After the success ofPokemon Legends: Arceusand the fresh take it brought to a series that many fans complained was growing stagnant, it’s likely that a follow-up title is in the works. While Gen 9’sPokemon Scarlet and Violetare still relatively new games, speculation as to what the next mainline entry in the series will be has already started heating up thanks to insider rumors and leaks. Based on the thematic direction of the series, along with some cryptic hints from leakers, there’s a good chance the next mainline title is a successor toPokemon Legends: Arceusset in the Unova Region.
Originally debuting in Gen 5, the Unova Region was the first mainline setting to be based on a location outside of Japan, drawing inspiration from New York City and the surrounding area. Many fans assumed that afterPokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Gen 5 would be next in line to receive remakes. However, there is a good chance that, rather than remakingGen 5’sPokemon Black and White, Game Freak goes a different direction and tells a new story set in the Unova Region’s distant past akin to whatPokemon Legends: Arceusdid for Sinnoh.
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A Pokemon Legends Game in Unova Would Follow the Series' Recent Themes
Time has been a major theme in many of the recentPokemontitle, withPokemon Legends: Arceusexploring Sinnoh’s history as theHisui Region, as well asPokemon Scarlet and Violetincorporating research into the Paldea Region’s ancient past and distant future through the mysterious Area Zero. As such, it’s believable to expect the series will continue to explore themes of time in its upcoming games as the lore of thePokemonworld continues to be filled in. This trend alone is enough for fans to expect a newPokemon Legendsgame, but there is a distinct connection with the Unova Region that makes it a likely setting for a game like this.
Although the primary theme of theGen 5Pokemongamesis the concept of truth versus ideals, represented by the games' legendaries Reshiram and Zekrom, there are underlying themes of time and change as well. One perfect example of time playing a role in the games comes from Opelucid City, where the city’s design can either be that of a rustic village or a futuristic city depending on which version the player is playing. The city’s gym leader differs betweenPokemon Black and Whiteas well with players either facing the wise, old Drayden or the young, rising star Iris respectively.
Outside of Opelucid City, theUnova Regionalso contains several structures that are clearly from a bygone era that aPokemon Legendsgame could explore. Locations like Dragonspiral Tower and Relic Castle contain secrets that the Gen 5 games barely scratch the surface of, and these areas could be given more relevance in aPokemon Legendsgame much like howPokemon Legends: Arceusexplored the history of Mt. Coronet and the Spear Pillar of Sinnoh. A game like this would also be the perfect opportunity to delve into the history of Team Plasma and how they came to possess a large castle beneath the Pokemon League.
The theory that aPokemon Legendsgame set in Unova is in the works is further supported by notoriousPokemonleaker Riddler Khu, who posted a cryptic hint on Twitter suggesting that a new character from the upcomingPokemon Scarlet and VioletDLC will be featured prominently in the next entry. After other users began to speculate that this hint ruled out the possibility of Gen 5 remakes or a newPokemon Legendsgame in Unova, Riddler Khu responded saying that this line of thinking was false. While this isn’t direct confirmation one way or the other, the accuracy of Riddler Khu’s past leaks could mean a game set in Unova may be on the way.
Pokemon Legends: Arceusis available for Nintendo Switch.
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