Introduced in Generation 7, ‘Regional Variants’ are Pokemon whose design has evolved to suit the environment and conditions of its native region. Whilst it may not be as iconic as evolutions in the Pokemon franchise, this feature has quickly become a fan favorite since its introduction in 2016.

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These region-specific adaptations may impact a Pokemon’s appearance, type, abilities, moveset, base stats, height, or weight. With this comes a brand-new layer of strategic approach, team match-ups, and, of course, new favorite designs. This list will rank all the currently announced regional variants based on suitability to the environment, the quality of the design changes, and how useful the changes are in battle.

Updated July 22, 2023, By Ben Painter: With the release of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet came with a whole host of new Pokemon. The usual classics which include a new trio of stater Pokemon, regional bird Pokemon and of course the powerful legendary and mythical Pokemon.

A new category of Pokemon that was released in Pokemon Sun & Moon were regional variants and every game since has included some variant of these 'mons. Although in the latest entries there are just two new variants added in the new land of Paldea.

43 Galarian Mr. Mime

Galarian_Mr_Mime

‘Galarian Forms’ refers to Pokemon who have adapted to suit 1the industrial nature of Generation 8’s Galar region. A total of nineteen Pokemon received Galarian regional forms. Mr. Mime is the most horrific of all. Whilst it earns points for its new dual-type Ice/Psychic typing, Mr. Mime’s Galarian form is still as nightmare-inducing as its original design.

42 Alolan Persian

Alolan_Persian

‘Alolan Variants’ were first introduced to players In 2016’s Pokemon Sun and Moon. The shores of Alola are bathed in sunlight, with the sharp tang of saltwater in the air. Variants in this region often have visual differences that play upon this tropical theme, usually in unique and creative ways.

The original Katonian form of Persian was Team Rocket leader Giovanni’s regal sidekick in the anime. It oozed grace and sophistication from every strand of its pristine cream fur. Its Normal-type was always underwhelming - Alolan Persian’s new Dark typing suits the originals sinister, scheming nature far better. However, that does not explain why this new goofy, sickly design should be a Dark-type. With its anemic purple coat, disproportionate anatomy, and irrelevant concept, this Pokemon has the same vibe as a fursona designed by a 12-year-old in the early days of Deviantart.

41 Alolan Geodude

Alolan_Geodude

Alolan Geodude is made from a darker mineral structure than its original Kantonian form, possibly referencing the piezoelectric crystals and iron ore commonly found in Hawaii. The name ‘Geodude’ is a portmanteau of ‘geode’ and ‘dude'. It would have been nice to see the Alolan design pay homage to the crystals found inside.

40 Alolan Raticate

Alolan_Raticate

Alolan Raticate plays into the mob boss stereotype with its ability to control Alolan Rattata and its hostile relationship with the Detective Pokemon, Gumshoos. Whilst this is a good parallel, the design is not as clever as its pre-evolution, nor is it particularly inspired. The new dual-type Dark/Normal regional form gives this Pokemon a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves, and it loses speed stats.

39 Galarian Slowpoke

Galarian_Slowpoke-1

Galarian Slowpoke was introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC. Its distinct yellow coloring is due to particle diffusion from digesting Galarica seeds, a spice used for cooking Curry in the Galar region. The design is simple and understated, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, this design does not correlate with the Galarian evolutionary forms, which makes it seemingly random.

38 Alolan Sandshrew

Alolan Sandshrew

In Alola, Sandshrew has adopted a dual-type Ice/Steel regional form, taking away its original Ground-typing. It also has a new frosty appearance. This is a great stand-alone design, but a shrew is a creature that burrows into the ground, so it is a shame to lose that.

37 Alolan Dugtrio

Alolan-Dugtrio

Some readers may be surprised to read that Alolan Dugtrio has ranked below its evolution, Alolan Diglett. Many fans often consider Alolan Diglett to be an underwhelming design. But more on Alolan Diglett’s design later.

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Alolan Dugtrio has the long, luscious blonde docks of every 90s stereotypical surfer bro heartthrob. Ignoring the horrific implication that Dugtrio has feet below the soil, it gives off the vibe of a weird family member at the first uncomfortable reunion in 20 years.

36 Galarian Slowking

Galarian_Slowking

The United Kingdom has a rich history of wizards and warlocks and many of the Galarian designs draw inspiration from these depictions of mythical beings. Galarian Slowking seems to be based on a sorcerer, with its pointy hat, long, dark neck scruff akin to a magical cape, and its habit of "chanting mysterious spells" in battle. However, it’s hard to understand why Slowking would have this adaptation, rather than playing on the British monarchy.

