Pokémon Winds and Waves: return of catching outside battle and multiplayer co-op

Briefly

• A new leak suggests a popular feature from Pokémon Legends: Z-A is returning in the upcoming Pokémon game.
• Gameplay footage shows a trainer throwing a Poké Ball outside battle, a hallmark of the Pokémon Legends series.
• Pokémon Winds and Waves is expected in 2027, with online multiplayer co-op among its new features.

GAME-scanner analysis

Recent leaks about Pokémon Winds and Waves, reportedly from an early build, point to the return of catching Pokémon outside battle. That would mark a significant shift in the series’ gameplay, which has increasingly focused on dynamic interactions with the game world. The fact that this feature is central to the Pokémon Legends games suggests that Game Freak may be aiming for a more open, exploratory approach in this new title. The multiplayer online co-op feature could also add a new dimension to the experience, allowing players to team up in their search for Pokémon.

What does this mean for players?

For players, the return of catching Pokémon outside battle means a chance to engage more directly with the game world. It could dramatically change how the adventure feels, encouraging players to actively hunt Pokémon rather than only encountering them in battle. On top of that, multiplayer co-op could improve the social side of the game, bringing a fresh twist to how players interact with one another.

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