Pokémon Legends: Arceus regional variants, evolutions, and newly discovered Pokémon are sure to delight fans. Arceus brings us back into the land of Sinnoh, but back in a time when it was still known as Hisui and people were just starting to populate the land. The new settlers weren’t as fond or as close to Pokémon as compared to their current day successors, and therefore these people don’t know much about these creatures.
Enter you, the player, when you suddenly popped out from the massive and mysterious portal. You then join the Galaxy Team’s Survey Corps division and are tasked to gather information about these Pokémon in the vast lands of Hisui through various means. On your journey, you meet a lot of familiar Pokémon, as well as new ones and ones that seemingly take on a different appearance from what you’ve known.
The “new” variants aren’t actually referred to as “Hisuians” in game, they’re just referred to what they are like a Growlithe or an Arcanine. But for the sake of distinction, these Pokémon are given the Hisuian title. In this article, we’re going to look at the Hisuian Pokémon and compare them to their regular counterparts.
What are Pokémon Legends: Arceus Regional Variants?
Regional variants are versions of Pokémon that adapt to a certain region. These new Pokémon Legends: Arceus regional variants provide excellent spins on some of your favorite Pokémon. In total, Arceus’ Hisui area includes four additional regional variants so far:
- Hisuian Decidueye
- Hisuian Typhlosion
- Hisuian Samurott
- Hisuian Growlithe
- Hisuian Arcanine
- Hisuian Voltorb
- Hisuian Electrode
- Hisuian Qwilfish
- Hisuian Sneasel
- Hisuian Lilligant
- Hisuian Zorua
- Hisuian Zoroark
- Hisuian Basculin
- Hisuian Avalugg
- Hisuian Braviary
- Hisuian Sliggoo
- Hisuian Goodra
Hisuian Forms Comparison
Hisuian Decidueye
| Type | Grass/Fighting |
| Evolution | Dartrix at level 34. |
| Hidden Ability | Long Reach – The Pokémon uses its moves without making contact with the target. |
| Pokedex Entry | The air stored inside the rachises of Decidueye’s feathers insulates the Pokémon against Hisui’s extreme cold. This is firm proof that evolution can be influenced by environment. |
Hisuian Typhlosion
| Type | Fire/Ghost |
| Evolution | Quilava at level 36. |
| Hidden Ability | Flash Fire – When a Pokémon with Flash Fire is hit by a Fire-type move, it does not deal damage but instead raises the power of the bearer’s Fire-type moves by 50%. Subsequent hits do not raise the power even more, but the effect remains while the ability-bearer is in battle. |
| Pokedex Entry | Said to purify lost, forsaken souls with its flames and guide them to the afterlife. I believe its form has been influenced by the energy of the sacred mountain towering at Hisui’s center. |
Hisuian Samurott
| Type | Water/Dark |
| Evolution | Dewott at level 36. |
| Hidden Ability | Shell Armor – Shell Armor prevents the Pokémon from receiving a critical hit. |
| Pokedex Entry | Hard of heart and deft of blade, this rare form of Samurott is a product of the Pokémon’s evolution in the region of Hisui. Its turbulent blows crash into foes like ceaseless pounding waves. |
Hisuian Growlithe
| Type | Fire/Rock |
| Evolution | Evolve to a Hisuian Arcanine with a Fire Stone. |
| Hidden Ability | Justified – raises the ability-bearer’s Attack by one stage when hit by a damaging Dark-type move. |
| Pokedex Entry | They patrol their territory in pairs. I believe the igneous rock components in the fur of this species are the result of volcanic activity in its habitat. |
Growlithe’s Hisuian form is a cute pup. This lovely creature is a savage. It always guards its land with a mate, but it is not used to people. While building trust with a Hisuian Growlithe takes time, we imagine their loyalty is unparalleled once gained.
Hisuian Growlithe has incredibly soft fur, softer than previous forms of the Pokémon. This fur is a wonderful insulator. This adaption keeps it active even in the cold weather. This Growlithe’s horn is made of rock, but it is brittle. So the Hisuian Growlithe only uses it when it is needed.
