Pokemon Sword and Shield recently revealed Galarian forms, a new take on old Pokemon who are found in the Galar region. Many will recall that Sun and Moon did the same with Alolan forms, so it's not much of a surprise to see something similar in the newest game. Thus far, only a handful of Galarian forms have been revealed, namely Weezing, Zigzagoon, and Linoone (and its new evolution, Obstagoon).
Because of this, there is huge potential for any number of Pokemon to receive the Galarian treatment. Not only does this give a fresh take on the design of the Pokemon, but it shakes up the meta, as it often introduces new typing. Galarian Weezing, for example, is now a Poison/Fairy Pokemon. It's also worth adding that the aforementioned Alolan forms were restricted to Kanto Pokemon, but the recent Pokemon Sword and Shield reveal showing Zigzagoon means that Galarian forms will at least go up to Hoenn Pokemon. With this in mind, we've created a list of Pokemon and their evolution lines that are overdue for a makeover that would make great Galarian forms.
10 Hoothoot/Noctowl
Hoothoot and Noctowl are confirmed to appear in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and considering that Little Owls can be found in the UK, it makes sense for the little owl and its evolution to receive a Galarian form. It's normal/flying typing is also begging for a makeover, so perhaps a psychic/flying Galarian Noctowl is in order. This change would also likely help the Gen 8 games live up to their hype as one of the 15 most anticipated games of fall 2019.
9 Horsea/Seadra/Kingdra
Horsea, Seadra, and Kingdra are officially considered the "Dragon Pokemon" in Pokedex entries, but it could be more fitting. The regality of Kingdra makes sense, but the adorable Horsea doesn't appear very draconic. It would be interesting to see Pokemon Sword and Shield adopt this cutesy design, turning the Water and Water/Dragon Pokemon into Water/Fairy types. Plus, seeing a standard Kingdra face off with a Galarian Kingdra would be interesting, given the Fairy/Dragon dynamic.
8 Wingull/Pelipper
Wingull and Pelipper are two pokemon long overdue for a makeover that could receive some extra attention in Pokemon Sword and Shield. A new Galarian form would actually make some consider using the Water/Flying-type over its more attractive Water/Flying counterparts such as Gyarados, Mantine, and/or Swanna.
7 Seel/Dewgong
The common seal is native to the UK, so if there was one Pokemon evolution line chosen to receive a Galarian form due to its real-life counterpart, Seel and Dewgong would be the most likely. If it became Ice/Fairy, it would join the unique typing with Ninetales, but it's unsure if Game Freak has plans for this Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
6 Zubat/Golbat/Crobat
Much like Rattata, Zubat are so common that they appear in practically every region. It would be refreshing to see a Zubat take on a new design then, making it a prime contender for a Pokemon Sword and Shield Galarian form. It doesn't seem likely that it would drop its Flying type, but there's plenty that could replace its poison typing.
5 Ekans/Arbok
Arbok and Weezing go together like peanut butter and jelly, so for one to get a Galarian form without the other doesn't sit right with us. Despite Weezing's suspicious Galarian design, it would be a cool combo to see a Galarian Arbok and Galarian Weezing fight side-by-side in a double battle in Pokemon Sword and Shield.
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4 Lapras
The new region of Galar is tied closely to the UK and Scotland, and it's worth pointing out that Lapras' design is based on the myth of the Loch Ness Monster. In fact, Ness was Lapras' working name during the development of Pokemon Red and Blue, so to see a Galarian Lapras adopt a more monstrous Loch Ness appearance would be a good old fashion callback. Lapras is also confirmed to be a returning Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield, giving Game Freak the opportunity it needs.
3 Slakoth/Vigoroth/Slaking
When talking Ruby and Sapphire gym leaders, it's hard to ignore Gym Leader Norman and his Slaking. Not only is he the playable character's father, but his Slaking puts up a tough fight. This is one Pokemon that shouldn't lose its Normal typing in Pokemon Sword and Shield, but it would be interesting to see it officially become something akin to Normal/Fighting and perhaps used by the new Fighting Gym Leader Bea.
2 Skitty/Delcatty
Unlike Slaking, Delcatty is one Pokemon that should lose its Normal typing in Pokemon Sword and Shield. It would be interesting to see it receive the Ninetales and Sandshrew treatment, becoming a cat Pokemon with icy features, but anything to help Skitty and Delcatty stand out would likely be well received.
1 Spoink/Grumpig
One common tactic in regional variants is to give them the Dark typing. Alolan Rattata and Galarian Zigzagoon are evidence enough of that, so it would be interesting if Spoink and Grumpig became Psychic/Dark in Pokemon Sword and Shield. This would put Grumping into a selective category, as Unbound Hoopa, Inkay, and Malamar are the only dual typing Pokemon to have this typing.
Pokemon Sword and Shield will release exclusively on the Switch on November 15th.