In Pokemon Sword and Shield, trainers visit the Galar region. This new region has familiar faces with a Galarian twist. Check out each regional variant available in Galar, the area inspired by Europe.
Regional Variants of the Galar Region
Galar has over a dozen regional forms that diverge from original Pokemon designs. While each Pokemon does look different, that isn’t the only change. Galarian Pokemon variants also have different types, weaknesses, and move sets.
Meowth
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Scratch Cat Pokémon | Steel | Pickup / Tough Claws |
In the Galar region, Meowth boasts longer facial hair and thick claws on each paw. While Kanto’s Meowth takes a Normal type, Meowth’s Galar variant sports Steel typing. Though this version of Meowth can also evolve, Galar’s Meowth has an evolution unique to this variant.
Ponyta
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Horm Pokémon | Psychic | Run Away / Pastel Veil |
This original Ponyta debuted in Gen I as a fire type, but the species took a different evolutionary path in Galar. Galarian Ponyta exhibits an adorable horn on its head and a bioluminescent mane. The blue and purple hair on its head and back glow when this pony gets excited. Though it’s a Psychic type, it’s still learning how to control its mystic powers.
Rapidash
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Unique Horn Pokémon | Psychic/Fairy | Run Away / Pastel Veil |
Galar’s version of Rapidash also deviates from the Kantonian version. The matured unicorn gains a Fairy type to complement its Psychic abilities. Unlike its first evolution, Galarian Rapidash has a firm handle on its powers. Though it’s a Psychic type, Rapidash excels at physical attacks, setting it apart from many in the same class.
Slowpoke
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Dopey Pokémon | Psychic | Gluttony / Own Tempo |
In the Galar region, even anomalies like Slowpoke see changes. Known through Kanto as a Water/Psychic Hybrid, this counterpart is solely Psychic. Galarian Slowpoke’s appearance does differ, but not by much. In Galar, Slowpoke has yellow coloring on its head and tail. Despite a slight change in design, you’re sure to recognize this species’s lethargic and odd behavior.
Slowbro
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Hermit Crab Pokémon | Poison/Psychic | Own Tempo / Quick Draw |
Should Slowpoke evolve in Galar, there are dramatic changes to its evolution. Slowbro gains a Poison typing, and while it still has a conscious shell, the companion munches on its arm instead of its tail, like in Kanto. Galar’s Slowbro uses this encapsulated arm as a vessel to shoot poison at its foes, so keep your distance.
Slowking
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Hexpert Pokémon | Poison/Psychic | Own Tempo / Curious Medicine |
In Galar, Slowking isn’t the one in charge. Instead, the Shellder commands this lazy Pokemon. Combining their intelligence, the team combines Poison and Psychic powers for powerful attacks. Thanks to their synergy, attacks often outclass the opposition. Slowking even has a signature move: Eerie Spell. This Psychic-type move deals significant damage, taking PP from its opponent’s last used move.
Farfetch’d
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Duck Pokémon | Fighting | Steadfast |
Heading into the flatlands of Galar may put you on a collision course with Galarian Farfetch’d. This first-generation companion harbors a darker design and forsakes its Flying and Normal types. Now a Fighting type, Galarian Farfetch’d charges headfirst into battle. While it still carries its vegetable weapon, the Galar region’s leeks resemble swords in Farfetch’d’s hands. Legends say that there’s even evolution for this Galarian Pokemon.
Weezing
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Poison Gas Pokémon | Poison/Fairy | Levitate / Neutralizing Gas |
While Kanto’s Weezing is known for polluting the air with toxic fumes, Galar’s version evolved to purify the air. During a time when factories ruined the atmosphere for the Galar region, Weezing took on a form that consumes toxic particles in the air, filtering them through its body. Now, this Poison/Fairy type helps everyone by processing this waste, releasing clean air for all to breathe.
