As Pokemon Champions‘ April 8 release date approaches, more details have emerged about a number of the game’s systems and mechanics. Along with changes like removing IVs and adding recent Abilities to Mega Evolutions introduced in Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Champions can be reworking the PP for some moves. While a handful of moves greatly profit from this variation, arguably the most effective move within the Pokemon franchise is taking a major hit.
PP, or Power Points, represent how persistently a Pokemon can use a move in battle, and once a move’s PP is depleted, the Pokemon can now not use it. This makes Pokemon Champions‘ rebalancing of PP a reasonably impactful change, and one that might drastically alter the competitive landscape once the sport launches. One in every of the moves that gets the short end of the stick to these changes is Protect, and it could mean some competitive strategies might be nerfed in the method.
Pokemon Champions is Nerfing Protect
Pokemon leak aggregate account CentroLeaks on X shared a translation of Pokemon Champions gameplay that demonstrates how PP might be changing within the upcoming game. Moves previously with 5 PP are being increased to eight PP, moves with 10 PP are being increased to 12 PP, and moves with 15 PP are being increased to 16 PP. All other moves may have 20 PP as their max. While this variation is overall a buff for lots of Pokemon‘s best moves that were hindered by low PP, Protect is the one outlier that just isn’t a part of this blanket increase.
There’s also no method to permanently change a move’s PP in Pokemon Champions, comparable to with a PP UP item from the mainline games.
Easy (15s)Medium (10s)Hard (5s)
Protect’s PP is Being Reduced in Pokemon Champions
- Previously: 10 PP, now 8 PP
Unlike other previously 10 PP Pokemon moves which might be getting a 2-point buff, Protect is definitely getting a 2-point reduction. Now Protect will only have 8 PP, putting it on par with moves that previously only had 5 PP by default. Protect has been a staple of the Pokemon VGC meta for many years, and is arguably the most effective move in the sport. It allows a Pokemon to completely negate the opponent’s attack for that turn, but has a high probability of failure if utilized in succession. Now, Pokemon Champions players could have to be more selective when using Protect in order to not waste its PP.
Why Having Less PP is a Significant Nerf for Protect
Protect is a must-use move on nearly all Pokemon within the VGC double-battle format, because it allows players several benefits when battling. First, Protect is an ideal method to scout an opponent’s team, letting them attack without worrying a few team member taking damage and giving the player a glimpse at their opponent’s move pool and potential strategy. Moreover, Protect could be utilized in double-battles to avoid taking damage from a partner’s move that hits all mons on the sphere, comparable to Earthquake, which could be especially dangerous to Fire and Electric-Type Pokemon partners.
This nerf to Protect also makes Toxic stall strategies less effective in Pokemon Champions as well. The standard Toxic stall setup requires the player to inflict Toxic on their opponent, then hide behind Substitute and Protect, all while slowly regaining HP with an item like Leftovers. Nevertheless, with only 8 PP, Protect can only be used to maintain this stall going for thus long before players can now not protect their staller from harm. For competitive Pokemon players who’re frustrated by this strategy, reducing Protect’s PP in Pokemon Champions is a welcome change. Nevertheless, the larger implications for the Pokemon Champions meta after Protect’s nerf will likely mean battles are going to be far more methodical, with less opportunity for dangerous plays.