Pokemon Sword and Shield: Get a Free Marshadow at Target for a Limited Time

The Pokemon Company

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are less than two weeks away from their launch on Nintendo Switch, but in the meantime, Pokemon fans can add a free mythical Pokemon to their collections in the Sword and Shield games.

Through Nov. 12, Target stores across the US are giving away free download codes for Marshadow, a fighting/ghost-type mythical Pokemon originally introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon.

As with other free Pokemon promotions, no purchase is necessary, but the codes will be available only while supplies last, so you’ll need to act fast if you’re hoping to snag one.

Once you’ve obtained a code, fire up your copy of Pokemon Sword or Shield and follow these steps to redeem it:

1. Press X to open the menu.
2. Select Mystery Gift.
3. Select Get a Mystery Gift.
4. Select Get with Code/Password.
5. Input the code when prompted.
6. Save your game.

This promotion comes ahead of the launch of the next mainline Pokemon games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The upcoming titles take players to a new, open-world region called Paldea, which is home to a variety of new Pokemon and characters.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will launch on Nov. 18. As a bonus, everyone who purchases either title before Feb. 28 will be able to receive a special Pikachu in their game.

With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet on the horizon, Sword and Shield’s online events will end this month. After Nov. 1, the games will no longer receive any new Max Raid events or online competitions. However, other online features — such as the ability to trade and battle with other players — will continue to be available.

Preorder Pokemon Scarlet/Violet

$54 at Amazon