Transporting players to a version of the Sinnoh region inspired by feudal Japan, Pokemon Legends: Arceus allows for open-world areas, similar to the Monster Hunter franchise. Though many were initially disappointed that they wouldn’t be getting a true open-world experience, the exploration offered in the latest Pokemon title departs enough from the more linear worlds of the previous games to please fans. However, there is one aspect of Pokemon Legends: Arceus that has players unimpressed.

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Unlike the swimmer trainers that can be battled in most Pokemon titles, the player of Pokemon games has never been known to swim on their own. Considering that Pokemon Legends: Arceus was going to be a more explorative experience though, many assumed that this curse would be broken, and their character could swim without a Pokemon or lifeguard to keep them afloat. In the latest game though, swimming is something that a player cannot do without the assistance of Pokemon such as the new Hisuian Basculegion.

The inability to swim has been met with some grumblings by fans, though many are using the drowning of their character as inspiration for memes. From citing the date that swimming was invented to referencing the anime JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, Pokemon fans are finding new and creative ways to poke fun at the game’s swimming mechanic. At the moment, the hero of Pokemon Legends: Arceus can last up to three seconds in the water before they are unable to swim any longer. In the game, a player will usually find themselves saved from drowning by a helpful nearby Pokemon though, so the water is not an instant kill area.

While some big changes have been made to the Pokemon franchise in Legends: Arceus, it seems the player’s inability to swim isn’t one of them. Some new features are being praised by fans, while others remain more on the controversial side. Either way, it seems important for any Pokemon Legends: Arceus player to remember to bring a swimming partner with them next time they decide to head into the water.

Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available now exclusively for the Nintendo Switch.

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