>>36859720Get rid of all of that and introduce key items that do those jobs instead.
Let the trainers be able to explore the region independently without the need of having certain Pokemon, or any Pokemon at all.
Surf Board for surfing
Scuba Gear for diving
Hiking Gear for climbing mountains
Helmet Lamp for dark areas
Trainer customization as necessity to progress in snowy areas by wearing coats and boots.
The Go-Goggles in Hoenn as requirement to enter the desert was literally the same thing. Just do that for all roadblocks.
>>36859713I think roadblocks dont have to be removed entirely as long as they make sense in the region and worldbuilding. Shit like Cut, Strength and Rock Smash is bothersome as fuck and can be removed entirely, but other roadblocks that feel natural like water, dark caves, deserts and snowy areas are fine. It feels rewarding to finally be able to progress in these areas after earning the tools to do so.