Highlights
Niantic should introduce the new Pokemon from Pokemon Scarlet & Violet into Pokemon GO before the global release of Generation 9.
Evolution methods for new Pokemon in Scarlet/Violet might require adjustments to accommodate the mechanics and limitations of Pokemon GO.
Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet mark the ninth generation of Pokemon, indicating that it is only a matter of time before the Paldean Pokemon make their appearance in Niantic's Pokemon GO. Prior to the global release of Generation 9, players were able to encounter Pokemon #999 at prestigious PokeStops known as Gimmighoul. The introduction of the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk expansion pass provides an opportune moment for Niantic to introduce some of the new Pokemon into GO.
The majority of Pokemon GO trainers are already familiar with the concept of evolution. However, in Scarlet/Violet, certain new Pokemon possess challenging or unconventional methods of evolving. As GO has not yet incorporated all the mechanics found in the mainline Pokemon games, various Pokemon will require changes to their evolution process when they eventually transition from the Nintendo Switch to mobile devices.
6 Primeape & Annihilape
Prior to Generation 9, Mankey's evolution line only included Primeape as its final form. Both of these Pokemon originated from the Kanto Region. However, the introduction of Scarlet/Violet brought a new evolution to the Mankey line called Annihilape. Unlike its pre-evolved counterparts, Annihilape possesses the dual typing of Fighting and Ghost.
In order to evolve Annihilape in Scarlet/Violet, Primeape needed to perform the move Rage Fist (which is learned at level 35) a total of 20 times. Considering that Pokemon moves function differently in Pokemon GO, this requirement would need to be adapted. Perhaps Primeape would evolve into Annihilape by participating in a specific number of raids or emerging victorious in Gym Battles within the Pokemon GO game.
5 Dunsparce & Dudunsparce
Dunsparce, a Normal-type Pokemon from Generation 2, is often overlooked due to its lackluster moveset and stats. Nonetheless, there is a dedicated fanbase for this creature. Many have longed for Dunsparce to receive an evolution that would enhance its prowess in battles. Enter Scarlet/Violet, the evolution known as Dudunsparce.
Similar to Bonsly and Mime Jr., Dunsparce can only evolve after learning a specific move. Once Dunsparce reaches level 32 and masters the move Hyper Drill, it will evolve into Dudunsparce. However, what sets Dudunsparce apart is the existence of two different forms: Two-segment and Three-segment. Obtaining a Three-segment Dudunsparce is quite rare, with a probability of 1 in 100. While maintaining the randomness of Dudunsparce's forms would be ideal for Pokemon GO, a different method may be necessary to trigger Dunsparce's evolution. Considering Dudunsparce's gentle nature, leveraging the Buddy Feature could be a potential way for Dunsparce's evolution in the game.
4 Tandemaus & Maushold
Tandemaus, a Normal-type Pokemon, can be found in specific areas of the Paldea Region in Scarlet/Violet. This Pokemon possesses a special move called Population Bomb, which has a chance to hit a target Pokemon up to 10 times. However, Tandemaus' true fascination lies in its unique evolution process.
To evolve Tandemaus, trainers must level it up to 25, although it is possible for the evolution animation to be skipped based on the method used to reach this level. Trainers may discover that their Tandemaus has multiplied when they open their menu. Similar to Dudunsparce, Maushold, the evolved form of Tandemaus, has two variations: Family of Four and Family of Three. The rarer of the two forms is the Family of Three. If Pokemon GO were to include Tandemaus in its roster, it could adopt this feature. Perhaps Tandemaus would evolve after consuming a specific number of Berries, but only when players navigate away from the Pokemon's summary page, mirroring its off-screen evolution in Scarlet/Violet.
3 Bisharp & Kingambit
Pawniard and Bisharp are Dark/Steel-type Pokemon introduced in the Black/White series. Bisharp serves as the ultimate form of Pawniard, except in the presence of Kingabmit which was added later. However, evolving Bisharp can prove to be a challenging task for some trainers.
To evolve Bisharp, players must ensure that it emerges victorious in a battle against three Bisharp opponents, each equipped with a Leader's Crest. The Bisharp holding the Leader's Crest can be found in the Scarlet/Violet area, surrounded by Pawniards. The evolution will be triggered if the trainer's Bisharp successfully delivers the final blow. As Pokémon are unable to hold items in Pokémon GO, Niantic would need to devise an alternative method for evolving Bisharp. Taking inspiration from Pancham, trainers might be required to capture a specific number of Dark-type or Steel-type Pokémon in order to facilitate its evolution. Alternatively, to maintain the evolution's battle theme, Niantic could implement a requirement for trainers to win three raids with Bisharp as their Buddy Pokémon.
2 Charcadet, Amarouge, & Ceruledge
Armarouge and Ceruledge, two Paldean Pokemon, were unveiled before the worldwide release of Scarlet/Violet. They serve as the pre-evolved forms of Charcadet. However, there is a distinction between the two: Armarouge is exclusively found in Pokemon Scarlet, while Ceruledge is native to Pokemon Violet. Armarouge possesses the Fire/Psychic type, whereas Ceruledge is classified as Fire/Ghost. To facilitate their evolution, trainers must employ either an Auspicious Armor (for Armarouge) or a Malicious Armor (for Ceruledge) on their Charcadet.
Obtaining Charcadet's evolution items necessitates the exchange of Pokemon Materials, a capability absent in Pokemon GO. Consequently, if Charcadet were to make an appearance in this game, its evolutionary methods could potentially incorporate the day-night cycle. Specifically, during daytime, Charcadet would evolve into Armarouge, whereas at night, it could transform into Ceruledge. Alternatively, Pokemon GO may opt to introduce trade-based evolutions for Charcadet as well.
1 Finizen & Palafin
At first glance, the only discernible difference between a Finizen and a Palafin is the heart design on Palafin's chest. During battle, when a Palafin uses Flip Turn, it undergoes an off-screen transformation thanks to its Zero to Hero Ability. The Hero Form of Palafin is significantly stronger than its Zero Form. However, evolving a Finizen into a Palafin is a tedious task that has sparked complaints.
To evolve a Finizen, it must reach level 38 while connected to the Union Circle in the Scarlet/Violet version. This feature requires a Nintendo Online Membership. If Finizen were to be included in Pokemon GO, its evolution method would need to be adjusted due to the limitations of the game. Fortunately, the new method is expected to be simpler. However, this remains to be confirmed. In the Palafin's Pokedex entry, it is hinted that it always assists its friends. In a Pokemon GO adaptation, a GO!Finizen could evolve after players have sent Gifts to their Friends.
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet are available for Nintendo Switch; Pokemon GO is available for mobile devices.