New Pokémon are always expected when Nintendo announces a new region, and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are no exception. The existing monsters in the national Pokédex and the revealed starters for the new region are already causing players to speculate on what other creatures may appear. Like most Pokémon games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can use real animals to inspire designs for new, native monsters. While Nintendo hasn’t confirmed the real-world counterpart to the new region, many suspect it to be Spain or Portugal.
The latest Pokémon Presents revealed Pokémon Scarlet and Violet as Generation 9 for the series. The announcement trailer showed only three new Pokémon, the player character models, and various glimpses around the in-game world. Players can choose between one of three starter Pokémon: Fuecoco (a Fire-type crocodile), Sprigatito (a Grass-type kitten), or Quaxly (a Water-type duckling), though their final evolutions haven’t been revealed yet. It’s unknown when Nintendo or Game Freak will release more information or images about the new Pokémon, but it will likely be a few months.
Given the cultural inspirations around each starter Pokémon for Scarlet and Violet - as well as the many pieces of evidence littered throughout the trailer - players suspect the upcoming generation could take place in Spain or Portugal. The architecture present in the trailer also heavily resembles buildings throughout Spain and Portugal (specifically Lisbon). It’s unknown when Nintendo or Game Freak could confirm this setting, but both territories are home to exciting and powerful animal species that could become unique Pokémon.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Sprigatito Evolutions Could Be Inspired By Iberian Lynx
The Iberian lynx is one of the most promising species in Spain and Portugal that could appear in the upcoming games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet already revealed their starters, one of which is a cat named Sprigatito. Since some in the community are becoming tired of bipedal designs for quadruped animals, the Iberian lynx could be an excellent middle or final evolution for Sprigatito. The Iberian lynx is a critically endangered species that dwells in Spain, Portugal, and Southern France, with its population decreasing from poaching and habitat loss. Its appearance features unique markings, large ears, and impressive patches of fluff at its jawline. The Iberian lynx dwells in thick woodlands and fields, where it primarily hunts rabbits and could hunt other field land Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.
The Pilot Whale Would Make A Great Scarlet & Violet Pokémon
Wailord appeared in Pokémon Sword and Shield and is likely Pokémon largest monster. However, other creatures could provide players with another Water-type giant to love. The pilot whale lives off the coasts of Portugal and Spain, maintaining a year-long presence in the Strait of Gibraltar. This impressive creature comes in two forms: long-finned and short-finned, giving its potential Pokémon species opportunity for different variants. Several species have differences between genders and evolutionary shapes, such as Pikachu’s tail differing between females and males or Lycanroc changing forms depending on how it’s evolved. Additionally, the pilot whale could provide players with a way to cross the rivers and oceans as one of Scarlet and Violet's rideable Pokémon.
Bulls Would Make Perfect Thematic Scarlet & Violet Pokémon
The bull is a national symbol in Spain and Portugal, meaning Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could reveal a bull Pokémon. There are several bovine monsters that players can catch throughout various regions. Some of the most well-known are Tauros, Bouffalant, and Miltank. However, most monsters of this type have closely resembled one another and failed to make much of an impression.
If Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce a new bull Pokémon to catch and battle, it has the potential to become something more impressive than its predecessors. Exploring Fire-type combinations or making the bulls a rideable Pokémon (like those in Pokémon Legends: Arceus) could provide a new method of navigating the apparent open-world areas. Bulls are known for their strength and speed, and matador fighting is highly prevalent in Spanish territories, making a new bull Pokémon extremely likely.
Scarlet & Violet Could Include A Colorful New Rooster Pokémon
Since it’s still unconfirmed which real-world country Pokémon Scarlet and Violet takes place in, but Spain or Portugal are frontrunners considering the countries’ architecture. As a result, Scarlet and Violet should feature what many Portuguese residents believe to be the national animal in the regional dex. Pokémon Sword and Shield featured many farmland creatures in its regional Pokédex, and a rooster could be the perfect addition to keep the trend going.
The importance of national animals often reflects the culture and values of its inhabitants. While chickens and roosters aren’t the most intimidating creatures, they can receive a superpowered makeover in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. The last time Nintendo represented roosters in Pokémon was with Hoenn’s starter: Torchic. If Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce a rooster creature, it could become a resource gatherer or physical attacker.
The Common Genet Almost Looks Like A Scarlet & Violet Pokémon Already
The common genet isn’t so common for many people worldwide but appears throughout Spain and Portugal. Since Pokémon has made so many Pikachu knockoffs, the common genet allows Pokémon Scarlet and Violet to make their own. The creature is an adorably efficient hunter with a gorgeous coat and fluffy tail that would fit perfectly in a new Pokémon region.
Its sleek appearance combined with its climbing abilities could make it a perfect Grass-type or Ground-type depending on the territory it inhabits. Since many Pokémon are combinations of multiple species, the common genet’s fox and cat-like features combined with its impressive tail and unique coat could create the perfect mammal Pokémon for Game Freak to include in its new region. A Pokémon based on the common genet would likely focus on speed and critical hits, avoiding brutal fights with larger predators.
Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Could Portray The Majestic Iberian Wolf
Wolf and dog Pokémon are nothing new to the franchise, but they are almost always received warmly by the community. Eevee maintains a popular presence in Pokémon games, featuring eight differently typed evolutions under different conditions. Other dog Pokémon include Mightyena, Poochyena, Growlithe, Arcanine, Lillipup, Herdier, Stoutland, and Froufrou. However, the Iberian wolf presents a unique new design for a lupine Pokémon. The Iberian wolf is located on the Iberian Peninsula and maintains an endangered presence in Portugal and Spain. Including these creatures in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet could draw attention to their plight and possibly help resolve some poaching issues. In addition, the Iberian wolf features beautiful colors and a tenacity for surviving in forests and mountains, meaning players could look forwards to a Ground-type, Grass-type, or Dark-type lupine Pokémon.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has many unique species to pull through but must endeavor to accurately represent the country (or countries) it takes inspiration from. As a popular AAA franchise with many financial and technological assets, its representation of its upcoming region should be superb. Thankfully, it appears the game is adopting many features from Pokémon Legends: Arceus and may pave the way for future projects to become even grander in size and scope. There is no confirmed release date for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, but the games are anticipated to come out in late 2022, likely near the holiday season.