New regional forms are coming in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, with Hisuian forms of Braviary, Growlithe, and more dating back to the open-world game's ancient setting. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is set in the Hisui region, the name of the untamed area that would become Pokémon Diamond & Pearl's Sinnoh region.
Pokémon Sun & Moon introduced the concept of regional forms to the series, which are alternate versions of existing Pokémon that developed in different ways depending on their habitat. The Alolan forms from Pokémon Sun & Moon were affected and changed by the Alola region's tropical climate, causing Exeggutor to transform into a giant palm tree, for example. Pokémon Sword & Shield added Galarian forms and new region-exclusive evolutions, such as the mighty Sirfetch'd evolving from Galarian Farfetch'd.
The latest Pokémon Presents showcase was broadcast on The Official Pokémon YouTube Channel, and it revealed new information about games like Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. It was also revealed for the first that Pokémon Legends: Arceus actually takes place in the Hisui region, which is home to its own unique set of regional forms and evolutions. It's not yet known how many new Pokémon will be included in the final game, but several were shown in Wednesday's trailer.
In a fast-paced gameplay showcase, these Hisui region Pokémon could be spotted both roaming the open world and working with the player character. Hisuian Growlithe is a Fire/Rock-type Pokémon that has a thick white mane that covers its eyes, as well as a sharp horn on its head that can smash stone. Hisuian Braviary is Flying/Psychic-type Pokémon that has a feathery aura of psionic energy, which it uses to batter its foes. One of the new regional evolutions is Basculegion, which is a Water/Ghost-type Pokémon that is possessed by the spirits of dead Basculin. Stantler has also gained a regional evolution, Wyrdeer, which is a Normal/Psychic-type Pokémon that sports a majestic beard.
It's promising to learn that new regional Pokémon are coming to the series, especially as it's likely that they will be added to other mainline series entries in the future. It's unclear how these ancient Pokémon could return lore-wise, but perhaps they could be brought to the present as fossil Pokémon. The only question now is whether Voltorb will receive a Hisuian form, as Pokémon Legends: Arceus's steam-powered Poké Balls are visually and mechanically distinct from modern ones. It stands to reason that there could be an ancient steam-powered version of Voltorb rolling around the fields, just waiting to blow up in the face of an unwary adventurer.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus will be released for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.