With each new Pokemon region comes new regional variants, as it is only natural that as Pokemon settle in different parts of the globe that they take on different traits based on the climate of their homes. Pokemon Legends: Arceus looks set to continue this trend, outfitted with its own set of prehistoric Pokemon.
Given none of the variants revealed exist in the modern Sinnoh games, and considering the Hisui region is an ancient Sinnoh region, it can be inferred that these variants are the result of time, rather than climate. One could assume each Pokemon eventually evolved to lose and/or gain traits to mold them into the familiar forms fans know today. Only a handful have been confirmed so far, but if past games are any indication, there will likely be quite a few regional variants present in Pokemon Legends: Arceus.
Hisuian Growlithe
Among the most recognizable fire-types from Generation 1, Growlithe rocks a noticeably different look in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Hisuian Growlithe’s fur is a shade or two darker than the Pokemon’s classic appearance, and its formerly beige, short fur is now much longer and light grey. Furthermore, the fire-type now has a distinct, fragile horn on the top of its head.
The horn is made out of rock, and appropriately enough, that makes Hisuian Growlithe a fire/rock-type; the original Growlithe was only a fire-type. Another notable difference between the two versions is that the Hisuian variants generally aren’t comfortable around humans, while Growlithes in other Pokemon games are regularly trained or kept as pets by humans.
Hisuian Braviary
This twist on the Unova region’s normal/flying-type Pokemon boasts a significantly different color scheme than its original version. Its body is primarily grey with white coloring on its wings and head, and its plumage has been replaced with a purple flame. However, Hisuian Braviary isn’t a fire-type. Rather, it's a psychic/flying-type. According to Pokemon Legends: Arceus’ official website, this variant’s psychic abilities can be used to enhance its physical strikes — one can surely expect it to have a move that buffs its stats based on this description.
Wyrdeer
There is no normal version of Wyrdeer, but it is a Hisui-exclusive evolution of an existing Pokemon: Stantler. This deer-like Pokemon was previously introduced in Pokemon Gold and Silver, and until now had no evolutionary line. Upon evolving a Stantler in Pokemon Legends: Arceus, the normal-type will become a Wyrdeer, and adopt a psychic typing the process. Wyrdeer is also one of the few rideable Pokemon confirmed for Pokemon Legends: Arceus at present, and the trailer makes it look just as graceful in motion as it does in its official artwork.
Basculegion
The final regional variant confirmed thus far is a big one, literally; it’s nearly ten-feet long and over 200 pounds. Like Wyrdeer, Basculegion doesn’t exist outside of the Hisui region, but Basculin that evolve within the region can become this mammoth creature, which is appropriately categorized as the “Big Fish Pokemon.”
The Pokemon’s name itself is worth dissecting too. The “legion” portion of "Basculegion" is due to the Pokemon coming to be when a live Basculin is possessed by souls of perished Basculin. How or if this dramatic piece of lore will be reflected in gameplay remains to be seen, but it certainly makes for one of the most interesting pieces of Pokemon lore out there.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus will launch exclusively for the Switch on January 28, 2022.