As Pokemon ChampionsAs the April 8th release date approaches, more details have emerged about some of the game's systems and mechanics. In addition to changes such as the removal of IVs and the addition of new abilities to Mega Evolutions introduced in Legends: ZA, Pokemon Champions also redoes PP on some moves. While a handful of moves greatly benefit from this change, arguably the best move in Pokemon the franchise is taking a significant hit.
PP, or power points, represent how many times a Pokemon can use a move in battle, and once the move's PP is used up, the Pokemon can no longer use it. That's what he does Pokemon ChampionsThe PP rebalancing is a pretty impressive change that could drastically change the competitive landscape at launch. One move that gets the short end of the stick with these changes is Protect, which could mean that some competitive strategies will be disrupted in the process.
Pokemon Legends: ZA players have a 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: ZA.
Pokemon Champions is Nerfing Protect
Pokemon the CentroLeaks leak summary account on X shared the translation Pokemon Champions gameplay that shows how PP will change in the upcoming game. Moves previously with 5 PP increase to 8 PP, moves with 10 PP increase to 12 PP, and moves with 15 PP increase to 16 PP. All other moves will have a maximum of 20 PP. Although many of them are generally excited about this change PokemonThe best moves that have been hampered by low PP, Protect is the only outlier that isn't part of this across-the-board boost.
There is also no way to permanently change the PP of a turn Pokemon Championssuch as with the PP UP item from the main games.
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Protect's PP decreases in Pokémon Champions
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Previously: 10 PP, now 8 PP
Unlike others previously 10 PP Pokemon moves that get a 2-point buff, Protect actually gets a 2-point reduction. Protect will now only have 8 PP, matching moves that previously only had 5 PP by default. Protection was the foundation Pokemon VGC meta for decades and is probably the best move in the game. It allows the Pokemon to completely negate the opponent's attack in a given turn, but has a high chance of failure if used consecutively. Now, Pokemon Champions players may need to be more selective when using Protect to avoid wasting their PP.
Why having less PP is a significant Nerf for protection
Protect is an essential move for almost all Pokemon in the VGC double-battle format, as it allows players several advantages in battle. First, Protect is a great way to scout the opponent's team, let them attack without having to worry about a team member taking damage, and gives the player insight into the opponent's move pool and potential strategy. In addition, Protect can be used in double battles to avoid partner move damage that hits all mons on the field, such as Earthquake, which can be especially dangerous for Fire and Electric-Type Pokémon partners.
This nerf to Protect also reduces the effectiveness of Toxic stall strategies Pokemon Champions also. A typical Toxic stance setup requires the player to Toxic their opponent, then hide behind Substitute and Protect, all while slowly gaining HP with an item like Leftovers. However, with only 8 PP, Protect can only be used to keep this stall going until players can no longer protect their stall holder from injury. For the competitive Pokemon players who are frustrated with this strategy, reducing PP in Protect Pokemon Champions is a welcome change. However, greater implications for Pokemon Champions the meta after Protect's nerf will likely mean that battles will be much more methodical, with less opportunity for risky plays.
