Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s latest trailer gave fans the injection they needed (not that they truly needed it) to keep discussion, rumors, and speculation circling around until more official information is unveiled. The new Pokemon for Scarlet and Violet, although limited in their reveal, have already captured many hearts.
Whether it’s speculation on the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet legendaries, Koraidon and Miraidon, and their types or just adorable fan art of the beloved Lechonk, the community is having a field day. Notably, though, one fan has presented an interesting and well-received theory about the new grass/normal type, Smoliv.
The Case for Smoliv to Become a Fire/Grass Pokemon
Redditor Matthaiosx_ recently shared an interesting Pokemon Scarlet and Violet theory that, even they admit, is entirely based on their desire for a Fire/Grass-type Pokemon, as that does not exist in the franchise. They speculate that Smoliv’s Grass/Normal type could change as it evolves, with the normal type eventually becoming fire. After all, as they point out, Smoliv would make as much sense as a mono Grass-type.
Normal types changing aren’t unheard of either, and they use Azurill, Swablu, and Fletchling as examples. Furthermore, they point out how the official website states that Smoliv stores oil in its head, with Olive Oil being popular in the Iberian Peninsula (what Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s region is based on). From there, it’s just a logical breakdown from olive oil to cooking to fire.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: 'Smolotov' Would Be a Welcome and Rare Combo
One commenter even added a plausible name for this evolution, to which the community responded warmly as well: Smolotov. It’s no secret that Pokemon names are sometimes combinations of words or patterns, so Smoliv is literally “small olive.” To extend that outward to “smolotov” combining the “smo-“ with “molotov” is an interesting and convincing name.
While this theory is a little sparse and hinges on the desire for this typing more than concrete proof, many welcomed Matthaiosx_’s theory. New Pokemon-type combinations would be welcome in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and this would be one of the most unique possible combinations out there. Such a typing would not only disturb the Pokemon starter triangle of Fire/Water/Grass, but it would be super effective against seven types, deal reduced damage to only one, and have three 50% resistances and one 75% resistance in exchange for a super weakness against Flying, Rock, and Poison-types. As of this writing, the post is at nearly 2500 upvotes showing how popular such an evolution could be.
It would be a unique and popular Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, but there are indubitably a ton of other never-before-done Pokemon typing combos that would shake up gameplay (and be interesting to see on top of that). Normal/Steel would be a powerful defensive Pokemon, Ground/Fairy would offer a ton of cover, and Rock/Ghost is potentially interesting. If Pokemon Scarlet and Violet even feature any rare type combination, though, remains to be seen.
Of course, the only ones who know anything about Smoliv’s evolution line in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are working on the game right now. It remains to be seen when Game Freak wants to show off more Pokemon and other features for the game, but Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s co-op, open-world design, and more have all been well received so far. A ‘Smolotov’ evolution would only add to that list of well-received elements.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release November 18 for Nintendo Switch.