As Pokemon Champions‘ April 8 release date approaches, more details have emerged about some of the game’s systems and mechanics. In addition to changes like removing IVs and adding new Abilities to Mega Evolutions introduced in Legends: Z-A, Pokemon Champions is also reworking the PP for some moves. While a handful of moves greatly benefit from this change, arguably the best move in the Pokemon franchise is taking a significant hit.
PP, or Power Points, represent how many times a Pokemon can use a move in battle, and once a move’s PP is depleted, the Pokemon can no longer use it. This makes Pokemon Champions‘ rebalancing of PP a fairly impactful change, and one that could drastically alter the competitive landscape once the game launches. One of the moves that gets the short end of the stick with these changes is Protect, and it could mean some competitive strategies will be nerfed in the process.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A Players Have Chance to Get Mega Stones from Pokemon Champions
Pokemon Champions will give away free Mega Stones for specific Pokemon to players who transfer them from Pokemon Legends: Z-A.
Pokemon Champions is Nerfing Protect
Pokemon leak aggregate account CentroLeaks on X shared a translation of Pokemon Champions gameplay that demonstrates how PP will be changing in the upcoming game. Moves previously with 5 PP are being increased to 8 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 will have 20 PP as their max. While this change is overall a buff for many of Pokemon‘s best moves that were hindered by low PP, Protect is the one outlier that is not part of this blanket increase.
There is also no way to permanently change a move’s PP in Pokemon Champions, such as with a PP UP item from the mainline games.
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Protect’s PP is Being Reduced in Pokemon Champions
- Previously: 10 PP, now 8 PP
Unlike other previously 10 PP Pokemon moves that are getting a 2-point buff, Protect is actually 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 decades, and is arguably the best move in the game. It allows a Pokemon to completely negate the opponent’s attack for that turn, but has a high chance of failure if used in succession. Now, Pokemon Champions players may have to be more selective when using Protect so as not to waste its PP.
Why Having Less PP is a Significant Nerf for Protect
Protect is a must-use move on nearly all Pokemon in the VGC double-battle format, as it allows players several advantages when battling. First, Protect is a great way to scout an opponent’s team, letting them attack without worrying about a team member taking damage and giving the player a glimpse at their opponent’s move pool and potential strategy. Additionally, Protect can be used in double-battles to avoid taking damage from a partner’s move that hits all mons on the field, such as Earthquake, which can 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 typical 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. However, with only 8 PP, Protect can only be used to keep this stall going for so long before players can no longer protect their staller from harm. For competitive Pokemon players who are frustrated by this strategy, reducing Protect’s PP in Pokemon Champions is a welcome change. However, the larger implications for the Pokemon Champions meta after Protect’s nerf will likely mean battles are going to be much more methodical, with less opportunity for risky plays.
