Generation VIII

The eighth generation (Japanese: eighth generation) of Pokémon games, commonly referred to by fans as Generation VIII, is the eighth installment of the Pokémon video game series. The eighth generation began with and then continued with the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass DLC packs, followed by , and concluded with Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Released after the Let's Go remakes of , Generation VIII is the first generation not to include every previously available Pokémon to obtain, the first generation to include paid DLC in lieu of an additional game, and the first to be released entirely on a home console system, the Nintendo Switch.
==History==
The eighth generation of Pokémon was announced with the reveal of on February 27, 2019. These games were released worldwide on November 15, 2019.
Since February 11, 2020, players have been able to store their Pokémon and trade with other players in the cloud-based application Pokémon HOME.
In the Pokémon Presents presentation January 9, 2020, the Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass was announced, paid DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield introducing new content to the games. Its first part, The Isle of Armor, was released on June 17, 2020, while its second part, The Crown Tundra, was released on October 22, 2020. Physical bundles of each game with its expansion pass were announced on September 29, 2020 and released on November 6, 2020.
In the Pokémon Presents presentation on February 26, 2021, , remakes of the Generation IV games , were announced, and they were released on November 19, 2021 worldwide. Pokémon Legends: Arceus was also announced during the same Pokémon Presents, and was released on January 28, 2022 worldwide.
Since May 18, 2022, players have been able to store their Pokémon from Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl and Legends: Arceus and trade with other players in Pokémon HOME.
==Connectivity==
Regarding connectivity with previous generations, users of Pokémon HOME can carry forward their Pokémon from Pokémon Bank, Let's Go, Pikachu!, Let's Go, Eevee!, and to the application, allowing for a transfer of Pokémon that originate in core series games as early as , as well as the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console releases of the Generation I and games.
Additionally, it would be the first generation since Generation I to allow Pokémon from future generations to be transferred backwards, supporting transfers to and from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through Pokémon HOME.
==Advances in gameplay==
* The addition of , bringing the total to 890.
* The addition of , bringing the total to 804.
* The addition of , bringing the total to 258.
* A new region to explore, the Galar region, based on the .
* A new open area with several landmarks and Pokémon, and connecting several towns, known as the Wild Area.
* The addition of the Y-Comm, which allows trainers to battle and trade Pokémon locally or online with Nintendo Switch Online.
* A new villainous team, Team Yell.
* The introductions of the Rotom Phone, which functions as a menu, and the Rotom Bike, an upgraded version of traditional bikes that can grant a speed boost and move on water.
* Nineteen new regional forms (including two for of a Pokémon), now including Pokémon from Generations II, III, and V as bases, and being the first generation to have forms from multiple generations.
** In addition, the introduction of cross-generational Evolutions exclusive to regional forms.
* Many animations for characters and Pokémon are refined and expanded to be more expressive.
* Eight new Gyms, two of which have different type specialties depending on which version the has, as well as introducing the first Gym that specializes in Pokémon.
* Ten new Gym Leaders, including the first Dark-type leader.
* A new battle mechanic, Dynamax, which increases the size of a Pokémon and allows them to use Max Moves for three turns. Gigantamax expands on this mechanic by also changing a Pokémon's form and turning moves of a certain type into G-Max Moves.
* The introduction of in the form of the .
* The introduction of cosmetic marks and titles.
* The introduction of save data bonuses.
===Alterations from Generation VII===
* Pokémon that are not programmed into a game's current patch cannot be transferred into it.
* Moves from earlier games that are not programmed into a game's current patch cannot be used in Sword and Shield.
* The Town Map is now a part of the menu, and once the player progresses to a certain point, they can use the replacement for Poké Ride Glide, the Flying Taxi, directly from the Town Map.
* The abandonment of the following elements:
