3 Things the Next Mainline Pokémon Game Must Have

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At some point in the future, we can expect another installment of the Pokémon game series. Coming after “Pokémon Legends: Z-A”, the 10th generation of this popular franchise is already in development. The longevity and continuous evolution of this series are undeniable, and following “Pokémon: Scarlet and Violet”, it’s clear that the series is moving forward.

Titles like “Legends: Z-A” hint at the future direction of the franchise and showcase its potential on the Switch 2. Notably, it’ll also be playable on the original Switch, though we might expect more advanced features from the newer version. For now, we can only guess what the next mainline game will offer, but here’s a list of some possible features:

1. Enhanced graphics and performance due to improved hardware.
2. New gameplay mechanics that take advantage of the Switch 2’s capabilities.
3. Expanded storylines with more complex characters and plot twists.
4. Innovative multiplayer modes for both local and online play.
5. Dynamic environments that react to player actions and create a sense of immersion.
6. Customizable controls to better suit the needs of different players.
7. Improved AI for enemies, allies, and NPCs to make encounters more challenging and engaging.
8. Increased replayability through branching storylines or multiple endings.
9. A robust crafting system that allows players to create unique items and strategies.
10. Cross-platform compatibility with the original Switch (if possible).

3. A Legitimate Open World

In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, they dabbled with a semi-open game environment, while Scarlet and Violet fully embraced it. Unfortunately, the open world in Arceus lacked excitement as it was rather dull and devoid of life. While it was intriguing to roam through the entire expanse, there wasn’t much to discover. Large portions were empty, and at times it seemed like the console’s graphical capabilities were being pushed to their limits.

Improved graphics and technology could certainly enhance the experience, but the development team needs to stay proactive as well. Scarlet and Violet show promise, yet they still seem remarkably similar to earlier Pokémon games with more limited features. Strive to create an immersive open world that feels vibrant and inhabited. Have Pokémon scattered throughout the environment rather than just at designated spawn points amidst expanses of empty terrain.

GameFreak’s title other than Pokémon, “Beast of Reincarnation,” boasts a more visually appealing world compared to any Pokémon game, making it hard to argue otherwise. Similarly, the game “Palworld” also managed this feat for the most part. Instead of trying to suppress that game as Nintendo did, those in power should focus on surpassing its quality instead.

2. Better Shiny Boosts

As a devoted Pokémon fan, I’ve always appreciated the thrill of hunting for shinies in each game, usually achieved upon completing the Pokédex. It’s an excellent motivation to catch ’em all, literally! However, the latest games, Scarlet and Violet, introduced a twist with sandwich boosts, which were useful until I ran out of the required items. The catch was that the shiny-boosting sandwiches demanded rare items, unfortunately.

Finding the radiant boost sandwiches turned out to be quite challenging and monotonous, which is frustrating. The additional content post-game was scarce, so hunting for shiny versions of preferred Pokémon became a common pass time, but experiencing a tangible shiny boost wasn’t feasible. The next game should address this issue by providing shiny boosts in a less aggravating manner to obtain. Despite the fact that people continue to search for shinies in Scarlet and Violet, that game is approaching its third year of release.

In simpler terms, finding a shiny Pokémon can diminish the excitement of achieving something special, given that it’s essentially chance-based. However, since difficulty doesn’t necessarily enhance the experience, Gen-10 Pokémon games should focus on making the process less arduous and more predictable, especially as a token of appreciation for players who complete certain tasks set by developers. In other words, if a player is expected to accomplish something significant within the game, it would be reasonable to make finding a shiny Pokémon slightly easier for them.

1. Skippable Pokémon Battles

In future Pokémon games, it would be beneficial to follow the approach taken by Pokémon Legends: Arceus. This game introduced an option that eliminated the need for constant battles with wild Pokémon solely for the purpose of catching them. Engaging in these battles repeatedly can become tiresome, especially when you have to weaken a Pokémon before attempting to catch it. Arceus made this process more efficient by allowing you to catch Pokémon without necessarily having to weaken them first. This change was not only helpful but also maintained the game’s pace without causing unnecessary delays.

In this game, it suits the open-world environment because it encourages you to explore widely as you hunt for Pokémon. However, if you prefer combat, there’s still an option available. It’s not necessary to engage in battle every time, though. Sometimes, all you want is to catch a Pokémon and keep it in your collection without having to fight it first.

In the main story, this rule may not apply to trainers specifically. Fighting against other Pokémon trainers is a different aspect altogether. It’s an integral part of the game and offers exciting strategic opportunities. Unlike the process of weakening a Pokémon without killing it for capture, which can be tedious, this battle component is more engaging, similar to what Arceus emphasized in its approach to captures.

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2025-07-11 23:14