Following the introduction of Dynamaxing toPokemon GO, there could be hope for another older and seemingly forgottenPokemonmechanic should Niantic decide to revisit Gen 7’s Z-moves. Unlike the mainline series ofPokemongames,Pokemon GOappears 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 upcomingPokemon Legends: Z-A, Niantic could revive another Gen 7 mechanic with Z-moves instead.
Though Niantic will likely coast onPokemon 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 GOcould 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 potentialPokemongimmicks to add instead of Z-moves, such asPokemon ScarletandViolet’s Terastallization or Paradox Pokemon, Z-moves seem to bePokemon GO’s next logical step.
Z-moves Should Make a Comeback Within Pokemon GO
As a new battle mechanic first introduced inPokemon SunandMoonand then appeared again inPokemon Ultra SunandMoon, 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 likePokemon SwordandShield’s Dynamax and Gigantamax feature, the mechanic hasn’t been seen in any mainlinePokemongame since, even though other Gen 7 gimmicks like regional variants have become a series staple. Now thatGen 8’s Dynamaxing has arrived inPokemon GO, however, there is potential for Z-moves to do the same.
To some extent, Z-moves seem to offerPokemonplayers 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 Battlescould 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 howPokemon GOhas had to scale down and adapt otherPokemonmechanics to suit the mobile app format, its approach to Dynamaxing differs from itsSwordandShieldorigins, such as limiting the mechanic to Max Battles and only with certain Pokemon. The same approach could be taken withSunandMoon’s Z-moves, where certain features and limitations would balance it withPokemon GO’s existing battle mechanics. The list below provides just a few potential examples of these based on howPokemon GOhas implemented its other gimmicks, ranging from Mega Evolutions to its recent Max Battles.
Z-moves Could Benefit Pokemon GO’s Battles and Events
Beyond how Niantic could implement Z-moves, the new mechanic could help improvePokemon GO’s battles and events for solo playersor novices, especially with battles like 5-star and Mega Raids or Giovanni encounters. The potential single-use and expendable limits of Z-moves inPokemon GOcould 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 GOcould enhance its battle-related events by rewarding players with exclusive Z-move Pokemon.
