Even with Generation 8 of the legendary Pokemon games still in full-swing, fans just can't help but theorize as to what Gen 9 could hold. After years of controversial changes to the core series, some fans have worried about where the franchise could be heading.
Thankfully, Pokemon has recently begun to show a willingness to make necessary changes, even promising the return of Pokemon from older Generations.
Some have taken the opportunity to question whether such older Pokemon might receive new evolutions in future games. This was a long-time staple of the series until it abruptly stopped in Gen 5. In recent games, fans have instead been given "Regional Variants" of older Pokemon instead of official evolutions (this has been met with mixed results).
So if the series does decide to bring back this practice, these old favorite (and not so favorite) unevolved Pokemon from past Gens might be most deserving of a long-awaited evolution.
Updated May 1st, 2022 by Russ Boswell: With each passing year, the Pokemon roster grows larger and larger. Each time a new generation is announced by Game Freak, players sit near their screens, anxiously awaiting any news about potential new Pokemon. With the release of Pokemon Sun & Moon, fans were introduced to the concept of Regional forms, an idea that was expanded upon with Pokemon Sword & Shield. Now, players are constantly imagining seeing some of their favorite Pokemon from the past get their dues and earn themselves a Regional form or maybe even a new evolution. To better showcase some of the Pokemon that deserve an evolution, the following list has been updated with more entries.
14 Skarmory (Gen 2)
When it comes to Flying-types Skarmory is definitely one of the most unique Pokemon available throughout the series. Its dual-typing of Steel and Flying was wholly unique, until Corvniknight showed up in Generation 8. For those that want a Flying-type that's a bit off the beaten path, they need to look no further than Skarmory and its metallic form. Unfortunately, it's a bit weak with a 465 Base Stat Total and a pretty rough Hidden Ability. Although Skarmory boasts solid Defense (140), its Weak Armor ability causes its Defense to lower when it's hit with Special Attacks. This is balanced out as it's granted more Speed in return, but with a base Speed stat of 70, it's hard to get much use out of it.
An evolution could bring this Pokemon up to snuff and give players a rare dual-type to mix into their team structure.
13 Wishiwashi (Gen 7)
There are some supremely unique Pokemon out there but many of them are far too weak to actually use in a competitive environment. Although it's possible to sweep certain players with lower-tier Pokemon thanks to some nifty tricks and loopholes, there are many interesting and strange Pokemon out there that don't see much time in battle. A good example of this is Wishiwashi, a seemingly inconspicuous Water-type that looks like nothing more than a normal fish until it hits Level 20.
Once it gains the Schooling ability, it will "bind together" with many other Wishiwashi into a "powerful Pokemon." It is knocked out of this form once it loses enough health. Unfortunately, Wishiwashi itself is so fragile and its HP is so low in its Schooling form, that it's pretty easy to knock out for heavy-hitters. It would be nice to see an Evolution or variant that gives it a bit more strength.
12 Mawile (Gen 3)
Mawile has a lot of potential to evolve into a truly creative and imposing creature. Although its cute stature helps to take away from the terrifying mouth it has lurking on the back of its head, Mawile's gaping maw could be a unique selling point for an evolution that may be on point with Guzzlord. It is important to note that Mawile did receive a Mega form but it's not nearly as pronounced as an evolution would be. From a design standpoint, this seems like a Pokemon that's just begging for some kind of redesign in the future, whether it be an evolved form of itself or a Regional upgrade.
11 Drampa (Gen 7)
A Normal/Dragon dual type, Drampa is absolutely begging to see an evolution take it to the next level. It's got great aesthetics, drawing from the Eastern dragons of lore. It has the potential to look downright imposing, especially if designers upgraded its tenacity with an evolutionary line or final evolution that helps it stand out more among its dragon brethren. It's a middling Pokemon with 485 Total Base Stats but features four different weaknesses (Fairy, Fighting, Dragon, and Ice). It would be nice to see Drampa get a bit of a boost, and perhaps even a type tweak during its evolution to help it stand out competitively.
10 Qwilfish (Gen 2)
There was a time in the series where most unevolved Pokemon where either Legendary Pokemon, Mythical Pokemon, or the fan-dubbed "Pseudo-Legendary" Pokemon (which some say are just as good as the first two). Then you have overlooked Pokemon that were perhaps never popular enough to warrant a later-Gen evolution- Pokemon like Qwilfish.
A combination Water & Poison-type, Qwilfish is based on a poisonous blowfish. It was introduced in Pokemon Gold & Silver in the 2nd-ever Generation of the games. A Qwilfish evolution could look like anything from a spiky swordfish to a poisonous stingray.
9 Delibird (Gen 2)
Unlike the previous example, Delibird actually is considered a fan-favorite. When Pokemon Go began introducing Gen 2 Pokemon back in 2016, players were immediately reminded of the Pokemon's unique charm (this was, of course, before Niantic turned to nobler causes).
Delibird is an adorable owl-like Pokemon who is said to deliver presents and supplies to people lost in snowy mountains. Its signature move in the game is Present, which has an equal random chance of dealing damage or restoring hit points (to the opponent's Pokemon, that is). Perhaps a Delibird evolution could follow through on this duality idea, and provide this little guy with two different evolutions?
