Embark on an adventure set in a bygone era of the Sinnoh region, known then as Hisui. This main game experience transports players to a time when the relationship between humans and Pokémon was still being forged. Your primary mission is to research and complete the region's very first Pokédex, a monumental task that involves observing, catching, and studying wild Pokémon in their natural habitats.

The narrative begins with your character being sent back in time by the mythical Pokémon Arceus. Upon arrival in ancient Hisui, you are tasked with a singular, crucial objective: to seek out all Pokémon. However, this era is not without its challenges. Strange lightning emanating from a mysterious rift begins to strike the region's Noble Pokémon, causing them to enter a frenzied and aggressive state. Navigating these volatile situations and understanding the cause of this phenomenon forms a central part of the unfolding story.

A New Approach to Pokémon Research

This title introduces a significant evolution to the core Pokémon gameplay loop. The emphasis shifts from solely battling to a more comprehensive approach to understanding Pokémon. Players will engage in action-oriented gameplay where stealth and careful observation are as vital as strategic turn-based battles. You can choose to engage Pokémon directly in combat or attempt to catch them by strategically throwing Poké Balls from a distance, often requiring you to dodge their attacks.

The world of Hisui is vast and filled with diverse environments, each harboring unique Pokémon species. Surveying these areas, documenting Pokémon behaviors, and fulfilling research tasks are key to progressing. Successfully completing these research objectives contributes to your overall Pokédex completion and unlocks new areas and challenges.

What Makes This Game Unique?

The most significant departure from traditional Pokémon games lies in its emphasis on exploration and research within a dynamic, open-world-like environment. Players are encouraged to observe Pokémon in their natural behaviors, learning their patterns and weaknesses before deciding on their approach to engagement. The integration of action elements directly into the catching and battling mechanics provides a fresh, more immediate feel to the gameplay. This title offers a deep dive into the origins of the Pokémon world, providing a narrative context that explores the early days of human-Pokémon coexistence.

Core Gameplay Mechanics

Exploration and Surveying

Players will traverse various distinct areas within the Hisui region, from lush forests to volcanic mountains. Each area is populated with wild Pokémon that exhibit unique behaviors. The act of surveying involves observing these Pokémon, noting their habitats, and completing specific research tasks related to them.

Catching and Battling

The catching mechanic has been revamped. Players can now initiate a catch attempt by throwing a Poké Ball directly at a Pokémon, often requiring them to be stealthy or to time their throws carefully. If a direct catch fails or if a battle is preferred, players can engage in turn-based combat. However, even during battles, the action-oriented nature of the game is present, with players able to dodge incoming attacks in real-time.

Research Tasks and Pokédex Completion

Progress is intrinsically linked to completing research tasks for each Pokémon species. These tasks can range from observing a Pokémon use a specific move to catching a certain number of them or even studying their eating habits. Completing these tasks fills out the Pokédex and unlocks further advancements in the game.

Story and Setting

The game is set in the ancient Hisui region, a land that will eventually become known as Sinnoh. This period predates the establishment of the Pokémon League and many of the familiar towns and cities. The atmosphere is one of discovery and untamed wilderness, where humans and Pokémon coexist in a more primal and less understood relationship. The narrative explores the challenges of this early era, including the mysterious phenomenon affecting the Noble Pokémon and the player's role in unraveling these events.

What is the available content for this game?

DLCs and Expansions

There are currently no downloadable content (DLC) packs or expansions available for this game. The experience offered is the complete main game.

Remakes and Remasters

This title is a new, original game and is not a remake or remaster of any previous Pokémon titles.

Basic Game Information

Type

Main Game

Release Year

2022

Platforms

Nintendo Switch