Pokémon are a species of fictional creatures created for the Pokémon media franchise. Developed by Game Freak and published by Nintendo, the Japanese franchise began in 1996 with the video games Pokémon Red and Green for the Game Boy, which were later released in North America as Pokémon Red and Blue in 1998.[3] In these games and their sequels, the player assumes the role of a Trainer whose goal is to capture and use the creatures' special abilities to combat other Pokémon. Some Pokémon can transform into stronger species through a process called evolution via various means, such as exposure to specific items.[4] Each Pokémon have one or two elemental types, which define its advantages and disadvantages when battling other Pokémon.[5] A major goal in each game is to complete the Pokédex, a comprehensive Pokémon encyclopedia, by capturing, evolving, and trading with other Trainers to obtain individuals from all Pokémon species.[4]
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet take place in Paldea, which is heavily based on Spain, as well as other areas in the Iberian Peninsula,[6][7] with the game's DLC expansions The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk taking place in the Kitakami region[8] and the Blueberry Academy,[9] respectively. Kitakami is based on Japan,[8] while the Blueberry Academy is a school environment set in the Unova region, the main location of the 2010 games Pokémon Black and White.[9][10]Scarlet and Violet also feature a special mechanic known as "Terastallization" which allow the player's Pokémon to change their elemental types in battle.[11]
Sprigatito is a cat-like Pokémon.[12] Sprigatito has been a popular Pokémon since its debut,[13][14] as well as being nicknamed "Weed Cat" by fans when it was first revealed to the public,[15][16] and has attracted commentary in regards to its evolutionary line, primarily in regards to whether its evolutions would be bipedal or quadrupedal.[14][17]
Floragato is Sprigatito's evolution. It is a bipedal cat-like Pokémon.[18] Meowscarada is a bipedal, humanoid, lynx-like Pokémon and the evolution of Floragato.[19] Meowscarada has been a popular Pokémon since its debut,[20][21] with critics noting that its design helped make it an appealing Pokémon despite initial concern over Sprigatito becoming bipedal by fans.[22][23]
Fuecoco is a crocodile-like Pokémon.[12] The name "Fuecoco" stems from the Spanish words "fuego", meaning "fire", and "cocodrilo", meaning "crocodile".[24] Fuecoco has seen significant popularity and praise since its debut, primarily for its appealing design.[25][26] Polls conducted by Inside Games found Fuecoco to be popular due to its vacant expression and cute appearance.[27][28]
Crocalor is a larger, crocodile-like Pokémon that evolves from Fuecoco. It wears a burning nest with a large egg on its head, resembling a sombrero.[29] Skeledirge is a crocodile-like Pokémon that evolves from Crocalor. Its appearance seems to draw influence from the holiday known as the Day of the Dead, and its name comes from the words "skeleton" and "dirge". The egg that it had as a Crocalor has now hatched into a small bird made of fire, which rests on its nose and morphs into a stand microphone when Skeledirge uses its signature move "Torch Song".[29]
Quaxly is a duck-like Pokémon.[12] It was described by Inside Games as having numerous sailor-motifs in its design.[30] Quaxly's resemblance to Donald Duck became a brief internet meme.[31][32] The gel secreted by its feathers repels water and grime.[33]
Quaxwell is a duck-like Pokémon and an evolution of Quaxly.[34] Quaxwell evolves into Quaquaval, which also resembles a duck, with some additional apparent influence from peacocks. Quaquaval is believed to take inspiration from Carnival. Quaquaval is constantly dancing, which appears to be inspired by both Carnival and various samba dances. Its Fighting-type is believed to take inspiration from capoeira.[35]
Lechonk is a pig-like Pokémon. Lechonk's English name is a combination of "lechón", a Spanish pork dish, "oink", an onomatopoeia for the sound of a pig, and "chonk", which itself is derived from "chunk(y)", slang for a fat animal.[24] Oinkologne is a cologne-themed hog-like Pokémon that evolves from Lechonk,[36] and has different appearances based on its gender.[37]
Tarountula is a tarantula-like Pokémon. It carries a ball on its back resembling a ball of yarn.[38] Spidops is a spider-like Pokémon and the evolution of Tarountula. It has eight legs, though it stands bipedally.[39][40] It traps other Pokémon inside of web traps for its own enjoyment.[39]
