Pokémon fans are calling for the return of immersive dungeons in the rumored "Pokémon Winds and Waves," highlighting a feature many believe has been missing from recent titles. Discussions on Reddit reveal disappointment over the lack of complex, exploratory areas like volcanic caves, ancient ruins, and underwater zones.
Many players point to moments like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Area Zero as proof that the series can still deliver compelling exploration, but argue that these experiences have been too limited and inconsistent.
Dungeons Have Faded in Recent Pokémon Games
Recent Pokémon entries have included dungeon-like environments, but most fall short of expectations. In "Scarlet and Violet," certain DLC caves offered atmospheric design, yet lacked meaningful mechanics such as puzzles, boss encounters, or narrative depth.
Meanwhile, "Pokémon Legends: Arceus" introduced locations like Wayward Cave and Snowpoint Temple, but these were relatively brief and lacked the layered complexity of classic dungeons.
Even earlier titles like "Pokémon Sword and Shield" featured areas such as Galar Mines and Glimwood Tangle, which many fans felt were simply extended routes rather than true exploration zones.
One glaring exception mentioned by fans is the sewer area in "Pokémon Legends: Z-A," praised for having a distinct layout and minimap elements that gave it a more authentic dungeon feel.
What Fans Want in 'Winds and Waves'
The community has made its expectations clear: future Pokémon games need deeper, more interactive environments. Players want dungeons that include unique NPC interactions and storytelling, and puzzle-solving mechanics.
Some fans are craving to see boss encounters or rare Pokémon double battles and hidden paths/secret events. Others reference memorable locations like Lysandre Labs as examples of how dungeons can use narrative and gameplay effectively.
Visit the official "Winds and Waves" website here.
Beyond Exploration
Beyond structure, players are asking for dungeons that make the world feel alive. This includes joyful events, meaningful character interactions, and even the return of the quirky humor seen in titles like "Pokémon Sun and Moon."
The goal is clear: move away from "empty open-world spaces" and toward layered environments that reward curiosity and experimentation.
In the meantime, check our latest article about the funniest Pokémon game mistakes players made in the past.
Originally published on Player One
