Summary
- The next Pokemon game is expected to have a new gimmick, similar to the previous generations, to add uniqueness and an impact on gameplay.
- The past gimmicks, such as Mega Evolution and Z-Moves, have affected different aspects of Pokemon, from evolution to moves and forms.
- Potential areas for the next gimmick could be a Pokemon's ability and stats, as they haven't been specifically focused on in previous generations.
The next Pokemon game is likely to have another gimmick for Generation 10, and some logic could help determine what direction it could go. The series has started developing a reputation for its various gimmicks in addition to its traditional gameplay formula. There are a fair amount of directions that Pokemon can go with its next game, but looking at the series' history can cast at least some light to help fans make a solid prediction. In the strong likelihood that Pokemon Generation 10 has a new gimmick, it's worth theorizing about what form it could take.
The recurring use of gimmicks in new Pokemon regions began with the debut of Mega Evolutions in Pokemon X and Y. The purpose of these gimmicks has historically been to give each game something unique in addition to the new regions and Pokemon on display. Historically, most of these gimmicks have only lasted for one generation, with Mega Evolutions two-generation run being the exception. At least when it comes to making the games feel distinct, the regional gimmicks have been successful due to how they have affected the metagames of their respective generations. If Generation 10 has a gimmick, it will likely play a similar role.
Pokemon Still Has Some Unexplored Territory For New Gimmicks
There is a pattern in every gimmick from each Pokemon generation, with each of them affecting a different area of a Pokemon. Mega Evolution is obviously a new take on evolution, giving some Pokemon a major power boost. Z-Moves were unique moves that could be used with the assistance of a specific item. Gigantamax is similar to Mega Evolution, but can also be seen as a spin on the way that some Pokemon have multiple forms they can assume. Finally, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Terastal mechanics are tied to types. With each gimmick, the games have been experimenting with new Pokemon traits.
Pokemon's next gimmick needs to be a worthy successor to Scarlet and Violet's popular Tera Raids, and it will likely need to involve new territory as well. Between evolution, moves, forms, and types, most of the main relevant aspects of Pokemon have already been covered. However, even with that, there are still a few potential places to look. A Pokemon's gender and weight are rarely notable aside from a small selection of moves and abilities, and height is even less relevant. However, there are still two main traits that have not specifically been the subject of a generation gimmick yet, and they are a Pokemon's ability and stats.
Abilities are so vital to Pokemon's strategy in the metagame that finding a Pokemon with a Hidden Ability can make it far more useful than normal if said ability works well with it. A gimmick that changes a Pokemon's ability mid-battle could be notable, especially if the ability in question is a unique one, similar to how Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax worked. An alternative mechanic could be one that involves affecting stats in some way, either dramatically increasing the user's stats or reducing their opponents. However, since stat changes are not very flashy, such an idea may not be able to carry a game as its main gimmick.
At this point, it would likely be a surprise to many if Pokemon Generation 10 broke the pattern of the games introducing new gimmicks. The question to ask may be whether there will be a gimmick, but how well it can stack up to what previous generations brought to the table. While almost every important aspect of Pokemon has been reworked into a generation-specific mechanic, something could still be done with the few remaining traits. If patterns hold, that may be where Pokemon Generation 10's next gimmick could lie.