Pokémon Legends: Z-Acould once again introduce a bunch of brand-new regional variants of many beloved Pokémon. AfterPokémon Legends: Arceus, the idea ofmore Pokémon having alternative forms in the pastbecame incredibly appealing. Assuming thatPokémon Legends: Z-Aalso takes place in the past, then there is an opportunity for numerous Pokémon to have brand-new alternative forms in the Kalos region of old.
Besides Mega Evolutions, regional variants are another beloved aspect of thePokémonfranchise. Many of theseregional variants breathe new life into many Pokémon that are often overlooked, by altering their appearance or providing them with a completely new evolution. With over a thousand Pokémon to choose from, there are numerous options as to which ones could get regional variants in Kalos, but only certain Pokémon truly have a connection to Kalos, its history, and its real-world inspirations.
10Timburr, Gurdurr, & Conkeldurr
Pokémon That Will Help With The Urban Redevelopment
Timburr and its evolutions are incredibly strong fifth-generation Fighting-types that are said to be deeply connected with humanity and architecture. The Pokédex states thatall three of these Pokémon have helped humans with construction, and this is shown through the various items they carry with them. Timburr is shown holding blocks of wood, Gurdurr has massive steel beams, and Conkeldurr has giant blocks of concrete, as it taught humans how to create concrete two thousand years ago.
With Kalos undergoing urban redevelopment inLegends: Z-A, it only makes sense that Timburr and its evolutions should also make an appearance. Players could have the chance to see just how much various Pokémon helped build Lumiose City into what it is today, and there is a high possibility that Timburr, Gurdurr, and Conkeldurr are among those Pokémon.
9Dachsbun
An Adorable Dog Made Of French Pastries
Dachsbun is an adorable ninth-generation Fairy-type that resemblesa dog made entirely out of baked bread. It is described in the Pokédex as having a very pleasant aroma, which has helped allow wheat to grow. This has made it a very common sight in Paldean villages.
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WithPaldea and Kalos being based on Spain and France respectively, it would make sense for the two regions to be relatively close together in terms of distance. This means that the chances of the player encountering Dachsbun in past Kalos seem very likely. Considering the fact that France is well known for its wide variety of food, a Kalos variant of Dachsbun could resemble a dog made of croissants, which would be a very adorable and clever design choice.
8Gothitelle
A Powerful Psychic-Type With Impressive Fashion
This fifth-generation Psychic-type is a gothic Pokémon with a lot of both power and personality. Its design is very memorable, being covered in frills and various bows, with a body that makes it seem like it’s wearing a long, flowing black gown. It is said that its psychic powers can even show others the end of the world through dreams, which are described as being rather ethereal and beautiful.
Considering the fact thatGothitelle has yet to receive a Mega Evolution, a regional variant would be a logical alternative. A regional variant for Gothitelle couldplay into its gothic aesthetic and personality. With France being well known for its fashion and gothic cathedrals, Gothitelle’s appearance could change to become even more extravagant, complete with accessories that accentuate its style and psychic abilities.
7Delcatty
Giving An Overlooked Pokémon New Life
Delcatty is a second-generation Pokémon that has often been overlooked, especially in recent years. Although it does have a very adorable design,the fact that it is a Normal-type with some rather unappealing stats has often caused it to be disregardedin favor of other, much stronger Pokémon. With this in mind, it certainly feels as if Delcatty is worthy of receiving a brand-new regional variant in past Kalos, so that it can receive the attention that it deserves.
Cats are very popular all over the world, including in France, so it would make sense as to why they appear in Kalos. The fact that Delcatty are highly sought after by female trainers who seek to follow trends, making them very popular with fashionistas. SinceFrance is very well known for its fashion, a past version of Delcatty could play into this fact with differently styled fur, perhaps even to an extravagant degree.
6Smeargle
A Possible Reference To France’s Iconic Artists
A big staple of France’s culture is its artwork, specifically its numerous iconic paintings that are well-known around the world. This, combined with the fact that multiple drawing tools such asthe fountain pen and graphite pencil were invented in France, makes Smeargle a prime candidate for a new form inLegends: Z-A.
Smeargle was first introduced in the second generation, andit is primarily remembered for having the signature move Sketch. This move allows Smeargle to copy the opponent’s previously used move so that it can use the move itself. A new variation of Smeargle could possibly reference the numerous artistic inventions that were made in France, or possibly give it a brand-new evolution that would reference the skills and talents of the various artists that came from the country.
