Which Pokémon Can You Ride? A Comprehensive Guide to Rideable Pokémon Across the Generations
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So you want to ditch the running shoes and explore the Pokémon world in style? You’re in luck! Riding Pokémon has become a beloved feature throughout the series, evolving from simple transportation to integral gameplay mechanics. The answer to “Which Pokémon can you ride?” varies depending on the game, but the trend is clear: more and more Pokémon are becoming rideable, enhancing exploration and offering unique perspectives on the Pokémon world.
In essence, if a Pokémon is large enough and the game’s design allows, there’s a good chance you can hop on its back. From surfing on Lapras to soaring on Charizard, let’s explore which Pokémon can become your personal steed across various games.
Rideable Pokémon Across Different Generations
The concept of riding Pokémon has evolved dramatically from its early implementations. Let’s take a look at some of the key games and the Pokémon you can ride in each.
Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!
These games introduced a more accessible and visually appealing riding mechanic. For the most part, the rule of thumb was, “If you think you can ride it, you probably can.”
- Onix
- Rhyhorn
- Rhydon
- Rapidash
- Arcanine
- Tauros
- Persian
- Lapras
- Snorlax
- Starmie
This list isn’t exhaustive, but gives you a good idea of the possibilities in the Kanto region. The visual of your character perched atop a giant Onix is undeniably memorable!
Pokémon Sword and Shield
While not strictly “riding” in the traditional sense, Pokémon Sword and Shield introduced the Rotom Bike, which could be upgraded with the ability to travel on water. This provided a unique transportation method, though not directly involving riding a specific Pokémon.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus revolutionized the way we interact with the world, making riding Pokémon an essential part of gameplay. This removed the need for traditional Hidden Machines (HMs) like Surf and Fly.
- Wyrdeer: Replaces running and general travel.
- Ursaluna: Used for digging up buried items.
- Basculegion: Allows travel across water.
- Hisuian Braviary: Grants the ability to fly.
These Pokémon were crucial for navigating the Hisui region and unlocking its secrets. The seamless integration of riding into exploration was a game-changer.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet took the concept even further with the legendary Pokémon Koraidon (in Scarlet) and Miraidon (in Violet).
- Koraidon/Miraidon: These Pokémon transform into motorcycle-like forms for traversing the land. They can also swim, climb, and glide, providing unparalleled freedom of movement.
The ability to seamlessly transition between land, sea, and air with a single Pokémon made exploration incredibly fluid and enjoyable. These Pokémon became integral to the story and exploration of the Paldea region.
General Considerations for Rideable Pokémon
Beyond specific games, certain types of Pokémon often lend themselves well to being rideable. These include:
- Flying Pokémon: Naturally, Pokémon like Charizard, Aerodactyl, and Dragonite are popular choices for soaring through the skies.
- Large Pokémon: Many games allow you to ride Pokémon that are simply large enough to carry your character, such as Snorlax or Onix.
- Aquatic Pokémon: Pokémon like Lapras are often used for traversing water bodies.
- Quadrupedal Pokémon: Pokémon that walk on four legs, like Rapidash or Arcanine, often make natural mounts.
- Dragon Type Pokemon
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riding Pokémon
1. Which Flying Pokémon can you ride?
Generally, Charizard, Aerodactyl, and Dragonite are common rideable Flying-type Pokémon, especially in games where you unlock the ability to fly after becoming champion. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Hisuian Braviary is the go-to flying mount.
2. Can you ride any Pokémon in Pokémon Violet?
Yes, you can ride Koraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Miraidon in Pokémon Violet. They transform into motorcycle-like forms, enabling you to traverse land, water, and air seamlessly.
3. Can you ride Rapidash?
Yes, you can ride Rapidash in games like Pokémon Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!. Its speed makes it a great choice for increasing travel speed.
4. How do you get rideable Arcanine?
In Pokémon Let’s Go, you can receive an Arcanine by completing a side quest in Cerulean City, where you need to catch five Meowth and bring them to a specific NPC.
5. What Pokémon turns into a bike?
Koraidon and Miraidon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet transform into motorcycle-like forms, making them essentially Pokémon bikes.
6. How does Koraidon fly?
Koraidon doesn’t technically fly, but it can glide after you unlock the ability by defeating the Quaking Earth Titan in Pokémon Scarlet. Miraidon in Violet also glides. This gliding is initiated by pressing B while in the air.
7. Can I ride any Pokemon in Arceus?
No, you cannot ride ‘any’ Pokemon in Arceus. You can only ride Wyrdeer, Ursaluna, Basculegion, and Hisuian Braviary
8. Are there Horse type Pokemon that are ridable?
While not specifically designed as “riding” Pokémon in all games, some horse-like Pokémon could theoretically be ridden, depending on the game’s mechanics. In this case the only ridable horse type pokemon would be Wyrdeer.
9. Which Pokémon would be the best to ride in real life?
This is subjective, but many would argue for a large, powerful Dragon-type Pokémon like Dragonite for flight and overall versatility. Suicune’s ability to run on water would also be incredibly useful.
10. Can I ride any Pokemon in Scarlet?
No, you cannot ride ‘any’ Pokemon in Scarlet. You can only ride Koraidon who turns into bike mode.
11. Why can’t I transfer all Pokemon to Pokemon Legends: Arceus?
Some Pokémon, like Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee, cannot be transferred to Pokémon Legends: Arceus due to game design limitations.
12. Can you ride Pidgeot?
Unfortunately, you cannot ride Pidgeot in most games. While it’s a large Flying-type, the game mechanics often prioritize other Pokémon for riding.
13. Is it difficult to ride any Pokemon?
The difficulty to ride the Pokemon has to do with progression in the game. For example, you have to defeat titans in Scarlet and Violet to unlock all the traversal modes.
14. Do riding Pokemon make learning more fun?
That could be argued as true due to the fact that Games Learning Society uses games to teach and to make learning engaging and exciting for all. Check out more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Is there a database of rideable Pokemon?
No, there is no official database of rideable Pokemon, you can find them in the games that you play in the series.
Conclusion
The ability to ride Pokémon has become a defining feature of the Pokémon franchise, offering players new ways to explore and interact with the world. From the simple joys of surfing on a Lapras to the thrilling freedom of gliding on a Koraidon or Miraidon, riding Pokémon enhances the sense of adventure and makes the Pokémon world even more immersive. As the series continues to evolve, we can only expect more innovative and exciting ways to travel alongside our favorite Pokémon.