Hisuian Arcanine
| Type | Fire/Rock |
| Evolution | Hisuian Growlithe with a Fire Stone. |
| Hidden Ability | Justified – raises the ability-bearer’s Attack by one stage when hit by a damaging Dark-type move. |
| Pokedex Entry | Snaps at its foes with fangs cloaked in blazing flame. Despite its bulk, it deftly feints every which way, leading opponents on a deceptively merry chase as it all but dances around them. |
Hisuian Voltorb
| Type | Electric/Grass |
| Evolution | Evolve to Hisuian Electrode with a Leaf Stone. |
| Hidden Ability | Aftermath – If an attacker faints a Pokémon with Aftermath using a contact move, the attacker will lose 1/4 of their maximum HP. |
| Pokedex Entry | An enigmatic Pokémon that happens to bear a resemblance to a Poké Ball. When excited, it discharges the electric current it has stored in its belly, then lets out a great, uproarious laugh. |
New Pokémon Legends: Arceus regional variety Hisuian Voltorb Like Voltorb, this Pokémon looks like a Pokéball. During Arceus’ reign, Pokéballs were constructed of wood. So Voltorb gets a wooden makeover. “It appears extremely similar to Poké Balls of the Hisui region, with the wood-grain-like makeup of its body and the opening on top of its head,” the official website says.
This new Voltorb regional variation is also very friendly if it’s in a good mood. When overexcited, it can accidently discharge stored electricity. It often stuns humans and Pokémon alike.
“Hisuian Voltorb seems to be full of seeds.” It spouts these seeds from its head hole.” No one knows how the Voltorb looks inside because it’s so dark. We think it’s a little impolite to try and glimpse inside a Pokémon.
Hisuian Electrode
| Type | Electric/Grass |
| Evolution | Hisuian Voltorb with a Leaf Stone. |
| Hidden Ability | Aftermath – If an attacker faints a Pokémon with Aftermath using a contact move, the attacker will lose 1/4 of their maximum HP. |
| Pokedex Entry | The tissue on the surface of its body is curiously similar in composition to an Apricorn. When irritated, this Pokémon lets loose an electric current equal to 20 lightning bolts. |
Hisuian Qwilfish
| Type | Dark/Poison |
| Evolution | Evolves to Overqwil by using Barb Barrage in Strong Style 20 times. |
| Hidden Ability | Intimidate – Intimidate lower’s the Attack of all opponents by one stage when the ability-bearer switches in (including the start of a battle). |
| Pokedex Entry | Fishers detest this troublesome Pokémon because it sprays poison from its spines, getting it everywhere. A different form of Qwilfish lives in other regions. |
Hisuian Sneasel
| Type | Poison/Fighting |
| Evolution | Evolve to Sneasler by using a Razor Claw during day-time. |
| Hidden Ability | Poison Touch – May poison targets when a Pokémon makes contact. |
| Pokedex Entry | Its sturdy, curved claws are ideal for traversing precipitous cliffs. From the tips of these claws drips a venom that infiltrates the nerves of any prey caught in Sneasel’s grasp. |
Hisuian Lilligant
| Type | Grass/Fighting |
| Evolution | Evolves from Petilil with a Sun Stone. |
| Hidden Ability | Leaf Guard – prevents the bearer from succumbing to major status ailments (sleep, burns, poisoning, paralysis or freezing) during sunny weather. |
| Pokedex Entry | I suspect that its well-developed legs are the result of a life spent on mountains covered in deep snow. The scent it exudes from its flower crown heartens those in proximity. |
Hisuian Zorua
| Type | Normal/Ghost |
| Evolution | Hisuian Zoroark at level 30. |
| Hidden Ability | Illusion – When a Pokémon with the Illusion ability switches into battle, it takes the form of the Pokémon in last place (6th) of the player’s party. Illusion will not activate if the Pokémon in last place is the same species or is fainted. |
| Pokedex Entry | A once-departed soul, returned to life in Hisui. Derives power from resentment, which rises as energy atop its head and takes on the forms of foes. In this way, Zorua vents lingering malice. |
Zorua is a fox-like Pokémon that can transform at will. But they are illusions, as its basic skillsets and powers remain unchanged.
