For most of us, one of the most exciting moments in the game is when a new region and its Pokémon get released. After what has felt like forever, there’s some good news on the horizon on the topic of Galar Pokémon!
At the recent Pokémon GO Fest in Madrid, Dot Esports had the opportunity to catch up with the game’s director, Michael Steranka, who shared some exciting insights and future plans, particularly about the addition of the Galar region.
Galar Pokémon are coming soon
Although Steranka could not provide an accurate release date, or a timeline, for when Galar Pokémon will be added, he did share that the team is eager to add more Pokémon and more features to the game.
“We want to find the right moments and opportunities that make sense for individual Pokémon,” Steranka shared, when asked when players can expect to see new Pokémon.
The release schedule for new Pokémon is tightly linked to the broader Pokémon franchise, particularly the launch of new main series games.
“It’s been a while,” Steranka admitted, sharing the team’s eagerness to roll out the new region. “It’s something we’re itching to get out there and get into player’s hands. Stay tuned.”
Niantic plans to diversify the game
Apparently, the finite amount of Pokémon is a real challenge for Niantic, and Steranka shared that they are aware of the challenges this creates, especially surrounding events with no new Pokémon.
Steranka referred to a Reddit thread that popped up recently (so, they do actually read Reddit!), and noted that he was commenting the same thing with the team before that thread went live:
“Even a couple weeks before that post went live, it was something we had been discussing internally as a team,” Steranka shared, continuing to say that the team is not only planning to introduce new Pokémon but also exploring ways to diversify the game’s content to enrich the overall experience.
This includes focusing on aspects beyond just catching Pokémon, such as adding new features and events that engage players in different ways.
Steranka was happy to repeat that they are hard at work finding new ways to engage players, and that he is aware of the prolonged draught of content.
What’s Next for Pokémon Go?
While the exact date for the arrival of Galar Pokémon remains under wraps, we must say that we are seeing an increase in enthusiasm within the community.
In the meantime, the only thing we can do as players to keep the excitement alive by participating in ongoing events and staying tuned for more updates from the developers. The wait may be tough, but we have high hopes for Galar!
A quick Galar reminder
The Galar region, introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, is a vibrant and expansive area inspired by the United Kingdom. It features a rich industrial landscape alongside quaint countryside towns, grand castles, and contemporary cities.
Galar is renowned for its Pokémon Gym Challenge, a prestigious tournament where trainers compete in Gym Battles in massive stadiums filled with cheering fans.
Unique to Galar is the phenomenon of Dynamax and Gigantamax, where Pokémon can temporarily grow to giant sizes and gain increased power during battles. This region also introduces several new Pokémon species, along with Galarian forms of familiar Pokémon, which have adapted to the unique environment of Galar.
From the strategic battles to the charming settings, Galar offers a fresh, dynamic adventure in the Pokémon universe.
