In one of the past few updates, Castform and Deoxys received code support for their multiple forms. We've already speculated on how Niantic might handle Deoxys in a previous article. Now it's Castform's turn. So how will this controversially-designed Pokémon work in Pokémon GO? Let's jump in.
IN THE MAIN-SERIES: In the main-series games, Castform cycles between its forms using it's signature Forecast Ability. When harsh sunlight is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Sunny Form. When hail is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Snowy Form. When rain is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Rainy Form. Castform takes on its Normal Form when no weather is active.
HOW MIGHT IN WORK: So, how might Castform work once introduced to Pokémon GO, especially without Abilities? A real-time weather system would be the best way, although Niantic still needs to implement it.
REAL-TIME WEATHER: We honestly think that a real-time weather would be best. In the wild and in your inventory, all Castform could be in their Normal Form. When entering battle, a Castform could transform into whatever weather-form that corresponds to the environment around them. If it wasn't sunny, rainy, or snowy, Castform would remain in its base form.
We know that Niantic has had plans to implement map-view weather beyond daytime and nighttime. Obviously, this Pokémon would be a good excuse and motivation to implement this feature.
THE FUTURE: It seems safe to say that if Niantic doesn't implement Abilities and other in-battle effects with Generation 3, they will one day (hopefully before Generation 4). These shouldn't conflict with a weather system. If a Pokémon uses Rain Dance or has the Drought Ability, that would simply override the weather system (as the Castform is battling in a rainy environment).
And, a Pokémon from Generation 4 also relies on the weather. Cherrim, the evolved form of Cherubi, has a Sunshine Form and an Overcast Form. In the main-series, Cherrim always enters battle in its Overcast Form, and only changes form when sunlight is active. So, it's not like a real-time weather system wouldn't have a use with future Pokémon.
BAD IDEA, NIANTIC: If Niantic decides to not add both a weather system and Abilities, they shouldn't add Castform. Obviously, they could ignore Castform's background and treat it like Unown (meaning have the different forms all spawn naturally). The individual Castform would then be locked into whatever form you catch it in.
Thanks for reading, Trainers! Make sure to check out our Deoxys article, as well. To find out more about Castform, Deoxys, Cherubi, and Cherrim, check out their Pokédex entries.
IN THE MAIN-SERIES: In the main-series games, Castform cycles between its forms using it's signature Forecast Ability. When harsh sunlight is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Sunny Form. When hail is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Snowy Form. When rain is active, Forecast changes the Pokémon to its Rainy Form. Castform takes on its Normal Form when no weather is active.
HOW MIGHT IN WORK: So, how might Castform work once introduced to Pokémon GO, especially without Abilities? A real-time weather system would be the best way, although Niantic still needs to implement it.
REAL-TIME WEATHER: We honestly think that a real-time weather would be best. In the wild and in your inventory, all Castform could be in their Normal Form. When entering battle, a Castform could transform into whatever weather-form that corresponds to the environment around them. If it wasn't sunny, rainy, or snowy, Castform would remain in its base form.
We know that Niantic has had plans to implement map-view weather beyond daytime and nighttime. Obviously, this Pokémon would be a good excuse and motivation to implement this feature.
THE FUTURE: It seems safe to say that if Niantic doesn't implement Abilities and other in-battle effects with Generation 3, they will one day (hopefully before Generation 4). These shouldn't conflict with a weather system. If a Pokémon uses Rain Dance or has the Drought Ability, that would simply override the weather system (as the Castform is battling in a rainy environment).
And, a Pokémon from Generation 4 also relies on the weather. Cherrim, the evolved form of Cherubi, has a Sunshine Form and an Overcast Form. In the main-series, Cherrim always enters battle in its Overcast Form, and only changes form when sunlight is active. So, it's not like a real-time weather system wouldn't have a use with future Pokémon.
BAD IDEA, NIANTIC: If Niantic decides to not add both a weather system and Abilities, they shouldn't add Castform. Obviously, they could ignore Castform's background and treat it like Unown (meaning have the different forms all spawn naturally). The individual Castform would then be locked into whatever form you catch it in.
Thanks for reading, Trainers! Make sure to check out our Deoxys article, as well. To find out more about Castform, Deoxys, Cherubi, and Cherrim, check out their Pokédex entries.