Pokemon Gen 10’s ‘Confirmed’ Setting: A Double-Edged Sword for Its Open World Design

Rumors are swirling about the next installment in the Pokémon franchise, Gen 10, which is codenamed Gaia and reportedly set in the Cyclades archipelago. This open-world game could face challenges with its water-based gameplay, a lesson learned from past issues. To succeed, it will need to enhance the water travel experience, possibly integrating evolutions inspired by Greek mythology.

The release, anticipated for 2026, breaks the usual three-year cycle, suggesting a significant and worthwhile upgrade, potentially exclusive to the forthcoming Nintendo Switch 2. Last year’s TeraLeak hinted that Gen 10 would be set in this Mediterranean locale, specifically Greece, despite earlier rumors centered around Italy. This shift intrigues fans but also introduces potential challenges.

The Cyclades consist of about 30 islands, and while not all are inhabited, players might get to explore most. Previous games didn’t always mirror real-life locations exactly, so this game may not feature every island. However, the fundamental concept of an open world with extensive water areas could pose challenges due to past criticisms, like those seen in the Hoenn region games, where water traversal was often cumbersome.

Navigating these water areas could be tricky if the mechanics mirror those found in Gen 8, where movement on water felt less intuitive, and avoiding random encounters was challenging. The quick attacks from Pokémon such as Veluza in Scarlet and Violet’s water sections exacerbated this issue.

For Gen 10, if it indeed unfolds in a Greek archipelago with an open-world format similar to PLA and Gen 9, improving water traversal will be crucial. Greece offers a lush backdrop rich in mythology, which could inspire unique Pokémon evolutions. Nevertheless, ensuring a seamless and engaging water journey remains vital for avoiding the pitfalls of previous games.

For instance, while Scarlet and Violet’s Koraidon and Miraidon provided water traversal options eventually, these features often felt awkward, especially when integrating them with other movement abilities. Transitioning smoothly between water travel and flight, especially amid wild Pokémon encounters, presented challenges.

With an entire archipelago as its setting, Gen 10 must optimize water traversal to provide a compelling experience. By addressing these factors, the next Pokémon title has the potential to capture players’ imaginations and deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.