Mr. Mime
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Dancing Pokémon | Ice/Psychic | Vital Spirit / Screen Cleaner |
The Psychic type from Kanto, Mr. Mime, also sees a severe change in Galar. Where its Kanto counterpart pantomimes around, creating barriers with its psychic powers, Galarian Mr. Mime prefers to tap-dance. This Mr. Mime uses its ability to control temperatures and create ice floors that others use as barriers. Mr. Mime can also evolve in the Galar region, provided trainers follow the correct steps.
Articuno
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Cruel Pokémon | Psychic/Flying | Competitive |
Several legendary Pokemon in the Galar region take on new forms and temperaments, including Galarian Articuno, the Cruel Pokemon. Unlike its friendly Kanto counterpart, Galarian Articuno avoids others whenever possible, acting high and mighty as it soars above Galar. This Psychic/Flying type uses its telekinetic powers to fly, never flapping its wings. In battle, Galar’s Articuno shoots psychic energy from its eyes with its signature move, Freezing Glare, following up with its wings for the finishing blow.
Zapdos
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Strong Legs Pokémon | Fighting/Flying | Defiant |
The Strong Legs Pokemon, Galarian Zapdos, ditches the Electric typing, instead boasting a Fighting/Flying hybrid. Galar’s version of Zapdos searches tirelessly for opponents, returning to Galar once every few decades. If Zapdos senses a foe stronger than itself, it can’t resist the urge to fight. During battles, Zapdos uses speedy moves and strong kicks to overwhelm opponents. Watch out for its signature move: Thunderous Kick!
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Moltres
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Malevolent Pokémon | Dark/Flying | Berserk |
Like its peers, the final member of the legendary bird trio, Galarian Moltres, only appears once every few decades. Because this Pokemon is so elusive, almost no one knew how different it looked from Kanto’s legendary bird. This proud bird lives life at its own pace, leaking an aura so powerful regular Pokemon can’t stand in its presence. Once Moltres spreads its wings, it unleashes all its malice in a Dark-type attack. Its signature move, Fiery Wrath, creates an aura so strong it makes opponents flinch.
Corsola
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Pokemon | Ghost | Weak Armor |
In Johto, Corsola is an adorable and cheery coral Pokemon, but in Galar, Corsola takes on a different form and type. The Ghost-type Galarian Corsola lost life due to climate change in the Galar region. These undead Pokemon absorb the life force from other creatures in the area. Don’t kick this critter, or it’ll curse you out of anger. Supposedly, Corsola can evolve in Galar.
Zigzagoon
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny Raccoon Pokémon | Dark/Normal | Gluttony/Pickup |
The tiny raccoon, Zigzagoon, gets a snazzy redesign in Galar, showcasing a black and white pattern. Galarian Zigzagoon has a wild disposition, often seen as unpredictable by friends and foes alike. Legend says this is the original form of Zigzagoon; it dashes about in a zigzag pattern in the wild, the pattern for which it’s named. This Pokemon will even pick a fight with others out of boredom.
Linoone
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Rushing Pokémon | Dark/Normal | Gluttony/Pickup |
Continuing the Zigzagoon line, Galarian Linoone retains the wild attitude of its predecessor. This Dark/Normal type Pokemon exhibits extreme speed and unpredictable energy. Thanks to its strong fur, it gains substantial protection from attacks, but watch out for those razor-like claws! If you level up this Pokemon at night, you’ll find a new evolution exclusive to the Galar region!
Darumaka
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Zen Charm Pokémon | Ice | Hustle |
Gen V’s Darumaka, the Zen Charm Pokemon, is known for its adorable round shape and fire typing. Galar’s Darumaka, on the other hand, is an Ice-type. Because its habitat offered colder climates, this Pokemon changed to survive brisk settings. It even has an organ that generates frost. Darumaka loves the cold so much that it gains energy at lower temperatures.
