Pokémon Sun and Moon are set to launch on Nintendo 3DS in less than a month, and they’ll be shaking up some major conventions of the series when they do. The reveal of Island Challenge Trials in August seemed to indicate that there are no gyms in Alola, and the new Poké Ride feature appears to be a replacement for HMs.

After speaking with a Nintendo representative at a recent press event, Gamnesia can now confirm that HMs and gyms, two longtime staples of the series, are both absent in Pokémon Sun and Moon. As expected, gyms have been replaced Island Challenge Trials in Alola. It’s unclear at this time how that will change the usual formula of gym badges allowing you to train your Pokémon to higher levels, but it will presumably still be a similar process.

Instead of teaching HMs to your Pokémon (often leading to a dedicated “HM slave” taking up one of the spots on your team), all of these functions will be taken care of by Poké Ride. According to another data mining leak, Surf, Waterfall, and Fly will all still be present as TMs.

Pokémon Sun and Moon will launch worldwide on November 18th for Nintendo 3DS. If you’re already sure you want to explore the Pokémon-filled world of Alola, Amazon lets you preorder Pokémon Sun right here and Pokémon Moon right here. You can also preorder the games’ official strategy guide and its hardcover collector’s edition at the respective links.

No

ChannelImages

Our Verdict

Top