Pokémon champions: the roster reveal & why your dream team might be missing
The competitive Pokémon scene finally has a dedicated platform with the launch of Pokémon Champions, but the initial rollout isn't without its restrictions. While the promise of streamlined battles and a focused experience is enticing, players are quickly discovering a significant limitation: not all Pokémon are immediately available. This isn't a mere inconvenience; it's reshaping team compositions and sparking debate within the community.
The legendaries & mythicals: a no-show at launch
The most glaring absence? Legendaries and Mythicals. Forget about fielding a Zapdos, Moltres, or Articuno – the iconic trio of birds are off-limits, as are fan favorites like Mew and Mewtwo. This decision, according to the developers, aligns with the game's competitive structure, though it leaves many longtime players wanting. Previous iterations of Pokémon games have historically expanded access to these powerful creatures, albeit in a limited fashion. It remains to be seen if Champions will follow suit.
But the exclusions don't end there. Pre-evolutions, often dubbed “NFE” forms, are also missing from the initial roster. While typically less desirable than their evolved counterparts, certain NFE Pokémon – Clefairy, Porygon2, and Murkrow, to name a few – hold considerable strategicvalue in competitive play. The rationale behind their omission remains opaque, a point of frustration for players who’ve meticulously crafted strategies around these forms.
The unexplained cuts: what criteria did masaaki hoshino's team use?
Beyond the obvious exclusions, a curious phenomenon has emerged: several seemingly viable Pokémon simply aren't present in Pokémon Champions. The development team, led by Masaaki Hoshino, hasn’t publicly elaborated on the criteria used to determine which species make the cut. This lack of transparency fuels speculation and leaves players questioning the design choices. The list of missing Pokémon is substantial, and adds to the initial wave of disappointment.
It's crucial to note that this article was written before the official launch of Pokémon Champions, and the available roster is subject to change. We'll be diligently updating this information as new details emerge, so keep checking back. The team at SpainPlay is actively monitoring the situation and will provide the most current and accurate information possible.
A breakdown of available & missing pokémon (by generation)
Below is a comprehensive list, categorized by generation, detailing which Pokémon are currently accessible in Pokémon Champions. The presence or absence of Mega Evolutions is also noted. See the tables for a detailed overview of which Pokémon are available, and which are missing.
The initial list highlights some key omissions, including Pidgeot and Mewtwo, both of whom boast powerful Mega Evolutions. The exclusion of multiple Mega-capable Pokémon across various generations raises questions about the long-term competitive landscape of Champions.