SwSh Galar Regional Variants aka Galarian Forms

[PkmnTrainerV]

We’re in an urgent need of a stereotypically cute bat Pokemon.

 

[Battista]

Seriously hoping for some Galarian forms

There was a rumor going around about a Snow Noctowl in a similar vein to what PkmnTrainerV suggested. I can definitely see it the way they snuck Hoothoot into the trailer the way they did, and there’s a precedent for it working the same way Pikachu and Cubone did.

 

[Bolt Strike]

There's definitely room for this feature to return, Dynamax covers a lot of what Mega Evolution and Z-Moves did, but Dynamax Pokemon aren't really a new form in the sense that it allows for changes in typing, stats, abilities, etc. I could see them having Galar forms alongside Dynamax. I hope this time they give them to more than Kanto Pokemon though, there's a lot more potential in some of the later Pokemon too.

 

[blitzle stan]

Still praying to the Pokégods for Galarian forms. They wouldn't reveal them until around August I think, anyway.

Since Kanto got Alolan forms due to tourism (as an in-game reason), I would LOVE for Unova and Kalos to get some Galarian forms due to (assumed) regional proximity. Galar is still physically separated from the other regions by water, which is all you really need for some divergent evolution.

 

[techitisJ]

So recently, Nintendo of Japan and Nintendo of Europe have sent out surveys to their fans about Pokemon Sword and Shield. I do not live either of these places, but I did hear about this over a youtube video from poketuber PokeTips.

In the Nintendo of European one, they ask a question on whether players would like to see new Pokemon, old Pokemon, or regional forms?

Spoiler: Screenshot of part of the interview from Reddit

I don't think we can be sure it actually means something for these games, as it could just be something they are considering for future games. But, I do think that this could point to the possibility of Regional Variants returning in Pokemon Sword and Shield. This is the first thing we have so far hinting at it, and it may just be that it slipped out. Or they really are just considering for later games. But then, why would they be putting it in with the Sword and Shield interview.

Galar Forms are something I am still really hoping for. If we get a decent amount of new pokemon, or if I am really wowed by the Pokemon that we get, then I won't be too disappointed. I do hope that we get some though, especially if we only get around 70 new pokemon.

 

[RileyXY1]

I've always thought it was likely that we would be getting more regional variants, so to me this is good.

 

[Matleo]

Fairy/flying rapidash

Foghting/rock geodude line

Fighting/flying farfetched

Normal/poison rattata

Bug/fighting Ledian

Poison/rock maccargo

 

[Parissong]

Regional Formes is an excellent way to make some older Pokémon less forgotten and segue them into the new region. A pretty good strategy. I hope we see it soon.

A regional Forme of Klink line except it is plates and tea saucers. That'd be so cute.

 

[Almonds]

Galarian forms would be great, and I hope it isn't restricted to Kanto pokemon.

 

[p0pp1i0D3f3nd3r]

Galarian forms would be great, and I hope it isn't restricted to Kanto pokemon.

Yeah; I Want some regional varients of JOHTO pokemon!!

Seriously; why do Genwunners get all the attention?!!

 

[swiftgallade46]

I’m still not fully convinced we’ll be getting any regional variants this gen. With Gigantamax being a thing and apparently according to the reputable leak (unless we’re misinterpreting it) we will also be getting cross-gen evolutions again, I just don’t really know if there’s room for another mechanic that changes older Pokémon. I guess it’s still possible, though.

 

[PocketMonster]

I hope that we do. I think it is a really good concept and it makes sense. I don't think we will get as many as we did last time, but it would be nice if we always get them from now on. Even if it's like two pokemon.

 

[Parissong]

If they end up doing Galaran Formes or Galarian Formes, no way that it is going to just be 2 Pokémon. With something that's almost like its own new Pokémon, I am certain it'll end up at the same number if not more than the Alolan Formes. Besides, it could be a good way to "cheat" the GalarDex.

By cheating I mean, the Galarian Forme of this Pokémon is the Pokémon, but its normal forme technically did not make it into the GalarDex. So say if Ducklett line did not make it into GalarDex, but then there's a Galar Forme of Ducklett/Swanna, it will be as if they still found a different way in.

 

[PocketMonster]

If they end up doing Galaran Formes or Galarian Formes, no way that it is going to just be 2 Pokémon. With something that's almost like its own new Pokémon, I am certain it'll end up at the same number if not more than the Alolan Formes. Besides, it could be a good way to "cheat" the GalarDex.

By cheating I mean, the Galarian Forme of this Pokémon is the Pokémon, but its normal forme technically did not make it into the GalarDex. So say if Ducklett line did not make it into GalarDex, but then there's a Galar Forme of Ducklett/Swanna, it will be as if they still found a different way in.

Oh i have no doubt that it will be more than two. I was thinking way future when we may have even more stuff going on. Its just sometging that i always want to see. Even if its a pathetic number. For this game i think probably no more than alola.

 

[AngryBinacle]

If they end up doing Galaran Formes or Galarian Formes, no way that it is going to just be 2 Pokémon. With something that's almost like its own new Pokémon, I am certain it'll end up at the same number if not more than the Alolan Formes. Besides, it could be a good way to "cheat" the GalarDex.

By cheating I mean, the Galarian Forme of this Pokémon is the Pokémon, but its normal forme technically did not make it into the GalarDex. So say if Ducklett line did not make it into GalarDex, but then there's a Galar Forme of Ducklett/Swanna, it will be as if they still found a different way in.

IF there are Galar-forms, then the ordinary variant will most likely be accesible, as well. I have no doubts about that. Look at Let's Go, for example.


Anyway, I don't get the argument that these new regional forms "breathe life" into the old Pokémon designs, as they're more or less entirely new designs based on the ordinary one with different typings, movesets and all that. They share the same species-name and can breed with each other, as well as sharing the same basic-model in most cases, but that's where the similarities end. They are almost new species with entirely new textures and oddities.

They're not the old designs; so, don't pretend they are. Hence they don't add anything to the old designs; they're wholly seperate from them. The only things that could help old designs themselves are better movesets and better base-stats; not different new forms.

 

[PkmnTrainerV]

IF there are Galar-forms, then the ordinary variant will most likely be accesible, as well. I have no doubts about that. Look at Let's Go, for example.

Sun/Moon had no way of getting regular Raichu, Exeggutor, and Marowak outside of transfers as far as I remember. Not sure, but I think other variants’ Kanto forms were transfer exclusive too.

 

[AngryBinacle]

Sun/Moon had no way of getting regular Raichu, Exeggutor, and Marowak outside of transfers as far as I remember. Not sure, but I think other variants’ Kanto forms were transfer exclusive too.

And? Still accesible. Different forms have always been available through transfers; they're the same species after all. Not having the original designs in the game (transferrable, in this case) would seriously be a very cheap move and not one I see them making.

"Yay my favorite 'Mon is in the game! ... What? He has a different form, but the original one I love isn't in? What the...."

Nope, don't see it happening.

They're basically remodelled versions, to begin with. Minimal work compared to different species with different rigs*.

*There are some exceptions, of course, like Raichu and Exeggcutor.

 

[PocketMonster]

Well, Let's Go you had npc trade so you could get both forms. I don't see why they can't/won't do it for SwSh

 

[Rainami]

galarian forms confirmed, I'm in shock

they're not exclusive to kanto this time either.....I'm sooooo happy rn.

not sure how to feel about obstagoon and weezing's form, but I kind of like galarian linoone

 

[RJB1987]

Digging the new Zigzagoon line and the final third stage is going to be in my party. Not sure how I feel about Galaran Weezing but the typing (poison/fairy) seems interesting from a move pool and competitiveness standpoint