Solving a mystery isn’t easy, and most of fiction’s greatest detectivesoften have a partnerto help them investigate crime scenes. Whether it’s Sherlock Holmes or Charlie Cale, having an extra pair of eyes or someone with a unique skill set is often essential to cracking a case and making it out of a situation in one piece.
InDetective Pikachu Returns, the titular character continues to work with his human partner, Tim, from the first game, but occasionally needs help from other Pokemon to investigate or survive dangerous situations. Most cases require Detective Pikachu to befriend other Pokemon and use their abilities to navigate certain circumstances, and some are much more useful than the rest.
4Pangoro
Pangoro is the fourth and final Pokemon that Detective Pikachu pairs up with, and unfortunately, the game does not save the best for last. Though you encounter this Pangoro during the “Detainee Pikachu” case, you won’t have the chance to team up with it until the following “Memories of the Bamboo Forest” chapter.
Strength is Pangoro’s greatest asset here. While teamed up, you’re able to push blocks around and clear paths forward in the same way you would use the move “Strength” in mainline Pokemon games. While these types of puzzles are usually fun in other series likeThe Legend of Zelda, the ones featured in Detective Pikachu Returns are incredibly easy and hard to engage with.
Unlike the other three assist Pokemon, you can’t dash while using Pangoro due to its size, and making one mistake during a puzzle means you have to restart from the beginning. It’s always fun to see David and Goliath work together toward a common goal, but Detective Pikachu might have been better off asking a different Pokemon for help.
3Luxray
Luxray is an incredibly popular and powerful electric-type Pokemon that has appeared inmultiple spin-off games, including Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky andNew Pokemon Snap. While Luxray is often portrayed in an antagonistic light, the one in Detective Pikachu Returns becomes an ally to the yellow mouse during the “Detainee Pikachu” mission.
After being wrongfully accused of vandalism, Detective Pikachu finds himself behind bars with other Pokemon framed for crimes they didn’t commit. Luxray acts as the leader of this group of misfits, and agrees to partner up once it realizes that Detective Pikachu is on their side. The electric duo then investigates the precinct and plans their escape by using Luxray’s ability to see through walls.
It’s a fun mechanic that incorporates Luxray’s different Pokedex entries from the mainline games, but it comes at a cost. You can’t move and see through objects simultaneously, which slows down the game’s pace and removes some of the immersion. Fortunately, Luxray is very nimble and can run between sections with ease.
2Darmanitan
“The Fabled Aura” mystery leads Detective Pikachu and Tim to the Southern Ruins to search for Professor Gordon and learn more about the Aurora Drop that was stolen the previous day. Once they arrive, they discover that the entire area has been covered in snow and that the Professor has been missing for two days.
After finding a way inside the ruins, the duo stumbles upon an outraged Galarian Darmanitan that they must sneak past in a stealth section. They later convince Darmanitan that they are the good guys, and their new frosty friend aids them by smashing any obstacle in their path.
It’s kind of mindless, but running around rooms smashing rocks and blocks of ice is surprisingly fun, and it’s the closest Detective Pikachu will ever get to feeling like the Incredible Hulk. You can also dash around pretty quickly with Darmanitan, which makes exploring every inch of the Ruins a much smoother experience.
1Growlithe
One of the best parts of the Detective Pikachu series - the games and the film - is being able to see Pokemon live alongside humans independently, instead of as pets or battle partners. They get to use their natural abilities to help their communities, and Growlithe is the perfect example of a Pokemon using a natural talent to help save the day.
You’ll meet Growlithe during “The Missing Jewel,” the first case of the game after the tutorial. Detective Pikachu and Tim are called to its owner’s home after a precious jewel is stolen from them. After making a bit of progress on their own, the detecting duo recruits Growlithe and its powerful sense of smell to help them find more evidence.
Reminiscent of Wolf Link’s ability inThe Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Growlithe can detect and track the scents of valuable clues. While Detective Pikachu is riding the fiery pup, you’re able to see trails of smoke that will connect certain clues andhelp you deduce who the jewel thief is.
Not only is Growlith’s ability incredibly helpful, but it also perfectly suits the tone of the adventure. What better way to sleuth and suss out information than by putting your nose to the ground - literally!
