As I reflected on my recent gaming experiences, I couldn’t help but feel nostalgic about the beloved Pokémon series. This inspired me to delve into one of the most intriguing aspects of the franchise in recent years: the introduction of regional variants. To kick things off, let’s revisit the Alola region from Pokémon Sun and Moon.
The upcoming listings will assess the robustness and adaptability of various Pokémon’s attacks, while also celebrating the whimsy and creativity that these regional variants embody.
The Alola region stands out with its fantastic selections, showcasing Pokémon like Ninetales, Exeggutor, Meowth, and Diglett, among others. Let’s set out to explore these vibrant islands and review some remarkable Pokémon!
18 Sandshrew
Igloo Style
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ice / Steel
Cool Level Up Move
Metal Claw
Final Move
Blizzard
Weaknesses
Fire, Fighting, Ground
My journey with Pokémon began with the endearing Sandshrew. Its charming appearance was balanced by a fierce evolution that made every battle worthwhile. Transitioning from a sturdy Ground type, Alolan Sandshrew metamorphosed into an Ice / Steel type. However, this transformation brought significant vulnerabilities, particularly a 4x weakness to Fire and Fighting attacks, jeopardizing its defensive capabilities.
On the bright side, it boasts an array of impressive moves like Slash, Gyro Ball, and Swords Dance, providing it with an offensive edge!
17 Sandslash
Slashing Expectations
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ice / Steel
Cool TM Move
Earthquake
Final Move
Metal Claw
Weaknesses
Fire, Fighting, Ground
Alolan Sandslash, while no tougher than Sandshrew, possesses a striking aesthetic. Interestingly, its evolution now requires an Ice Stone, reminiscent of the evolution mechanics for popular Pokémon like Eevee. To counterbalance its vulnerabilities, Alolian Sandslash can utilize its Snow Cloak ability to evade incoming attacks.
In terms of offensive capabilities, Sandslash can learn powerful moves such as Earthquake, Icicle Crash, Dig, and Thief, making it a delightful Pokémon, though it may not be the strongest contender on this list.
16 Exeggutor
Skyscraper Pokémon
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Grass / Dragon
Cool Level Up Move
Confusion
Final Move
Leaf Storm
Weaknesses
Ice, Poison, Flying, Bug, Dragon, Fairy
Transforming from a Grass / Psychic type to a unique Grass / Dragon type is a significant shift for Exeggutor, which aptly matches its playful persona. While it lacks multiple weaknesses that other Pokémon might face, it still possesses five vulnerabilities and one glaring 4x weakness.
Nevertheless, Alolan Exeggutor can learn an impressive selection of moves including Solar Beam, Flamethrower, and Infestation, showcasing its potential in battles.
15 Vulpix
Fire And Ice
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ice
Cool Level Up Move
Imprison
Final Move
Sheer Cold
Weaknesses
Fire, Fighting, Rock, Steel
Vulpix has always been a fan favorite—the adorable fire fox that evolves into Ninetales. However, in Alola, it transforms into an Ice type. While this increase in weakness to four rather than three types is significant, Vulpix remains a formidable opponent.
Utilizing the Snow Cloak ability allows Vulpix to avoid attacks and retaliate with moves like Aurora Beam, Extrasensory, and Grudge. Its evolution escalates this potential even further!
14 Ninetales
Frozen Tails
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ice / Fairy
Cool TM Move
Solar Beam
Final Move
Safeguard
Weaknesses
Fire, Poison, Rock, Steel
Alolan Ninetales boasts both beauty and power as a dual Ice / Fairy type. This new configuration grants it an array of strategic advantages alongside a 4x weakness. Its enhanced statistics and impressive attacks, like Moonblast and Hypnosis, make it a surprising contender on the battlefield.
Remarkably, this frosty fox retains the capability to execute moves such as Heat Wave and Flare Blitz, showcasing its diversity.
