As Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's release date draws near, fans are eagerly further news about what new Pokemon they can catch in the ninth generation of games. Many are anticipating potential announcements for new regional forms and evolutions expected to appear in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. As these new games would be the fourth instance of regional variations being added to the series, expectations are high for what Game Freak can muster.
Originally introduced in Pokemon Sun and Moon, regional forms offered a fresh take on older designs, often overhauling the Pokemon with new types, evolutions, and lore. Both Pokemon Sword and Shield as well as Pokemon Legends: Arceus helped to expand this further. However, given the majority of these new forms are being given to Pokemon from the first generation, there's a case to be made for the studio to move away from Kanto in Scarlet and Violet.
Pokemon's History of Regional Forms and Evolutions
Regional forms were immediately a hit among fans, the new concept likely taking inspiration from Sun and Moon's Hawai'i-based setting. Not only did these redesigned Pokemon offer a unique twist on old favorites, they fit well into the region's lore. For example, Exeggutor's new form adopted a more traditional palm tree look with towering height, while Marowak's redesign took inspiration from fire dancers. Dubbed "Alolan" forms, these were all exclusively given to Gen 1 Pokemon, which wasn't entirely surprising. Sun and Moon released for the series' 20th anniversary, and Game Freak had the challenge of ensuring fans would embrace the new concept with open arms.
When Sword and Shield were announced, fans were unsure if Game Freak would carry regional variations through to the new generation. While Alolan Pokemon had featured in Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, many are aware of Game Freak's spotty track record with creating new game mechanics and features like Mega Evolution, only to quietly discontinue them - casting doubt over whether Dynamaxing or Max Raids will return after Gen 8. However, new regional forms and evolutions were introduced in the Galar region, demonstrating Game Freak intended to continue the trend. Of all fourteen lines given "Galarian" forms and evolutions, nine of these were once again from Gen 1.
Things did improve with Legends: Arceus, where Game Freak upped the ante and introduced "Hisuian" forms of Pokemon; historical variations of modern-day Pokemon that supposedly no longer exist. While this spin-off gave better representation to other generations of Pokemon than its predecessors, there was still a significant amount of Gen 1 Pokemon included. The game also relied on three Gen 1 Pokemon; Arcanine, Electrode, and Kleavor - a Scyther evolution; as "Nobles" integral to the game's overall progression. Whether the trend is intentional or not on Game Freak's behalf, it is being interpreted by some players as potentially depriving more deserving Pokemon of regional forms.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Potential Regional Forms and Evolutions
For Gen 9, Game Freak should put some distance between itself and Gen 1. Despite already having an Alolan form, Meowth was given not only a Galarian form but also a Galarian evolution, providing Gen 1 Pokemon an overabundance of forms lacking elsewhere. It's important that Game Freak demonstrates it can reconsider its full roster of Pokemon, as there could be up to 1,000 Pokemon by the time Scarlet and Violet is released, and there are plenty of Pokemon with poor designs that could do with a second chance.
The regions themselves have always influenced new designs, from the aforementioned Exeggutor's tropical origins to Weezing's Galarian form taken from England's industrial revolution. As the currently unnamed new region appears inspired by Spain, regional forms in Scarlet and Violet could include the likes of Delibird and the Litleo line, based on folklore and fairytale such as "El Hombre del Saco" or "The Wounded Lion." There is ample history surrounding the Iberian Peninsula that could inform new regional forms, such as the Skiddo line taking from the "Goat of the Spanish Legion," or Bouffalant following the legacy of Spanish bullfighting.
With Scarlet and Violet right around the corner, it's likely Game Freak has already decided upon its new Pokedex. While Bouffalant is one possible contender for a bullfighting-inspired form, Tauros may be better placed due to its wider recognition. In fact, some rumors and leaks already suggest the Diglett line will have regional forms, which would put it on-par with Meowth having two variations instead of just one. For now, the best hope is that Game Freak will uphold its trend of relying less on the first generation for regional forms and evolutions, letting Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have a healthy balance between new and old Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 18 for Nintendo Switch.