Summary
One element that helpedPokemon Legends: Arceussucceed was the new approach to regional variants, so a secondPokemon Legendsgame would need only look toPokemon’s previous Pokedex entries for blueprints for all-new historical forms. Ever since they were first introduced,Pokemon’s regional variants and evolutions have been a popular mainstay of the series, and so their inclusion inPokemon Legends: Arceuswas likely inevitable. But while some of its Hisuian variants fitPokemon’s canon such as Hisuian Voltorb and Electrode, others seemed more like an afterthought like Hisuian Lilligant and Braviary.
SincePokemon Legends: Arceushas now established what fans hope will be as successful a spin-off series asPokemon Mystery Dungeon, the nextPokemon Legendsgame needs to ensure its regional variants and evolutions are more coherent. Beyond taking influence from the historical backdrop of the nextPokemon Legends, these new Pokemon forms could draw from previousPokedex entries that hinted at future regional variants. Besides honorable mentions from Kommo-o’s armor and Melmetal’s 3,000-year history, there are specific Pokemon that would be ideal for the nextPokemon Legends' regional variants.
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Magikarp’s Long-Lost Stronger Ancestor
Despite its reputation as one of the series' weakest and most pathetic Pokemon, Magikarp was apparently not always so feeble. Referenced as far back asPokemon RedandBlueand most recently inPokemon Violet, several Pokedex entries for Magikarp say it was once stronger in the distant past. With this in mind, it might finally be time to subvertPokemon’s running joke of its infamous weakness andgive Magikarp a regional variantin the nextPokemon Legendsgame that fulfills its Pokedex entries, such as introducing a dual Water type combination with either Fighting, Steel, or Rock.
Gastrodon’s Missing Sturdy Shell
In addition to Magikarp, there’s another Water-type Pokemon that has multiple Pokedex entries referencing a form it once had in ancient times. Even with its current two East and West Sea forms, Gastrodon’s is explicitly confirmed to have had a sturdy shell long ago thanks toPokemon Platinum andPokemon Ultra Sun. Supposing that the two present-dayvariants of the Shellos lineall evolved from a common ancestor, the nextPokemon Legendsgame could finally introduce an original Gastrodon where it ditches its Water or Ground typing in favor of Steel or Rock to account for its shell.
Herdier’s Origins as the First Partner Pokemon
In line with other Route 1 Normal type Pokemon receiving regional variants, like Rattata and Zigzagoon, the nextPokemon Legendsgame could return to the Lillipup line. In particular, the Pokedex entries for Herdier have various references to its depiction in cave wall paintings inPokemon Ultra MoonandPokemonSwordtheorizing it was the first Pokemon to partner with humans. Given that fans believe thenextPokemon Legendswill explore Unova, it would be perfect timing to give the Lillipup line a Dark, Fairy, or Fighting regional variant based on its own Pokedex entries.
Dreepy’s Rebirth From Prehistoric Seas
With the recent announcement of new evolutions andregional fakes for several Gen 8 Pokemon, it’s entirely possible that the nextPokemon Legendsgame takes notes fromLegends: Arceus' own pseudo-legendary regional variant andSwordandShield’s Dreepy line. Based on Pokedex entries for Dreepy specifically, the Gen 8pseudo-legendary wasn’t originally a Ghost-type and once swam in prehistoric seas. So just as the Hisuian Goomy line was eventually a Dragon/Steel-type combination, the Dreepy line could see its own ancient regional variant as a series' first Dragon/Water-type pseudo-legendary Pokemon.
Pokemon Legends: Arceusis available now for the Nintendo Switch.
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