Nymble is a small, grasshopper-like Pokémon.[41] It evolves into Lokix, which more closely resembles locusts in particular. Both Pokémon have six legs, with their rear legs kept folded up. Nymble can unfold its rear legs to jump far distances; meanwhile, Lokix can unfurl and stand on its rear legs to enter a battle stance known as Showdown Mode, in which is can deliver exceptionally powerful attacks, but will quickly tire itself out if it remains in this stance for too long.[42] Lokix appears to take inspiration from the titular heroes of the Kamen Rider franchise,[43] with its tendency to use kick-based attacks seemingly being in reference to the "Rider Kick" finishing move used by Kamen Rider protagonists.[41]
Pawmi, Pawmo, and Pawmot are marmot-like Pokémon.[44] They highly resemble Pikachu in terms of design, which is part of a recurring series design tradition.[45] Pawmi's cheeks contain weak electrical sacs that transfer static electricity to its palms.[44] Pawmi evolves into Pawmo, and then Pawmot.[45][46]
Tandemaus and Maushold are a pair of mouse-like Pokémon. Unlike most Pokémon, the pair are made up of multiple individuals, with Tandemaus consisting of a pair of Pokémon.[47][48] When Tandemaus evolves into Maushold, Maushold gains either one or two children, nicknamed "Family of Three" and "Family of Four", respectively. Maushold's Family of Three form is more rare than its Family of Four form.[49] They have been noted for their battling power, with Maushold's "Population Bomb" attack causing high damage in comparison to other attacks.[50][51][52]
Fidough is a dough-themed dog-like Pokémon. It is protected by chefs due to the valuable yeast it exhales.[53] Fidough can puff up their bodies to make themselves more intimidating to opponents.[54] Fidough was later made available in real life as a bread-based snack.[55]
Dachsbun is a pastry-themed dog-like Pokémon. It evolves from Fidough.[56] Its name comes from "dachshund" and "bun."[57] Fidough and Dachsbun were both designed by Mari Shimazaki, who is known for her work on the Bayonetta series.[58]
Smoliv is an olive-like Pokémon. The fruit on top of its head stores a bitter, yet nutritious oil, which Smoliv produces in its body. Its name comes from "small" and "olive".[59] Smoliv grew popular among fans due to its anxious personality and naming.[59][60][61] Smoliv evolves into Dolliv, which then evolves into Arboliva. Arboliva resembles an entire olive tree.[62] A significantly larger Arboliva appeared in the Pokémon anime, where it was owned in the series' narrative by Lucius, a powerful trainer from the distant past.[63]
Squawkabilly is a parrot-like Pokémon.[64] It comes with four different colors of plummage: green, yellow, blue, and white, with each color having their own individual personality. Each color also has different in-battle "abilities", passive skills that provide benefits in battle.[65] Its name is a combination of the words "rockabilly" and "squawk".[57] Flocks of Squawkabilly are used by the "Flying Taxi" service in-game, which allows players to fast travel to locations they have visited, replacing Corviknight, which took on the role in Pokémon Swordand Shield.[66]
Nacli, Naclstack, and Garganacl are salt-like Pokémon. Their names are derived from "NaCl", the chemical formula for sodium chloride (table salt).[67] Nacli evolves into Naclstack, and then into Garganacl.[68] A salt shaker based on Nacli was later produced.[67]
Charcadet is a small, humanoid Pokémon which appears to be based on both charcoal and squires.[69] It can evolve into two other Pokémon, Armarouge and Ceruledge, which require special items only found in Scarlet and Violet, respectively - the Auspicious Armor (found in Scarlet) will evolve it into Armarouge, which specializes in ranged projectile attacks, while the Malicious Armor (found in Violet) will evolve it into Ceruledge, which specializes in close-range blade attacks.[70]
Tadbulb is a tadpole-like Pokémon resembling a light bulb.[71] It evolves into Bellibolt, a frog-like Pokémon.[72] It is able to expand and contract its elastic body to generate electricity. It has two large round objects on the side of its head, which resemble eyes; its real eyes are located just above its mouth.[73] It was revealed prior to the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet during a mock livestream for the fictional, in-universe streamer Iono.[74][75]
Maschiff is a dog-like Pokémon[76] greatly resembling a mastiff.[77] Maschiff evolves into Mabosstiff.[78]Arven, one of the major characters in Pokémon Scarletand Violet, has a Mabosstiff as his partner Pokémon. It was injured prior to the games' events, and is slowly healed as the player and Arven collect Herba Mystica, special herbs guarded by massive bosses known as Titan Pokémon.[79]
Shroodle is a small, poisonous shrew-like Pokémon. It evolves into Grafaiai.[80] Grafaiai is a graffiti-themed Pokémon based on an aye-aye with some elements of the slow loris; it was teased prior to the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through a series of cryptic photos resembling the Oma forest on August 30, 2022.[81][82]
