Pokemon fans tend to all have a favorite Pokemon. Whether it be old-school fans who've stuck with one of the original starters, something from one of the middle generations, or even something more recent like one from Pokemon Sword and Shield, everybody has the one they think is the coolest or cutest. The new entries from the ninth generation of Pokemon look to be disrupting many players rankings in the "cute" category, with the introduction of Smoliv.
The new Grass/Normal-type was first introduced as part of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's latest trailer. The revealing trailer showcases several other adorable new Pokemon, in addition to the confirmation of older ones returning, as well as a host of new game-changing features.
For those who may have yet to see the new trailer, Smoliv is a small Pokemon modeled after an olive, with its name a combination of both descriptors (small, or "smol" and olive). With nothing but stubby legs, a round body with an olive on its head, and an endearingly nervous expression, it's easy to see why so many Pokemon fans are finding Smoliv irresistibly cute. A Pokemon fan and artist called SlavicDoll exemplifies these traits in their impressive drawing of a Smoliv trio, featuring the little Pokemon nestled underneath a leaf, attempting to stay out of the rain.
The idyllic setting is tied together with grass, spotted red mushrooms, and soft glowing fireflies. Its unclear if Smoliv has any type of evolution, as not much else regarding the Pokemon has been revealed. Still, that hasn't stopped Pokemon Scarlet and Violet fans from coming up with their own Smoliv evolutions. One fan's creation, called Olovolitil, features a vaguely Roselia-like design, except the flowers are replaced with olives. Capable of releasing flammable olive oil, the fan-made Pokemon would be a Fire/Grass-type, making it the would-be first of its kind in the franchise.
In addition to the artwork by SlavicDoll, other Pokemon fans have been churning out Smoliv artwork of their own. A Reddit user called annmamax made headlines for their drawing of Smoliv in three different variations. Playing off of the fact that Smoliv is based on olives, the artist has drawn the Pokemon in the three colors of olives that naturally exist: black, green, and red. While green is Smoliv's standard color, the art has opened up conversations amongst Pokemon fans for very appropriate shiny variants.
With quite a few months left until the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, there is plenty of time for more info regarding Smoliv, or any of the other adorable ninth-gen Pokemon for that matter, to be revealed. With many of the new base-level creatures being so well-received, it should be interesting to see the reactions to any evolutions they might have.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet will release for Nintendo Switch on November 18, 2022.