Zorua is a timid creature who relies on illusions. To keep secure, it hides its form. It will sometimes disguise itself as a youngster to find food. That includes children, especially talkative children. It’s often silent in its child stage. If its tail is touched, it reverts to a Zorua. This bashful Pokémon is prone to mischief.
The Hisuian Zorua can imitate other Zorua. Unlike their other forms, “these ghostly mimics are generated utilizing malevolent power emitted from Hisuian Zorua’s long fur.” The Hisuian Zorua feeds on the fear of those they terrorize.
Humans despised the Pokémon for creating eerie illusions, driving these Hisuian Zorua to the Hisui area. But these Zorua died due to the rough Hisuian land and battles with other Pokémon. Their spirits were reincarnated as Ghosts, fueled by their vengeance.
Hisuian Zoroark
| Type | Normal/Ghost |
| Evolution | Evolves from Hisuian Zorua at level 30. |
| Hidden Ability | Illusion – When a Pokémon with the Illusion ability switches into battle, it takes the form of the Pokémon in last place (6th) of the player’s party. Illusion will not activate if the Pokémon in last place is the same species or is fainted. |
| Pokedex Entry | With its disheveled white fur, it looks like an embodiment of death. Heedless of its own safety, Zoroark attacks its nemeses with a bitter energy so intense, it lacerates Zoroark’s own body. |
Zoruas evolves into Zoroark. Like a fox, Zoroark is bipedal. It also has a thick mane that resembles a ponytail. This is also true of Hisuian Zoroark.
The main strength of Zoroark is its realistic illusions. It utilizes them to hide and guard its den. Like Zorua, Zoroark only makes illusions. But they’re mighty. It can speak when it becomes a person. The Hisuian Zoroark showed how its assault illusions may trick cameras.
These terrifying illusions are created by the Hisuian Zoroark. And this Zororark may harm its opponents both inside and out with its illusions. Their expressions are so vile against everything on this planet that individuals who view them are reported to be driven insane by fright.
While the Hisuian Zoroark is extremely violent against people and Pokémon, it looks to be exceedingly protective of those it loves. If somebody harms its chosen brood, it may carry grudges. Trainers beware: Zoroark is said to “punish anyone who seek to catch it by trapping them in an illusion.” Those who acquire its trust get an ally.
Hisuian Basculin
| Type | Water |
| Evolution | Evolves to Basculegion by getting at least 294 recoil damage from using Wave Crash. |
| Hidden Ability | Mold Breaker – prevents a target’s ability from affecting moves that the Mold Breaker Pokémon uses. It only affects abilities that change the power, accuracy or other effects of moves. |
| Pokedex Entry | Though it differs from other Basculin in several respects, including demeanor—this one is gentle—I have categorized it as a regional form given the vast array of shared qualities. |
Hisuian Avalugg
| Type | Ice/Rock |
| Evolution | Evolves from Bergmite at level 37. |
| Hidden Ability | Sturdy – allows the Pokémon to survive with 1 HP if attacked at full HP with an attack that would otherwise knock it out. It also prevents One-Hit-KO moves (Fissure, Horn Drill, Guillotine or Sheer Cold). |
| Pokedex Entry | The armor of ice covering its lower jaw puts steel to shame and can shatter rocks with ease. This Pokémon barrels along steep mountain paths, cleaving through the deep snow. |
Hisuian Braviary
| Type | Psychic/Flying |
| Evolution | Evolves from Rufflet at level 54. |
| Hidden Ability | Defiant – When its stats are lowered its Attack increases. |
| Pokedex Entry | Screaming a bloodcurdling battle cry, this huge and ferocious bird Pokémon goes out on the hunt. It blasts lakes with shock waves, then scoops up any prey that float to the water’s surface. |
Hisuian Braviary’s shape is beautiful. When Rufflet survives in the harsh Hisuian environment, they evolve into this creature with huge wings.
