Introduced in Generation 7, ‘Regional Variants’ are Pokemon whose design has evolved to suit the environment and conditions of its native region. Whilst it may not be as iconic as evolutions in the Pokemon franchise, this feature has quickly become a fan favorite since its introduction in 2016.
These region-specific adaptations may impact a Pokemon’s appearance, type, abilities, moveset, base stats, height, or weight. With this comes a brand-new layer of strategic approach, team match-ups, and, of course, new favorite designs. This list will rank all the currently announced regional variants based on suitability to the environment, the quality of the design changes, and how useful the changes are in battle.
Updated July 22, 2023, By Ben Painter: With the release of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet came with a whole host of new Pokemon. The usual classics which include a new trio of stater Pokemon, regional bird Pokemon and of course the powerful legendary and mythical Pokemon.
A new category of Pokemon that was released in Pokemon Sun & Moon were regional variants and every game since has included some variant of these 'mons. Although in the latest entries there are just two new variants added in the new land of Paldea.
43 Galarian Mr. Mime
‘Galarian Forms’ refers to Pokemon who have adapted to suit 1the industrial nature of Generation 8’s Galar region. A total of nineteen Pokemon received Galarian regional forms. Mr. Mime is the most horrific of all. Whilst it earns points for its new dual-type Ice/Psychic typing, Mr. Mime’s Galarian form is still as nightmare-inducing as its original design.
42 Alolan Persian
‘Alolan Variants’ were first introduced to players In 2016’s Pokemon Sun and Moon. The shores of Alola are bathed in sunlight, with the sharp tang of saltwater in the air. Variants in this region often have visual differences that play upon this tropical theme, usually in unique and creative ways.
The original Katonian form of Persian was Team Rocket leader Giovanni’s regal sidekick in the anime. It oozed grace and sophistication from every strand of its pristine cream fur. Its Normal-type was always underwhelming - Alolan Persian’s new Dark typing suits the originals sinister, scheming nature far better. However, that does not explain why this new goofy, sickly design should be a Dark-type. With its anemic purple coat, disproportionate anatomy, and irrelevant concept, this Pokemon has the same vibe as a fursona designed by a 12-year-old in the early days of Deviantart.
41 Alolan Geodude
Alolan Geodude is made from a darker mineral structure than its original Kantonian form, possibly referencing the piezoelectric crystals and iron ore commonly found in Hawaii. The name ‘Geodude’ is a portmanteau of ‘geode’ and ‘dude'. It would have been nice to see the Alolan design pay homage to the crystals found inside.
40 Alolan Raticate
Alolan Raticate plays into the mob boss stereotype with its ability to control Alolan Rattata and its hostile relationship with the Detective Pokemon, Gumshoos. Whilst this is a good parallel, the design is not as clever as its pre-evolution, nor is it particularly inspired. The new dual-type Dark/Normal regional form gives this Pokemon a 4x weakness to Fighting-type moves, and it loses speed stats.
39 Galarian Slowpoke
Galarian Slowpoke was introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC. Its distinct yellow coloring is due to particle diffusion from digesting Galarica seeds, a spice used for cooking Curry in the Galar region. The design is simple and understated, which is not necessarily a bad thing. However, this design does not correlate with the Galarian evolutionary forms, which makes it seemingly random.
38 Alolan Sandshrew
In Alola, Sandshrew has adopted a dual-type Ice/Steel regional form, taking away its original Ground-typing. It also has a new frosty appearance. This is a great stand-alone design, but a shrew is a creature that burrows into the ground, so it is a shame to lose that.
37 Alolan Dugtrio
Some readers may be surprised to read that Alolan Dugtrio has ranked below its evolution, Alolan Diglett. Many fans often consider Alolan Diglett to be an underwhelming design. But more on Alolan Diglett’s design later.
Alolan Dugtrio has the long, luscious blonde docks of every 90s stereotypical surfer bro heartthrob. Ignoring the horrific implication that Dugtrio has feet below the soil, it gives off the vibe of a weird family member at the first uncomfortable reunion in 20 years.
36 Galarian Slowking
The United Kingdom has a rich history of wizards and warlocks and many of the Galarian designs draw inspiration from these depictions of mythical beings. Galarian Slowking seems to be based on a sorcerer, with its pointy hat, long, dark neck scruff akin to a magical cape, and its habit of "chanting mysterious spells" in battle. However, it’s hard to understand why Slowking would have this adaptation, rather than playing on the British monarchy.
35 Alolan Meowth
The lore behind Alolan Meowth is particularly interesting, which makes the insipid design disappointing. It was introduced to the region as a gift to royalty. The luxurious lifestyle led to the prideful, snooty Alolan Meowth, which was abandoned as the monarchy fell. Alolan Meowth has the lowest base Attack of all Dark-type Pokemon. Couple this fact with a worse design and the lore is the only good thing about this Pokemon.
34 Galarian Meowth
Meowth is the only Pokemon to have two regional variants. The new Steel-type regional variant has a shaggy, greyish-brown coat, covering a body that has turned to iron after many years living with seafarers. It evolves into Perrserker at level 28, which is an interesting take on this iconic Pokemon.