One of the first new critters fromPokemon Scarlet and Violetto capture the hearts of fans was the hog Pokemon, Lechonk. This adorable little pig was the source of many discussions and memes circulated by the community prior to the release of the new Gen 9 games. Many fans were eager to dive intoPokemon Scarlet and Violetto catch and evolve Lechonk to see if its evolution maintained that cute charm. Unfortunately, Lechonk’s evolution—Oinkologne—doesn’t live up to the standard its previous form sets, leaving many fans wishing they would have kept it as it was.
Lechonk is a very common Normal-type mon and is the first one most players are likely to catch during Nemona’s tutorial segment early in the game. Players who keep Lechonk on their team long enough will see itevolve at level 18 into Oinkologne, with two different forms depending on its gender. Despite having two different forms, neither retain the charm of Lechonk’s rotund design and instead opt for a more angsty, teenage look for the once adorable pig. Players who want to avoid this change can have Lechonk hold an Everstone to prevent its evolution or simply press the “B” button during the evolution animation to stop it.
RELATED:Pokemon Violet’s Iron Jugulis is One of The Most Disappointing Pokemon in Gen 9
Oinkologne’s Stats Don’t Make Up For its Appearance
As an early-gameNormal-type Pokemon, Lechonk is not the most powerful option available to trainers. However, it still has some utility in the early game given that its Normal typing leaves it with only a weakness to Fighting-types and an immunity to Ghost-types. Oinkologne, on the other hand, is severely outclassed by other final-stage Pokemon accessible later in the game to remain relevant on a trainer’s team for very long. Although it has a decent base stat total of 498, Oinkologne doesn’t offer enough of an advantage for trainers to use it over the other Normal-types available.
Mons like Blissey and Cyclizar offer stronger stat totals and a wider range of strategies to take advantage of; Cyclizar having the additional Dragon typing makes it a much better pick. Female Oinkologne might have some utility thanks to its Aroma Veil Ability, which prevents it from being affected by attacks that limit its move choices like Torment or Encore. While it’s unique as the only Pokemon to have anAbility inPokemon Scarlet and Violetlocked to a particular gender, it’s not enough to warrant usage over any other Normal-types or even Lechonk itself.
Lechonk is Much Cuter and Worth Using in the Early-Game
Despite having half the base stat total of its evolution,Lechonkcan be quite useful in the first few hours ofPokemon Scarlet and Violet. As a mon with only a weakness to Fighting types, it can help make up for poor match-ups the player’s starter might have against early-game opponents. The battle right before entering Mesagoza that sees players face off against Nemona and her Terastallized Pawmi can be tough for those who chose Quaxly as their starter, so using Lechonk here to avoid Quaxly’s weakness to Electric-type attacks can be a solid strategy.
Lechonk is the overall cuter, more useful version of its evolutionary line. It’s unlikely that neither Lechonk nor Oinkologne will find a spot on most players' final team, so it’s much more worthwhile to keep Lechonk in its cuter base form and take advantage of it during the early parts of the game where it can be somewhat useful. It’s a shame one of thecutest Pokemon of Gen 9has such a disappointing evolution, but fans of Lechonk always have the option of keeping it in its base form and preserving its adorableness.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violetare available now for Nintendo Switch.
MORE:Ash and Pikachu’s Goodbye Could Have Major Rippling Effects on Gen 10 Pokemon Games and Beyond