13 Geodude
The Power Of Magnetism
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Rock / Electric
Cool Egg Move
Magnet Rise
Final Move
Stone Edge
Weaknesses
Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground
Geodude, one of the first Pokémon many players encountered, took on a unique role in Alola as it transitioned from its original Rock type to a Rock / Electric hybrid. This transformation introduces new strategies but retains its vulnerability to Ground-type moves.
Nevertheless, Geodude benefits from abilities like Magnet Pull and Galvanize, enabling it to interact dynamically with opponents. It also has access to powerful moves such as Thunder Punch, Rock Throw, and Magnitude, making it a spirited Pokémon in the Alola roster.
12 Graveler
Fear The Eyebrows
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Rock / Electric
Cool TM Move
Flamethrower
Final Move
Stone Edge
Weaknesses
Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground
If you were hoping for a different evolution pattern for Alolan Graveler, disappointment awaits. Nevertheless, Alolan Graveler remains a robust Pokémon, with the added advantage of Sturdy, allowing it to sustain an impressive amount of damage before striking back.
With enhanced Attack stats, it can effectively use moves like Rock Blast, Double Edge, and Bulldoze, making it a significant threat to opponents.
11 Golem
Mighty Mustache
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Rock / Electric
Cool Level Up Move
Steamroller
Final Move
Heavy Slam
Weaknesses
Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground
With exceptional HP, Attack, and Defense stats, Golem has solidified its place as a unique regional variant. The introduction of magnetic features adds a quirky touch, emulating the creative charm that defines the Pokémon series. Golem harnesses attacks like Charge Beam, Gyro Ball, and the ever-reliable Explosion, making it an engaging and fierce Pokémon to battle with.
10 Rattata
Dark Plague
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Dark / Normal
Cool Egg Move
Switcheroo
Final Move
Endeavor
Weaknesses
Fighting, Bug, Fairy
Honestly speaking, Rattata may not be anyone’s go-to Pokémon for a final team. However, its regional evolution is certainly worthy of mention. Transitioning from a standard Normal type to a Dark / Normal Pokémon provides it with additional abilities like Gluttony and Hustle, enhancing its strategic potential.
In battle, Rattata thrives without being the strongest fighter, utilizing moves such as Hyper Fang, Super Fang, Toxic, and Attract to frustrate opponents.
9 Rats
The Creeps Come Out At Night
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Dark / Normal
Cool TM Move
U-Turn
Final Move
Endeavor
Weaknesses
Fighting, Bug, Fairy
Although Raticate doesn’t inspire much fear with its appearance, this clever Pokémon can still wreak havoc in a battle. Raticate’s Thick Fat ability elevates its tactical gameplay, making it an annoying adversary to deal with.
Players should aim for the best stats with Raticate, ensuring it maintains around 300 for both Defense and Special Defense, while its HP exceeds 300. Strategic moves like Iron Tail, Throat Chop, Wild Charge, and Shadow Claw contribute to a more dynamic battle experience.
8 Meowth
Cats Beat Rats
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Dark
Cool Egg Move
Hypnosis
Final Move
Dark Pulse
Weaknesses
Fighting, Bug, Fairy
Meowth captured our hearts through its animated adventures in the Pokémon series. Its charm as a character is undeniable, and Alolan Meowth offers even more appeal with its adaptation to Dark typing.
In its new form, Meowth leverages abilities like Technician to enhance its attacks. This allows for interesting strategies utilizing moves such as Fury Swipes, Assurance, and Aerial Ace, providing Meowth with versatility in battle.
7 Persian
The Power Of Love
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Dark
Cool TM Move
Dream Eater
Final Move
Dark Pulse
Weaknesses
Fighting, Bug, Fairy
Admittedly, Meowth’s evolution doesn’t typically involve romantic notions, but Alolan Persian’s evolution requires it to attain happiness. This jovial twist adds a comedic aspect to its character evolution.
