Highlights

  • Pokemon Gen 10 introduces unique Pokemon with new type combinations and designs, setting the stage for more interesting additions in the future.
  • The starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are breaking traditions by accompanying the main character on a short walk and not being handed to players by a Professor.
  • Pokemon Gen 10 has the opportunity to complete existing starter trios by introducing a Fire-type turtle, Grass-type crocodile, or Water-type cat starter, which would delight many fans.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet introduced several new Pokemon that are unique in terms of type combinations, designs, and even how they perform in battle, paving the way for even more interesting additions in Pokemon Gen 10. With all the new Paradox Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet and even the so-called regional fakes, there are several existing gimmicks Gen 10 could tap into for inspiration or just make its own from scratch, and both options could be equally interesting to see. More importantly, Pokemon Gen 10 finds itself in the unique spot of being capable of delivering at least one new starter that completes one of three possible trios, and any of them is likely to make many fans quite happy.

The starters in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet already break a big tradition by accompanying the main character on a short walk, which can help them choose which one to pick, and they are also the first in the series not to be handed to the players by a Professor. Especially Fuecoco and Sprigatito rose to popularity online shortly after they were revealed, and even more so when all the starter evolutions in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet were revealed, with Meowscarada becoming a fan-favorite across the world. Still, Fuecoco and Sprigatito are even more special, and Gen 10 could capitalize on this in one big way.

pokemon scarlet violet indigo disk teal mask every gen 9 shiny-locked pokemon legendary mythical paradox
Related
All Scarlet and Violet Shiny-Locked Pokemon

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have quite a big list of Gen 9 critters whose shiny forms are currently unavailable, including DLC Pokemon.

How Pokemon Gen 10's Starters Could Complete Three Existing Trios

Gen 10 Needs a Fire-Type Turtle, Grass-Type Crocodile, or Water-Type Cat Starter

It's no mystery that starter Pokemon returning in The Indigo Disk was a big selling point of the DLC, as these creatures are some of the most beloved in the franchise thanks to their presence in most games and how they act as the first partner for new players and veterans alike. However, not all starters are born equal. Some are much more powerful in battle thanks to their overall kit, others can have amazing or disappointing evolutions depending on the beholder, but each of them is fundamentally unique.

Still, there are some common themes in Pokemon games, and there are currently three possible starter trios that would share the same origin or inspiration species, but each of them lacks a third element. Squirtle and Turtwig are Water-type and Grass-type turtles, for example, and a Fire-type turtle-adjacent starter would be a perfect addition to complete this trio. Likewise, Totodile and Fuecoco are Water-type and Fire-type crocodiles, so a Grass-type croc or alligator would be great to see. Finally, Litten and Sprigatito are Fire-type and Grass-type cats, and a Water-type feline would be a fine gain for the series.

Potentially Gen 10 Pokemon games could even add a perfect starter trio in the form of a Grass-type crocodile, a Fire-type turtle, and a Water-type cat, giving all the existing starters that share these same species a fun twist. While this is unlikely, it would still be an interesting move to see at least one Gen 10 starter Pokemon suit one of these archetypes, eventually completing the remaining trios in future games.

It's worth noting that Torkoal already covers the Fire-type turtle archetype, and thus it may be unlikely to be used for a starter's design, but it remains an option.

Evolutions for such starters could also be compelling in terms of design and types, potentially even breaking new ground with unused type combos in Pokemon games, such as Fire/Fairy. There are many possible directions for Gen 10's starters to take, but completing a starter trio by making one of these critters share its origin species with other past first-partner Pokemon would be a great way to celebrate the series' legacy while also keeping an eye on the future and what it may hold.