awesome work with this dude. Way to go Zactoshi.

[@roshaanme3225]

verry good vid it takes so much time to write this long of a story and edit it you deserver so much more recognition

[@Arizonaguy1856]

i cant get over how perfectly written this is i just keep rewatching it like i truly cant stop

[@shahzadamiri1317]

i rather watch this than pokemon journeys :)

[@Pookapufferfish]

woah, this is amazing! loved all of this. the calbacks to previous adventures, the battles, all of this is amazing! incredible work!

[@David_Mattox]

This past year and a half truly was something to watch. Zac, you absolutely did not disappoint. Ash catching Zacian really caught me off guard. Very fitting for him to finally have a box art legendary (sorry, I don’t count Solgaleo, please don’t kill me) I’m curious as to what this final chapter is… a Paldean series? Whether it’s that, a proper retelling of Journeys, or a special epilogue like Aim, keep the good content flowing!

[@TevinBlair]

I believe that he'll be doing both. I'm also very Sure that The Epilogue Series is going to be longer than Aim To Be A Train Wreck so everything will be wrapped up and not have so many Unanswered Questions that lead nowhere in Canon thanks to Writers and I see it being in the Upper Double Digits to the Triple Digits so it properly be a True Finale For Everyone.

[@mr.penguindrewmateo8146]

⁠@@TevinBlairI hate to disappoint you but judging by what Zac said on his Twitter the final chapter isn’t ash’s it’s his. And by that I mean the next video will be his last video.

[@TevinBlair]

@@mr.penguindrewmateo8146 We'll see.

[@TevinBlair]

@@mr.penguindrewmateo8146 Well looks like We're still continuing on with Zactoshi.

[@ShortClips-Me]

You all are spreading so much love. It’s truly heartwarming. Thank you!

[@Creeperdude440]

I’m really gonna miss this series😢. But this was still an amazing finale!!!!😄. Fantastic work!!!

[@maryo274artworks4]

If you make a series of Scarlet and Violet with Ash next PLEASE ALLOW HIM TO GROW UP!! AT LEAST IN THE EPILOGUE!! He deserves the chance to grow and be a role model for new trainers 😅🙏🏻