Klawf is a crab-like Pokémon that resembles the horsehair crab.[88] It lives on cliffs, usually hanging upside down while waiting for prey, but it cannot hang for long before its blood begins to rush to its head. One particularly large Klawf acts as a "Titan Pokémon", a boss Pokémon in the game.[89] Klawf Sticks, made from ground up Klawf shells, are also food items in the game.[90]
Capsakid are small plant Pokémon that evolve into Scovillain,[91] a two-headed Pokémon.[92] The two greatly resemble chili peppers.[90] Scovillain's name references the scoville scale, a scale used to measure the spiciness of chili peppers.[93]
Rellor and Rabsca are beetle-like Pokémon, with Rellor resembling a dung beetle[94] and Rabsca a scarab.[95] Rellor evolves into Rabsca.[94] Rellor rolls a ball of mud, composed of dirt and psychic energy.[96] Rabsca's ball contains an infant.[97]
Tinkatink is a small, pink Pokémon which wields a handmade metal hammer. It evolves into Tinkatuff, which later evolves into Tinkaton; as these Pokémon evolve, their hammers are reinforced to become stronger and larger.[100][101] Tinkaton is said to have learned to upgrade its hammer with metals out of pure spite after being bullied by Steel-type Pokémon as Tinkatink and Tinkatuff,[102] and it is able to throw boulders with its hammer to knock Corviknight – a large, metallic bird-like Pokémon – out of the sky.[66] It has received a positive response from the community since its debut.[102][103][104] A Tinkatink is owned by one of the main characters, Dot, in the anime series Pokémon Horizons: The Series.[105]
Wiglett is a garden eel-like Pokémon. It was revealed prior to the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet via a mock seminar that showcased wild Pokémon interacting with the world of PokémonScarlet and Violet.[106] While bearing similarities to the Pokémon Diglett, it is a different species, with their similarities likely a result of convergent evolution.[107] Wiglett has been commented on for its phallic appearance by both fans and critics.[nb 2] Wugtrio is a garden eel-like Pokémon[113] that evolves from Wiglett.[114]
Bombirdier are stork-like Pokémon with apron-like appendages on their torsos, with which they carry rocks to drop from above.[29] One particularly large Bombirdier acts as a "Titan Pokémon", a boss Pokémon in the game.[115]
Finizen is a dolphin-like Pokémon that evolves into Palafin. Palafin has two forms. The first is identical to Finizen in appearance except for a heart shape on its stomach, called the "Zero Form". The second is the "Hero Form" which takes on a muscular, superhero-esque appearance.[116]
Cyclizar is a bicycle-themed lizard-like Pokémon that was introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Cyclizar has allowed people in the Pokémon universe to ride on its back since ancient times and depictions of this have been found in 10,000-year-old murals.[119] Koraidon and Miraidon, two Legendary Pokémon in the game, are relatives of the Pokémon which hail from the past and future, respectively.[120]
Orthworm is a species of Pokémon resembling a metallic earthworm. One particularly large Orthworm acts as a "Titan Pokémon", a boss Pokémon in the game.[121]
Glimmet and Glimmora are crystalline species of Pokémon. Their bodies are made of crystallized poisonous energy.[122] Glimmet evolves into Glimmora.[123]
Greavard is a small puppy-like Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It inadvertently absorbs the life force of people around it. It was revealed during a found footage stream by a member of the Ghost-Type Pokémon Club from Naranja Academy, the school the player goes to in Pokémon Scarlet.[124]
Houndstone is a Ghost-type Pokémon based on a hound, a type of dog. It is the evolved form of Greavard. It has a large tombstone on its head, replacing the candle in the head of Greavard.[125]
Flamigo is a Pokémon that resembles a flamingo. Flamigo's design was criticized by fans for its "bland" design,[126] though it grew in popularity in Pokémon's competitive scene due to its strength.[126] Flamigo also proved popular in the speedrunning community for Scarlet and Violet, in part due to its high stats and early obtainability in-game.[127][128][129]
Cetoddle is a terrestrial, whale-like Pokémon. Cetitan, its evolution,[130] is covered in a thick layer of blubber, with strong muscles to support its blubber-like body. It can gather ice energy to make the surrounding area very cold.[131]Yūsuke Kozaki designed both Cetoddle and Cetitan.[118]
