Confirmed Pokémon for Detective Pikachu Returns so far

Detective Pikachu has captured the attention of Nintendo for quite some time. The game was quietly announced by Nintendo in 2019 as Detective Pikachu 2, but it gained more attention when rumors of a new Pokémon spin-off circulated prior to the Nintendo Direct event on June 21st of this year. While the Nintendo event in early summer primarily aimed to bring more attention to larger games, such as the highly anticipated Pikmin 4, there was also a great deal of excitement surrounding other titles. This excitement proved to be warranted as the rumors turned out to be true, as the Nintendo Direct event indeed featured another trailer for the Sherlock-esque Pikachu and its detective companion.

Detective Pikachu Returns is the sequel to the 2018 release of Detective Pikachu, originally published for the Nintendo 3DS. Building upon the various revelations made by Nintendo last year, Detective Pikachu Returns follows the same theme as before, with a coffee-loving Pikachu and its partner Tim Goodman exploring Ryme City side by side, unraveling the mysteries that plague its residents. Simultaneously, the dynamic duo embarks on a more significant puzzle that connects to the conclusion of the first game: discovering the whereabouts of Tim's vanished father. As fans eagerly anticipate roaming Ryme City alongside Pikachu, brightening the everyday lives of its inhabitants, there are also numerous other Pokémon with whom players can interact while tackling the various puzzles that lie before them.

Confirmed Pokemon in Detective Pikachu Returns

• Applin
• Audino
• Beedrill
• Bellossom
• Clefable
• Cottonee
• Darmanitan
• Delcatty
• Ducklett
• Exeggutor
• Greedent
• Growlithe
• Lickitung
• Lillipup
• Lotad
• Ludicolo
• Luxray
• Manectric
• Maractus
• Mewtwo
• Milcery
• Pangoro
• Pawniard
• Pidove
• Poliwrath
• Raboot
• Slowpoke
• Solrock
• Sudowoodo
• Trubbish
• Watchog
• Whimsicott

One of the most magnificent aspects of playing Pokémon games undoubtedly lies in collecting Pokémon. One of the most enchanting moments when starting a new Pokémon game is visiting the lab and selecting a favorite starter Pokémon from each generation. That is part of the reason why the franchise initially achieved such meteoric success - the multitude of pocket monsters one can collect and establish as favorites never ceases to captivate. In Detective Pikachu Returns, it is evident that the main Pokémon players control is Pikachu. However, there are still many other Pokémon with whom players can collaborate and even play as, while exploring Ryme City.

In Detective Pikachu Returns, the emphasis lies on the collaboration between humans and Pokémon to support the solving of puzzles, and the friends and allies that Pikachu and Tim can encounter on their investigative journeys all bring something different to the table. Naturally, the Pokémon, thanks to their unique abilities, offer a bit more than humans do. Whether it's using Luxray's ability to see through walls, following scents with Arcanine, or breaking through rocks with Simisear, multiple Pokémon will make the investigations a bit easier. Furthermore, players do not need to weaken strong Pokémon in order to capture them. Instead, players will simply befriend other Pokémon to assist them on their journey.

Currently, there are several Pokémon that have been confirmed in the trailers released for Detective Pikachu Returns. However, only a few of these Pokémon may assist Pikachu and Tim Goodman in their searches throughout Ryme City. The remaining Pokémon that appear in the game may serve to contribute to the vibrant atmosphere that characterizes Pokémon games. These are worlds populated by adorable and imaginative creatures, encouraging people to catch and collect them all, in the hopes of possessing the most impressive Pokémon collection.

Detective Pikachu Returns will be released on October 6th for Nintendo Switch.