A new trailer for Pokémon Legends: Arceus has revealed that the three starter Pokémon will have Hisuian evolutions, though their final designs have been obscured in the trailer and on the official website for the game. It's likely that this trailer was produced some time ago, as the designs for these Pokémon have leaked online already and can be seen right now.
The mainline Pokémon games generally introduce three new Pokémon to be used as the starter in each generation, with each one belonging to the Grass, Fire, or Water-type. Pokémon Legends: Arceus is doing things a little differently, as all of its starters were introduced in different games/regions. Cyndaquil is originally from the Johto region in Pokémon Gold and Silver, Oshawatt is from the Unova region in Pokémon Black and White, and Rowlet is from the Alola region in Pokémon Sun and Moon. It's likely these characters were chosen to appear in the new game as the Pokémon starters have a shared theme relating to Japanese history, with Arceus set in an ancient version of the Sinnoh region.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus is due to be released in a few days and the game is still receiving trailers in the run-up to its launch. A new trailer on The Official Pokémon YouTube Channel has revealed that the three starters will have Hisuian versions of their final evolutions, though leaves their forms shrouded in mystery. This marks the first time that the Pokémon series has featured regional forms for starter Pokémon, with the only alternate forms available in the past being the result of Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax forms.
Watch the trailer on YouTube here.
At this time, the trailer and the official Pokémon Legends: Arceus website only show silhouettes of the three Hisuian Pokémon evolutions. In the images a few variations can be spotted, as Hisuian Decidueye appears to be wearing a straw hat instead of a hood, Hisuian Samurott has crooked spikes on its horn, and Hisuian Typhlosion has a stringy mane of flames. The official sources have yet to reveal whether these Hisuian evolutions have new types, or whether the player needs to do anything special to unlock them, though this information can be found for those looking for further details ahead of the game's official launch.
Unfortunately for those hoping to begin their next monster-collecting adventure without spoilers, like many games in the series, Pokémon Legends: Arceus has leaked online and there are longplay streams available online for those who wish to be spoiled. It seems that The Pokémon Company is ignoring the existence of these leaks and is continuing to promote the game as normal, for the benefit of the people who are actively avoiding the spoilers, and those who wish to experience the game for themselves. Thankfully the title is nearly here, meaning fans don't have too long until they can get their hands on the game for themselves.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus will be released for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.