While Pokemon has been a staple of the gaming industry for well over 20 years, it’s only recently that regional variants started spawning. During Gen VII, players met new forms of classic Pokemon, and these creatures shirk their original designs in favor of new looks, and there are quite a few of them.
Regional Variants of the Alola Region
Alola is the first region to showcase Pokemon with new forms. Each unique Pokémon from Alola exhibits a new look and type to suit its environment better. You can find each of the tropical Pokemon below.
Rattata
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Dark/Normal | Hustle/Gluttony |
Alolan Rattata sports a dark coat and long whiskers that help it find food hidden in the environment, and these changes set it apart from Kanto’s version. This mouse also has a dual Dark/Normal-typing, unlike its Normal-type predecessor, giving it different weaknesses in battle.
Raticate
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Dark/Normal | Hustle/Gluttony |
Raticate in Alola is the leader of its pack, commanding the Rattata in its group to do its bidding. This Pokemon won’t hunt down its food, instead having the best of the scavenged vittles brought for it to dine on. Alolan Raticate has a black and brown coat, differing from the purple versions in Kanto. Like Alolan Rattata, Raticate is a Dark/Normal-type.
Raichu
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Electric/Psychic | Surge Surfer |
Alolan Raichu takes on Electric/Psychic typing, allowing it to move other objects with its mind. Most of the time, you’ll find this Mouse Pokemon riding its tail like a surfboard using its powers. Alolan Raichu is a gifted Special Attacker with speed to boot, making it a great partner. Researchers surmise that the different weather, climate, and food in the Alola region caused Raichu to take on another form.
Sandshrew
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Ice/Steel | Snow Cloak |
Sandshrew of the Alola region doesn’t inhabit arid areas like those from Kanto. In Alola, these creatures inhabit the cold and icy mountain peaks at the apex of islands. This Pokemon’s body took on a hard and icy body boasting the properties of Ice and Steel-types.
Sandslash
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mouse Pokémon | Ice/Steel | Snow Cloak |
Once Sandshrew evolves in the Alola region, players get a unique variant of Sandslash. Alolan Sandslash’s claws are hooked, not smooth like Kanto’s. This evolution helps the creatures tunnel their way through the snow on the mountains of Alola. Sandslash is also the fastest creature in the entire region, skimming through the snow at a breakneck pace.
Vulpix
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Pokémon | Ice | Snow Cloak |
While the original Vulpix uses Fire-type attacks, Alolan Vulpix has mastery over Ice thanks to generations living on this region’s unforgiving mountains. Vulpix in Alola have a pure white coat that helps them blend in with their surroundings and avoid predators. Its evolution has several significant changes as well.
Ninetales
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Fox Pokémon | Ice/Fairy | Snow Cloak |
Alolan Ninetales is a legend in the Alola region, with people in ancient times worshipping them as gods. While modern-day trainers and residents don’t praise this Ice/Fairy-type today, they revere its beauty and power. Like Vulpix, Alolan Ninetales roams the snowy mountains in this region, but this evolution is far more powerful, gaining control over Special Attacks and Speed in battle. Those lucky enough to call this Pokemon a partner are sure to sweep through struggles in Alola.
Diglett
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mole Pokémon | Ground/Steel | Sand Veil / Tangling Hair |
Alolan Diglett doesn’t look too different from the original creature, only changing color slightly with three adorable golden hairs on its head. Still, you’d be surprised how much changes with this variation. Thanks to the terrain enriched with metals in Alola, the Mole Pokemon also gains a secondary Steel typing.
Dugtrio
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Mole Pokémon | Ground/Steel | Sand Veil / Tangling Hair |
Once Diglett evolves into Dugtrio, the pair of Pokemon gain an illustrious mane of metal whiskers that can protect them from hard-hitting attacks. The hair also allows this Pokemon to sense movement and other creatures with incredible accuracy, thanks to their sensitivity.
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Meowth
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch Cat Pokémon | Dark | Pickup / Technician |
Meowth in the Alola region is used to luxury, as it lived with royalty until recently. Unlike Kanto’s Meowth, this Scratch Cat Pokemon is solely a Dark-type that pops up at night in the region. It’s often scurrying through terrain looking for food, but because it’s so picky, finding something it likes takes some time.
Persian
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Classy Cat Pokémon | Dark | Technician / Fur Coat |
Persian looks far different in the Alola region, with a rounded face, body, and dark fur, making it look entirely different from the original creature. Because Alolan Persians symbolize good fortune in the region, they’re spoiled and appreciated by most trainers. Despite their stuffy nature, Persians are quick and competent fighters.
Geodude
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Pokémon | Rock/Electric | Sturdy / Magnet Pull |
The stalwart defender, Geodude, gets an Alolan variation as well. While the base version is a Rock/Ground-type, things are slightly different in Alola. Alolan Geodue exhibits a Rock/Electric-type with a body imbued with Electricity. They hide in rocky areas, and touching them will shock any unsuspecting trainer.
Graveler
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Rock Pokémon | Rock/Electric | Sturdy / Magnet Pull |
Geodude’s evolution, Graveler, retains its Rock/Electric typing and rolls around on mountain paths in Alola. This wild critter shocks anything in its way when it barrels through the area, so keep your eyes out when climbing to the higher regions of Alola.
Golem
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Megaton Pokémon | Rock/Electric | Sturdy / Magnet Pull |
The final evolution in this line, Golem, the Megaton Pokemon, is a master of using Rock and Electric techniques in unison. Golem fires off rocks with great force thanks to magnetism and electric fields. Those who avoid a direct hit might get a shock from these projectiles. Thanks to its hard body and versatile kit, Golem is an excellent attacker and defender. Golem is a great choice if you’re looking for a well-rounded Alolan ally.
Grimer
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sludge Pokémon | Poison/Dark | Gluttony / Poison Touch |
Unlike the original Grimer, its Alolan variant is a Poison/Dark-type that scavenges for garbage in the Alola region. It loves nothing more than gobbling down refuse, but once Grimer finishes eating junk, it creates poison crystals with the waste it leaves behind. Best not to touch this waste product!
Muk
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Sludge Pokémon | Poison/Dark | Gluttony / Poison Touch |
The final form of the Sludge Pokemon is a multicolored monstrosity. Alolan Muk continues to change colors and transform so long as it keeps eating trash. The more it eats, the more crystals and stains appear on its mushy body.
Exeggutor
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Coconut Pokémon | Grass/Dragon | Frisk |
Thanks to the harsh and consistent sunlight of the Alola region, Exeggutors in the area resemble palm trees. These Pokemon can reach over 35 feet in height and often do. Alolan Exeggcutors also have a new typing—Grass/Dragon as opposed to the regular variation being Grass/Psychic. You’ll notice this version is quite the powerhouse, using Special Attacks and Attacks in unison to overwhelm opponents.
Marowak
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Bone Keeper Pokémon | Fire/Ghost | Lightning Rod / Cursed Body |
Marowak also sees a new form in Alola, far removed from its precursor. Unlike the Ground type of the Kanto region, Alolan Marowak is a Fire/Ghost hybrid, using its abilities to light its bone on fire and dance during battles.
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