Dondozo and Tatsugiri are a pair of Pokémon biologically unassociated with each other, but have a symbiotic relationship.[134] Tatsugiri resembles sushi, while Dondozo resembles a catfish.[135] Tatsugiri has three different forms, each with different color schemes.[134] A pair of them acted as "Titan Pokémon", special boss opponents in the Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's story.[136] Dondozo and Tatsugiri were both designed by James Turner, who had previously worked as a character designer for the Pokémon franchise.[134]
Annihilape is the evolution of Primeape, a simian Pokémon which first appeared in Pokémon Redand Blue. Annihilape came to be when the anger built up by Primeape grew to a capacity that its body couldn't contain, causing a complete overflow of power and the consequent evolution into Annihilape.[137]
Clodsire is the evolution of Wooper's Paldean regional variant.[138] It greatly resembles the Iberian ribbed newt, and mimics the newt's method of attack as it extends its ribs from its body.[139]
Farigiraf is a giraffe-esque Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that evolves from Girafarig,[140] which was introduced in Pokémon Goldand Silver.[141] Girafarig's tail synced with its mind as it evolved, and the two work in tandem to enhance its psychic power.[140] Like Girafirg, Farigiraf's name is a palindrome, meaning it can be read the same backwards as it can forwards.[99]
Dudunsparce is an evolution of Dunsparce, a tsuchinoko-inspired Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Goldand Silver.[142][143] It gains an additional body segment, but other Dudunsparce, known as the "Three Segment Form", have an additional body segment that is more rare than standard Dudunsparce.[144]
Great Tusk, Scream Tail, Brute Bonnet, Flutter Mane, Slither Wing, and Sandy Shocks are Paradox Pokémon – Pokémon which hail from different time periods than normal Pokémon – which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They hail from the distant past, and are sometimes dubbed "Ancient Pokémon".[146] They are first mentioned in-game in special magazines known as "Occulture" which give additional rumor-based information on the species.[120] The Paradox Pokémon are stated to hail from alternative realities in the DLC expansion for the game, The Indigo Disk.[120]
Great Tusk is an ancient Paradox Pokémon based on the Pokémon Donphan,[120] an elephantine Pokémon.[147] It appears as a "Titan Pokémon", a special boss opponent in-game.[148]
Scream Tail is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Jigglypuff,[120] a balloon-like Pokémon known for its singing voice.[149]
Brute Bonnet is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Amoonguss,[120] a mushroom-like Pokémon.[150]
Flutter Mane is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Misdreavus,[120] a ghost-like Pokémon.[151]
Slither Wing is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Volcarona,[120] a moth-like Pokémon.[152]
Sandy Shocks is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Magneton,[120] a trio of a Pokémon named Magnemite, which resemble magnets.[153]
Iron Treads, Iron Bundle, Iron Hands, Iron Jugulis, Iron Moth, and Iron Thorns are Paradox Pokémon – Pokémon which hail from different time periods than normal Pokémon – which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. They hail from the distant future, and are sometimes dubbed "Future Pokémon".[146] They are first mentioned in-game in special magazines known as "Occulture" which give additional rumor-based information on the species.[120] The Paradox Pokémon are stated to hail from alternative realities in the DLC expansion for the game, The Indigo Disk.[120]
Iron Treads is a futuristic Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Donphan,[120] an elephantine Pokémon.[147] Iron Treads acts as a "Titan Pokémon", a special boss opponent in-game.[148]
Iron Bundle is a futuristic Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Delibird,[120] a bird-like Pokémon which resembles Santa Claus.[154]
Frigibax is a small dragon-like Pokémon. It evolves into Arctibax, which evolves into Baxcalibur.[156] Baxcalibur is a large ice dragon Pokémon resembling a Spinosaurus and a kaiju, and belongs to the fanmade category known as "pseudo-legendary Pokémon",[157] characterizing typically Dragon-type Pokémon with a three-stage evolution line and a high base stat total.[158]
Gimmighoul is a small Pokémon that hides in treasure chests. It has two forms: the chest form and a "Roaming Form" which leaves the chest and wanders by itself carrying a single coin. The Roaming Form can only be obtained via Pokémon Go.[159] Prior to its reveal, a special website was made, depicting Gimmighoul's chest, which eventually opened up following Gimmighoul's reveal, serving as an information hub for information related to the Pokémon. Gimmighoul also appeared in Go prior to its announcement, where, following an in-game event, it followed players around the map.[160] Gimmighoul evolves into Gholdengo when it is leveled up after a total of 999 Gimmighoul Coins are gathered by the player. Gholdengo is a golden-bodied Pokémon that often travels by summoning a golden board that it surfs on. [161]
Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu are a group of four Legendary Pokémon which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The four were trapped in shrines due to their rampage and destruction,[162] requiring the player to seek out "stakes" that keep the shrine sealed in order for the player to encounter the four.[163]
Wo-Chien is a snail-like Pokémon composed of a moss-like substance, with a "shell" of numerous wooden tablets on its back. In the game's lore, the tablets are said to contain the misdeeds of the Paldean King from a thousand years ago, with the writer's grudge causing Wo-Chien to be given life. It can drain the life force of plants, leading to areas surrounding it becoming barren of life.[162]
Chien-Pao is a snow leopard-like Pokémon composed of snow and ice which has the broken halves of a sword acting as fangs. In the game's lore, the hatred of those slain by the sword caused Chien-Pao to be given life. It can control snow and plays on top of avalanches it causes.[162]
Ting-Lu is a deer or moose-like Pokémon composed of rock, with a jade-like vessel adorned on top of its head. In the game's lore, it's said that the fear humanity harbored for millennia was what caused Ting-Lu to be given life. It is strong enough to create fissures 160-feet deep.[162]
Chi-Yu is a goldfish-like Pokémon composed of fire. It has beads adorned around its eyes. In the game's lore, the beads are said to be filled with the envy of those who wanted to have them. Chi-Yu's body is capable of producing flames hot enough to melt rock.[162]
Roaring Moon and Iron Valiant are Paradox Pokémon – Pokémon which hail from different time periods than normal Pokémon – which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Roaring Moon hails from the distant past, while Iron Valiant hails from the distant future.[146] They are stated to hail from alternative realities in the DLC expansion for the game, The Indigo Disk.[120]
Roaring Moon is an ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Salamence, a draconic Pokémon. It notably appears similar to Salamence's Mega Evolved form.[164]
Iron Valiant is a futuristic Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Gallade and Gardevoir, a pair of humanoid Pokémon.[165]
Koraidon and Miraidon are Legendary Pokémon that serve as the mascots of Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, respectively.[166] They are Paradox Pokémon, with Koraidon hailing from the past and Miraidon from the future. They both resemble Cyclizar.[120] A specific Koraidon or Miraidon, depending on the player's version, serves as a major supporting character in-game. It is in a weakened state,[167] and serves as the player's mount.[168] It regains power throughout the game, and after defeating the games' final boss, the player will gain the ability to use the pair in battle.[167] Koraidon and Miraidon have additional forms, which are used for riding, gliding, and swimming.[168] Another specific Koraidon or Miraidon, depending on the version, serves as an antagonist. It is aggressive, having defeated the player's Koraidon or Miraidon in a territorial struggle before the events of the games.[169] It is eventually used in the final battle by the Professor's AI duplicates,[169] and can be captured after defeating them.[167] Their names hail from "Korai" and "Mirai", which mean past and future in Japanese, with the -don suffix being a reference to dinosaurs.[168] Koraidon and Miraidon's character development and growth throughout the story of Scarlet and Violet has been praised.[170]
Walking Wake and Iron Leaves are Paradox Pokémon – Pokémon which hail from different time periods than normal Pokémon – which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Walking Wake hails from the distant past, while Iron Leaves hails from the distant future.[146] They are stated to hail from alternative realities in the DLC expansion for the game, The Indigo Disk.[120] The pair were first announced as part of an event where players could battle one of the pair in special raid boss battles depending on their version of the game. The event was later rerun multiple times.[171]
Dipplin consists of two worm-like Pokémon inhabiting a large syrupy apple resembling a candy apple, which debuted in "The Teal Mask" DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.[175] It evolves from Applin, a worm-like Pokémon that inhabits an apple, which debuted in Pokémon Swordand Shield.[176][177] Dipplin evolves into Hydrapple.[175]
