With the open-world nature of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, several series staples were left behind to better suit the new ways Pokemon could be encountered, as players know practically everything about a Pokemon before they even battle it. While this is undoubtedly a positive change, the mystery and thrill behind random encounters of the past still deserve to exist in upcoming games.

There have been numerous different ways to find and encounter Pokemon across the franchise, but some encounter methods and locations stick out as viable options given the shift in how Pokemon are caught. With encounter gimmicks ranking from least viable to being included to most viable given the direction the games are currently facing, the eight most likely encounter gimmicks are clear.

Related

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Reveal February Seven-Star Tera Raid Boss

To kick off the month of February, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players will have a new seven-star Tera Raid battle to test their wits against.

8 Safari Zones

Adding Back Challenge And Theme To Captures

The Safari Zone, including the Great Marsh, is as divisive as it is famous in Pokemon games, particularly the original games. For some players, the challenge of Pokemon being able to flee when encountered adds excitement and a risk-reward element to finding valuable Pokemon. For most players, however, this chance of failure completely out of the player's control is not fun in the slightest, making the Safari Zone a dreaded location for completing the Pokedex or even shiny hunting.

The last games to include a Safari Zone were Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, but outside those direct remakes, the last game to include a brand new Safari Zone was Heart Gold and Soul Silver over a decade ago. There have been recent locations sharing the safari name or similar, but the actual catching mechanics of the Safari Zone have seldom been seen. The thrill of the Safari Zone may entice some players, but it seems, for the majority, the location's gimmicks are best left behind.

7 Berry Gardening

Additional Ways To Find Bug Types

A little-known element of Pokemon X and Y, a small area in the Kalos region allows players to grow berry trees. While having a dedicated berry farming location is helpful, the relevant aspect of this spot is how the growing berry trees attract a small variety of bug type Pokemon.

Since there are well over 1000 Pokemon now, and quite a few bug types mixed in, having a bonus way of finding these critters would add a bit of realism to the game, especially for those searching for certain bug types or even an elusive shiny.

6 Hiding In Trees

A Perfect Pokemon Hiding Place

Last seen in full capacity in Pokemon Legends: Arceus and halfway added to Scarlet and Violet, headbutting Pokemon out of trees or finding Pokemon in trees is a classic method. Ramming into trees at full speed on the Scarlet and Violet ride Pokemon might cause Pokemon to fall out of trees, but the true gimmick hasn't quite returned.

Legends: Arceus included Pokemon that leaped out of trees when the player sent their Pokemon over to interact with them, and given how the Let's Go feature in Scarlet and Violet operates similarly, it's not a stretch to imagine the return of Pokemon hiding in berry piles or in berry trees that attack back.

5 Hidden Grottos

Hidden Bonuses For Exploration

As the name suggests, the Hidden Grottos of Pokemon Black and White 2 were semi-hidden spots in nature where Pokemon, complete with their hidden abilities, could be found. With the franchise seemingly heading more into open-world formats, having these secret locations for adventurous players would be a great benefit.

Related

An Official Pokemon Tweet May Have Massive Lore Implications for Terapagos

A new tweet from the official Pokemon Twitter account reveals some significant lore regarding the legendary Pokemon Terapagos.

Since the environment in Scarlet and Violet is varied already, having tiny caves hidden in deserts or nests hidden between trees as seen in the classic Hidden Grottos isn't too hard to imagine. For future games especially, having rewards for meticulously exploring the open world beyond just items would add a layer of classic Pokemon fun.

4 Diving

Making The Most Of An Open World

Only a possible encounter method in the Hoenn games, underwater locations to catch Pokemon in, could add a literal layer to an open world, making Pokemon found truly everywhere. While only a handful of Pokemon were found underwater, the environment changing to a deep and dark aquatic setting was a welcome addition and truly made the encounters feel different and unique.

With the Paldea region being surrounded by water, an additional upgrade for Koraidon and Miraidon to dive below the waves wouldn't be out of the question. An effective way to increase the size of a region, especially regions with notable seaside areas, and a great way to include Pokemon found only in the depths of the ocean.

3 Fishing

A Classic Wild Encounter

The original encounter gimmick, fishing, was a staple in Pokemon up until Sword and Shield, except in remakes. Completely removed in Scarlet and Violet, this classic option to find water type Pokemon absolutely should return, since it offers a unique way to find certain Pokemon with the bonus of said Pokemon being a surprise.

Fishing may remove some control over what Pokemon players encounter, but the added randomness also adds a sense of enticement to see what exactly is hooked on the line. This gimmick would be a great option alongside the way Pokemon are found in the wild in Scarlet and Violet, making that random element purely a choice the player can make.

2 Multiple Pokemon Encounters

A Cross Between Hordes And Legends: Arceus Mechanics

The most apparent change from Legends: Arceus to Scarlet and Violet, the inability to battle multiple Pokemon at once is sorely missed, especially when trying to EV train or otherwise clear out a larger group of Pokemon. An earlier version of this idea was seen in the horde mechanic of Pokemon X and Y, which would be an equally appreciated return.

Related

Pokemon Gen 10 is Caught Between a Rock and a Hard Place With 12 Returning Pokemon

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet proved once again that the series can't do without certain gimmicks, and 12 Pokemon's fate seems obvious in Gen 10.

Since Pokemon already spawn in groups, flocks, and schools, being able to battle numerous Pokemon at once isn't out of the question. With how many Pokemon already try and swarm the player, being able to knock out a herd of Tauros instead of constantly fighting one at a time would be a wonderful update.

1 Roaming Pokemon

Adding Surprises When Walking The World

With the return of older Legendary Pokemon in the Indigo Disk DLC, several Pokemon that used to roam about the game have returned as well, but are now stationary in certain locations. Since the future of Pokemon seems to be open-world focused, having Legendaries traverse parts of the map, if not the entire map, would be a great combination, and a way to make finding these legends feel special.

While roaming Pokemon can cause a headache for some players, the Pokemon of Scarlet and Violet being easily encountered and viewed in the world makes this process far easier than the older method of trying to find what route these Pokemon were hiding on. Although the Legendaries in Scarlet and Violet cannot be shiny, tracking down a powerful shiny across the world makes for an incredible find.

More

Why Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Didn't Add Paradox Keldeo

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet had a chance to add a Paradox version of Keldeo, but it may be for the best that this never came to fruition.