Darmanitan
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Zen Charm Pokémon | Ice | Gorilla Tactics |
Once Darumaka evolves in the Galar region, it becomes Darmanitan. This large ape Pokemon comes down to human civilizations once snowstorms blow in, grabbing supplies from storehouses. After Darmanitans get food, they store it in the snowball on its head. This Pokemon is mild-mannered but incredibly strong, capable of quickly chucking giant snowballs. Avoid making this big fellow mad.
Yamask
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Spirit Pokémon | Ground/Ghost | Wandering Spirit |
The Ghost-type, Yamask, wanders around ruins during the evening. Galar’s Yamask carries a clay slab instead of a small mask on its tail. Though the two versions of Yamask look incredibly alike, their evolutions couldn’t be farther apart. The slab on Galarian Yamask’s tail holds the dark power of a vengeful spirit that only appears upon evolution.
Stunfisk
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Trap Pokémon | Ground/Steel | Mimicry |
Stunfisk of the Galar region populates dark and dank caves, often hiding from view. The robust steel body of the Stunfisk protects it from harm, letting it focus on hunting. This Ground/Steel type creature blends into the floor, with only its Pokeball-shaped snout protruding from the ground. Pokemon and trainers alike fall victim to this ruse, and Stunfisk clamps down with its powerful jaws in response.
Galar Exclusive Evolutions
Not only does the Galar region have unique variants for several popular Pokemon, but there are also new evolutions only available to Galar’s inhabitants.
Obstagoon
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Blocking Pokémon | Dark/Normal | Guts/Reckless |
Should a Linoone level up at night in the Galar region, it will evolve once more. Galarian Zigzagoon’s final form, Obstagoon, stands with an intimidating posture. The Blocking Pokemon crosses its arms before letting out a powerful wail at enemies so powerful it can stun them in battle. Bring some earplugs if you challenge this belligerent Pokemon out in the wild.
Perrserker
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Viking Pokémon | Steel | Battle Armor / Tough Claws |
Perrseker is the final form of Galrian Meowth. Known as the Viking Pokemon, Perrserker is a feline with hardened hair resembling a helmet on its head. This Pokemon lives for battle like the Vikings, using dagger-like claws to tear prey apart.
Cursola
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Coral Pokémon | Ghost | Weak Armor |
In Galar, Corsola can evolve by using the energy from the afterlife. Cursola, the Coral Pokemon, breaks free from the hard coral shell, taking an incorporeal form. After evolution, Cursola uses ectoplasm to shield its core spirit from damage. Records show that those who touch Cursola’s ectoplasmic body turn stiff as stone. Try not to get in this Pokemon’s bubble.
Sirfetch’d
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Wild Duck Pokémon | Fighting | Steadfast |
While Farfetch’d don’t evolve in Kanto, those who master the art of critical hits can upgrade their aviary ally to Sirfetch’d. This knightly Pokemon holds a leek sword and shield to combat opponents. As a Fighting-type Sirfetch’d use physical attacks with mastery, often aiming for critical hits.
Mr. Rime
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Comedian Pokémon | Ice/Psychic | Tangled Feet / Screen Cleaner |
Kanto’s Mr. Mime doesn’t evolve, but Galar’s variant has another form. After training, Mr. Mime becomes Mr. Rime, the Comedian Pokemon. Known for its silly behavior and amusing movements, this Pokemon often entertains children. Mr. Rime is also a master of tap dancing, but his skills aren’t limited to entertainment. The pattern on its belly doubles as a psychic energy conduit, allowing Mr. Rime to release powerful blasts from its core.
Runerrigus
| Category | Type | Ability |
|---|---|---|
| Grudge Pokémon | Ground/Ghost | Wandering Spirit |
Should the curse on Galar’s Yamask take hold, it transforms into the frightening Runerigus. This haunting Ghost/Ground Pokemon holds an ancient grudge woven into the painting it inhabits. After this painting absorbs a Yamask and enacts its curse, the two combine to create this scary creature. Touching the shadow body of this Pokemon shares the terrible memories of the picture carved within, so keep your distance.
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