WithPokemon ScarletandVioletnot too far off in the future, fans are hoping to see interesting regional forms of familiar Pokemon. Regional forms like Alolan Vulpix, Galarian Yamask, and Galarian Ponyta have become fan favorites, so regional forms have been a hit since they were introduced inPokemon SunandMoon. It is a near guarantee to see some new regional forms inScarletandViolet.
Regional forms are connected deeply to the location of aPokemongame. Since Pokemon are a product of the environment, a different place can make them evolve differently. With the region ofScarletandVioletbeing based on the Iberian Peninsula, regional forms may very well be inspired from Spanish culture and wildlife found in that area. With that in mind, there are plenty of Pokemon already that can fit the bill for regional forms.
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Tauros and Honedge
Tauros is a must for a regional-form because of the Spanish history of bullfighting. Many fans believe this will happen and have already made predictions on what a region variant of Tauros would look like and what typing it would have. Bets have gone mostly to aFighting-typevariant. The design may have more red colors, to symbolize the red flags used in bullfighting. However, some fans are doubtful about this idea because of the animal cruelty controversy that surrounds bullfighting. With that in mind, it is most likely thatPokemonwill practice some subtlety with a bullfighting Pokemon.
Honedge getting a regional form based on a rapier would be a great callback to the Spanish tradition of fencing. The traditional fencing term is called “La Verdadera Destreza,” and it dates back as far as the 1500s. Pop culture has used this tradition infilms likeThe Mask of Zorro, soPokemonhaving a Honedge regional form as a living rapier would be a very fitting concept.
Pikachu and Roselia
The potential for aFairy-typeregional Pikachu exists, based on the folklore of “El Ratoncito Perez.” This folktale is similar to the tooth fairy, but instead of a fairy, the one who visits children to take their baby teeth and leave behind gifts is a mouse. The tradition of Ratoncito Perez is pretty adorable and is certainly worth a Fairy-type Pokemon. A regional variant of the iconic Pikachu would really get fans excited, especially as a Fairy-type.
A lot of fans think of the cliché of a Spanish man with a rose in his mouth, but a regional variant of Roselia can go deeper and more respectful than that. Roselia has the potential for a region variant that ispart Dragon-type. This would be inspired by the legend of St. George, who killed a dragon to rescue a princess. Some versions of the legend say that a rose grew out of the dragon’s blood and the knight gave it to the princess. Due to this, on St. George Day, men traditionally give roses to women.
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Delibird And Litleo
Delibird has the potential for a Dark-type variant based on the folktale of “El Hombre del Saco,” also known as the Sack Man or Bag Man. The legends are a lot like Krampus, and tell of a horrible old man that kidnaps children and puts them in a bag.Pokemonalready have Drifloon which kidnaps children, with adding a Delibird variant that does the same thing to naughty children is not too big of a stretch.
Litleo could have aGrass-typevariant based on the Spanish fairytale of “The Wounded Lion.” The story is about a girl who saves a lion with a thorn stuck in his paw. It is eventually revealed that the lion is a prince and the two get married. The Grass-type would be a nod to the thorn stuck in the lion’s paw from the fairytale.
Mudbray And Mandibuzz
Mudbray could get a variant based on another Spanish/Portugese fairytale, one called “The Enchanted Mule.” True to being from a fairytale, the variant could be part Fairy-type. Another idea some fans have had is a Mudbray variant that looks like a Piñata. While Piñatas are mostly associated with Mexico, they were introduced by the Spanish (and the Spanish were introduced to it by the Chinese).
Fans believe Mandibuzz is due for a region variant since its rival Pokemon, Braviary, got a variant inPokemon Legends: Arceus. This could easily be done inScarletandViolet, as Spain has many sorts of vultures. The most common to see in Spain is the Griffon vulture. The variant could ditch the Dark-type andbecome Ground-typeand Flying-type.
Lotad could get a variant with a unique type combination: Fire and Grass-type. It’s final evolution, Ludicolo, is loosely based on a stereotypical mariachi performer with its poncho-like body and sombrero-shaped head. It also has dancing movements. A variant could take this idea in the direction of a Flamenco dancer. There is already a FlamencoPokemon, Oricorio’s Baile Style form, but a variant of Ludicolo could push the cultural inspiration further.
Sunkern is another Grass-type whose variant could bepart Fire-type. Rather than evolve into Sunflora, it would evolve into a variant that is more like a red carnation. Red Carnations are the national flower of Spain. The red flower is even sometimes compared to the dress of Spanish Flamenco dancers. The flowers are commonly features in Spanish parades and celebrations.
Gallade And Dragonair
Mega Gallade already has comparisons to a matador, so a region variant that leans into that idea could make for an interesting variant. It would still be part Fighting-Type, but the variant could drop the Psychic-type and replace it with another type or make it pure Fighting. The green colors could be traded for red in its design as well.
Dragonair is a fan favorite that a lot of gamers wish was its ownfinal evolutioninstead of Dragonite. IfScarletandVioletlike the legend of St. George and the dragon, this could be a chance for Dragonair to get a region variant. Like Gallade, its design would change from cool colors to more bright ones and its typing could gain Dark and/or Ghost.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare releasing in late 2022 on Nintendo Switch.
