Unveiling the Hidden Potential of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Game-Changing Applin Evolution You Can't Miss!

Highlights

The latest Pokemon Presents showcased new critters and evolutions for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, including a new evolution for Applin called Dipplin.

Both Flapple and Appletun had unclear designs, and unfortunately, Dipplin continues this trend by keeping the Grass/Dragon typing.

Dipplin missed the chance to possess a distinctive type combination, like Fairy/Dragon, which would have aligned better with its appearance and further developed the idea behind Applin's evolutions.

The recent Pokemon Presents showcase provided fans with a more detailed glimpse of what they can expect from the upcoming DLC for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, titled The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. The showcase revealed several exciting new additions, which included a range of new creatures such as the Paradox Pokemon and new evolutions for previously introduced Pokemon. One of these new evolutions is Dipplin, which is bestowed upon Applin in the latest Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC trailer. However, Game Freak missed a significant chance with this evolution, perpetuating an issue that has plagued Applin and its other evolutions since their introduction.

Applin made its debut in Pokemon Sword and Shield, belonging to Generation 8. It is a unique Grass/Dragon type Pokemon native to the Galar Region. One of the standout features of Applin is its split evolution line, which is determined by the type of apple used. When an Applin consumes a Sweet Apple, it evolves into Appletun, whereas consuming a Tart Apple leads to its evolution into Flapple. This dynamic adds an interesting twist to the series. However, Flapple and Appletun both fell short in terms of distinctiveness since they retained Applin's typing and possessed identical Gigantamax forms. Now, it appears that Dipplin, despite being a third evolution option for Applin, will suffer the same missed opportunities with regards to its typing.

Dipplin Should Have Had a Unique Type Combination

In the new trailer for the Pokemon Scarlet and Violet DLC, Dipplin is introduced and may initially be mistaken for a regional variation of Applin. This new creature closely resembles its pre-evolution, but with a distinctive stick-like protrusion on its head and the appearance of a melting or dripping apple coating. As the Candy Apple Pokemon, Dipplin's design concept aligns well with its theme. However, there is a missed opportunity to explore a more interesting concept by maintaining the Grass/Dragon typing of Applin.

The typing of Applin and its evolutions is derived from the fact that apples are plants, explaining the Grass typing, and that the creature within is a wyrm - a pun on the idea of a worm inside an apple. While this typing combination is fitting for Applin, its evolutions take the concept further by modifying various aspects of the apple it resides in. Consequently, different typings would be more suitable for each evolution. For instance, Flapple undergoes an evolution triggered by the Tart Apple, suggesting that Poison/Dragon could have been a more appropriate typing for it.

Dipplin could have distinguished itself from Applin's other evolutions by adopting the Fairy/Dragon typing. This choice aligns with Dipplin's candy apple inspiration and the association of sweet-based creatures with the Fairy type, like Alcremie and Slurpuff. The concept of Dipplin has evolved from an apple-dwelling wyrm to one overrun by its candy coating, warranting a shift from Grass to Fairy typing.

Furthermore, granting Dipplin the Fairy/Dragon typing would have made it the first non-Mega Evolution in the series with this combination. Currently, only Mega Altaria possesses this typing, but it has been unobtainable since the Gen 7 games, with little chance of a future return. While any new Pokémon generates excitement among players, Dipplin could have exceeded expectations with a more fitting typing, such as Fairy/Dragon, considering its design influence.

Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available for Nintendo Switch.