It has recently come to light that Pokemon: Let’s Go items will be very different to items in previous Pokemon titles. This is just one of many changes that has been made to the series’ most recent installment, but how exactly will items be different? Here’s a guide on some of Pokemon: Let’s Go‘s changes, including the changes that have been made to held items and abilities.
Will Pokemon Let’s Go Have Held Items?
A member of the site Serebii recently wrote a report after playing through the first two hours of Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! Specifically, he got to play up to the point in which the player faces the Pewter City gym leader, Brock.
In relation to items, the report specifically states that “there are no held items in the game and no option to make a Pokemon hold an item.” Therefore, items like Life Orbs and Focus Sashes, which are very prominent in the competitive scene, will not be available in the Let’s Go titles. On top of this, the report mentioned that “abilities also aren’t in the game.” The combination of both of these factors suggests that battling online will be something entirely different to the way in which the meta for mainline Pokemon games has worked to date.
The report didn’t just feature information on items and abilities, though. It also mentioned some other changes about the game.
What Is Different About Pokemon Lets Go?
In relation to the first gym, the Serebii report mentioned that “you need to have a Grass or Water-type Pokémon before entering Pewter City Gym.” It is unknown at present whether the necessity to own a Pokemon that has super-effective typing against a gym’s type will be mandatory for entry to all of the gyms, but it’s unlikely. This is probably just to make the transition easier for Pokemon Go players who are playing their first mainline Pokemon game.
Another interesting change the report mentions is that instead of the man who needs his coffee in Viridian City, Jessie, James, and Meowth will appear. The player still won’t have to battle them until they meet at Mt. Moon, but they will be introduced to players earlier in this title.
Given that the Pokemon Go method of catching Pokemon will be used in the games, the fact that “trainer battles also end with Poké Balls being given in order to continue capture” is a new mechanic that will be warmly welcomed.
The report concludes by saying that “It’s not the competitive game some players want but it’s at its soul, a true Pokemon game.” Although there are no held items, no abilities, and a slightly changed Gen I map, it is refreshing to see that the game is a “true Pokemon game.”
Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee! will launch for the Nintendo Switch on November 16, 2018.