** The Moss Rock, Ice Rock, and special magnetic field.
*** Due to this, the Evolution methods of certain Pokémon are changed; now evolves into or via Evolution stone, and Pokémon that evolved via special magnetic field now evolve via Thunder Stone.
** Vs. Recorder
** Trial Captains
** Totem Pokémon
** Island kahunas
** Battle Royals
** SOS Battles
** Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion, Z-Moves, and Ultra Burst
** Rotom Powers
** Berry growth
** Island Scan
** Master Trainers
* The island challenge has been replaced by the Gym Challenge.
* The Elite Four is replaced by the .
* PC is replaced by Rotomi.
* Poké Pelago is replaced by Poké Jobs.
* Pokémon Refresh is replaced by Pokémon Camp.
* The Festival Plaza is replaced by the Y-Comm and Victory Station.
** Wonder Trade is replaced by Surprise Trade.
** The GTS is no longer present in-game and is instead part of a mobile application.
** Battle Spot is replaced by Battle Stadium
* s are replaced by League Cards.
* 12 Pokémon from the previous generations receive new Egg Groups, in addition to the Egg Groups they already had.
* 2 Pokémon receive new Abilities.
* Repels no longer prevent symbol encounters from appearing.
* The nickname of an outsider Pokémon can now be changed if the Pokémon does not already have a nickname, though it still cannot be changed otherwise.
* Wild Pokémon in the overworld can no longer appear .
* Foreign language Pokémon now retain their original language game's name when evolving.
* Badges are now required to catch Pokémon of a certain level.
* Affection has merged into friendship.
** Due to this, Eevee now evolves into when leveled up knowing a Fairy-type move and with high friendship. Additionally, all bonuses tied to the affection now apply to the friendship mechanic.
* Held items are now returned to the player's bag when a Pokémon holding it is released.
* Egg Cycle is now 128 steps instead of 257.
* It is now possible raise individual stats with vitamins beyond 100.
===Further additions in Sword and Shield updates===
====Version 1.1.0====
* The introduction of the Galarian form for .
===Further additions in Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass DLC===
====The Isle of Armor (Version 1.2.0)====
* The addition of:
** Three new Pokémon (the Legendary Pokémon , and the Mythical Pokémon ), bringing the total to 893.
** A new area to explore, the Isle of Armor based on the .
** 29 new moves, some available exclusively as tutor moves, bringing the total to 833.
** Two new Abilities, and , bringing the total to 260.
** Seven new Gigantamax forms, bringing the total to 32.
** , which allows the player to add or remove the to Pokémon they own.
** A former Champion who was previously a Gym Leader.
* The introduction of the Galarian form for .
* The return of:
** 102 , bringing the overall total to 540.
** Apricorns, which can be used to make Poké Balls.
** 13 previously unavailable and unusable moves.
** Walking Pokémon, allowing the player's lead Pokémon to follow them around the Isle of Armor after completing a certain objective.
====The Crown Tundra (Version 1.3.0)====
* The addition of:
** Five new Legendary Pokémon (, , , and ), bringing the total to 898.
** A new area to explore, the Crown Tundra, based on .
** Eight new moves (, , , , , , , and ) bringing the total to 841.
** Seven new Abilities (, , , , , and (which is two different abilities)) bringing the total to 267.
* The introduction of the Galarian forms for , , , and .
* The introduction of Dynamax Adventures.
* The introduction of the Galarian Star Tournament.
* The return of:
** 119 , bringing the overall total to 664.
** 26 previously unavailable and unusable moves.
===Further additions in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl===
* The reintroduction of Pokémon Super Contests and Ball Capsules.
* The reintroduction of the Underground, now known as the Grand Underground.
* The reintroduction of the Union Room as a hub for communication.
* TMs are once again single-use.
* Pokémon obtained from a previous or later game that enters a new game now have their moves reset.
* Eggs now hatch automatically in party order when they all become ready to hatch.
===Further additions in Legends: Arceus===
* Seven new Pokémon (, , , , , , and ), bringing the total to 905.
* A new area to explore called Hisui, which is the Sinnoh region in the bygone era.
* 24 new moves, bringing the total to 865.
*The introduction of several new forms.
**The introduction of .
**The introduction of the regional forms for , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and .
**New forms for and , which play a central role in the story of Legends: Arceus.
* A new battle mechanic, Move mastery which allows a Pokémon to use a move in either agile style or strong style.
* Doors need to be opened manually again.
* Wild Pokémon in the overworld can appear shiny again.
==Region==
===Galar===
The Galar region was introduced in . This region appears to be a sprawling continent with a wide range of environments.
====First partner Pokémon====
The first partner Pokémon of the eighth generation, like the first partners of the previous seven regions, follow the Grass-Fire-Water trio, with the , the , and the .
					
