After months of hype surrounding the Pokemon's latest mainline games, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have finally been released, marking the start of the 9th Generation of Pokemon. However, this time around, Pokemon has finally changed its formula. Instead of having traditional linear gameplay, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have, for the first time in the Pokemon's history, gone fully open world. The Paldea Region in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is bigger and better than any region before it, marking a new beginning for the franchise.

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Players can now interact with Pokemon in the overworld and fight and catch them only if they want to. Gone are days of random encounters; now players can choose whether to engage with a Pokemon or not. Though the open world is impressive, the benchmark for any Pokemon game remains its new Pokemon designs and species. Following the trend from the previous generation, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have also seen a massive dex cut. The National Pokedex contains only 400 Pokemon in total this time around, with only 16 being from the Kalos Region. Kalos is a region that saw Pokemon enter into the third dimension for the first time and shift from using sprites to in-game models. Kalos did not introduce a large number of Pokemon, but the ones that it did still stood out.

5 Hawlucha

Hawlucha

Hawlucha, the Wrestling Pokemon, is a unique Pokemon that has the Flying/Fighting typing. It does not evolve but still has a decent stat total of 500 and a diverse move pool. Hawlucha is a fighter through and through, and its design only highlights this fact. This luchador is also extremely fast with its 118 speed stat and can also hit hard with its 92 attack stat.

Hawlucha's color scheme is a treat to look at, but its shiny is even more delightful, replacing the inner green shade of its wings with a purple and dawning a black cape instead of a red one. Hawlucha can be found in the South Province (Area Two, Four, Five, and Six) and even in the location of the Pokemon League.

4 Talonflame

Talonflame

The Scorching Bird Pokemon, Talomflame, has made it into the Pokedex for the 9th Generation of Pokemon games, and Kalos fans could not be happier. Talonflame is a Fire/Flying bird Pokemon that can be a useful asset to any Trainer's team. It has a decent stat total of 499, with an impressive 126 base speed. The rest of its stats are also quite well-balanced.

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This all-rounder is one of the coolest-looking early bird Pokemon ever introduced. Fletchling and Fletchinder also have incredibly cute designs, making the whole evolutionary line's inclusion a welcomed treat. Players can catch a Fletchling on the beaches near Poco Path, Los Platos, South Province (Area One, Two, Four, and Five). Fletchling evolves into Fletchinder at level 17 and Talonflame at level 35.

3 Gogoat (Skiddo Evolution Line)

Gogoat

Being introduced in Generation VI, Gogoat and its pre-evolution, Skiddo, were some of the first ridable Pokemon ever introduced. Known literally as the Mount Pokemon, Gogoat is a slow but sturdy partner to fill in the position of Grass-types in one's team. It has a commendable base stat total of 531, with a tanky 123 health point stat and a high 97 special attack.

This evolution line was scrapped in the previous generation; however, it has been brought back into the limelight with Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Gogoat is an underrated Pokemon, being overshadowed by the likes of Wooloo and Dubwool. Players can catch Skidoo at various locations in the game, including West Province (Area One and Two), South Province (One, Three, Four, and Five), and East Prince (Area One, Two, and Three), etc.

2 Noivern (Noibat Evolution Line)

Noivern

Generation six had a lot of great Pokemon designs, and it is only more evident with the cool yet menacing appearance of Noivern. Known as the Sound Wave Pokemon, Noivern is a Dragon/Flying type with a high base stat total of 535. Noivern is a fast special attacker, with it high speed stat of 123 and a decent special attack stat of 97.

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Noivern's other stats are also quite well-balanced, making it a great Pokemon to add to one's party. Players can catch Noibat flying around in the caves of North Province (Area One) and West Province (Area two). It primarily appears at night and evolves into Noivern at level 48. Though the only Dragon-type move it learns is Dragon Pulse upon evolution, players can use TMs to teach it other Dragon-type moves.

1 Goodra (Goomy Evolutionary Line)

Goodra

Goodra is known simply as the Dragon Pokemon and is the pseudo legendary Pokemon of the Kalos Region. This lovable pile of goo is a fan favorite, and its inclusion in the new National Pokedex has made Generation 6 fans very excited. Goomy and its whole evolution line are one of the most interesting designs hailing from the Kalos Region, but more importantly, the inclusion of Goomy also means that the Hisuian versions of both Sligoo and Goodra have also made their way into the National Pokedex.

Goodra has a solid base stat total of 600, and both of its versions have a whopping 150 special defense stat. Players looking to add Goomy to their teams can find it in West Province (Area Three) and South Province ( Area One, Three, Four, and Six), among other locations. Goomy evolves into Sligoo at level 40 and Goodra at level 50 during rain.

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available now for the Nintendo Switch.

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