Pokemon Sword and Shield sought to develop the traditions and expectations that the series set before it. For example, Sword and Shield continued the trend of regional variants, and it also established its own unique mechanics - chief among which being Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon, just as Mega Evolutions had been special for Gen 6 and Z-Moves for Gen 7.
While Sword and Shield were the latest entries in an extensive lineage that changed the Pokemon series' core gameplay, one tradition that fans anticipated but was never delivered is a new Eeveelution. Eevee and its many evolutions were not only included in Sword and Shield, but the base Pokemon even got its own Gigantimax form. Still, the games missed a major opportunity to introduce new Eeveelutions based on more unused typings.
Eeveelution History Up to Sword and Shield
Ever since its introduction in Gen 1, Eevee has remained a fan-favorite Pokemon, not just for its adorable design but for its unique evolution versatility. While there were just three Eeveelutions at the start, as of this writing there are eight - accounting for nearly half of all available Pokemon types. When Eeveelutions are introduced, they often reflect a new element of gameplay, such as Umbreon and Espeon reflecting Gold and Silver's day-night cycles and X and Y introducing Sylveon alongside the new Fairy type.
Additions to the Eeveelution line come roughly every two generations, meaning fans were anticipating a new one to come with Generation 8's Sword and Shield. Yet Sword and Shield didn't have new Eeveelutions, and the reasons for this are speculative, but it could possibly be that with a Gigantamax form being given to Eevee, Game Freak decided to let that be the focus of its inclusion.
Eeveelutions To Reflect New Mechanics
While Game Freak is free to do what it wants with its series, Sword and Shield were significant for the series as the first mainline titles on the Switch, as well as the first Pokemon region to attempt an open-world design. If ever there was to be a time to celebrate Pokemon's evolution, it would have been with Sword and Shield. One possible option would have been to reflect the games' mascot legendaries of Zacian and Zamazenta with Steel and Fighting-type Eeveelutions, drawing from English culture by utilizing the nation's history with royal guards or the Industrial Revolution.
Their actual method of evolution could have been influenced by other Pokemon. Galarian Farfetch'd, for example, requires three successful critical hits and an overall victory in order to evolve. A Fighting-type Eeveelution may have similarly needed to achieve successive critical hits, one-hit KOs, or more in order to evolve. Alternatively, a Steel-type Eeveelution may have focused on defense than attack, reflecting how Galarian Yamask evolves into Runerigus after losing a set amount of HP in a certain area.
Eeveelutions in the DLC
When the expansion passes were showcased for Sword and Shield, they advertised The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. Since Eeveelutions typically come in pairs, this could have been an ideal opportunity to introduce new Eeveelutions. Given Game Freak was already introducing the Galarian Slowpoke line and other Pokemon in the DLC, two more Eeveelutions likely wouldn't have been a big challenge, and much like Slowbro and Slowking these could have been spread across the two DLCs to reflect each specific area.
However, with these expansions having their own stories that occupy much of the player's time training and evolving Kubfu or helping Calyrex, the addition of Eeveelutions may have been lost in the mix. Likewise, even if new Eeveelutions had been introduced in Sword and Shield's post-game story, they could have also been overshadowed by Sordward and Shielbert. Ultimately, if Sword and Shield were going to introduce new Eeveelutions, they should have been included in the base game.
Eeveelutions in Scarlet, Violet, and Beyond
With Gen 8 officially finished following the release of Pokemon Legends: Arceus, all attention is now turned to the upcoming ninth generation, with hopes again being high for new Eeveelutions in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. Though Game Freak may wish to pace itself, going three generations without any new entries in the Eevee line would be disappointing.
One possible compromise is that Game Freak could introduce one Eeveelution at a time instead of two, similar to Sylveon, as this would help stagger out Eeveelutions across future games. Given rumors about Pokemon Scarlet and Violet's time travel mechanics, Game Freak might be saving Eeveelutions specifically for Gen 9 to reflect the past and future. Until further announcements are made, fans will just have to wait and see what the next generation holds.
Pokemon Sword and Shield are available now on Switch.
