Pokémon champions: the roster reveal—and the missing legends

The wait is over. Pokémon Champions, the competitive platform aimed squarely at seasoned players, has arrived. But the initial fanfare is tempered by a significant caveat: not every Pokémon is immediately available. While the launch offers a robust selection, the absence of certain iconic species is already sparking debate within the community. This isn’t a mere inconvenience; it represents a strategic decision with implications for the entire meta.

The initial roster: what you can play

The game’s developers, under the direction of Masaaki Hoshino, have opted for a phased rollout of Pokémon. The current roster, as of this writing prior to the official launch, excludes Legendaries and Mythicals entirely – a move that will undoubtedly frustrate many aspiring competitive players. Think Zapdos, Moltres, Articuno, Mewtwo, and Mew are off-limits, at least for now. This restriction mirrors past Pokémon titles, which have historically introduced these powerful creatures gradually.

Furthermore, non-evolved forms (NEFs), often referred to as “pre-evolutions,” are also absent from the initial selection. While typically less desirable than their evolved counterparts, certain NEFs – like Clefairy, Porygon2, and Murkrow – hold surprising strategic value in competitive circles. Their exclusion forces players to rethink established team compositions.

Beyond the Legendaries and NEFs, a number of seemingly eligible Pokémon haven’t made the cut. The specific criteria used by the development team to make these decisions remain shrouded in mystery, fueling speculation and frustration among dedicated players. The list is constantly being updated, and might change at any time.

The notable absences: a community headache

The absence of Mega Evolutions is particularly significant. While the ability to Mega Evolve is present, many of the most popular and powerful Mega Pokémon are conspicuously missing. The list of missing Pokémon is long, including staples like Pidgeot, Venusaur and Snorlax. The decision raises questions about the intended balance of the game and the potential for future updates to address these omissions. Players are already clamoring for a more comprehensive selection, questioning whether the phased release strategy will ultimately stifle the competitive scene.

The initial wave of Pokémon available includes those from Generations I through IX. A detailed breakdown, including Mega Evolution status, is available below. Note: This list is subject to change.

• Generation I: Kanto natives like Pikachu (with Mega Evolution capabilities) are present, but Mewtwo (with two Mega Evolutions) is notably absent.
• Generation II: Johto Pokémon, including Ampharos (Mega Evolution) and Scizor (Mega Evolution), are available.
• Generation III: Hoenn favorites like Gardevoir (Mega Evolution) and Metagross (Mega Evolution) are included, but the powerful Salamence (Mega Evolution) is missing.
• Generation IV: Sinnoh Pokémon such as Infernape (Mega Evolution) and Lucario (Mega Evolution) are present, whereas Staraptor (Mega Evolution) is notably absent.
• Generation V: Teselia Pokémon like Excadrill (Mega Evolution) and Zoroark (Mega Evolution) are included.
• Generation VI: Kalos Pokémon such as Greninja (Mega Evolution) and Aegislash (Mega Evolution) are present.
• Generation VII: Alola Pokémon such as Decidueye and Mimikyu are included.
• Generation VIII: Galar and Hisui Pokémon such as Corviknight and Ursaluna are present.
• Generation IX: Paldea Pokémon such as Meowscarada and Kingambit are included.

The team at 3DJuegos encourages players to join our Discord server and engage in the Pokémon forums to share strategies and discuss the evolving competitive landscape. Only time will tell if the current roster provides a sustainable foundation for a thriving Pokémon Champions community. The game’s success hinges on balancing the initial restrictions with a steady stream of content updates—a delicate task that Hoshino and his team must navigate with care.