Riding High: Exploring the World of Rideable Pokémon in the Pokémon Universe

The concept of riding Pokémon has become a beloved feature in the Pokémon franchise, offering players a more immersive and interactive way to traverse the vast in-game worlds. While the idea of partnering with Pokémon for transportation has existed in various forms, the Pokémon game where this mechanic truly came into its own is Pokémon Sun and Moon, released in 2016 for the Nintendo 3DS. These games introduced the Poké Ride system, a replacement for the traditional Hidden Machines (HMs) that previously dictated how players could navigate the environment.

The Evolution of Pokémon Transportation

Before Poké Ride, HMs like Fly, Surf, and Strength were necessary to overcome environmental obstacles. However, HMs often forced players to teach their Pokémon moves they wouldn’t otherwise use, taking up valuable move slots. Poké Ride revolutionized this by allowing players to summon specific Pokémon that specialized in certain traversal abilities, without needing to teach them any moves.

Poké Ride in Sun and Moon: A Paradigm Shift

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, players receive a Ride Pager early in the game. Using the pager summons designated Ride Pokémon that help navigate Alola’s diverse landscapes. These Pokémon include:

• Tauros: For smashing rocks and traversing rough terrain.
• Stoutland: For sniffing out hidden items.
• Lapras: For surfing across water.
• Charizard: For flying to previously visited locations.
• Sharpedo: For smashing through rocks in the water.
• Mudsdale: For travelling quickly across rough terrain.
• Machamp: For pushing heavy boulders.

The Poké Ride system felt organic and integrated seamlessly into the Alola region. It gave players a real sense of partnership with Pokémon, enriching the overall gaming experience.

Beyond Alola: Rideable Pokémon in Other Games

While Pokémon Sun and Moon popularized the rideable Pokémon mechanic, it has evolved and been adapted in subsequent titles:

• Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!: Players can ride certain larger Pokémon, like Arcanine and Onix, in the overworld. This added a fun visual element, although the functionality was more limited than Poké Ride.
• Pokémon Legends: Arceus: This game took the concept even further, introducing a roster of Ride Pokémon crucial for exploring the Hisui region. Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, Sneasler, and Hisuian Braviary each offered unique traversal abilities, essential for accessing different areas and completing the game. Gaining their trust was a central part of the narrative, making the experience even more meaningful.
• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: In these open-world adventures, players are given Koraidon (Scarlet) or Miraidon (Violet) early on. These legendary Pokémon serve as the primary mode of transportation, allowing players to run, swim, climb, and eventually glide/fly across the Paldea region. Upgrading their abilities is tied to progressing through the main story, making them integral to the game.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riding Pokémon

1. What exactly is a “Ride Pokémon”?

A Ride Pokémon is a designated Pokémon that a player can summon and ride to traverse the game world more efficiently. They often possess unique abilities that allow players to overcome environmental obstacles.

2. How do you unlock the ability to ride Pokémon in most games?

Typically, the ability to ride Pokémon is unlocked through story progression. Often, players receive an item like the Ride Pager or encounter specific characters who grant access to Ride Pokémon.

3. Can you ride any Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Moon?

No, you can only ride the specific Pokémon designated as Ride Pokémon in the Poké Ride system. These Pokémon each specialize in particular types of terrain.

4. Are Ride Pokémon the same as HM moves?

No, Ride Pokémon are a distinct mechanic separate from HM moves. Unlike HM moves, you don’t need to teach Ride Pokémon any moves to utilize their traversal abilities.

5. Are Ride Pokémon available in Pokémon Sword and Shield?

While the concept of rideable Pokémon was absent in Sword and Shield, it’s worth noting the games focused on the Wild Area, which encouraged exploration on foot or by cycling.

6. Can Ride Pokémon be shiny?

In most cases, no. The Ride Pokémon provided by the game are typically shiny locked, meaning they cannot appear as shiny. However, you can still catch shiny versions of those Pokémon for your personal collection.

7. How do you ride Pokémon in Pixelmon?

In the fan-made mod Pixelmon, players can ride Pokémon they own. Interacting with a mountable Pokémon that you’ve sent out will allow you to ride it.

8. Can you fly on Koraidon or Miraidon right from the start of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

No, flying with Koraidon or Miraidon is an ability that must be unlocked by progressing through the Path of Legends questline.

9. Why can’t I ride Koraidon or Miraidon in Area Zero?

Koraidon and Miraidon are reportedly frightened by the environment in Area Zero, preventing players from riding them in that specific location.

10. Can you ride Pokémon online with friends?

This depends on the specific game. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can explore the open world with friends, and everyone can use their Koraidon or Miraidon to travel together.

11. What happens if your Ride Pokémon faints?

Ride Pokémon do not faint. They are summoned specifically for traversal purposes and do not participate in battles as Ride Pokémon.

12. Is there a limit to how long you can ride a Pokémon?

In some games, like Scarlet and Violet, there might be limitations such as stamina when gliding, but generally, there is no strict time limit on riding Pokémon.

13. Are all the Ride Pokémon necessary to complete Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Yes, each Ride Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is required to access different areas and complete the game.

14. How do you unlock new abilities for Koraidon and Miraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

New abilities, such as swimming, climbing, and gliding, are unlocked by defeating the Titan Pokémon along the Path of Legends questline.

15. What are some of the benefits of riding Pokémon over traditional methods of travel?

Riding Pokémon often provides faster and more efficient travel, allows players to access previously unreachable areas, and enhances the sense of immersion and partnership with their Pokémon. Moreover, it replaced the need for HMs, which was a welcome change.

The Future of Pokémon Rides

The evolution of rideable Pokémon highlights Nintendo’s commitment to enhancing gameplay mechanics and user experience. Each iteration has brought new features, adding depth to the game world and allowing players to connect with their Pokémon in meaningful ways.

As the Pokémon franchise continues to evolve, it’s exciting to imagine how the concept of riding Pokémon will be further refined and expanded. Perhaps future games will introduce new rideable Pokémon with unique abilities, customizable features, or even cooperative riding mechanics. The possibilities are as vast as the Pokémon universe itself.

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