Summary
WithPokemon Scarlet and Violetbreaking multiple series-long traditions and trying to make the critter roster more diverse by finally adding some long-requested type combinations, Gen 10 is in a good spot in terms of what it can do to follow suit. AfterPokemon Legends: Arceusgave players multiple Hisuian forms of popular critters, including evolutions like Ursaluna, it’s time for the series to give more past creatures cross-gen evolutions, including some fromGen 2’s Johto.
Although regional forms are a good gimmick to breathe new life into existing evolutionary lines, cross-gen evolutions can often break the mold even more, taking underused critters to the next level.Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Kingambitis one such example, and allowing some of the most overlooked critters in the Johtonian Pokedex to further evolve could prove both healthy and a fan-favorite decision, considering how loved Gen 2 is.
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Ledian
Ledyba and Ledian are some of the earliest Pokemon one can catch while playing Gen 2 games, and while they have unique designs (also being the only ladybug-inspired critters in the series), Ledian has some of the lowest stats in the entire series as an evolved Pokemon. With base stats total (BST) sitting at 390, Ledian is quite far from the top of the game, and it could use a new evolution in Gen 10. Specifically, the critter’s Pokedex entries state that it throws punches with all its four arms, so giving it Fighting as a secondary type with more effective moves could do the trick inPokemonGen 10.
Ariados
Ariados recently appeared inPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s The Teal Mask DLC, even enjoying some time in the spotlight as a fixed encounter during Perrin’s side quest of catching Bloodmoon Ursaluna. Still, this critter has a low BST compared to most of its peers (400), and its Bug/Poison type combo doesn’t do it any favors in terms of offense or defense. A cross-gen Ariados evolution could make it the first spider Pokemon to have a third stage, and it has the potential to be quite deadly.
Sunflora
One of the biggest reasons why Sunflora has been in the talks of getting an evolution among fans is that it could easily gain Fire as its secondary type, and it would make perfect sense. Now thatPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Ogerponis potentially one of the strongest critters in Gen 9 with its Hearthflame Mask on, giving it Fire as a secondary type, Sunflora has no reason to be held back. Gen 9 also included Scovillain with the same type, so a Sunflora cross-gen evolution would just be perfect in Gen 10.
Xatu
GivenPokemon Scarlet and Violet’s past and future themes, Xatu’s Pokedex entries talking about how it can see both the past and the future would have made it a perfect inclusion. Still, it remains one of the most mysterious Pokemon in the franchise, let alone Gen 2, and if Gen 10 were to give it a cross-gen evolution, it could also become a more popular evolutionary line. Often overlooked for its shallow type combination, a Xatu evolution could turn this critter into a great threat.
Miltank
When Gen 2 games first came out, Whitney’s Miltank inPokemon GoldandSilverwas considered one of the most difficult fights in the entire game when approached at a regular level. Boasting a base stat total of 490, Miltank is already no joke to battle against, but considering it is the only cow-likePokemonin the series, it could use some extra love. Furthermore, aMiltank cross-gen evolutioncould make it an incredibly powerful and cool-looking creature, possibly furthering the legacy of Whitney’s infamous Miltank.
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