Highlights
Pokemon Sword and Shield introduced a variety of new Pokemon for Gen 8, but there are currently very few Galarian Pokemon in Pokemon GO.
Despite the recent addition of some Gen 8 Pokemon, popular choices such as Snom and Hatterene remain absent from Pokemon GO. There is a strong possibility that more Gen 8 Pokemon, including the Galar Starters, will be introduced to the game in the future, possibly through the hatching of eggs or as Raid Bosses.
Pokemon GO currently has a limited number of Galarian Pokemon, as compared to the previous generations. However, it is expected that this will change over time. The Galar Pokedex lacks in comparison to the previous generations, but it was announced during Pokemon Presents that Generation 9 Pokemon will be introduced in September 2023. While some Gen 8 and Galarian Form Pokemon have been added to Pokemon GO, there are still some popular ones that are missing.
10 Yamber & Boltund
Scarlet/Violet features Boltund, the mascot of Capbourg, a clothing store. Surprisingly, Boltund does not make an appearance in SV or in Pokemon GO. This is particularly strange considering the significant promotion Yamper, Boltund's pre-evolved form, received prior to the release of Sword/Shield, even being Professor Cerise's Pokemon in Pokemon Journeys.
Both Yamper and Boltund are Electric-type Pokemon, indicated by their electric-themed tails and coloring. However, with the recent addition of Wooloo to Pokemon GO in July 2023, it seems likely that Yamper and its evolution will soon follow.
9 Toxel & Toxtricity
Toxel is a Pokemon of the Electric/Poison type that undergoes evolution into Toxtricity once it reaches level 30. Toxtricity has two forms known as Amped Form and Low Key Form. The specific form Toxel evolves into is determined by its Nature. In the Sword/Shield version of the game, players could obtain a Toxel from the Pokemon Nursery located on Route 5, although these small Pokemon could also be caught in the wild.
It is yet uncertain whether Pokemon GO will incorporate the concepts of Dynamaxing or Gigantamaxing, but in Sword/Shield, Toxtricity possesses a unique form known as Gigantamax. The inclusion of this form in Pokemon GO remains uncertain. Nevertheless, adding Toxel to Pokemon GO could be an intriguing choice solely based on the availability of Toxtricity's Amped and Low Key Form. There is a possibility that Toxel's evolution in Pokemon GO will be influenced by its IVs.
8 Applin, Flapple, & Appletun
Scarlet/Violet's Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLC have announced a new evolution for Applin called Dipplin. In previous generations, Applin would evolve into either Flapple or Appletun depending on the type of apple it was given (Tart Apple or Sweet Apple). However, in Sword/Shield, Flapple and Appletun were exclusive to certain versions of the game. Despite the Applin line gaining attention, they are currently not available in Pokemon GO.
It is possible that Applin's evolution in Pokemon GO could be influenced by IVs, similar to Tyrogue. Another reason for Applin's absence in Pokemon GO may be the recent addition of Dipplin. If Applin were to be added, it would have three different evolutions. However, it is also possible to introduce Applin, Appletun, and Flapple first, and then include Dipplin at a later time. This approach was taken with Galarian Slowpoke, which could only evolve into Galarian Slowbro until Galarian Slowking was added to Pokemon GO.
7 Milcery & Alcremie
Milcery is renowned for its ability to evolve into Alcremie, with the specific type of Alcremie determined by the Sweet it consumes. In the Sword/Shield games, evolving Milcery involves having it in the party while holding a Sweet. Trainers must then rotate their character either clockwise or counterclockwise for a specific duration to obtain Alcremie. There exist a total of 9 different forms of Alcremie.
Pokemon GO does not exclude Pokemon with multiple forms. An example of this is Furfrou, whose appearance can be altered by feeding it 25 Candy and 10,000 Stardust. If Milcery and Alcremie are introduced to Pokemon GO, it is possible that the evolution process would resemble the method used to change Furfrou's appearance.
6 Dracozolt, Arctozolt, Dracovish, & Arctovish
Fossil Pokemon have long been a common feature in the mainline Pokemon games, yet Scarlet/Violet seems to lack any new additions to this category. While some speculate that this may be due to the existence of Paradox Pokemon, the actual reason behind this remains a topic of debate. Nevertheless, this has not prevented Fossil Pokemon from previous generations from making an appearance in Pokemon GO.