Poltchageist is a matcha-like Pokémon that debuted in "The Teal Mask" DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It was announced on August 22, 2023, through a trailer entailing a ghost story. According to Poltchageist's tale, it was created by a shunned tea master due to the master's strict lessons, with Poltchageist being created shortly after his death. Poltchageist uses its matcha to suck the life force of its victims.[178][179] It bears similarities to Sinistea, which debuted in Pokémon Swordand Shield, but is a different species without biological association to Sinistea, their similarities likely a result of convergent evolution. It evolves into Sinistcha, which bears similarities to Polteageist, Sinistea's evolution.[180]
Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti are a trio of Legendary Pokémon. The three appear to reference the legend of Momotarō, as the three resemble the animals in the tale: Okidogi is a dog, Munkidori a monkey, and Fezandipiti a pheasant. In the region of Kitakami, the three are worshipped as "defenders" and dubbed the "Loyal Three" which protected them from the "ogre" Ogerpon. It is later revealed via a plot twist that the three were the attackers, and not Ogerpon. Pecharunt is stated to have bound them via a spell to obey it, and it ordered the three to steal Ogerpon's masks to satiate the desires of its foster parents. Ogerpon retaliated, killing the three.[8] During the plot of The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, they must be defeated by the player to get Ogerpon's masks back.[181]
Ogerpon is a mask-wearing Legendary Pokémon that debuted in "The Teal Mask" DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It appears to be based on the oni in the legend of Momotarō. Ogerpon has multiple masks, which were made for it and its human friend by a kind mask maker in the distant past in order to disguise their appearances from the hostile people of Kitakami. The Loyal Three and Pecharunt sought to obtain the masks, but after they accidentally killed Ogerpon's friend, Ogerpon killed them in retaliation. The battle led to Ogerpon being shunned as an evil being by the people of Kitakami.[8] Ogerpon is idolized by the young boy Kieran, and the player's capture of Ogerpon angers Kieran to a point that he grows distant from them and his sister, Carmine.[182] When Terastallized, Ogerpon can adopt a unique form depending on the Mask it holds.[183]
Grass / Water
Wellspring Ogerpon is the form Ogerpon takes while holding one of its masks, the Wellspring Mask. This changes Ogerpon's typing, and further changes its form when Terastallized.[183]
Grass / Fire
Hearthflame Ogerpon is the form Ogerpon takes while holding one of its masks, the Hearthflame Mask. This changes Ogerpon's typing, and further changes its form when Terastallized.[183]
Grass / Rock
Cornerstone Ogerpon is the form Ogerpon takes while holding one of its masks, the Cornerstone Mask. This changes Ogerpon's typing, and further changes its form when Terastallized.[183]
Hydrapple is the evolution of Dipplin, which was released as part of The Indigo Disk DLC expansion in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is composed of seven individual serpentine Pokémon called "syrpents" inhabiting a large syrupy apple.[187][188]
Gouging Fire, Raging Bolt, Iron Boulder, and Iron Crown are Paradox Pokémon – Pokémon which hail from different time periods than normal Pokémon – which appear in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Gouging Fire and Raging Bolt hail from the distant past, while Iron Boulder and Iron Crown hail from the distant future.[146] They are stated to hail from alternative realities in the DLC expansion for the game, The Indigo Disk.[120]
Gouging Fire and Raging Bolt are ancient Paradox Pokémon resembling the Pokémon Entei and Raikou,[172][189] Legendary Pokémon which first appeared in Pokémon Goldand Silver.[173] Iron Boulder and Iron Crown are futuristic Paradox Pokémon which resemble Terrakion and Cobalion,[190][172] Legendary Pokémon which first appeared in Pokémon Blackand White.[174]
Terapagos is a turtle-like Legendary Pokémon that debuted in "The Indigo Disk" DLC in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. It is believed in-universe to have a special tie to the Terastal phenomenon, and can manipulate Terastal energy in-battle.[191] It appears in three forms: a smaller "Normal Form", an in-battle "Terastal Form",[192] and a more powerful form it uses when Terastallized known as the "Stellar Form". When encountered and caught, it unlocks a new Tera Type called "Stellar".[193] A Terapagos appears in the anime series Pokémon Horizons: The Series, where it plays a major role.[194]
