Soaring High: Can You Ride a Pidgeot in the Pokémon World?
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The short answer is: generally, no, you cannot directly ride a Pidgeot in most of the core Pokémon games. While Pidgeot is a magnificent Flying-type Pokémon capable of incredible speeds and aerial prowess, the mechanics of riding Pokémon, and particularly flying Pokémon, are more nuanced than simply choosing any airborne creature. Certain games provide exceptions, but Pidgeot isn’t usually on the ride-able roster.
The Nuances of Pokémon Riding Mechanics
Riding Pokémon became a significant feature in the Pokémon series, starting with games like Pokémon Sun and Moon where Ride Pokémon replaced Hidden Machines (HMs) for traversal. This system was further refined and expanded upon in subsequent games like Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, as well as Pokémon Legends: Arceus. However, the decision of which Pokémon are rideable isn’t arbitrary.
Typically, rideable Pokémon are selected based on a combination of factors including:
-
Size and Body Structure: Pokémon need to be large and sturdy enough to comfortably accommodate a trainer on their back.
-
Gameplay Balance: Allowing players to ride any Flying-type Pokémon would trivialize certain challenges and exploration aspects.
-
Story Integration: Some rideable Pokémon are tied to specific story events or quests, making them integral to progression.
Pidgeot, despite its size, has generally been excluded from the list of rideable Pokémon. It’s a capable flyer and powerful in battle, but its design may not lend itself as well to the mechanics of a rideable mount compared to Pokémon like Charizard or Dragonite.
Flying High: The Exception in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
There is an exception to the general rule. Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced a new level of freedom in terms of exploration. In this game, you can summon special rideable Pokémon to traverse the Hisui region with greater ease. One of these is Braviary.
While you can’t directly ride a Pidgeot, Pokémon Legends: Arceus does provide a system that allows you to fly. And it is this game that comes the closest to allowing players to soar through the sky, even if not on a Pidgeot.
Why Isn’t Pidgeot Rideable More Often?
There are a few potential reasons why Pidgeot is often excluded:
-
Aesthetics: The design team may feel that Pidgeot’s aesthetic isn’t as visually appealing or iconic for a rideable Pokémon compared to other options.
-
Roster Consistency: The selection of rideable Pokémon is often consistent across games within a generation to maintain a sense of familiarity.
-
Game Balance: As stated before, allowing access to unrestricted flight too early in the game could break the intended progression flow.
Despite not being rideable in most instances, Pidgeot remains a popular and valuable Pokémon for its battling capabilities and nostalgic appeal.
FAQs: All About Riding Pokémon
1. Which Pokémon can you ride in Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!?
In Pokémon Let’s Go, you can ride Arcanine, Onix, Rapidash, Rhydon, Rhyhorn, and Tauros on land. For water traversal, you can ride Lapras and Gyarados. Charizard, Aerodactyl, and Dragonite are available for flight after defeating the Elite Four.
2. Can you ride Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, Pokémon Sword and Shield do not feature rideable Pokémon in the traditional sense. Instead, you use the Rotom Bike for faster travel across the Galar region.
3. How do you unlock rideable Pokémon in various games?
Rideable Pokémon are often unlocked through story progression, such as completing specific quests, defeating certain trainers, or obtaining special items. The exact method varies depending on the game.
4. Are there any Legendary Pokémon you can ride?
Yes, in certain games. Solgaleo and Lunala are rideable in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon during specific story sequences.
5. Can you ride Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can ride Koraidon (in Scarlet) and Miraidon (in Violet). These Legendary Pokémon transform into rideable forms that allow you to traverse the Paldea region efficiently.
6. What is the purpose of riding Pokémon?
Riding Pokémon serves several purposes: faster traversal, access to new areas, bypassing obstacles, and, in some cases, battling wild Pokémon while mounted.
7. Does riding Pokémon affect the bond with your Pokémon?
In some games, like Pokémon Let’s Go, riding your Pokémon and interacting with it increases your bond, which can provide benefits in battle.
8. Can you ride Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
No, Pokémon GO does not feature rideable Pokémon. The game focuses on walking and exploring in the real world.
9. Which Pokémon are the fastest to ride?
The fastest rideable Pokémon vary by game, but generally, Pokémon like Charizard, Dragonite, and Aerodactyl (when flying) and Rapidash (on land) are among the speediest options.
10. Can you battle while riding a Pokémon?
In some games, like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can initiate battles directly from rideable Pokémon, providing a seamless transition between exploration and combat.
11. What are the limitations of riding certain Pokémon?
Limitations can include restricted areas, inability to cross certain obstacles, or requirements to dismount before performing specific actions.
12. Can you customize your rideable Pokémon?
While you generally can’t customize rideable Pokémon with items or accessories, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet allow you to slightly customize Koraidon and Miraidon with different forms.
13. Are there any Pokémon that shouldn’t be ridden?
This is subjective. Rapidash, as noted in the source text, is potentially dangerous because of its fiery mane. Realistically, Pokémon like Gengar are probably a bad idea, but that’s more due to its tendency for mischief!
14. How does riding Pokémon compare to using HMs?
Riding Pokémon is generally considered more convenient and player-friendly than using HMs. HMs required teaching your Pokémon specific moves that might not be strategically useful, whereas riding Pokémon provides traversal abilities without sacrificing move slots.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon game mechanics and design?
You can explore the intersection of games and learning by visiting the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The Games Learning Society is a great resource to learn more about game design and learning in games.