Since Pokemon’s seventh generation, regional form variants of classic creatures have played an important role within the franchise. What started out as a quirky way to pad out the Pokedex of the Alola region, has continued to add depth to each subsequent location that Game Freak has explored. While there’s been no confirmation that the Nintendo Switch’s Pokemon Scarletand Violet will have its own set of reworked Pokemon, it’s hard to imagine the studio ditching the idea any time soon.
If the list of apparent leaks that have popped up on the internet for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are any indication, the inverse of that could be true. It’s worth keeping in mind that Game Freak’s franchise has always had a thriving 'Fakemon' community. As a result, there’s a high chance that most of the leaks that are doing the rounds online will eventually be disproved. Still, success stories from the past mean that it’s still worth exploring some of the alleged variants that could join the likes of Fuecoco and Lechonk.
Scarlet and Violet’s Cherubi
With Pokemon Scarlet and Violet being only 4 months away from release, there’s been a noticeable increase in the number of leaks hitting the internet relating to them. Over on Reddit for example, a user by the name s_samuu recently posted an image that appeared to feature a regional variant of Generation 4’s Cherubi. Instead of being designed primarily around a cherry, though, this incarnation of the Pokemon was inspired by the grapes grown throughout Spain. While the in-game shot could prove to be real, fans should remain skeptical of it and all supposed leaks until Game Freak provides official confirmation.
Scarlet and Violet’s Diglett
One of the earliest alleged Pokemon Scarletand Violet regional form variants to appear online, was a Water/Ground-type Diglett. Seemingly inspired by the geysers found throughout Spain, the game’s source of inspiration, there’s no denying that the creature was equal parts adorable and ridiculous. Despite its popularity, doubt has already been placed on the regional Diglett, though. The often reliable leaker ‘Riddler Khu’ has claimed that while the theme of the fan art could feature elsewhere, the Pokemon in question isn't real.
This could be in reference to one of the leaker’s other possible hints, that ‘regional fakes’ will feature in Scarlet and Violet in some capacity. Details are scarce on the concept right now, as fans have pieced together the phrase from clues. One prevailing theory is that some Pokemon could change into alternate forms mid-battle, akin to Mega Evolution. It’s also possible that Game Freak will simply introduce brand-new species to the mix that bear a resemblance to classic fan favorites.
Scarlet and Violet’s Spritzee
Around the same time that the alleged concept art for Pokemon Scarletand Violet’s Diglett was doing the rounds online, another leak was gaining traction too. Over on Reddit, images that appeared to depict a regional form variation of Spritzee were posted by one of the website’s users. Unlike the Fairy-type Spritzee that debuted in Pokemon Xand Y though, this creature had a more menacing Fire-type persona. While it remains to be seen if the Pokemon is real, it’s worth pointing out that the style used is reminiscent of some accurate historical leaks.
Scarlet and Violet’s Sudowoodo and Bonsly
Unlike Pokemon‘s early days, the leaks that have been associated with the franchise recently have often been backed up by an internet personality. The leaker known as Riddler Khu is perhaps the most well known and reputable of the bunch. Amongst a litany of other cryptic hints, last week the leaker teased that the Generation 2 Pokemon Sudowoodo, could be getting a regional variant in Scarlet and Violet. Little else was provided beyond this tease other than an inference that it could be Rock/Grass-type.
What’s intriguing about the supposed Sudowoodo leak is the fact that it lines up with another earlier Pokemon Scarlet and Violet rumor. Over on Twitter, a supposed in-game screen-cap that appeared to show a new version of Bonsly, Sudowoodo’s baby-esque pre-evolution, popped up back in May. While the image and cork-themed Bonsly could prove to be fake, if Khu is on the money again, then it’s possible that the Pokemon could feature in some shape or form.
Scarlet and Violet’s Tauros
Thanks to Game Freak’s decision to adapt Europe’s Iberian Peninsula, it's safe to assume that Pokemon Scarletand Violet will be packed with creatures based on real-life animals from Spain and Portugal. It’s likely because of this that a lot of the regional form variants that are leaking online have been themed along these lines. One that’s caught the attention of fans online appears to depict a Dark-type variant of Kanto’s Tauros. Inspired by the Fighting Bulls found throughout Spain, even if the image proves to be fake, it’s likely that the concept will be referenced in-game elsewhere.
Scarlet and Violet’s Wooper and Quagsire
When the regional form variant concept was introduced in Pokemon Sunand Moon, Game Freak focussed on exclusively modernizing parts of its original Kanto roster. Since then the studio has branched out, which is why it's not particularly shocking there’s been rumors that Wooper and Quagsire will get updated looks in Scarlet and Violet. On Reddit, a piece of concept art that depicts Poison/Electric-type versions of the Johto Pokemon has been gaining attention. Even though the yellow pair are interesting, the presence of a pencil and eraser next to what is a digital drawing suggest the image is a forgery.
Riddler Khu’s Cryptic Teases
Instead of providing definitive teases and answers, most of Riddler Khu’s posts lean heavily into the user’s internet persona. The prolific leaker, who’s been proved to be correct in the past, often only hints toward certain Pokemon and their types. As a result, a lot of their regional form leaks have hit the internet in this fashion as well. Beyond the creatures mentioned above, a regional form that’s based on a classic Water/Ground-type has been hinted at in a complex riddle.
In a similar vein, Khu has also seemingly teased that Scarlet and Violet will feature special regional versions of classic legendary Pokemon. Some fans have theorized that one of the leaker’s more elaborate puzzles could be inferring that Lugia, Kyogre, and Groudon will all appear in new guises. If this turns out to be true, it would make sense based on historical precedent for each to be exclusive to one of the two games - potentially alongside Lugia’s Gen 2 counterpart, Ho-Oh.
Scarlet and Violet’s 4chan Regionals
Based on the site’s reputation, most of the gaming leaks that originate from 4chan should be taken with a hefty grain of salt. Even when it comes to the Pokemon series, which has had real news break through it, fans need to be cautious. Alleged regional forms of Oddish, Gloom, and Drowzee have all been posted there before being dismissed by most of the community. Still, one Scarlet and Violet leak that could be worth keeping in mind has been partially corroborated by more reputable sources. Several leakers who have gotten information right in the past suggest that Game Freak is exploring a new mechanic that will allow Pokemon to switch types mid-battle.
One 4chan rumor that’s leaned into this theme has also spoken about several regional form variations that are allegedly coming to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. At the top of the list is a brand-new Fairy/Buy-type Togetic and Togekiss. Beyond being new evolutions to fan-favorite Togepi, both will apparently feature fairy-like butterfly wings. This same leaker has also claimed that the polarizing Vanillish and Vanilluxe will be getting new Fighting/Ice-type variants, alongside a new Steel/Dark-type Mawile.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet release November 18 for Nintendo Switch.
