Fresh off of the most recent Community Day featuring Charmander, Niantic, developer of the “Pokémon GO” mobile game, announced plans to release the Alolan variants of Pokémon from the Kanto region, per the in-game news. Alola, first introduced in the seventh generation of the Pokémon series, is the tropical setting for the "Pokémon Sun and Moon" games. A report by Pokemon GO Live provided most of the information used in this article.

Alolan variants coming to 'Pokémon GO'

This marks the first chance for Pokémon trainers to catch these regional variants of their favorite Pokémon from the first generation, and the first update with additional Pokémon (variants or otherwise) since adding 50 from the Hoenn region in Dec.

2017. Below is the news from the app’s official Twitter account.

What makes them different?

The Alolan variants have different types than their original counterparts, and their appearance is changed to reflect that. Some, like Rattata and Vulpix, had their color scheme changed (Vulpix is now bluish to signify its Ice type), whereas some are altered significantly (Exeggutor’s stocky palm tree body has a leaner, more tropical look). In the original "Sun and Moon" games, they had access to different abilities as well, potentially giving the battlers out there some new move sets to hunt down.

Below is a list of the Pokémon with Alolan variants and their types, per website Bulbapedia.

  • Rattata/Raticate
  • Dark/NormalRaichu
  • Electric/PsychicSandshrew/Sandslash
  • Ice/SteelVulpix
  • IceNinetails
  • Ice/FairyDiglett/Dugtrio
  • Ground/SteelMeowth/Persian
  • DarkGeodude/Graveler/Golem
  • Rock/ElectricGrimer/Muk
  • Poison/DarkExeggutor
  • Grass/DragonMarowak
  • Fire/Ghost

Where can I get them?

Details are still scarce, but the in-game news states the variants will be available, “in the coming weeks,” so be on the lookout for these new and exciting versions of the old favorites.

Also, no word regarding evolutions, such as how or if non-Alolan Pokémon can evolve into their Alolan counterparts, especially regarding those without Alolan variants like Cubone or Pikachu.

What can I do in the meantime?

In the meantime, players can still find Ho-oh in raids until June 7, alongside the Legendary Latios and Latias, still available until June 5.

There is also the upcoming Adventure Week to prepare for this month. Collecting coins to purchase the newly upgraded inventory is always a wise decision. May has been a busy month for Pokémon trainers, and that trend looks to continue as we head into summer.
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