In Generation 8, Fossilized Pokemon take on a unique twist. Each type possesses some sort of anomaly, such as an inverted head or a terrestrial Pokemon fused with an aquatic one. Dracovish, a Water/Dragon-type, has gained considerable recognition within the competitive Pokemon community. Therefore, it remains puzzling as to why none of these unique Fossil Pokemon have made their way into Pokemon GO. With the inclusion of Tyrunt and Amaura in the game, the Fossil Pokemon from the Galar region are the only ones left waiting to make their debut.
5 Hatenna, Hattrem, & Hatterene
The Hatenna-line is an adorable group of Psychic-type Pokemon. Once fully evolved into Hatterene, it gains the additional type of Psychic/Fairy. Despite their cute appearance, they are highly sensitive to strong emotions and loud noises. Hattrem and Hatterene will not hesitate to defend themselves against anyone who causes them distress. This interesting trait has quickly gained recognition among fans of the Hatenna-line.
It is quite surprising that the Hatenna-line has not been included in Pokemon GO, considering their popularity. The fan-favorite Gardevoir has been in the game for a while now, so it is only a matter of time before the Psychic/Fairy-type Hatterene is added as well. However, it is possible that Niantic, the creators of Pokemon GO, have already made the decision regarding when the Hatenna and its evolutions will make their debut in the game alongside other Galar Pokemon patiently waiting their turn.
4 Snom & Frosmoth
Another beloved Pokemon from the Galar Region is Snom, a fan-favorite Ice/Bug-type. When its friendship reaches a certain level, it evolves into Frosmoth, but only during nighttime. Upon its initial reveal, Snom quickly gained popularity among the majority of fans due to its irresistibly cute and diminutive appearance. However, there are some who consider it overrated or simply not captivated by its charm.
Interestingly, despite the return of Snom and Frosmoth in the Scarlet/Violet editions, they have yet to enter the world of Pokemon GO. While there is no shortage of Bug-types in the mobile game, the inclusion of the Snom evolutionary line would undoubtedly be a welcome addition. Following the recent introduction of Bug/Fire-type Larvesta and Volcarona, Snom and Frosmoth may not be too far behind. It would be fitting if Snom's evolution method in Pokemon GO mirrored that of the mainline games, such as utilizing the Buddy Feature and requiring players to earn Hearts or walk a particular distance with it.
3 Dreepy, Drakloak, Dragapult
The fanbase showed a strong interest in Dreepy, just like they did with Snom, especially when its final evolution, Dragapult, was revealed. In each Generation of Pokemon, there is a pseudo-legendary, which is a Pokemon belonging to a three-chain evolution line with a total stat of exactly 600. In Sword/Shield, Dragapult served as the pseudo-legendary, and it is the only one (excluding Baxcalibur) that is not available in Pokemon GO.
Dreepy does not have any unique evolution methods to become Drakloak and then Dragapult. Given its Dragon/Ghost typing, it is highly likely that the Dreepy-line will make its debut during a Halloween event as a reward for completing Timed Research Tasks.
2 Rookidee, Corvisquire, Corviknight
Corviknight gained attention with its initial reveal and played a significant role in Pokemon: Twilight Wings. Rookidee, its pre-evolved form, is a Flying-type Pokemon that can be encountered on the first routes in Sword/Shield. It evolves into Corvisquire at level 18 and then into Corviknight at level 38. Similar to Toxtricity and the Applin evolutions, Corviknight also has a Gigantamax form.
Given its popularity, it is likely that the Rookidee line will be the next Galar Pokemon to make an appearance in Pokemon GO, or at least the next Flying-type from Gen 8. In terms of popularity, it has a higher chance of debuting before Pokemon like Yamper. As Rookidees are common in Sword/Shield, they should be relatively easy to find and capture.
1 Grookey, Scorbunny, & Sobble
Pokemon GO will need to include the Galar Starters - Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble - if they decide to introduce more Gen 8/Galar Pokemon. With the recent announcement of Gen 9 Pokemon arriving in Pokemon GO by September 2023, it is high time for the Galar Starters to make their appearance.
Although it is less likely for them to be found in the wild right after their debut, they may be obtainable by hatching Eggs, similar to how the Alolan Starters were obtained. Once available, they will have the ability to evolve into Rillaboom, Cinderace, and Inteleon respectively. Additionally, it would be interesting if the final evolutions of the Galar Starters could also be encountered as Raid Bosses.
Pokemon Sworld & Shield are available for Nintendo Switch; Pokemon GO is available for mobile devices.