Highlights

  • Gen 10 could break the tradition of Dragon-type pseudo-Legendary Pokemon by using rare type combinations like Fairy/Dragon or Bug/Dragon.
  • Introducing new regional forms or regional fakes for pseudo-Legendary Pokemon in Gen 10 could provide a refreshing take on classic designs.
  • Gen 10 has the opportunity to introduce pseudo-Legendary Pokemon with unique or branched evolutions, allowing for different designs and gameplay functionality.

With the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's second DLC, attention has already begun to shift ahead to Pokemon's upcoming tenth generation, with fans curious to see how the series' staple of pseudo-Legendary Pokemon could finally break free of its restrictive traditions. There has been ongoing contention surrounding the series' pseudo-Legendary Pokemon, ranging from the apparent overuse of Dragon-type combinations to a perceived lack of creativity with their designs. This criticism isn't without merit either, as based on the current pseudo-Legendary Pokemon introduced so far, only two from Gen 2 and Gen 3 aren't Dragon types, and only one has received a regional variant revamp.

Since Gen 9's Pokemon Scarlet and Violet have arguably dropped the ball once more with pseudo-Legendaries after it added yet another dual Dragon-type, it seems that players will have to wait until Gen 10 to see if Game Freak isn't pigeonholed with Dragon-type Pokemon. But this shouldn't be as difficult as it might seem, as Pokemon would only need to look at breaking one of several pseudo-Legendary traditions to give players something different and subsequently more interesting. Whether it's simply using a rare type combination or ambitiously experimenting with new Pokemon gimmicks, Gen 10 has more than enough opportunities to finally break this pseudo-Legendary rut.

Pokemon Legends Celebi Kyurem
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How Gen 10 Can Break Traditions With Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon

Switch Up The Type Combinations for Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon

Out of nine generations, only two non-Dragon-type pseudo-Legendary Pokemon have been introduced, and both date back to Pokemon's older games, so it's no surprise that players are frustrated with this special category of Pokemon being overcrowded with Dragon types. Some have suggested that if Game Freak is committed to adding more Dragon-type pseudo-Legendaries regardless, the least it could do is utilize rarer combinations such as Fairy/Dragon or the first-ever Bug/Dragon. However, it might be more effective if Gen 10 went further than this, avoiding the Dragon type entirely and instead focusing on lesser-seen types like Galarian Darmanitan's Ice/Fire zen mode or Volcanion's Water/Fire.

Introduce New Regional Forms and Fakes of Current Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon

As another twist on the well-liked staple of regional forms, Pokemon Legends: Arceus took a novel approach with its version of pseudo-Legendary Pokemon when it introduced Hisuian variants of Sliggoo and Goodra. But given that a Pokemon Legends sequel has yet to be confirmed, it might be down to Gen 10 to consider pushing the idea of regional pseudo-Legendaries further by introducing more regional variants of existing Pokemon. For instance, revisiting the first-ever pseudo-Legendary Dratini line with a new regional form could offer a refreshing take on classic Pokemon while still capitalizing on Gen 1's elevated status among older fans.

But Gen 10 could take this further still, as the recent introduction of convergent Pokemon or "regional fakes" in Scarlet and Violet now offers a high-risk, high-reward alternative. Despite their initial mixed reception, regional fakes could be the ideal counter to the criticism of pseudo-Legendaries overusing the Dragon-type while similarly capitalizing on fan-favorite Pokemon designs from previous generations. Just as current regional fakes like Toedscool and Wiglett invert the type combination of Tentacool and Diglett respectively, so too could a regional fake pseudo-Legendary, with possible Fairy-type alternatives to overused Dragon-types such as a Fairy/Water Garchomp or a Fairy/Bug Hydreigon.

Go Back To Basic with Pseudo-Legendary Pokemon Traditions

However, beyond avoiding the Dragon-type or introducing new regional forms, Pokemon could make a simpler change to Gen 10's pseudo-Legendaries that would nevertheless attract players' interest. Currently, none of the nine pseudo-Legendary Pokemon and their regional forms have ever had a unique or branched evolution. Therefore, Gen 10 could be the first to introduce an all-new pseudo-Legendary that has two or more evolutions, something which could help influence the Pokemon's overall design and gameplay functionality depending on which kind of branched evolution is used, with a variety of options listed below.

  • Gender-based evolutions (like Kirlia, Snorunt, and Burmy)
  • Nature-based evolutions (like Wurmple and Toxel)
  • Item-based evolutions (like Gloom or Applin, with the added potential of version-exclusive items like Charcadet)
  • Time-based evolutions (like Eevee and Rockruff)
  • Stats-based evolutions (like Tyrogue)