Rumored Hisuian Pokémon forms of Zoroark and Zorua will appear in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, with a trailer giving a sneak peek at the two white-and-red creatures. The regional forms of Zorua and Zoroark were previously teased in a grainy video with some surprisingly horror-like elements, but the latest trailer is more on-brand for Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the franchise in general.
Earlier in October, The Pokémon Company released a found footage-style Pokémon Legends: Arcues trailer similar to the likes of The Blair Witch Project. It teased a mysterious Pokémon which seemingly attacked the character behind the camera, who had incorrectly guessed that it was either a Growlithe or a Vulpix. The footage also showed various wild Snorunts, although it was left unclear exactly where the video was set in Pokémon Legends: Arceus's Hisui region.
Following that initial fuzzy footage, The Pokémon Company has released an updated version of the trailer, which it describes as "restored" by none other than classic Pokémon character Professor Oak. This footage confirms Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark will debut in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and reveals the teased Pokémon from the original footage was in fact the new version of Zorua. Both creatures have distinctive Hisuian color changes, giving them a friendlier appearance than their typical black-and-red forms. From the footage, it seems probable that it was actually Zoroark who attacked the camera operator while acting as the Hisuian Zorua's guardian.
It was already known Pokémon Legends: Arceus will have Hisui forms for existing Pokémon, but exactly how many and which will get the alternate treatment remains under wraps. The Hisuian Pokémon revealed so far include Hisuian Growlithe, Braviary, and more. There's been a steady stream of rumors about which other monsters might get Hisuian forms. A recent one speculates Pokémon Legends: Arceus will introduce Hisuian Mewtwo, a new take on the iconic Gen 1 Pokémon. However, the likelihood of this seems low considering Mewtwo's history as a man-made Pokémon. As for what is concretely known, the reveal of Hisuian Scyther evolution Kleavor also coincided with the announcement of Pokémon Legends: Arceus's Noble Pokémon, a new powerful class of creatures which also includes regional Stantler evolution Wyrdeer.
The Pokémon Company's method of revealing Hisuian Zoroark and Zorua may seem bizarre, but it's in keeping with the overall theme of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. It's been promised as a very different type of Pokémon game, set many years before the rest of the titles in the series and introducing all-new mechanics and features. The fact that more Hisuian Pokémon are being revealed for the upcoming game is a good sign it could be on track for its 2022 release date, and it's probable more of the regional creatures will be revealed in the coming months.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus will release for Nintendo Switch on January 28, 2022.
Source: The Pokémon Company/YouTube