Pokémon Scarlet & Violet are the most recent upcoming games in the mainline Pokémon series, set to release on Nintendo Switch on November 22. With these new games comes the ninth generation of Pokémon, set in the Paldea Region.
The Paldea Region is home to many new Pokémon that will be available in these upcoming games, alongside various additions from generation 1-8. A handful of these new designs have been released to the public in the form of updates/game trailers, and fans on Reddit have determined which of them are the best of the Paldea region so far.
Smolive
Smolive is an adorable little Grass-type somewhat resembling an olive. Smolive stores oil inside the fruit on top of its head, and will shoot this oil out at opponents when threatened to slow them down.
Smolive has also been confirmed as one of the Pokémon used by the player’s friendly rival, Nemona. Fans seem to adore Smolive, and are waiting to see how it fits in along other Grass types, with Reddit user brawlganronper commenting “Smoliv and Oddish are friends, and not even the Pokédex can change my mind”.
Koraidon & Miraidon
Koraidon and Miraidon are the respective ‘box art’ Legendaries for Generation 9, Koraidon exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet and Miraidon exclusive to Pokémon Violet. These Legendaries are interactive in transport for the player, working as new ‘ride Pokémon’.
Just as any of the box art Legendaries, fans are picking their favorite between the two and helping that choice influence which version of the game they will purchase. Reddit user wuzhere-75 commented “While I like both Legendaries a lot, I think Miradon looks better in game and I like the futuristic aesthetic more”, while Reddit user drgn2009 responded “I’m now on team Scarlet. If we are supposedly going to be using these guys throughout the game, then Koraidon is the one I’d rather use.”
Fidough
Fidough is a new Fairy-type Pokémon that resembles a puppy made out of dough. Fidough’s smooth skin is said to have elastic-like qualities, according to the Pokédex. When excited, they puff up their bodies to appear bigger and intimidate opponents.
Many fans are incredibly excited about the adorable dog Pokémon’s appearance in the game, and can’t wait to see its potential evolution line. Reddit user ruskip commented “Someone on another thread said fidough’s evolution should be called Purebread, and now I love it even more!”
Lechonk
Lechonk, known as the hog Pokémon, is a new Normal type found in the Paldea region. Lechonk has a strong sense of smell that it uses to find and eat the finest quality grasses and berries, and is known to deter bug Pokémon.
Lechonk caused quite the fan response when it was released, becoming both a beloved Pokémon that people look forward to, and a meme Pokémon right off the bat. Though fans of Lechonk love to joke around, such as Reddit user Giorno_Giovanna152 commenting “The Lechonk Legion is here”, it is clear that this Pokémon is adored by many, even before the release of the games.
Pawmi
Pikachu clone designs are a recurring theme in every region since Generation 1, usually taking the form of an adorable rodent with familiarities such as the cheek markings.
Pawmi is the latest addition to this collective, following Pichu, Plusle/Minun, Pachirisu, Emolga, Dedenne, Togedemaru, and Morpeko. Pawmi has been confirmed as a team member of the player rival Nemona, equipped with pure Electric typing. Many fans hope Pawmi, unlike the other Pikachu clones, will evolve, with Reddditor JayMalakai commenting “I’m really hoping Pawmi is more than a 1 stage Pokémon.”
Cetitan
Cetitan is a new Ice-type Pokémon introduced into the Paldea region, known as the terra whale Pokémon. Cetitans are said to have strong muscles to support their bodies, and are known to attack with significant force.
Cetitan received a lot of excitement from Pokémon fans upon its reveal, with many of them excited to see it in-game, such as Reddit user FarToFresh who commented “I love Cetitan, he’s so round and blubbery, definitely having one on my team!”
Fuecoco
Fuecoco is the new Paldea region’s Fire-type starter Pokémon, known as the fire croc Pokémon. The square scales on Fuecoco’s stomach and back absorb external heat, which is then converted into fire energy.
Though Fuecoco is a cute little monster in his base form, many fans speculate he will turn into another bipedal final form starter Pokémon after the history of Generation 8’s starters. However, at this point anything is possible! This Reddit user shared their opinion on the matter, commenting “I think Fuecoco is going to stay cute and turn quadrupedal, so he doesn’t look too similar to Tyrantrum.”
Quaxly
Quaxly, known as the duckling Pokémon, is the newest Water-type starter to make the roster. Quaxly joins Paldea as one of three options for trainers to pick as their partner Pokémon before starting their journey.
Quaxly has a glossy body due to gel secreted by its feathers to prevent grime, and the coil on its head is always slicked back. Fans adore Quaxly’s personality, with many such as Redditor Anthrovert commenting “Quaxly looks the most stylish to me, but it really depends on how their final evolutions look.” When considering which starter they might pick.
Sprigatito
Sprigatito is the most recently added adorable Grass-type starter Pokémon, and is referred to as the grass cat Pokémon. Sprigatito is known to be attention seeking, and sometimes sulks if it notices its trainer giving attention to another Pokémon.
Sprigatio has captured the hearts of many fans of feline-based Pokémon, such as Redditor glenniebun, who commented “They are all precious children, but only one is a cat.”. Though fans adore Sprigatito at its first form, there is also caution about whether it will evolve into a bipedal monster, such as Torracat evolving into Incineroar, which upset those who just wanted a powerful feline monster on their team.
Paldean Wooper
Paldean Wooper is the first regional variant revealed for the Paldea region, and quickly became a fan-favorite within moments of its debut. Paldean Wooper has a unique Ground/Poison typing, making it drastically different from Johto Wooper’s pure Water typing.
Reddit user soggylump commented on Paldean Wooper and the potential Paldea Quagsire, saying “I really want Paldean Wooper’s evo to resemble a Chinese giant salamander. Just a big, flattened muddy boi.”, with many other fans adding their own discussions and ideas. Paldean Wooper has been a hit among eager fans, and the community can’t wait to discover what other regional variant Pokemon reside in Paldea.
