Mega Evolutions, Victory Points, and 2-on-2 Mayhem: Everything you need to know before April
A brand-new, free-to-start game called Pokémon Champions is hitting our consoles on April 8, and it is entirely focused on the pure, strategic joy of Pokémon battles. Whether you’re a competitive VGC pro or just starting your journey, this game is built for you.
Nintendo just released a deeper look, and the strategy is serious. Check out these critical highlights:
The Big One: Mega Evolution Returns!
Yes, you read that right! Zelda and Pokémon fans, unite! We don’t just have to worry about standard moves and types—Mega Evolution is a core mechanic in Pokémon Champions. You can use this powerful transformation to instantly turn the tide of a match. This is going to change everything!
Master the Basics (and the Deep Strategy)
The game uses the core mechanics we already know and love: types, Abilities, Natures, and moves. But Pokémon Champions is all about customization:
- Training is Key: As a Trainer, you can completely customize your team of six. You can change your Pokémon’s moves, swap their Abilities, and adjust their stat points to find the perfect strategy. This level of deep customization is incredibly exciting!
- Two Battle Formats: Choose your arena! You can fight 1-on-1 in classic Single Battles or go 2-on-2 in intense Double Battles.
Ranked, Casual, and Private: Dominate the Online Ladder
Once your strategy is set, it’s time to test it online. Pokémon Champions launched with three online* battle modes:
- Ranked Battles: Climb the competitive ladder.
- Casual Battles: Test new strategies in low-stakes matches.
- Private Battles: Host custom matches for friends and family!
Victory Points (VP) and Recruitment: How to Build Your Team
How do you actually get your Pokémon? You have three main options:
- Daily Recruitment: You can recruit one free (but random) Pokémon per day from a selection.
- Pokémon HOME: You can bring your existing teams directly into the game!
- Victory Points (VP): This is the game’s currency, earned through battling. VP are vital for your strategy:
- Recruit Multiple Pokémon Daily: Don’t want to wait a day? Use VP to recruit again!
- Make Recruitment Permanent: Normally, a free recruited Pokémon leaves your team after a week. You must use VP to add them to your collection permanently.
- Get Items: VP can be used in the Shop for training items and Trainer customization.
I am already “Starts playing Pokémon Champions now” excited! I can’t wait to see which Mega Evolutions are available and how they will interact with the deep customization. My strategy brain is melting just thinking about it.
Are you a strategic battler, or do you fight with your favorites? Which Mega Pokémon are you most excited to use when Pokémon Champions launches on April 8? Let me know in the comments below!