Unveiling the Exciting New Flying Feature in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Highlights

The addition of flight mechanics in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's DLC is a late change for Gen 9, possibly signaling that future games will have this feature.

The DLC introduces temporary flight abilities for Koraidon and Miraidon, with suggestions of their potential permanence.

Some argue that adding flight earlier in the base game would have been fairer, as locking it behind a paywall disadvantages players who cannot afford or have no interest in purchasing the DLC.

The DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduces the ability for Koraidon and Miraidon to not only glide but also fly, which is a long-awaited change for Gen 9. It is hoped that this feature will be carried forward into future Pokemon games. Throughout the generations, Pokemon's traversal mechanics have evolved along with its design, starting with Hidden Moves like Surf and Fly and now with Scarlet and Violet's breaking of traditions by using Legendary Pokemon as ride Pokemon. The DLC for Scarlet and Violet has the potential to permanently change how traversal mechanics work once again. In The Indigo Disk, the second part of Scarlet and Violet's DLC, it was revealed that Koraidon and Miraidon will be able to perform full flights. The Pokemon Presents showcase showcased this feature, with glimpses of gameplay such as flying through rings in a mini-game. It was stated that this ability would only be temporary, but there were hints that it may become a permanent feature. However, the significance of this addition is diminished by the fact that it is being introduced late in Scarlet and Violet's post-launch content.

Flying in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Should Have Come Sooner

Introducing players to Scarlet and Violet's new traversal mechanics gradually through one of its three storylines, which were linked to the open-world design, was a wise decision. However, these mechanics were limited to just five "upgrades," such as jumping, climbing, or gliding, obtained by defeating Titan Pokemon throughout Scarlet and Violet. Considering that Gen 9 still maintained the traditional eight gyms, it would have been reasonable to include a sixth and strongest Titan Pokemon, offering players a challenge and the ultimate reward of flight.

With the revelation that Pokemon Scarlet and Violet had the intention of providing players with temporary flight, the decision to restrict it to post-launch content behind a paywall appears shortsighted. Limiting one of the most essential open-world traversal mechanics to paid DLC punishes ordinary players who may lack the means or interest in purchasing the expansion. Considering the potential inclusion of flight in the base game and the vast size of Paldea, it would have been more appropriate to introduce it before The Indigo Disk.

Future Pokemon Games Could Learn From Scarlet and Violet's Flying

If Game Freak makes flying a permanent ability, future Pokémon games can learn from the DLC in Gen 9. Pokémon Legends: Arceus' traversal mechanics can be seen as a trial run for testing Game Freak's open-world design, just as Scarlet and Violet's DLC can lay the groundwork for in-game flight. Since it's uncertain if players will ride Legendary Pokémon again in future games, Game Freak will likely need to adapt its formula regardless.

Following the approach established in Scarlet and Violet's Path of Legends, unlocking each ability one by one helps ensure players don't progress too quickly to unprepared areas. Even if flying is considered too powerful to grant players immediately, future Pokémon games could save it as the final ability with the most challenging requirements. With the lessons learned from any shortcomings in Scarlet and Violet's DLC, Game Freak can improve flight and effectively balance it with the rest of the game and its mechanics.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.