New gameplay features and six new Pokémon have been revealed from the upcoming Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon games.
We’ll layout the Pokémon in detail in a little bit, but the gameplay features are pretty groundbreaking and have big implications for the competitive scene.
The Pokémon Global Link (PGL) will be updated, ending its services through Pokémon Omega Ruby, Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, Pokémon X, and Pokémon Y. Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon will be the new main series platform for competitive play. Official Online Competitions will still be held, but new functions will also be added to allow players to hold their own Friendly Competitions in two different styles.
Pokemon.com describes Online Competitions.
In these Internet competitions, you’ll battle other participants you’ve been matched with and compete for the best rating. These competitions can be open to Pokémon Trainers all around the world, or they can be set to only allow pre-approved Trainers to enter. When the number of participants exceeds a certain number, Pokémon ranking will also be calculated, just as in official Online Competitions.
Pokemon.com also describes Live Competitions.
Live Competitions allow you to host a competition where you gather together with friends and others in the same space. The Digital Player ID that contains the regulations will be created as a QR Code, and by scanning in that QR Code, participants will be able to battle according to the competition’s regulations.
A new form of training will be introduced called Hyper Training. Descriptions of this feature aren’t completely clear, but it would seem that this allows players to manipulate a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs). This would severely diminish the need for excessive breeding and soft resetting for ideally competitive Pokémon. The Pokémon need to be at level 100 in order to take part in Hyper Training.
Pokemon.com describes how Bottle Caps, a new item, are used to Hyper Train.
Hyper Training is done by Mr. Hyper—a man who loves to collect Bottle Caps. He can be found somewhere in the Alola region. If you bring him Bottle Caps, which you can obtain in Pokémon Sunand Pokémon Moon, you’ll be able to improve your Pokémon’s stats with Hyper Training.
It’s being said that a Magearna we’ll be able to get will be holding a Bottle Cap.
Now to the new Pokémon!
Wimpod
Category: Turn Tail Pokémon
Type: Bug/Water
Ability: Wimp Out
Height: 1’08”
Weight: 26.5 lbs.
Wimpod has a new Ability called Wimp Out. If its HP drops below half it runs away or swaps out for another Pokémon.
Wimpod are cowardly and immediately run off if approached in a group. They spit out a poisonous liquid when they feel threatened, the smell of which signals danger to other Wimpod. Despite all this, Wimpod are curious and approach people and Pokémon that are standing still.
Pokemon.com describes how Wimpod are known for scavenging.
Wimpod eat and store anything that they find fallen on the ground. They also scavenge any garbage that’s been dropped in the sea, so they’re highly valued as cleaners. They sometimes carry pearls or other valuable items, so humans or Pokémon like Murkrow may target them.
Bounsweet
Category: Fruit Pokémon
Type: Grass
Ability: Leaf Guard/Oblivious
Height: 1’00”
Weight: 7.1 lbs.
Bounsweet are popular in Alola because of the delicious smell they exude from their bodies. Many people let Bounsweet live in their homes since their scent has a calming effect. Unfortunately, Bounsweet are sometimes swallowed whole by other Pokémon drawn in by the scent.
Pokemon.com describes how Bounsweet flee from battle.
When running away from other Pokémon, Bounsweet flees danger by skipping along the ground. Since its bouncy movements don’t convey to others that it’s actually in desperate flight, no one ever comes to its aid.
Comfey
Category: Posy Picker Pokémon
Type: Fairy
Ability: Flower Veil/Triage
Height: 0’4″
Weight: 0.7 lbs.
Some Comfey have a new Ability called Triage. This gives restorative moves the highest priority in battle.
Comfey make rings of flowers and spread oil from their bodies on them, which changes the blossoms so they emit a soothing fragrance. They give these flower rings to those they’re fond of. Comfey also help with the treatment of people and Pokémon at Pokémon Centers and hospitals with their aroma.
Pokemon.com describes how Comfey flee and battle.
When attacked by other Pokémon, it throws its flowers at them to create an opening, and then it either flees or strikes back.
Mudsdale
Category: Draft Horse Pokémon
Type: Ground
Ability: Own Tempo/Stamina
Height: 8’02”
Weight: 2028.3 lbs.
Some Mudsdale have a new Ability called Stamina. This raises Mudsdale’s Defense by one when hit by an attack.
Mudsdale are known for their powerful bodies and emotional fortitude. They never cry out, no matter what kind of trouble they’re in, and they defeat their opponents with a single powerful blow. Mudsdale legs are coated in protective mud, and the weight of this coating increases the force of their kicks. One kick, and a car is a pile of scrap!
Pokemon.com describes how strong Mudsdale are.
Mudsdale’s running speed is not too swift, but it has excellent power and stamina. It can carry on for three days and three nights despite dragging loads of over 10 tons!
Bewear
Category: Strong Arm Pokémon
Type: Normal/Fighting
Ability: Fluffy/Klutz
Height: 6’11”
Weight: 297.6 lbs.
Some Bewear have a new Ability called Fluffy. This halves the damage taken from attacks that make direct contact, but doubles the damage taken from Fire-type moves.
Bewear is known as a dangerous Pokémon. Warning signs are posted near places where they reside. When Bewear grow fond of their Trainers they may show that feeling in a fond embrace, but the force of that hug is tremendous! Trainers must teach these Pokémon how to restrain their strength when showing affection because their crushing bear hugs can crush anything in two.
Pokemon.com describes how Bewear battle.
Some wild Bewear use amazing martial-arts moves. Apparently the Pokémon learn these moves by watching Black Belts practicing when they go out to train in the woods.
Mimikyu
Category: Disguise Pokémon
Type: Ghost/Fairy
Ability: Disguise
Height: 0’08”
Weight: 1.5 lbs.
Mimikyu has a new Ability called Disguise. This allows Mimikyu to avoid damage from an enemy attack once, then its appearance changes.
Mimikyu spend their lives covered completely by cloth. People in the Alola region believe that anybody who sees their true form beneath the cloth will be stricken with a mysterious illness. Mimikyu’s health fails when they’re bathed in rays of sunlight, so they prefer to stay in dark places.
Pokemon.com explains why Mimikyu disguises look like Pikachu.
The rising popularity of Pikachu-styled merchandise around 20 years ago is the reason that Mimikyu makes itself look like Pikachu. In fact, this Pokémon is dreadfully lonely, and it thought it would be able to make friends with humans if only it looked like Pikachu.
Visit Pokemon.com and the Pokémon Global Link for more details and updates on Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon. Watch the official trailer for this announcement below.
