When Gen 9Pokemongames were announced, they took the Internet by the storm, with multiplePokemon ScarletandVioletfan art pieces and dedicated websites created soon after. The impact Gen 9 will have is likely to be noticeable, as Game Freak has shown over the years that fan-favorite features from new games tend to stay in the next ones, often perfected. This is not always the case, and some existing features, mainly battle gimmicks, do tend to be scrapped when a new generation launches, such as withPokemon ScarletandVioletemploying the newTerastal phenomenonrather than Dynamaxing.
A staple of the series so far has been introducing Pokemon species that are exclusive to one of the two versions of the games, which makes it desirable to have friends who can trade the remaining creatures - or even purchase both versions, marketing-wise. In terms of gameplay, this is a cool feature that allows each game to have its own unique identity because even a version can differ from the other in terms of theme and setting, even if only a little.Pokemon ScarletandVioletfans can’t currently make an informed decisionabout which version to pre-order, but one recent leak addresses a new Fire-type Pokemon that allegedly evolves into two different creatures depending on the version being played.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Leaker Hints at Minecraft-Like Salt Monster
How Version-Exclusive Pokemon Split Evolutions Could Work
The most recent example of this logic comes fromPokemon SwordandShield, which both featured Applin, only for the creature to evolve into eitherFlapple or Appletunbased on an item available in just one version. InPokemon ScarletandViolet, it seems that a new Fire-type Pokemon may evolve into a flaming sword in one game or into a fiery warrior in the other, if this leak is accurate.
This is an interesting concept because it furthers the idea that in order for the experience to feel thorough, players will need both evolutions to complete their Pokedex. A flaming sword Pokemon and a fiery warrior Pokemon are both interesting ideas, but this split evolution seems to suggest that there could be a single creature that is a sword-wielding fighter. WhilePokemon ScarletandViolethave a shared theme of past versus future, this rumored Fire-type creature could represent the themes better with a present version that fuses both parts.
Pokemongames are not new to fusing monsters together, with examples coming from Kyurem, Necrozma, and most recently Calyrex. These are allLegendary Pokemon, however, and a fusion that creates a warrior wielding a flaming sword is not a likely outcome forPokemon ScarletandViolet. This is still more interesting than Applin evolving into a rotten dragon or an apple pie, which is indeed fitting for the region, but not as original as the leaked Gen 9 Fire Pokemon. Having two version-exclusive evolutions that complete each other is compelling, and it would be an exciting addition toPokemon ScarletandViolet.
Not only that, the idea could be reprised for future games as well, maybe implementing Pokemon fusions outside Legendary species. This could makeversion-exclusives inPokemon ScarletandVioletand future generations more appealing than just separate Pokemon that share a base design concept. Overall, something like this could be seen as a sort of ultimate evolution, where two creatures create a unique relationship that is founded on mutual benefit, something that is already present inPokemongames through certain evolution requirements.
PokemonScarletandVioletrelease on July 02, 2025 for the Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Leaker Talks Paradox Pokemon, Fuecoco Evolution, and More
