On February 27th, 2022, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet were announced along with three new starter Pokémon. Fans have been theorizing about what new Pokémon could lie in store, but they've also been wondering who might be returning.
With around 20% of all Pokémon excluded from Sword & Shield, ideally, they'd all be featured in some capacity in the next generation. However, if only a few of the missing Pokémon make it in, they should be unique Pokémon that were distinctly missed in Sword & Shield for one reason or another.
Arbok
The Gen 1 Poison-type Cobra Pokémon isn't one of the best Pokémon ever made, but it's certainly one of the most memorable.
Arbok and Weezing were two of Team Rockets' most memorable partners, and Arbok and Jessie made a great pair. For such an iconic Pokémon, Arbok is in desperate need of buffs, and Scarlet & Violet could be the perfect game to give them. Pokémon have received stat boosts and nerfs in the past, and Arbok could use more defensive stats to give it a better identity in battle.
Forretress
Introduced in Gen 2, Forretress was the premiere hazard setter and tank for many teams throughout the years before its exclusion from Sword & Shield.
While Forretress was once a staple hazard setter, it was largely outclassed in later years by the Grass/Steel defensive monster Ferrothorn. Since then, Forretress has become Ferrothorn-lite and could use some new buffs in Scarlet & Violet. Forretress largely has things covered in the stat department, but a better move pool with some more nice utility options would be appreciated.
Eelektross
Eelektross is an Electric-type Pokémon from Gen 5 best known for not being able to be hit by super effective damage.
Eelektross may be immune to super effective damage, but it also isn't the tankiest Pokémon. Eelektross can do damage on Trick Room teams that let its low speed flourish, but its identity as a relatively frail mixed attacker isn't doing it any favors. A slight buff to its special attack and a few new moves would be welcome buffs for Eelektross in Scarlet & Violet.
Breloom
Breloom is a powerhouse Grass/Fighting Pokémon from Gen 3. The Mushroom Pokémon sports a gigantic attack stat and a great move pool.
If the changes to sleep mechanics in Legends Arceus is kept for Scarlet & Violet, Breloom's best move in Spore will be taking a huge hit in viability. The Pokémon won't be as strong in the actual games and its iconic status in competitive singles play will be in jeopardy. If Spore truly is changed, Breloom could use some better offensive moves to go with its ability Technician.
Slaking
Generation 3 introduced Slaking, a Pokémon with outrageous stats hindered by a horrible ability in Truant that only lets it move every other turn. The ability cripples an otherwise amazing Pokémon.
After Gen 8 introduced Weezing's new signature ability, Neutralizing Gas, fans were hopeful he could remove Slaking's hindering Truant ability for a fantastic Pokémon doubles combo. Unfortunately, the giant sloth and Weezing still haven't gotten the chance to shine as a duo. Slaking fans can only hope they'll get the chance to try the pairing in Gen 9.
Darkrai
Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokémon, was one of the strongest Legendaries in Gen 4. It's taken a bit of a hit due to the nerf on Dark Void, its signature move.
With Bad Dreams at 50% accuracy, Darkrai will never be the menace it was in double battles, but it still has its incredibly high stats to fall back on. In singles, Darkrai is in a tricky spot. In Pokémon Showdown, Darkrai is too strong for the Overused Tier and too inconsistent to be good in the Ubers tier. Overall, Darkrai could use either nerfs or buffs to give it an identity.
Typhlosion
While all the Gen 2 starters were missed, Cyndaquil is one of the most beloved Pokémon fire starters and Sword & Shield desperately missed the iconic Volcano mon.
Both competitively and in-game, Typhlosion is a fairly middle-ground Pokémon that could use a buff to its overall move pool. Right now, Typhlosion relies too heavily on Eruption without amazing coverage or any real answer to Water-types that completely wall it. If Typhlosion is in Scarlet & Violet, it would be blessed to learn Energy Ball or Thunder.
Staraptor
Staraptor is arguably the most iconic "starting bird" Pokémon in any generation. The Flying/Normal bird gets two great abilities in Intimidate and Reckless.
Staraptor is a physical threat with great coverage that doesn't really need many buffs or changes. The biggest problem with Staraptor's exclusion was how beloved the Pokémon is by so many trainers. If Staraptor does make a return to the series in Scarlet & Violet, a fun stat-boosting move like Hone Claws could give Staraptor a new move set to try out.
Greninja
The cool evolution of the humble Pokémon water starter Froakie, Greninja is one of the most popular Pokémon of all time.
Greninja comes with two premiere abilities in Protean and Battle Bond that make it a versatile pick for any team. The starter was one of the most missed Pokémon in Sword & Shield. Greninja would have fun with some more coverage options, but it doesn't need them. While it doesn't require changes to be a great Pokémon, Greninja (and hopefully all the excluded starters) do need a place in Scarlet & Violet.
Shaymin
Shaymin, the Gratitude Pokémon, isn't just an adorable hedgehog. Both Shaymin and its stronger offensive Sky Form version are powerful and beloved Pokémon.
While the majority of legendaries made their way into Sword & Shield via DLC, Shaymin had no such luck. Should it get the chance to shine in Scarlet & Violet, Shaymin needs no improvements. The Pokémon is already incredible, and its Sky Form is one of the best offensive threats in the series. It goes without saying, such a beloved legendary Pokémon shouldn't be left out of two generations in a row.