First previews report on the latest Pokémon game. Finally, there is also more information about the multiplayer. MeinMMO explains what you can expect from the new co-op and what not.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will be released on November 18, 2022, and since then fans have been eagerly awaiting the new game. In the meantime, there is first proper gameplay to see, and the community is discussing the previews. There is also new information about the multiplayer.
Where does the information come from? Meanwhile, the first testers have experienced the first hour of gameplay with the 9th generation. These are not full tests, but only previews that already show impressions of the game world.
And here they also reported about the multiplayer and the first co-op experiences, such as the magazine Eurogamer or the colleagues from VG247.com.
The preview video from IGN is embedded here for you:
Familiar and new co-op gameplay in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
What might seem familiar to you? In Scarlet and Violet, there are again multiplayer contents that you should already know from the 8th generation. This includes the raids against particularly large Pokémon and friendly or competitive battles against other human players.
The raids are slightly adjusted as a kind of real-time system is now used. Each one uses their attacks or abilities whenever they can, with the speed stats determining who attacks in what order.
What new co-op elements are there? It is new that you can now invite up to three other players into your session or world and then explore the new game world together in a group of four.
However, the multiplayer mode remains very flexible. While you can be in a game world together in a group of four, you can pursue completely different tasks: While one player continues the story, another player can catch new Pokémon. A third user can go shopping leisurely and buy new clothes.
Eurogamer explains in its preview that in their session, they did not reach a maximum distance regarding how far players can be apart. This slightly resembles Genshin Impact, where you can also be at opposite ends of the map.
What can be done together?
- You can explore the large, open game world together and discover secrets and Easter eggs.
- You can also take photos, go shopping together, and experience many social aspects together.
- Certain events like Koraidon races can also be done in multiplayer.
Which elements do not currently work in co-op?
- According to previews, you cannot complete trainer or gym battles with your friends.
- You also have to do story missions and the corresponding progress alone.
- You must also handle normal battles against wild Pokémon by yourself and can’t get support from your friends. However, they can watch and take photos of you.
If you were hoping to battle Pokémon together or to have other battles like in Monster Hunter World, you might be disappointed. Those who hoped to enjoy the story together with their friends might also be disappointed.
Nevertheless, some testers explain in their preview that the innovations are meaningful and good improvements.
Those who played Sword, Shield or Arceus will recognize many things again
What else could be seen in the gameplay? Both the graphic style and the gameplay surprisingly strongly resemble the previous games like Sword, Shield or the spin-off Arceus:
- Scarlet and Violet rely on an open game world that you can explore freely and attack wild monsters directly on the map. This strongly resembles Arceus, which already used this more open design.
- You can now also automate some battles. So, you don’t have to fight manually every time.
- The graphic style again strongly resembles Sword and Shield but has received some design adjustments.
However, there are also a few small but fine innovations. Some testers explain in their preview that there are no proper Poké Centers anymore. They now look more like gas stations or kiosks, so you can heal your Pokémon directly without doors (and loading screens) or go shopping. This makes the world feel much more dynamic without the constant loading screens.
What do you think? Are you excited about the latest Pokémon game or do you view the changes and the new co-op mode critically? Tell us in the comments!
