Fans Call for Reintroduction of Set Mode in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

The Legacy of Set Mode and Its Removal

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players are lamenting the removal of a feature in the newest games that has been around since Pokemon's inception. The most recent entries in the long-running monster-catching series made a wealth of changes to the beloved franchise, bringing Pokemon into a fully open-world environment for the first time. The games would introduce non-linear progression, with players able to beat Scarlet and Violet's Gyms in any order as well as the new type-changing Terastal mechanic. Now, fans are lamenting the removal of one popular mechanic from the older games.

While recent Pokemon games have introduced plenty of new mechanics and gameplay elements, the changes have not come without some longtime features being shelved. Pokemon officially removed HMs following the sixth generation games, with players no longer required to use the special moves to clear obstacles. Pokemon Scarlet and Violet saw a drastic reduction in the ability to enter buildings as well, with players no longer able to enter NPC homes like in past games. A core battle mechanic was also removed in Scarlet and Violet and some fans aren't happy.

A post made by Reddit user luxifuzi to the Pokemon subreddit is lamenting the removal of 'Set' mode within Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The cut feature from past Pokemon games changed the way defeating a trainer's Pokemon works, with players unable to swap their Pokemon at the same time as their opponent. As the post references, Set mode was a popular feature in many Pokemon challenges like Nuzlockes, with some feeling that The Pokemon Company dislikes the fan-made challenges. The Pokemon Company did not make a public announcement regarding the removal of Set mode in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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The post on Reddit

Fan Reactions and Community Discussion

Replies to the post referenced several other changes made by Nintendo throughout recent games with the aim of making the game more accessible. Pokemon X and Y introduced the team-wide Exp. Share for the first time, with Game Freak later removing the ability to turn off experience sharing in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Many fans have also frequently complained that recent entries in the franchise have been significantly easier than past games. More forgiving fans suggested Set mode may have caused issues with Scarlet and Violet's online play or created bugs during testing.

Fan requests for the return of Set mode come as Pokemon Scarlet and Violet recently debuted the second half of its DLC expansion, titled 'The Indigo Disk.' The DLC whisks players to a brand-new area with Blueberry Academy introducing new characters, areas to explore, and a new storyline. The expansion also saw several fan-favorite Pokemon return to Scarlet and Violet, with past Legendaries and all of the franchise's Starter Pokemon added to the games. To the dismay of fans, the return of Set mode may not be in the cards for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

The Impact of Set Mode's Absence

The removal of Set mode has sparked a wave of disappointment and discussion within the Pokemon community. Fans who enjoyed the strategic challenge of Set mode battles are now left longing for its return. The absence of Set mode may have a significant impact on the gameplay experience, especially for those who engage in fan-made challenges like Nuzlockes. Additionally, the absence of Set mode may further contribute to the perception of recent Pokemon games being easier and less challenging than their predecessors.

The potential reasons behind the removal of Set mode, such as issues with online play and testing, have left fans questioning the direction of the franchise. While the return of past Legendaries and Starter Pokemon in the recent DLC expansion brought excitement to the community, the absence of Set mode continues to be a point of contention. As fans continue to voice their disappointment and frustration, the future of Set mode in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet remains uncertain.