Following the introduction of Dynamaxing to Pokemon GO, there could be hope for another older and seemingly forgotten Pokemon mechanic should Niantic decide to revisit Gen 7's Z-moves. Unlike the mainline series of Pokemon games, Pokemon GO appears to have become a safe haven for several different mechanics and gimmicks that Game Freak has turned its back on, such as Gen 7's Ultra Beasts and, most recently, Gen 8's Dynamax battles. However, while some features like Mega Evolutions are potentially poised to return in Game Freak's upcoming Pokemon Legends: Z-A, Niantic could revive another Gen 7 mechanic with Z-moves instead.
Though Niantic will likely coast on Pokemon GO's momentum with the debut of Dynamaxing, it could adopt a similar approach when introducing Z-moves somewhere in the game's future. As a mechanic exclusively used during battles, Pokemon GO could include Z-moves as an additional feature to its existing battle mechanics, especially with the game's growing focus on raids, Team GO Rocket encounters, and more. With only a handful of other potential Pokemon gimmicks to add instead of Z-moves, such as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terastallization or Paradox Pokemon, Z-moves seem to be Pokemon GO's next logical step.
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Z-moves Should Make a Comeback Within Pokemon GO
As a new battle mechanic first introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon and then appeared again in Pokemon Ultra Sun and Moon, Z-moves were arguably a less conspicuous way for Game Freak to create new gameplay mechanics that didn't need all-new Pokemon and forms added alongside them. But much like Pokemon Sword and Shield's Dynamax and Gigantamax feature, the mechanic hasn't been seen in any mainline Pokemon game since, even though other Gen 7 gimmicks like regional variants have become a series staple. Now that Gen 8's Dynamaxing has arrived in Pokemon GO, however, there is potential for Z-moves to do the same.
To some extent, Z-moves seem to offer Pokemon players a middle ground between the functionality of Gen 9'sTerastallization and the creativity of Gen 6's Mega Evolutions, allowing players to power up otherwise ordinary moves while also using creature-specific Z-moves. Similar to Gen 8's Dynamaxing and creature-specific Gigantamax forms, Z-moves provide a unique twist to battling that is both inventive and helpful without detracting from standard battle gameplay. Therefore, Pokemon GO's Dynamax and Max Battles could help guide and balance Z-moves with its existing mechanics if and when they are added to the game.
Pokemon GO's Z-moves Could Take Inspiration From Max Battles
Due to how Pokemon GO has had to scale down and adapt other Pokemon mechanics to suit the mobile app format, its approach to Dynamaxing differs from its Sword and Shield origins, such as limiting the mechanic to Max Battles and only with certain Pokemon. The same approach could be taken with Sun and Moon's Z-moves, where certain features and limitations would balance it with Pokemon GO's existing battle mechanics. The list below provides just a few potential examples of these based on how Pokemon GO has implemented its other gimmicks, ranging from Mega Evolutions to its recent Max Battles.
- A new consumable collectible like Mega Energy or Max Particles to teach or power up Z-moves
- Players use this same collectible during battles to perform Z-moves
- Unlocking and using Pokemon-specific Z-moves costs more than standard Z-moves
Z-moves Could Benefit Pokemon GO's Battles and Events
Beyond how Niantic could implement Z-moves, the new mechanic could help improve Pokemon GO's battles and events for solo players or novices, especially with battles like 5-star and Mega Raids or Giovanni encounters. The potential single-use and expendable limits of Z-moves in Pokemon GO could benefit any kind of battle, allowing players to use a Z-move if they face dwindling odds against a powerful Raid Boss or a stronger trainer. Moreover, since some Z-moves are only available for certain mons like cap-wearing Pikachu or Alolan Raichu, Pokemon GO could enhance its battle-related events by rewarding players with exclusive Z-move Pokemon.
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30 8.3/10
Pokémon GO
Augmented Reality
Systems
- Franchise
- Pokemon
- Platform(s)
- iOS , Android
- Released
- July 6, 2016
- Developer(s)
- Niantic , The Pokemon Company
- Publisher(s)
- Niantic
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
- Engine
- Unity
- ESRB
- e
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- n/a
- X|S Optimized
- n/a
- Platforms
- ios, andriod
- Cross Save
- yes
- Cross-Platform Play
- ios, andriod
