Pokémon Legends: ZA could once again introduce a bunch of new regional variants of many beloved Pokémon. After Pokémon Legends: Arceusthe idea of more Pokémon with alternate forms in the past became incredibly attractive. Assuming that Pokémon Legends: ZA it also takes place in the past, so there’s an opportunity for several Pokémon to have new alternate forms in the ancient Kalos region.
In addition to Mega Evolutions, regional variants are another beloved aspect of Pokémon franchise. Many of these Regional variants breathe new life into many Pokémon that are often forgottenaltering their appearance or providing them with a completely new evolution. With over a thousand Pokémon to choose from, there are countless options as to which ones could get regional variants in Kalos, but only a few Pokémon actually have a connection to Kalos, its history, and its real-world inspirations.
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Timburr, Gurdurr and Conkeldurr
Pokémon that will help with urban redevelopment
Timburr and its evolutions are incredibly strong fifth-generation combat types said to be deeply connected to humanity and architecture. The Pokédex states that All three of these Pokémon helped humans buildand this is demonstrated by the various items they carry with them. Timburr is shown holding wooden blocks, Gurdurr has huge steel beams, and Conkeldurr has giant concrete blocks as he taught humans how to create concrete two thousand years ago.
With Kalos undergoing urban redevelopment in Subtitles: ZAIt only makes sense that Timburr and its evolutions would appear as well. Players will be able to see how much various Pokémon helped make Lumiose City what it is today, and there is a strong possibility that Timburr, Gurdurr, and Conkeldurr will be among those Pokémon.
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Dachsbun
An adorable dog made from French sweets
Dachsbun is an adorable ninth-generation fairy-type who resembles a dog made entirely of baked bread. It is described in the Pokédex as having a very pleasant aroma, which has helped allow wheat to grow. This made it a very common sight in Paldean villages.
With Paldea and Kalos based in Spain and France respectivelyit would make sense for the two regions to be relatively close in terms of distance. This means that the player’s chances of encountering Dachsbun in previous Kalos seem very likely. Considering the fact that France is known for its wide variety of foods, a Kalos variant of the Dachsbun could resemble a dog made out of croissants, which would be a very adorable and clever design choice.
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Gothitelle
A powerful psychic type with impressive fashion
This fifth-generation Psychic-type is a gothic Pokémon with a lot of power and personality. Its design is very memorable, being covered in various ruffles and bows, with a body that makes it look like it’s wearing a long, flowing black dress. It is said that her psychic powers can even show others the end of the world through dreams, which are described as quite ethereal and beautiful.
Considering Gothitelle has yet to receive a Mega Evolution, a regional variant would be a logical alternative. A regional variant for Gothitelle could play with your goth aesthetic and personality. With France being known for its Gothic fashion and cathedrals, Gothitelle’s appearance could change to become even more extravagant, complete with accessories that accentuate her style and psychic abilities.
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Delcatty
Breathing new life into a forgotten Pokémon
Delcatty is a second generation Pokémon that has often been overlooked, especially in recent years. Although it has a very adorable design, the fact that it is a Normal type with some unattractive stats has often caused it to be overlooked in favor of other, much stronger Pokémon. With this in mind, it certainly seems like Delcatty deserves to receive an entirely new regional variant in previous Kalos so that it can get the attention it deserves.
Cats are very popular around the world, including in France, so it would make sense to know why they appear in Kalos. The fact that Delcatty is highly sought after by trainers looking to follow trends makes them very popular among fashionistas. Since France is well known for its fashionan earlier version of Delcatty could contribute to this fact with differently styled skins, perhaps even to an extravagant degree.
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To spread
A possible reference to France’s iconic artists
A large element of French culture is its works of art, specifically its numerous iconic paintings that are known throughout the world. This, combined with the fact that multiple drawing tools, such as the fountain pen and graphite pencil were invented in Francemakes Smeargle a prime candidate for a new form in Subtitles: ZA.
Smeargle was first introduced in the second generation, and is mainly remembered for having the signature Sketch movement. This move allows Smeargle to copy the move previously used by the opponent so that it can use its own move. A new variation of Smeargle could reference the countless artistic inventions made in France, or possibly give it an entirely new evolution that would reference the skills and talents of the various artists that came from the country.