The Hisuian Braviary comes to Hisui in the winter. Unlike previous Braviary forms, it lives alone. It’s also bigger than some. Hisuian Braviary’s screeches have psychic properties. Its uncanny calls might cause shockwaves. Torn apart by sharp talons after weakening its prey.
The Hisuian Braviary is a Psychic/Flying-type Pokémon from the ‘Battle Cry’ category. It stands at 5’7” and weighs 95.7lbs. Currently, it appears that this Arceus regional Braviary will develop from a Rufflet.
Reportedly, this Pokémon can “enter a trance that enhances its physical abilities” using its psychic power.
Hisuian Sliggoo
| Type | Dragon/Steel |
| Evolution | Evolves from Goomy at level 40; Evolves to Goodra at level 50 while raining. |
| Hidden Ability | Gooey – Contact with the Pokémon lowers the attacker’s Speed stat. |
| Pokedex Entry | A creature given to melancholy. I suspect its metallic shell developed as a result of the mucus on its skin reacting with the iron in Hisui’s water. |
Hisuian Goodra
| Type | Dragon/Steel |
| Evolution | Evolves from Sliggoo at level 50 while raining. |
| Hidden Ability | Gooey – Contact with the Pokémon lowers the attacker’s Speed stat. |
| Pokedex Entry | Able to freely control the hardness of its metallic shell. It loathes solitude and is extremely clingy—it will fume and run riot if those dearest to it ever leave its side. |
Other New Pokémon Forms Seen in Hisui
These are forms which can only be obtained by getting the orbs required to change their forms. These orbs can be acquired by defeating both clan heads in a post-game side quest.
Origin Palkia
| Type | Dragon/Steel |
| Hidden Ability | Pressure – makes any attack targeted at the ability-bearer – regardless of whether it hits – use 2 PP instead of 1. |
| Pokedex Entry | It soars across the sky in a form that greatly resembles the creator of all things. Perhaps this imitation of appearance is Palkia’s strategy for gaining Arceus’s powers. |
Origin Dialga
| Type | Dragon/Steel |
| Hidden Ability | Pressure – makes any attack targeted at the ability-bearer – regardless of whether it hits – use 2 PP instead of 1. |
| Pokedex Entry | Radiant light caused Dialga to take on a form bearing a striking resemblance to the creator Pokémon. Dialga now wields such colossal strength that one must conclude this is its true form. |
Aside from the Hisuian forms, there’s also another regional variant present in the game, albeit just for a single evo line. There is a side quest where you will be required to find Alolan Vulpixes and once you complete it, you’ll get your own Alolan Vulpix when you can then evolve to an Alolan Ninetales. You can check our guide on that particular side quest right here: How to get an Alolan Vulpix | Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
There have been plans that Pokémon Legends: Arceus will also get connected with the Pokémon Home service some time in the future, so perhaps there might come a time that we’ll see more Pokémon variant in the same space. It may even come through a paid DLC like in Sword and Shield, though we would appreciate it more if it’s done through game updates instead.
If you like this guide, check out our other Pokémon Legends: Arceus articles:
- Hisui Pokedex Leaked and Confirmed Pokemon | Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- All Rideable Pokemon | Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Complete List of Moves – Pokémon Legends: Arceus
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus Regional Variants and Every New Pokémon
- All Available Clothing and Wearables | Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- Pokemon Legends Arceus Goods Announced at the Pokemon Center
- Hisui Pokedex Leaked and Confirmed Pokemon | Pokemon Legends: Arceus
- How to Find All the Wisps | Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Credits to RoiDadadou for the Hisuian images.
Also check out this video by MELOO on All New Pokémon & Hisuan Forms and their Locations: