Hawlucha might not be my favourite Pokemon, but it’s certainly up there. It’s a simple equation: wrestling plus Pokemon equals great. I love the luchador theme, it’s got a great design, and it’s got a unique move that has two types. It’s just a great little guy, and I can’t wait to add it to my Pokemon Go collection. I just might be waiting a while.

Regional Pokemon are nothing new in Pokemon Go, but this one really hurts. I’m lucky enough to have been able to catch Pokemon like Relicanth, Kangaskhan, Torkoal, and Farfetch’d on my travels, and have traded for Bouffalant, Carnivine, Pachirisu, and Sigilyph. There’s an excitement when you meet other players at events and ask if they have any regionals you’re missing and vice versa, and it’s one of the few aspects of the game that actually embodies Niantic’s core tenet of exploration. That said, it’s incredibly difficult for players who can’t afford to travel the world to catch ‘em all.

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I’ve made my peace with the FOMO of regionals. I’d love a Comfey, but I’m not going to Hawaii any time soon, so I know I’ll just have to wait. The past couple of years have shown that all of them will, eventually, be a part of a worldwide event. Some players I met at Go Tour: Hoenn last weekend were hatching Tropius, Torkoal, and Relicanth for the first time and completing their ‘dexes that way. When Hawlucha is added to Pokemon Go globally, I imagine it will be in a similar loot box-esque mechanic, and probably eggs. However, buying a few incubators is nowhere near as expensive as shelling out on flights to Mexico.

The problem is how long we’ll have to wait. I can wait for Comfey, because it’s a nothing Pokemon to me. I’m sure it’s somebody’s favourite, but to paraphrase Mad Men, I don’t think about it at all. Hawlucha, on the other hand, is close to my heart. I love its gimmick and design, and I have extra special affection for any ‘mon that accompanied me on my first playthrough of a new game. And, seeing as I’m not planning on heading to Mexico any time soon, I’ll have to wait for a special event. Judging by the current rate, Go Tour: Kalos will hit Pokemon Go in 2026.

I can’t wait until 2026 to catch Hawlucha, but I’m hardly going to get to Mexico before then either. Plenty of other players are in the same position. Players who want to complete the Pokedexes are feeling stuck, and Go Battle League players are in a pickle, too. Hawlucha is pretty strong in Pokemon Go’s PvP format, and the majority of players are locked out of using it.

I’ve never minded regional Pokemon before, and I’ve got to admit that Hawlucha is the perfect fit for the format. Few other Pokemon have such clear geographical design inspirations, and I’m happy for the Mexican players who’ll get to catch it. But this is the first regional I’ve had a personal connection with, and it’s hard to take. It’s not as if Jolteon or Gengar are regional Pokemon (yes, I’m basic), but 2026 seems so far away. Maybe I’ll just have to book flights to Mexico instead. Right after Guyana.

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