In Pokémon Sword and Shield, teaching your Pokémon new moves by using Technical Records (TRs) and Technical Machines (TMs) is a straightforward but essential feature for customizing your team’s moveset. Here’s a detailed guide on how to effectively use these items for move teaching, along with the key differences between TRs and TMs.

Teaching Moves with TRs and TMs: Step-by-Step

1. Selecting the TR or TM:
– Open your bag from the menu.
– Navigate to the category containing your TRs or TMs.
– Choose the specific TR or TM item that you wish to use.

2. Using the Item:
– After selecting the desired item, choose the option to “Use this item.” This action will prompt the game to allow you to select a Pokémon from your team.

3. Selecting the Pokémon:
– From your party, select the Pokémon that you want to teach the new move.
– If the selected Pokémon is compatible with the move associated with the TR or TM, it will learn the move. If not, you will receive a message indicating that the Pokémon cannot learn that move.

Key Differences Between TRs and TMs

Technical Records (TRs):
– Single-use: TRs teach one specific move and are consumed upon use.
– Source: You can find TRs primarily as rewards from Max Raid Battles or from Watt Traders located in the Wild Area. Note that these traders have varying inventories, which change daily.
– Unique Moves: TRs offer access to some moves that are not available through TMs, providing more variety in your Pokémon’s capabilities.

Technical Machines (TMs):
– Infinite-use: TMs allow you to teach the same move multiple times without being consumed, making them more versatile.
– Availability: TMs can be located in various ways, including being found on the ground, purchased from shops, or received through specific gameplay events.
– Accessibility: TMs are generally more common in the game, allowing for broader strategies as you can repeatedly teach moves to multiple Pokémon.

Additional Information
– Removal of HMs: Unlike earlier Pokémon games where Hidden Machines (HMs) played a role in learning moves, Pokémon Sword and Shield rely solely on TMs and TRs for move teaching.
– Move Tutors: Certain special moves not available through TRs and TMs can be taught by Move Tutors, found in various locations like the Master Dojo in Isle of Armor. These teaching sessions are free, and they operate separately from the TR and TM system.

Conclusion
With this system of TRs and TMs, players can customize their Pokémon’s movesets effectively. To recap, to teach a Pokémon a new move, simply select the item in your bag, choose to use it, and then pick the Pokémon you want to learn the move. Keep in mind the important distinctions between TRs and TMs to make the most of your move-teaching strategies!