35 Alolan Meowth

Alolan_Meowth

The lore behind Alolan Meowth is particularly interesting, which makes the insipid design disappointing. It was introduced to the region as a gift to royalty. The luxurious lifestyle led to the prideful, snooty Alolan Meowth, which was abandoned as the monarchy fell. Alolan Meowth has the lowest base Attack of all Dark-type Pokemon. Couple this fact with a worse design and the lore is the only good thing about this Pokemon.

34 Galarian Meowth

Galarian_Meowth

Meowth is the only Pokemon to have two regional variants. The new Steel-type regional variant has a shaggy, greyish-brown coat, covering a body that has turned to iron after many years living with seafarers. It evolves into Perrserker at level 28, which is an interesting take on this iconic Pokemon.

33 Galarian Stunfisk

Galarian_Stunfisk

Galarian Stunfisk takes a bit of inspiration from Voltorb and Foongus, with its mouth resembling a Poké Ball.

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This design may be based on a foothold trap, referencing hunting traditions in the United Kingdom. It has certainly lured many Trainer’s hands into its jaws, who were under the impression they were getting a shiny new item.

32 Galarian Darumaka

Galarian_Darumaka

The Unovan form of Darumaka is based on a traditional Daruma doll design. With the swap to Ice-type from Fire, Galarian Darumaka has had a frosty makeover that references a snowman and a yeti.

31 Alolan Grimer

Alolan_Grimer

Unlike its Alolan evolution, Muk, Alolan Grimer has a stomach-turning green and yellow color palette. The Kantonian evolution line had a toxic purple coloration which was thematically appropriate. Some fans are a fan of how the shiny form reflects the original coloration of Kantonian Grimer, and vice-versa. However, when compared to its Alolan evolution, Grimer seems to stand out for all the wrong reasons.

30 Alolan Golem

Alolan_Golem

As mentioned previously, the Geodude evolution line was a portmanteau of ‘geode’ and ‘dude’. Alolan Golem flies closer to this origin than Alolan Geodude, but still falls short of paying homage to the gem it could be. Iron filings make up the facial hair, which is attracted by the magnetic rail gun on its back.

29 Galarian Slowbro

Galarian_Slowbro

This hermit crab Pokemon has a symbiotic relationship with Shellder, which, according to the Pokedex, can unconsciously bite down hard on Slowbro’s arm causing unmatched damage to the surrounding area. The addition of a Poison-type to Galarian Slowbro’s typing may draw inspiration from venomous cone snails.

28 Alolan Graveler

Alola-Graveler

Alolan Graveler has flecks of amber ore on its rocky form, inspired by piezoelectric materials. This gives a bit more excitement to the original Graveler design but stays true to the Kantonian classic.

27 Galarian Yamask

Galarian_Yamask

Galarian Yamask pays homage to traditional Scottish history, inscribed with Celtic ruins. It is a great example of a regional form that takes design inspiration from its environment.

26 Galarian Farfetch’d

Galarian_Farfetchd

Galarian Farfetch'd has been overshadowed by its brand-new evolution - Sirfetch'd. This Fighting-type regional form has a darker coat than its original Kantonian form. The iconic leek that Farfetch'd wields resembles a wild leek, one of the national symbols of Wales.

25 Galarian Darmanitan

Galarian_Darmanitan

The most infamous part of Galarian Darmanitan is not the dual-type Ice/Fire Zen Mode. Galar introduced an ability so overpowered it was banned from online battles. Gorilla Tactics is very similar to the effects of a Choice Band - it will boost an attack stat by 50%, but limit the Pokemon to one move. This ability stacks with a Choice item, meaning that Galarian Darmanitan, when paired with a Choice Band, will have its Attack 4boosted to 225%.

24 Alolan Rattata

Alolan_Rattata

This Pokemon is based on a Polynesian rat, which is an invasive species in Hawaii, the land that Alola is based on. Polynesian rats were responsible for attacking sugar cane plantations, which led to locals importing mongoose into the country as a form of pest control. This would explain the combative nature between Yungoos and Rattata.

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Alolan Rattata has gained some shaped whiskers over its Kantonian form. This facial hair resembles the knot of a hokkamuri. This is a scarf worn by thieves in Japanese media to obscure their identity for comedic effect.