5Serperior
A Snobbish And Regal Serpent
Serperior is the final evolution of the fifth-generation Grass-type starter Snivy. Although it might not be obvious at first glance,Serperior’s design is inspired by various aspects of European royalty, as evidenced by its extravagant design and the way it constantly has its arms behind its back. It is described as having a very majestic appearance, high intelligence, and also a rather intimidating glare, which all sound very fitting for a region like Kalos.
Snivy’s design evokes the fleur-de-lis, which was incorporated into the Kingdom of France’s coats of arms throughout history.
With Snivy being a slightly less popular starter compared to some of the others, giving it a regional variant would give it the attention it deserves, as well as a potential additional typing. Its serpentine body could become adorned with even more frills and lavish accessories, resembling a true French aristocrat. Assuming that Snivy is selected as one of the threestarters inLegends: Z-A, then this game is the perfect opportunity to put it back in the spotlight again.
4Drifblim
A Floating Ghost Inspired By A French Invention
Drifblim is a popular Ghost-type Pokémon from Sinnoh with a very recognizable design. Inspired by balloons, it is said to carry both people and Pokémon around as it drifts through the air. It can even inflate and deflate itself with gas to alter its altitude.
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Considering the fact thathot air balloons were invented in France,Legends: Z-Ahas the opportunity to play into this historical fact with a new regional variant for Drifblim. Drifblim could get an entirely unique appearance, but also possibly become part Fire-type as a reference to how hot air balloons function. Only time will tell how effective this new variant of Drifblim will be at flying, considering the fact that the very first hot air balloon could not stay in the air for long periods of time.
3Milotic
A Beautiful Sea Serpent Can Become Terrifying
Milotic is a very elegant and beautiful Water-type Pokémon that is beloved by numerousPokémonfans. Many people have hoped that Milotic will get a new form at some point in the future, andLegends: Z-Awould be the perfect opportunity for fans to finally get their wish. Since Gyrados already has a Mega Evolution, and will likely reappear inLegends: Z-A, it seems likely that Milotic will get a regional variant instead while in Kalos.
There is a French urban legend that this regional variant could take inspiration from, known as the Pont Neuf Serpent.This terrifying giant serpent was said to lurk underwater, coming out at night to hunt, and has apocryphally led to the disappearances of numerous people. Should the Kalos variant of Milotic be part Ghost-type or Dark-type, then this would be the perfect inspiration to base it off of, turning this beautiful and regal Water-type into a mysterious and terrifying creature.
2Lycanroc
A Terrifying Werewolf Based On Legends
A very popular seventh-generation Pokémon,Lycanroc already has multiple formsthat differ depending on the time of day it evolved. It originated from Alola, andseeing how different environments might impact its evolution is a truly fascinating concept. Since Lycanroc’s Midnight form resembles a terrifying, rage-filled wolf, it would make sense for one version of a Kalos Lycanroc to resemble a terrifying French urban legend.
The Beast of Gévaudan was described as a terrifying werewolf-like monsterthat was said to terrify the streets of France in the 18th century, attacking humans without warning. If a Kalos version of Lycanroc were to be based on this legend, then its appearance could resemble that of Bloodmoon Ursaluna, giving it a truly imposing and unsettling appearance. This could even lead to the potential of this variant beingLegends: Z-A’s version of one of the wardens, much like Kleavor and Hisuian Liligant inLegends: Arceus.
1Empoleon
A Regal Military Penguin Inspired By History
Assuming that Piplup ends up being one of thethree possible starters forLegends: Z-A, it would be the perfect Pokémon to receive a regional variant as its final evolution. Empoleon already looks very regal and imposing, butLegends: Z-Ahas the perfect opportunity to play into Empoleon’s real-world inspiration.Empoleon was inspired not only by emperor penguins, but also by the French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, giving it a direct connection to the country that Kalos is based on.
A Kalos variant would be able to make Empoleon have an appearance that more closely resembles that of a king or army general, making it even more regal and imposing, like a true military leader. With Kalos being a region that is filled with so much rich history and culture, much like France itself, it only makes sense that Empoleon should get a new regional variant inPokémon Legends: Z-A.
