Pokemon's Ghost-types are perfect for Halloween. From more recent additions to the Pokedex like Spectrier to old favorites like Gengar, it's easy for fans to associate these spooky critters with the holiday. Game Freak has almost encouraged players by making other Ghost-types that fit Halloween like Pumpkaboo, so it's fitting that a new Ghost-type for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet was announced before October ended. Fans now have a new adorable ghost dog to love known as Greavard.
Greavard was revealed in two trailers; one focused on gameplay, and the other focused on the Pokemon. Fans fell in love with its friendly and energetic nature despite the fact that Greavard unknowingly steals life-force away from those it likes. Thankfully, players can still explore Paldea in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet with a Greavard safely, and many are working out just how Greavard can have a place on their teams. Those that wish to plan their six Pokemon in advance may be wondering if Greavard evolves following the speculation of some fans.
What We Know About Greavard
According to the English Pokemon Scarlet and Violet website, Greavard is classified as the Ghost Dog Pokemon. It's pure Ghost-type despite the candle on its head, and it's Pokedex entry says its bite can shatter bones. The Pokedex entry in particular has caused fans to ask questions, as despite the dog's strong jaws, Greavard doesn't have Strong Jaw as its ability. Instead, it has Pickup.
This is interesting to a few fans, as Pickup is an ability that most Pokemon lose upon evolving. With this in mind, many fans have been speculating that Greavard will evolve into a much bigger dog with Strong Jaw as its ability. Some are of the opinion that it'll evolve into a ghostly Saint Bernard that steals lives rather than saving them. However, an evolution could make or break Greavard's place on players' teams easily with the right or wrong adjustments. If one looks at the current Paldean Pokedex leaks, though, they might find their answer.
Where Greavard Fits Into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's Leaks
Thanks to leakers who have revealed the new Pokemon found in Scarlet and Violet, fans know exactly which creature will evolve and which won't. According to them, yes; Greavard will evolve, and remain pure Ghost-type. One caviat to this information, though, is that leakers also say that Greavard will be exclusive to Pokemon Scarlet, with Violet players getting a similar two-stage dog creature that is pure Dark-type in Greavard's place. Beyond the typing and version exclusiveness, not much else has been revealed.
However, this means that there's a high chance that fans are right about Greavard's Pickup ability. Not only is it possibly a hint that the dog can evolve, but there's a strong chance the the Pokedex entry is hinting that it can get Strong Jaw upon evolving as well. This helps fans follow the pattern and provides all the biting moves they need to use the creature to its fullest potential. However, the leaks haven't confirmed if this is true or not, so fans most likely won't know until the game is out.
How Pokemon truly perform in battle will always be a bit of a wild card to those who like to plan ahead until Scarlet and Violet arrive. While there's plenty of evidence to say that Greavard will evolve to gain Strong Jaw, generation nine has already subverted a lot of expectations in general. When fans figured that Scarlet and Violet would learn from Pokemon Legends: Arceus, they didn't expect the game to go fully open world. The game definitely still has surprises left.
There's been plenty of credibility to the leaks, however, so Greavard is most likely has an evolved form, Strong Jaw or no. Farigiraf and Wiglett were leaked in advance before their announcement by the same people who say that Greavard will evolve, so there's no reason to doubt the same won't happen here. No matter what ability Greavard's evolution has, fans should most definitely get excited to add a big Ghost-type dog to their teams come November 18.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are launching for Nintendo Switch on November 18.