					
					
					
					
====Gym Leaders====
In Galar, most Gym Leaders are challenged in special stadium-style Gyms built on that facilitate the use of Dynamax.
						
						
						
===Sinnoh===
Sinnoh was featured in Generation VIII in , which are remakes of the Generation IV games .
====First partner Pokémon====
The first partner Pokémon featured in the remakes are the same as the original Generation IV titles, following the series' usual Grass/Fire/Water setup. The player is given a choice between , , or .
					
					
					
====Gym Leaders====
			
			
			
===Hisui===
Hisui was introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It is what the Sinnoh region used to be called before gaining its current name.
====First partner Pokémon====
The first partner Pokémon featured in the game follow the series' usual Grass/Fire/Water setup. The player is given a choice between , , or .
					
					
					
					
====Noble Pokémon====
The player confronts these noble Pokémon as part of the story of Pokémon Legends: Arceus in order to quell their frenzies. Each victory is rewarded with a Plate.
Location 	Noble Pokémon 		
黒曜の原野 Obsidian Fields 	Lord of the Woods 		キクイ Kikui
紅蓮の湿地 Crimson Wetlands 	Lady of the Ridge 		ヒナツ Hinatsu
群青の海岸 Ultramarine Coast 	Lord of the Isles 		ガラナ Garana
天冠の山麓 Tengan Foothills 	Lord of the Hollow		ツバキ Tsubaki
純白の凍土 Pure White Tundra 	Lord of the Tundra		ハマレンゲ Hamarenge
* In the post-game, Calaba acts as Lady Lilligant's warden on Arezu's behalf, as she is working as a hairdresser in Jubilife Village.	
* In the post-game, Calaba acts as Lady Lilligant's warden on Arezu's behalf, as she is working as a hairdresser in Jubilife Village.	
* In the post-game, Calaba acts as Lady Lilligant's warden on Arezu's behalf, as she is working as a hairdresser in Jubilife Village.	
* In the post-game, Calaba acts as Lady Lilligant's warden on Arezu's behalf, as she is working as a hairdresser in Jubilife Village.
==Title screens==
===English title screens===
 	
 	
(After defeating )	(After defeating )
 	
	
	
===Japanese title screens===
	
	
==Trivia==
* This is the only generation:
** To introduce a non- pure Flying-type Pokémon.
** To not introduce a -type Pokémon.
** To introduce a Gym Leader specializing in Pokémon.
** To not introduce any Elite Four members.
** To feature a remake of a spin-off game, namely Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX.
** To introduce Fossil Pokémon that are gender unknown, cannot breed, and are not .
** To include core series games that are not developed by Game Freak, namely Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.
** To have its last core series game be released in the same calendar year as the release of the succeeding generation.
** In which the last Pokémon in the National Pokédex is not a Mythical Pokémon by the end of the generation.
** To feature a previous region in two different games; being Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Although Sinnoh was known as Hisui during the events in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
* This is the first generation:
** To have the selection of the player's appearance occur immediately upon beginning the game, rather than during the introduction.
** To lower the base stat total of a pre-existing Pokémon, namely .
** In which Pokémon cannot lose access to moves by evolving.
** To change the Egg Groups of pre-existing Pokémon.
** To have paid DLC for its main paired releases.
** To introduce new members to existing Legendary trios, namely the legendary giants and forces of nature.
** To introduce more than one core series region (although in Hisui's case, it is the past version of the Sinnoh region).
** To introduce regional forms for more than one region.
** To introduce a and a Pokémon, marking the final types to be paired with Psychic.
** To feature ranked battles only in its initial releases.
** In which Looker does not appear since his debut.
** To not introduce a new Mythical Pokémon at the time of its debut.
** To feature games in which the region's Pokémon Professor does not introduce the world of Pokémon to the , a role instead fulfilled by Rose and .
** To not have any of its newly introduced Pokémon appear in or its related media before the generation's start.
** To feature title screens in core series games that lack the game mascot.
** To not feature a restaurant, Sushi High Roller, since its introduction in Generation VI.
* This is the first even-numbered generation to not introduce an Eeveelution.
* This generation is tied with Generations VII and IX for introducing the most Legendary Pokémon, with eleven.
* This generation contains the shortest gap between game releases in the history of the core series, with 70 days between Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
==Related articles==
Category:Games
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