While it's not exactly clear what's next for the series after Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the success of Pokemon Legends: Arceus makes another game in that style very likely. The sequel to Pokemon Legends: Arceus is going to have to find a mascot Mythical or Legendary that holds as much significance as Arceus in the greater lore of the Pokemon world if it is going to hold a candle to its predecessor. However, if the next Pokemon Legends game takes place in the Hoenn Region, the mascot mon for this title is already clear.
As the setting for the third generation of the beloved franchise, the Hoenn Region contains an even greater number of Mythical and Legendary creatures than any past region had up to that point. Not only did Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire introduce behemoths like Groudon, Kyogre, and Rayquaza, but secondary Legendaries like the Regi trio as well as Latios and Latias also played key roles in the Gen 3 games. Although the generation also featured two Mythicals, one of them makes the most sense as the mascot for a Pokemon Legends Hoenn game.
Jirachi Would be the Most Likely Mythical Mascot of a Pokemon Legends Hoenn
Jirachi shares a common theme with many of the series' other Mythicals in that it is extremely elusive as it's said Jirachi only awakens for one week every 1,000 years. This Mythical can also only awaken from its deep slumber with the singing of a pure voice, but once awoken, it has the power to grant three wishes before returning to its thousand-year sleep. While these powers don't compare to the world-altering abilities of Arceus, they could still be the basis for an interesting storyline in a Pokemon Legends game set in the Hoenn Region.
While Jirachi would likely be the focus of the game, there is a lot of lore surrounding the Draconid people that was introduced in Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire that could work its way into the game as well. The game could be set during the time in the past when Sootopolis City is hit by a meteor which awakens Groudon and Kyogre from their slumber. In order to prevent the two beasts from destroying the world, the Draconids are said to have wished for Rayquaza to return to restore balance to the land, and this wish is said to be what allowed Rayquaza to Mega Evolve.
Part of this story that isn't directly confirmed but alluded to by the presence of a wish is Jirachi's role in potentially being the one to grant the wish. Perhaps the plot of this game involves the player working with the Draconid people in an effort to uncover the mystery of Jirachi and how to awaken it, only for the cataclysmic event at Sootopolis City to trigger the awakening of Groudon and Kyogre and require them to summon Rayquaza for help. The story could culminate with the player being the one with the pure voice who is able to awaken Jirachi and wish for Rayquaza to intervene in the calamity.
After Rayquaza saves them from this event, the Draconid people build the Sky Pillar as a way to contact Rayquaza again, which could be shown as a part of the game ending and give players a glimpse at how the Hoenn Region became the way it is in the modern time period. With Jirachi potentially being responsible for granting Rayquaza the power to Mega Evolve in this interpretation of events, this Pokemon Legends Hoenn game could also be a great way to flesh out the lore surrounding Mega Evolution's history and origins. The Draconids are also a mysterious people within Pokemon lore, so a game that dives into their history would also be most welcome.
Pokemon Legends: Arceus is available for Nintendo Switch.