While looking distinctly cartoonish, Alolan Persian maintains solid stats while employing the Dark typing. Players can enjoy a range of moves that can disrupt foes, including Gunk Shot, Shock Wave, Parting Shot, and Last Resort, making this variant an engaging choice.
6 Diglett
Steely Gaze
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ground / Steel
Cool Egg Move
Astonish
Final Move
Fissure
Weaknesses
Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground
If humor was the sole criterion for evaluating regional variants, Alolan Diglett would rank at the top for its sheer absurdity. With its new Ground / Steel typing, Diglett becomes an unexpectedly strong contender, showcasing the benefits of its Tangling Hair ability, which hampers Pokémon that make physical contact with it.
By leveraging moves like Facade, Attract, and Shadow Claw, Diglett can capitalize on its unusual strengths and provide unique tactical advantages on the field.
5 Grimer
Colorful Sludge
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Poison / Dark
Cool Egg Move
Shadow Sneak
Final Move
Memento
Weaknesses
Ground
Grimer was a formidable force in earlier games, but Alolan Grimer significantly amps up its prowess by adopting Poison / Dark typing. With only a single vulnerability to Ground attacks, Grimer becomes a complex adversary that players must contend with.
Moreover, Grimer’s previously hidden ability, Poison Touch, has become its standard ability in Alola, allowing for innovative tactics with moves like Shadow Punch, Gunk Shot, and Acid Armor, enhancing its effectiveness in battle.
4.Raichu
Surf’s Up!
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Electric / Psychic
Cool TM Move
Psychic
Final Move
Thunderbolt
Weaknesses
Ground, Bug, Ghost, Dark
Once considered an underwhelming Pokémon, Alolan Raichu transforms the narrative with its Electric / Psychic typing. This duality is relatively rare and places Raichu in a favorable light, showcasing its adorable demeanor.
With its ability Surge Surfer, Raichu doubles its speed in Electric Terrain, allowing it to unleash devastating moves such as Hyper Beam, Thunder, Focus Blast, and Disarming Voice. It’s truly a standout Pokémon, but the upper echelon of this list awaits!
3 Dugtrio
Best Boy Band
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Ground / Steel
Cool TM Move
Aerial Ace
Final Move
Fissure
Weaknesses
Fire, Water, Fighting, Ground
While Diglett’s transformation was whimsical, Dugtrio takes it to a whole new level with an appeal that rivals even Golem’s absurdity. With its Tangling Hair ability, Dugtrio shows impressive Attack and overall solid stats.
This Pokémon is capable of overpowering opponents using moves like Final Gambit, Thrash, Stone Edge, and Return, solidifying its position as one of the most entertaining variants to engage with!
2 Marowak
Bony Vengeance
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Fire / Ghost
Cool TM Move
Bulldoze
Final Move
Bone Rush
Weaknesses
Water, Ground, Rock, Ghost, Dark
Alolan Marowak boasts one of the most remarkable regional transformations, evolving from a Ground type to a Fire / Ghost type—an alteration that significantly influences its battle style. Furthermore, Marowak wields extraordinary abilities like Cursed Body, Lightning Rod, and Rock Head.
This robust framework allows Marowak to unleash devastating moves such as Shadow Bone, Stomping Tantrum, Flare Blitz, and Brick Break, making it a dominant force that demands respect.
1 Muk
Taste The Rainbow
First Appears In
Generation VII
Type
Poison / Dark
Cool TM Move
Brutal Swing
Final Move
Memento
Weaknesses
Ground
For those who may not have favored the original Muk, the Alolan variant is certainly a game-changer. Its impressive stats across multiple categories, coupled with just one susceptibility, renders it a tough competitor to handle.
With a high Attack stat, Muk can unleash devastating moves such as Gunk Shot, Rock Tomb, Quash, and Brick Break, further exemplifying why regional forms have become a beloved aspect of the Pokémon universe!
Source & Images
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