Pokémon Winds and Waves Moving Away From Its Classic Turn-Based Combat

Game Freak’s recent comments suggest Pokémon’s traditional battle system could eventually evolve, while Pokémon Champions may preserve the classic formula for longtime fans.

Game Freak may be ready for one of the greatest Pokémon transformations ever. In a recent behind-the-scenes interview, the Pokémon creator noted that the series’ battle system is slowly evolving as the franchise continues to grow, raising the question of whether traditional turn-based combat will remain a mainstay in future major titles.

Game Freak says one issue with that potential evolution is the tremendous history tied to Pokémon’s existing fighting system. Players have appreciated the formula since the earliest games, such as Pokémon Red and Green and Pokémon Gold and Silver, and competitive battling has become a franchise staple over the decades.

The company allegedly felt uncomfortable just replacing that method and asking loyal fans to accept the new approach.

However, Game Freak sought a way to keep the original experience while still allowing Pokémon to play with new concepts. That idea eventually became a foundation for Pokémon Champions, which is built to continue the traditional fight experience. Notably, the comments suggest the conventional turn-based system might not stay the same forever.

Game Freak doesn't seem quite ready to let go of the traditional concept, but instead is looking for ways to keep it alive as the main series tries other takes on fighting. Another choice is to focus more on real-time combat. Pokémon Legends: Z-A has previously shown that the series is willing to experiment with more active battle elements like movement and dodging.

A future core game could take that idea further, letting players bind attacks to controller buttons instead of repeatedly going through typical command menus. That would put Pokémon more in line with other major RPG brands. Final Fantasy, for example, has steadily drifted away from its pure turn-based roots, with modern games blending real-time action with menus or systems that slow combat down when players have to select skills.

A hybrid approach might be worth a go with Pokémon.

Players may still give strategic orders, but combat could play out more fluidly around them. That might hold onto parts of the decision-making of turn-based Pokémon, but make the combat more rapid. 

Whether such a big change will appear in the future Generation 10 games, apparently called Pokémon Winds and Waves, is uncertain. But the long development cycle for the next major release could give Game Freak a chance to rethink more than just technical performance.

The postponement comes after heavy criticism of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, including their rocky launch performance. Fans have become increasingly optimistic that the next iteration would arrive more refined and not require upgrades after release.

If Game Freak is really experimenting with a new fighting philosophy, with those technical upgrades, then Generation 10 might be a massive turning point for Pokémon. The studio seems willing to take risks, while Pokémon Champions serves as a safety net for those who just want the fight system they’ve known for decades.

But for now, there’s no certainty that classic turn-based fighting is going somewhere. But the idea is being seriously discussed, according to Game Freak's own statements — and Pokémon's 30-year-old battle formula could enter a new era one day.