Summary

  • The Game Freak hack has revealed that South Kalos did exist during Pokemon X/Y's development.
  • For whatever reason, it was scrapped. But fans have long theorised its existence.
  • Such speculation was stirred up again two years ago with Scarlet and Violet, as many believed that Paldea connected to South Kalos, which these leaks also appear to confirm.

After ten years of speculating, the recent Game Freak hack finally confirmed that South Kalos did exist during Pokemon X/Y's development, but was ultimately scrapped before release.

For context, Kalos is based on France, and comparing the fictional and real-world maps, Pokemon X/Y appeared to be missing an expanse of southern land. This sparked debate that perhaps we'd visit South Kalos in a future exansion or game, spurred on by some interesting revelations about the Kalos War.

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Speaking to Game Informer in 2014 (as broken down in this impressively detailed Reddit post), director Junichi Masuda said that "The war was a clash between two different countries." We know that it was fought between AZ and his brother, who had formed his own state, and it has long been speculated that he did so in the theorised South Kalos.

This lends especially well to the French inspirations as southern and northern France have a long history of feuding, assaults, and even crusades.

The South Kalos Leaks Appear To Confirm The Paldea Theories

Speculation about a theoretical South Kalos stirred up again two years ago when Pokemon Scarlet and Violet launched, as many theorised that Paldea — inspired by Spain — connected to South Kalos, much as Spain does to southern France.

Just like in the real world, the Paldea map has a border in the north east, but the problem was that the Kalos map we know from Pokemon X/Y didn't fit. However, looking at the leaked South Kalos map, the two connect perfectly, seemingly confirming yet another fan theory.

In short, the leaks confirm that fans were right — there is a South Kalos after all. And yes, it does appear to connect to Paldea, much as Johto connected to Kanto. Whether we'll ever actually see South Kalos for ourselves is another question entirely.

Pokemon

Created by Satoshi Tajiri First Film Pokemon: The First Movie Latest Film Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle First TV Show Pokémon First Episode Air Date April 1, 1997 Video Game(s) Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, Pokemon Legends Arceus, Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Pokemon Sun and Moon, Pokemon Black and White, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, Pokémon GO, Pokemon Snap, Pokémon Unite, New Pokémon Snap, Pokémon Masters EX, Pokemon TCG Live

Pokemon has entertained both children and adults alike for several generations. Whether hit video games, anime series and movies, trading cards, or more, there's something for every budding trainer hoping to catch 'em all.

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