8 Girafarig (Gen 2)
Girafarig is based on a Giraffe- obviously. But it's also based on the fictional "Push-Me-Pull-You," a llama with a head at either end of its body. Early concept art shows that such a design was originally intended for Girafarig before being scrapped. Instead, we're left with Girafarig as we know it now- with a tail designed to look like a second head.
Fans have long-since desired a more proper two-headed Girafarig. Perhaps instead of being Psychic / Normal, it could become Psychic / Dark, with the darkness of the tail having taken more control over the giraffe Pokemon.
7 Zangoose & Seviper (Gen 3)
Most Pokemon games have included pairs of Pokemon that match in some way, but aren't directly related to one another. For example, in Gen 3, players were introduced to Zangoose and Seviper and their bitter rivalry. Based on the real-world rivalry between the mongoose and the cobra, these Pokemon were established as being mortal enemies.
One of Zangoose's potential abilities, Immunity, can even make it impossible for Seviper to poison it with its attacks. In the real world, animals evolve over millennia based on a number of factors- including their relationship with predators and rival species. So it seems only right that Zangoose and Seviper would both evolve into more powerful forms to help in their endless power-struggle against the other.
6 Sudowoodo (Gen 2)
Something else that Pokemon games used to have were "obstacle Pokemon"- that is, unique Pokemon who would block the player's path until a specific item was acquired to sufficiently disturb them.
In Gen 2, strange trees block the player's progress forward from time to time. It isn't until the player tries to water the tree with a watering can that they discover that the "tree" is in fact Sudowoodo. Despite looking like a tree, Sudowoodo isn't a Grass-type, but a Rock-type (and Rock-types hate water). So what if, for Sudowoodo's evolution, it actually became a dual Rock / Grass-type? Then Sudowoodo could finally stop pretending.
5 Hawlucha (Gen 6)
Generation 6 was a game-changer in a lot of ways, really- it introduced Mega Evolution, the Fairy-type, and was the first Pokemon game to appear on the 3DS system. Well, one of the oft-overlooked stars of those games wa Hawlucha, an active and vibrant Pokemon inspired by Mexican Luchador wrestlers.
As a Fighty / Flying-type, Hawlucha is capable of learning some of the best and most popular moves in the game. And while it can't actually fly, its feats of aerial acrobatics more than make up for it. So maybe that idea should be taken even further. Give Hawlucha a cape and a mask and make it bigger and burlier. Make it stronger and more imposing- and, to top it all off, let it finally fly!
4 Heatmor & Durant (Gen 5)
Another pair of rivals, Heatmor and Durant were introduced in Gen 5 (notably in the first main-series games not to include evolutions of past-Gen Pokemon). Heatmor is a Fire-type based on an anteater, while Durant is a Steel / Bug-type based on, you guessed it- an ant.
It's said that Durant developed its metallic outer layer as a form of protection against the invading Heatmor. But as a Fire-type, Heatmor is strong against Steel as well as Bug, making the "defense" more than useless.
So why not ratchet it up a notch? Make Durant a worthy foe and give it a fighting chance against Heatmor with a strong evolution. And Heatmor can have one of its own, to reflect changes its had to make while adapting to Durant's changes.
3 Mimikyu (Gen 7)
Maybe the poster child for modern fan-favorite Pokemon, Mimikyu was introduced in Generation 7 (which is mostly remembered as the Generation that diverged the most from the series' original premise). Mimikyu's true form is unknown. It's said that it so desired to be loved and desired by trainers that it fashioned itself a Pikachu costume, hoping to capitalize on the popularity of the franchise's mascot.
As a Ghost / Fairy-type, it boasts a unique combination of moves and abilities. Many fans have expressed a desire for Mimikyu to just be itself and embrace the Pokemon it already is. Sounds like an evolution is in order! Maybe then, Mimikyu can finally shed its costume and be happy in a new, evolved form.
2 Shuckle (Gen 2)
In the Gen 2 games, Shuckle was a simple Bug / Rock-type, turtle-like Pokemon. Even in games that pre-dated Pokemon possessing Abilities, Shuckle had the unique ability to convert Berries into Berry Juice, a potent healing item.
Its battle performance is... mixed. While it boasts impressive defense stats thanks to its shell, it's actually one of the weakest attackers of all known Pokemon. That's not good enough for old Shuckle! So how about an evolved Shuckle that can rock both defense and attack at the same time? Give the fans what they want!
1 Dunsparce (Gen 2)
Not to mince words, but Dunsparce is widely considered the most useless Pokemon in the entire franchise. It has lackluster stats, a humdrum appearance, and nothing unique in the way of moves or abilities. At the time of its introduction, fans assumed that this Normal-type Pokemon would evolve into something amazing, like a Dragon-type (in a situation similar to Magikarp and Gyarados).
Its Pokédex entries even mention it resembling a bug and burrowing underground, yet it never received a Bug-type or Ground-type evolution. Many feel that it is high-time that Dunsparce get the evolutions that it deserves.