For every generation of Pokemon, the geography, biodiversity, and beauty of its vast regions are just as vital to the world-building as brand new Pokemon or unique battle mechanics. While the first four generations were based on Japanese regions, Gen V’s Unova transported the sprawling, skyscraping metropolis of New York City and the surrounding Metropolitan area into the Pokemon world. Subsequent generations drew inspiration and influence from northern France (Kalos), the Hawaiian archipelago (Alola), and an upside-down United Kingdom (Galar).
All of which begs the question, where does Pokemon go from here, literally? Even with previous globe-trotting generations, there remains an innumerable amount of culturally significant, beautifully breathtaking, and utterly fascinating real-world locations that Nintendo and Game Freak have yet to transform into new Pokemon regions. Furthermore, these real-life regions can inspire and inform design choices for both new Pokemon and Regional Forms. Below is just a taste of where this 25-year-old RPG series can head next.
10 South America
Fans curious about South America in a Pokemon game should check out the popular fan-made Pokemon Sage, set in the Urobos region. Most of the game’s Fakemon designs take inspiration from animals, topography, lore, and mythology of South and Central America.
9 Australia
Australia is home to some of the most unique (and downright frightening) animals on the planet, providing a deep and vast foundation for new Pokemon design ideas. An Australian region could also fulfill fans’ desperate need for a full Kangaskhan evolutionary line, including a Male form, and an official name for its Baby.
As for landmarks, The Sydney Opera House could be a grand launching point for a new version of Black & White’s Pokemon Musicals. Here they could be retooled as Pokémon Operas, incorporated as a main form of competition in contrast to — or alongside — traditional Pokemon battles.
8 Italy
The immense cultural, economical, and historical richness of Italy could play very well as a Pokemon region. An alternate Milan would be a prime location for the return of Pokemon Contests and Super Contests from Generations 3, 4, and 6.
As a nod to Italy’s centuries-old culture of winemaking, players could visit (or create their own) Vineyards to crush Berries and make distinctive Berry Juices. These Juices might add temporary or permanent stat boosts to players’ Pokemon, with rare combinations unlocking new moves or Hidden Abilities.
7 Indonesia
A return to Asia would be a wonderful next step for the franchise, and Indonesia would provide one of the more unique and exhaustive gaming experiences as the nation is comprised of over 17,000 islands.
As a fun way to change up the series, Game Freak could incorporate roguelike elements and introduce randomized island visits. Hopping across thousands of islands of varying size and scope, where no two are the same, would put a fantastic twist on battling and catching Pokemon.
6 Portugal
Along with the diverse terrain, topography, culture, and climate of its mainland, Portugal’s territory extends out to sea with its two autonomous archipelagos, Madeira and the Azores. A post-game DLC trek to these islands could present cool new challenges and their own unique Pokedexes.
The Azores’ world-famous Lagoa do Fogo, a lagoon formed by volcano craters, sounds like the perfect home for Volcanion. The Madeira Islands, closer to Africa than Europe, are much warmer with surprisingly large mountain ranges, creating distinct microclimates and homes for thousands of flora and fauna.
5 Madagascar
The island nation of Madagascar is one of the most biodiverse regions on the planet. Over 90% of Madagascar’s plants and animals are endemic, found nowhere else in the world as a result of 88 million years in isolation after breaking away from India’s landmass.
This fascinating fact could open up huge inspirations and opportunities for a region comprised almost entirely of new Pokemon, much like Ruby & Sapphire. Is it too much to ask Game Freak for a lemur Pokemon?
4 Greece
We’ve seen the Super Mario and Assassin’s Creed series venture out on their own Odysseys, so why not Pokemon? The epic history, ancient mythology, and uncompromising beauty of Greece would be an impressive and legendary backdrop for a new generation of Pokemon.
Might we encounter a new trio of Legendary/Mythical Pokémon based on the gods and monsters of ancient Greece? Or, more fittingly, Regional forms for the Forces of Nature — Landorus, Thundurus, and Tornadus — as their names allude to Aeolus, the Greek “Keeper of the Winds.”
3 Egypt
What could be a more thrilling entry to this series than uncovering secrets, solving mysteries, and hunting for treasure in ancient, sandy tombs of an Egypt-inspired region with a team of Pokemon in tow?
Yamask and Cofagrigus would certainly be plentiful in these tombs alongside other Ghost-, Dark-, and Ground-types, perhaps even a line of mummy Pokemon. And of course, we would love a Sphinx-based Pokemon, either a standalone Legendary or a Regional evolution of a Ground/Psychic Shinx.
2 Canada
With an area of 3.8 million square miles, including the largest proportion of freshwater lakes on Earth, Canada is one of the most geographically and biologically diverse countries on the planet. A Pokemon equivalent of Canada would be in close proximity to Unova, and presumably share a colonial history with Galar, offering opportunity for travel and correspondence between the three regions.
Would Bidoof and Bibarel automatically be the national Pokemon of a Canadian region? Or could Game Freak introduce a moose-like Pokemon so it can have its say?
1 Outer Space
A far-out suggestion to be sure, but not as farfetched as it seems. There are a decent number of Pokemon that are either confirmed or speculated to be from outer space, including Clefairy, Elgyem, Lunatone, and the Mythical Deoxys. A narrative involving a journey through space would be a compelling way to discover the origins of Pokemon life.
An intergalactic, planetary adventure — searching for starry-eyed Pokemon across the cosmos, past the limits of space and time — would profoundly subvert expectations and forever expand the possibilities of the Pokemon universe.
NEXT: Pokémon: Best Signature Attacks, Ranked