Pecharunt is a peach-like Mythical Pokémon that debuted in a special, timed exclusive event Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.[195] Pecharunt is based on the legend of Momotarō, with Pecharunt's purple peach-like appearance being based off the titular character. Pecharunt, like Momotarō, was raised from a peach by two elderly people. Pecharunt highly enjoyed their praise, and it fed them some of its mochi, which corrupted the elderly people and made them greedy. They had Pecharunt retrieve things for their desires, eventually leading to Pecharunt being told to steal Ogerpon's masks. Pecharunt went on a journey, recruiting Okidogi, Munkidori, and Fezandipiti in the process, eventually arriving in Kitakami. While stealing the masks, they accidentally killed Ogerpon's friend, leading to Ogerpon attacking in retaliation. While its companions were killed, Pecharunt was sent into dormancy by the attack.[8] It reawakens during the events of the story, using its mochi to mind control the people of Kitakami to do its bidding before being captured by the player.[195]
This form of Tauros is known as "Combat Breed" Paldean Tauros.[196] It and its other forms are believed to be inspired by bullfighting and the Osborne bull, a popular form of iconography depicting a bull.[29] James Turner designed all three forms of Paldean Tauros.[197]
Fighting / Fire
This form of Tauros is known as "Blaze Breed" Paldean Tauros, and is only able to be captured in Pokémon Scarlet. It gains an additional "Fire" typing.[196]
Fighting / Water
This form of Tauros is known as "Aqua Breed" Paldean Tauros, and is only able to be captured in Pokémon Violet. It gains an additional "Water" typing.[196]
Wooper is based on an axolotl.[198] Unlike its counterpart from Johto, it is a Poison and Ground-type.[199] Paldean Wooper was praised for its cute design,[200][201] being affectionately nicknamed "Pooper" by fans.[201]
Reception
The designs of many of the Pokémon have received criticism since Scarlet and Violet's release. Some fans of the series responded negatively to many designs from the games when the games were leaked prior to release.[202] Stacey Henley, writing for TheGamer, criticized the designs of the Pokémon in the game. Though she found several of the designs to be of a high standard, such as Skeledirge, Dachsbun, Pawmot, and Finizen, she felt that the majority of the designs in the game were not up to the standard of other entries in the series.[203] Ben Sledge, also writing for TheGamer, additionally criticized the generation's Legendary Pokémon designs as being uninspired or unappealing, stating that "They're barely even creatures, they're just animals with weird colour palettes."[204]
Joe Parlock of TheGamer praised the sleek designs of the starters and the designs of several other Pokémon, including Smoliv, Fidough, Koraidon, and Miraidon. He described the individuality of the designs and how each of the designs helped build Paldea's culture, stating that it was "the most holistic approach to Pokémon design we've seen in decades."[205] In a discussion among Nintendo Life staff about the best designs in the generation, the group highlighted many Pokémon, including Glimmora, Tandemaus, and Charcadet. Writer Kate Gray praised the "weirder" designs of generation IX, including Tandemaus and several species based around the concept of convergent evolution, while writer Alan Hagues thought that many of the middle and final evolutions had appealing designs, and that the generation overall had simple yet strong art design.[206] Numerous individual designs have had their designs positively highlighted by critics, such as Grafaiai,[207] Greavard,[124][208] Quaquaval,[209][210] Fidough,[53][211][212] and Lechonk.[213][214][215] Several designs have also been described as being popular with the LGBTQ+ community, such as Quaquaval.[216][217] Dod Seitz of TheGamer additionally described the queer positivity of designs such as Quaquaval and Maushold, also expressing how Iron Valiant served as a positive example of an androgynous or non-binary character design.[218]
Ana Diaz, writing for Polygon, believed that many species, most notably Flamigo, Palafin, and Maushold, had unique and powerful traits in gameplay. She hoped that they would allow for a more fun competitive environment for players.[219] Several Pokémon, such as Annihilape,[220] Palafin,[221] Flutter Mane,[221][222] Iron Bundle,[221] and Houndstone,[221][222] ended up being particularly powerful in popular fan-run competitive formats. This led to them being banned from standard competitive formats, with their use only being allowed in more restricted ones.[221]
Notes
^ abEnglish and Japanese name, as well as National Pokédex number
^Resuli, Leyla; Chamaillard, Kyle (20 March 2020). "The 28 Best Dark-Type Pokemon". TheGamer. Archived from the original on 6 April 2023. Retrieved 13 August 2024.
