Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are set to release on November 22nd giving fans a brand new region to explore with brand new pokémon to catch. Ever since Pokémon Sun and Moon, the games have introduced to fans alternate regional forms based on the region the game took place in.
The DLC of Sword and Shield gave Pokémon fans their very first alternate regional legendary pokémon with Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. With the next major entry releasing soon, it’s more than likely fans will see more alternate versions of legendary Pokémon that they love from past games.
Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh is a legendary bird pokemon introduced in Pokémon Silver and Gold. It is a fire/flying type and is associated with the rainbow.
Ho-Oh would definitely keep their flying type for a regional alternate, but a perfect second type for its new variation would be fairy-type. This is an underutilized type as it was introduced in Gen 6. With fairy-type pokemon often represented in dazzling bright scenes that largely contrast with ghost and dark types, there is no better fit for Ho-Oh.
Rayquaza
One of the best snake-like Pokémon, Rayquaza was introduced in Pokémon Sapphire and Ruby and possesses the types Dragon and Flying.
There is certainly a lot of imagination that could be put into an alternate for Rayquaza, but more than likely it would keep either Dragon or Flying as one of its types. With this legendary dragon being an aerial beast one possible type it could become is electric, which usually seems to fit dragons in Pokémon anyway.
Suicune
Suicune, one of the best blue Pokémon, was introduced in Pokémon Silver and Gold and possesses only the water type. With the legendary bird trio appearing in Sword and Shield, it is more than likely the legendary beast trio will be in Scarlet and Violet.
Suicune could be best categorized based on its signature attack Aurora Beam, as well as being known as the Aurora Pokémon. While Aurora Beam is an ice-type, this type, as well as Fairy-type would be a good fit for this Pokémon. As auroras are the phenomena that create what is known as the Northern Lights, any fan could see how these would work together perfectly. Psychic as well may be a perfect fit.
Groudon
Groudon’s first Pokémon appearance was Sapphire and Ruby being the primary legendary of Ruby and possessing fire/ground type to make lava.
There are a few different new types that would fit a pokémon like Groudon, such as Steel, Fighting, and maybe even Dark. Steel or Fighting would help give a similar type to ground and make it distinctly different from the previous Groudon, and it’s possible Fire could be one of the types returning to compliment it.
Raikou
Part of the legendary beast trio and one of the best Electric-type Pokémon, Raikou first appeared in Pokémon Silver and Gold. There is a lot of symbology to these Pokémon types with Raikou’s being Electric.
While Suicune is an easier Pokémon to find an alternate type for, Raikou’s is a bit more difficult. However, no one could have imagined that Zapdos’s type would have ended up as fighting-type, and it very well may be that Raikou follows the same line of reasoning. Though it’s difficult to imagine a Raikou not being an Electric-type, it will inevitably happen.
Darkrai
Darkrai’s first video game appearance was Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. It is a Dark-type pokémon well-known for drawing people or other pokémon into sleep and causing nightmares.
Being a Pokémon that causes nightmares and its ghastly appearance many would assume Darkrai to be a Ghost-type as well. However, this isn’t true but it could work nicely as a future alternate regional form. Psychic could also work as a possibility as it fits well with Darkrai’s hypnosis. Most likely, Darkrai will end up as a Ghost/Psychic-type if it ever gets a new form.
Entei
Entei is the last of the beast trio from Pokémon Silver and Gold and possesses the fire-type. While Entei could end up being a Dark Pokémon just like Moltres was, there are more possibilities for this legendary Pokémon.
With its heavy association with the Unown in the third Pokémon film (even though the Entei wasn’t real) a Psychic-type somehow feels a perfect fit for this Pokémon. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will regardless give fans answers as to how they will pattern the types of these legendary alternates.
Kyogre
Kyogre, from Pokémon Sapphire and Ruby, is surprisingly only a Water-type Pokémon. The possibilities for Kyogre are endless with multiple types being perfect fits for the character.
However, the most suited would have to be Electric and/or Ice. Whatever choice is made, it will likely contrast with Groudon so that the two will once more be rival Pokémon. While it’s more than likely Kyogre will receive a regional alternate someday, it may be a few years off still.
Giratina
Giratina possesses one of the coolest type mixes with Ghost/Dragon and is also the strongest ghost Pokémon in the franchise. It makes its first appearance in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and serves as the primary legendary of Pokémon Platinum.
While it’s difficult to not imagine Giratina shrouded by darkness, there are a few types that could fit its character. One of them obviously being Dark-type, and a couple of other types could be Psychic or Poison. While alternate regional Pokémon can certainly end up being any type, it’s near-impossible to not see Giratina as some shade of darker or dangerous type.
Lugia
Lugia is the mascot of Pokémon Silver and serves as a Psychic and Flying-type Pokémon. Lugia ever having Psychic-type is actually surprising given how often the Pokémon has been associated as both a Dragon and Water-type Pokémon.
While these would be good fits for an alternate Lugia, there is also the possibility of Dark which could resurrect the much-beloved Shadow Lugia from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness. Shadow Lugia was in fact a Psychic-type, but revisioning the character anew might bring something a bit different.
