As one of the most popular and successful franchises to ever exist, it’s no surprise that fans are excited about the upcomingPokemon ScarletandViolet. Taking place in the Paldea region,Pokemon ScarletandVioletwill contain entirely new areas to explore, Pokemon to catch, and friends to make.
While there has been a lot of focus onPokemon ScarletandViolet’s Terastallization ability, new regional variants have piqued fan interest as well. Introduced in the Generation 7 games, regional variants are monsters whose appearance and type changed to adapt to a new environment, such as the Electric/Psychic-type Alolan Raichu who loves to surf around on its tail. Due to its unique appearance and typing, Paldean Wooper has already started to draw a lot of attention.
RELATED:Pokemon Scarlet and Violet’s Terastallization is a Double-Edged Sword for Team Composition
Paldean Wooper Could Herald Bigger Reveals
Paldean Wooper was the first regional variant to be revealed in thethird trailer forPokemon ScarletandViolet. This not only confirms previous leaks, Paldean Wooper also stands out as the first Poison/Ground-type Pokemon since Nidoqueen and Nidoking were introduced in Generation 1 - a powerful combination that will make Wooper tough to beat. Wooper will be immune to Electric-type attacks and resistant to Fighting, Poison, Rock, Bug, and Fairy attacks.
While Poison/Ground types are particularly susceptible to Water, Paldean Wooper also has the Water Absorb ability that means they will heal the amphibious monster, leaving it only weak to Ground, Psychic, and Ice attacks. Paldean Wooper’s other ability, Poison Point, has the chance to poison any foe who touches it. Water Absorb in particular will make Wooper an excellent ally in double battles, as pairing it with another Water-type Pokemon that knows Surf will lead to Wooper being healed every turn while damaging both opponents.
Contrary to prior speculation, Wooper will not be one ofScarletandViolet’s rumored Convergent Species, a new type of Pokemon with a nearly identical appearance as the originals, but different typing and potentially names as well. Though still unconfirmed, the balance between what’s considered convergent versus regional would be interesting to suss out. Convergent Species could be an excellent way to revive old monsters that fans know and love while having more differences than the regional variant counterparts. However, with its brown color and prevalence in Paldean marshes, Wooper is clearly labeled a regional variant, continuing the trend established in the Alola region. Beyond Paldean Wooper, very few other new Pokemon have been confirmed, leaving fans wanting more ahead of the game’s November release.
The original Wooper evolved into Quagsire, a powerful monster who is slow but potent both offensively and defensively. It’s safe to assume that there will be a Paldean Quagsire as well, but the exact typing remain to be seen. It’s entirely possible that Paldean Wooper will have a separate evolutionary path, but any higher form of a Pokemon with this type and ability combination will be a powerful foe. If Quagsire follows the course laid out by Wooper, it may end up being one of the most powerful, yet easily attainable, Pokemon in the game.
Though it may be small, Paldean Wooper should be mighty. It’s easy to get excited about all the new Pokemon to find and catch, includingScarletandViolet’stwo new Legendary Pokemon, but the regional variants always bring a fun twist to monsters that are already beloved. As players mix-and-match Pokemon during battle, Paldean Wooper may end up as a key member of anyone’s party.