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Serperior
A snobbish and regal serpent
Serperior is the final evolution of the initial fifth-generation Grass-type Snivy. Although it may not be obvious at first glance, Serperior’s design is inspired by various aspects of European royaltyas evidenced by its extravagant design and the way it constantly keeps its arms behind its back. It is described as having a very majestic appearance, great intelligence, and also a rather intimidating glow, which seems very fitting for a region like Kalos.
With Snivy being a slightly less popular launcher compared to some of the others, giving it a regional variant would give it the attention it deserves, as well as potential additional typing. Her serpentine body could be adorned with even more ruffles and luxurious accessories, reminiscent of a true French aristocrat. Assuming Snivy is selected as one of the three starters in the Subtitles: ZAthen this game is the perfect opportunity to put him back in the spotlight.
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Drifblim
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 transport people and Pokémon while floating in the air. It can even inflate and deflate itself with gas to change its altitude.
Considering the fact that hot air balloons were invented in France, Subtitles: ZA has the opportunity to take advantage of this historical fact with a new regional variant for Drifblim. Drifblim could have a totally unique appearance, but also possibly become part Fire-type as a reference to how hot air balloons work. Only time will tell how effective this new variant of the Drifblim will be in flight, considering the fact that the first hot air balloon cannot remain in the air for long periods of time.
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Milotic
A beautiful sea serpent can become scary
Milotic is a very elegant and beautiful Water-type Pokémon, loved by many Pokémon fans. Many people expected Milotic to gain a new form at some point in the future, and Subtitles: ZA it would be the perfect opportunity for fans to finally get their wish. As Gyrados already has a Mega Evolution and will probably reappear in Subtitles: ZAit seems likely that Milotic will receive a regional variant while in Kalos.
There is a French urban legend from which this regional variant could be inspired, known as the Pont Neuf Serpent. This terrifying giant serpent was said to lurk underwater, coming out at night to hunt.and apocryphally led to the disappearance of countless people. If Milotic’s Kalos variant were part Ghost or Dark-type, then this would be the perfect inspiration to base it on, transforming this beautiful and majestic Water-type into a mysterious and terrifying creature.
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Lycanroc
A terrifying werewolf based on legends
A very popular seventh generation Pokémon, Lycanroc already has multiple forms that differ depending on the time of day it evolved. It originated from Alola, and seeing how different environments can impact your evolution is a truly fascinating concept. Since Lycanroc’s midnight form resembles a terrifying, rage-filled wolf, it would make sense that a version of Kalos Lycanroc would resemble a terrifying French urban legend.
The Beast of Gévaudan was described as a terrible werewolf-like monster which reportedly terrorized the streets of France in the 18th century, attacking humans without warning. If a Kalos version of Lycanroc were based on this legend, then its appearance could resemble that of Bloodmoon Ursaluna, giving it a truly imposing and disturbing appearance. This could even lead to the potential for this variant to be Subtitles: ZAthe version of one of the directors, as well as Kleavor and Hisuian Liligant in Legends: Arceus.
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Empoleon
A real military penguin inspired by history
Assuming Piplup ends up being one of the three possible starters for Subtitles: ZAit would be the perfect Pokémon to receive a regional variant as its final evolution. Empoleon already looks very majestic and imposing, but Subtitles: ZA has the perfect opportunity to take advantage of Empoleon’s real-world inspiration. Empoleon was inspired not only by emperor penguins but also by French emperor Napoleon Bonapartegiving you a direct connection to the country where Kalos is based.
A variant of Kalos would be able to make Empoleon have an appearance that more closely resembles that of a king or army general, making him even more regal and imposing, like a true military leader. With Kalos being a region filled with as rich a history and culture as France itself, it only makes sense that Empoleon would receive a new regional variant in Pokémon Legends: ZA.
Source: The official Pokémon YouTube channel
- Franchise
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Pokémon
- Released
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2025
- Developer(s)
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Game Freak, Creatures Inc.
- Editor(s)
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Nintendo, The Pokémon Company