With the open-world nature ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet, several series staples were left behind tobetter suit the new ways Pokemon could be encountered,as players know practically everything about a Pokemon before they even battle it. While this is undoubtedly a positive change, the mystery and thrill behind random encounters of the past still deserve to exist in upcoming games.
There have been numerous different ways to find and encounter Pokemon across the franchise, but some encounter methods and locations stick out as viable options given the shift in how Pokemon are caught. With encounter gimmicks ranking from least viable to being included to most viable given the direction the games are currently facing, the eight most likely encounter gimmicks are clear.
The Safari Zone, including the Great Marsh, is as divisive as it is famous in Pokemon games, particularly the original games. For some players, the challenge of Pokemon being able to flee when encountered adds excitement and a risk-reward element to finding valuable Pokemon. For most players, however, this chance of failure completely out of the player’s control is not fun in the slightest, making the Safari Zone a dreaded location for completing the Pokedex or even shiny hunting.
The last games to include a Safari Zone wereBrilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but outside those direct remakes, the last game to include a brand new Safari Zone wasHeart Gold and Soul Silverover a decade ago. There have been recent locations sharing the safari name or similar, but the actual catching mechanics of the Safari Zone have seldom been seen.The thrill of the Safari Zonemay entice some players, but it seems, for the majority, the location’s gimmicks are best left behind.
A little-known element ofPokemon X and Y, a small area in the Kalos region allows players to grow berry trees. While having a dedicated berry farming location is helpful, the relevant aspect of this spot is how the growing berry trees attract asmall variety of bug type Pokemon.
Since there are well over 1000 Pokemon now, and quite a few bug types mixed in, having a bonus way of finding these critters would add a bit of realism to the game, especially for those searching for certain bug types or even an elusive shiny.
Last seen in full capacity inPokemon Legends: Arceusand halfway added toScarlet and Violet, headbutting Pokemon out of trees or finding Pokemon in trees is a classic method. Ramming into trees at full speed on the Scarlet and Violet ride Pokemon might cause Pokemon to fall out of trees, but the true gimmick hasn’t quite returned.
Legends: Arceusincluded Pokemon that leaped out of trees when the player sent their Pokemon over to interact with them, and given how the Let’s Go feature inScarlet and Violetoperates similarly, it’s not a stretch to imagine the return of Pokemon hiding in berry piles or in berry trees that attack back.
As the name suggests, the Hidden Grottos ofPokemon Black and White 2were semi-hidden spots in nature where Pokemon, complete with their hidden abilities, could be found. With the franchise seemingly heading more into open-world formats, having these secret locations for adventurous players would be a great benefit.
Since the environment inScarlet and Violetis varied already, having tiny caves hidden in deserts or nests hidden between trees as seen in the classic Hidden Grottos isn’t too hard to imagine. For future games especially, having rewards for meticulously exploring the open world beyond just items would add a layer of classic Pokemon fun.
Making The Most Of An Open World
Pokemon Sapphire
Pokémon has evolved! Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire, the first of the series for Game Boy Advance, combine the power of the world’s most powerful portable game system with the playability of Pokémon to create an experience that you can’t afford to miss. Featuring an all-new storyline, a massive new world to explore, and a menagerie of new (and many classic) Pokémon to catch, train and battle - Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire are a Pokémon fan’s dream come true. Both games are set in the world of Hoenn - a land filled with cities, caves, lakes and secrets. When your adventure begins, you must choose whether you want to play as a male or female character (both are kitted out with some cool new Pokémon gear) and set out on a mission to become the best Pokémon Trainer that Hoenn has ever seen. Before you begin your quest, you’re given one of three new Pokémon to start you off. You can choose from Treecko, a Grass-type, Torchic, a Fire-type, and Mudkip, a Water-type Pokémon.
Only a possible encounter method in the Hoenn games, underwater locations to catch Pokemon in, could add a literal layer to an open world, making Pokemon found truly everywhere. While only a handful of Pokemon were found underwater, the environment changing to a deep and dark aquatic setting was a welcome addition and truly made the encounters feel different and unique.
With the Paldea region being surrounded by water,an additional upgrade for Koraidon and Miraidonto dive below the waves wouldn’t be out of the question. An effective way to increase the size of a region, especially regions with notable seaside areas, and a great way to include Pokemon found only in the depths of the ocean.
The original encounter gimmick, fishing, was a staple in Pokemon up untilSword and Shield, except in remakes.Completely removed inScarlet and Violet,this classic option to find water type Pokemon absolutely should return, since it offers a unique way to find certain Pokemon with the bonus of said Pokemon being a surprise.
Fishing may remove some control over what Pokemon players encounter, but the added randomness also adds a sense of enticement to see what exactly is hooked on the line. This gimmick would be a great option alongside the way Pokemon are found in the wild inScarlet and Violet,making that random element purely a choice the player can make.
The most apparent change fromLegends: ArceustoScarlet and Violet, the inability to battle multiple Pokemon at once is sorely missed, especially when trying to EV train or otherwise clear out a larger group of Pokemon. An earlier version of this idea was seen in the horde mechanic ofPokemon X and Y,which would be an equally appreciated return.
Since Pokemon already spawn in groups, flocks, and schools, being able to battle numerous Pokemon at once isn’t out of the question. With how many Pokemon already try and swarm the player, being able to knock out a herd of Tauros instead of constantly fighting one at a time would be a wonderful update.
With the return of older Legendary Pokemonin the Indigo Disk DLC, several Pokemon that used to roam about the game have returned as well, but are now stationary in certain locations. Since the future of Pokemon seems to be open-world focused, having Legendaries traverse parts of the map, if not the entire map, would be a great combination, and a way to make finding these legends feel special.
While roaming Pokemon can cause a headache for some players, the Pokemon ofScarlet and Violetbeing easily encountered and viewed in the world makes this process far easier than the older method of trying to find what route these Pokemon were hiding on. Although the Legendaries inScarlet and Violetcannot be shiny, tracking down a powerful shiny across the world makes for an incredible find.
