Pokemon GO has made a name for itself over the years by keeping many gimmicks from the mainline games accessible, from Mega Evolutions to the recently added Dynamax. Players can experience their favorite mechanics from the franchise through this live-service title, and the way that many of them have been adjusted for mobile devices can make them feel almost entirely new to fans as well. This is beneficial since Pokemon GO is an unspoken requirement to complete the Pokedex these days, but players can’t exactly call Niantic’s AR game complete just yet.
Truthfully, there will likely never be a day when Pokemon GO will be considered complete as long as the franchise continues to evolve and add new creatures and gimmicks. Pokemon GO has been around for long enough to where the gaps between mainline games have been made smaller and smaller, and as great as it is that Paldea Pokemon were added within a year, the developer pushed back other desired critters like the Galar starters for later updates. Niantic may find itself perpetually playing catch-up with Pokemon‘s past while also aiming to match the series’ current marketing, and that might keep fans of specific mechanics and pocket monsters waiting. This spells bad news for even the mechanics and Pokemon that might seem like a must-have for the AR mobile game, with Pokemon Sun and Moon‘s Z-Moves absolutely being deserving of that label.
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Pokemon GO’s Recent Trends Might Mean Z-Moves Will Take a Backseat to Future Games
The Potential of Z-Moves in Pokemon GO
Z-Moves may not be as sorely missed in mainline games like Mega Evolution, but Pokemon GO has a perfectly good place for them within its battle system. Pokemon GO currently uses only two moves during most battles; Fast Attacks and Charged Attacks. Z-Moves could easily be used as a third attack that’s only available with the right item and bond with a Pokemon.
In Pokemon Sun and Moon, Z-Moves require a Z-Ring, which can be given to players in GO with ease or unlocked through Special Research, and Z-Crystals. Z-Crystals, like Mega Stones, can only be activated with a special bond between trainer and Pokemon, which could be best represented through the buddy system in some way. One option is that players could have their buddy find the Z-Crystal out on a walk together, and then the critter keeps it as a sign on their bond, thereby unlocking the special move. This way, Z-Moves and Mega Evolution can function as similar, yet different mechanics. However, as Z-Moves weren’t added in the same way as Dynamax was, they may need to wait a few more seasons before getting their chance.
Why Pokemon GO Won’t Get Z-Moves For Some Time
Ironically, Z-Moves’ similarities to Mega Evolution may be one of the things that holds it back, as Pokemon Legends Z-A is set to release this year and is likely to push Pokemon GO to do events based on that for marketing synergy. As previously mentioned, Paldea critters were added to the game at a new record pace. Even Sword and Shield‘s own Pokemon were kept for five years later down the line when Galar’s regional forms were some of the first creatures released to promote a mainline game. It’s a trend that’s likely going to continue, even with Pokemon Legends Z-A, so fans should enjoy the Dynamax events while they can before Mega Evolution and Z-A mons take over.
After that, there may be even less time in-between games than fans might expect, as rumors and leaks seem to suggest that Generation 10 is coming very soon to both the Switch and Switch 2. This seems to suggest a rather small window between Legends Z-A and Gen 10, which doesn’t leave much time for Z-Moves to be introduced before more promotional events kick in. Z-Moves may unfortunately be waiting for a slow seasonal period in Pokemon GO just like Dynamax was. While the small window between releases means that fans won’t be kept waiting long for bigger games, those wanting to see Z-Moves make a return will have to stay tuned for their lucky break.
- Released
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July 6, 2016
- ESRB
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