In Gen VIII of the Pokémon series, Sword & Shield introduced new variations of Pokémon, exclusive to the Galar region. Unlike the regional variants in Alola, the Galarian variations are not limited to the original 151 Pokémon and in some cases, they even have new evolved forms.
The Isle Of Armor DLC for Sword & Shield made it possible for players to obtain all of the Alolan variants while also introducing even more Galarian forms, including new versions of the Legendary Birds. All in all, Galarian variants bring new and exciting types, looks, and moves to already existing Pokémon.
10 Galarian Articuno Is A Mysterious Version Of The Majestic Legendary Pokémon
Galarian Articuno is dual Psychic and Flying-type as opposed to the original Ice/Flying combination. Its Pokédex entry emphasizes how deadly its feather-like blades are and how they are composed of deadly Psychic energy.
In the Sword & Shield Crown Tundra DLC, Galarian Articuno can still be found in the snowy area of the map, despite no longer being an Ice-type. However, Galarian Articuno cannot learn any Ice moves and its move pool is somewhat smaller in terms of type coverage. Regardless, its new design has a certain elegance about it.
9 Galarian Farfetch'd & Sirfetch'd Make The Originally Normal-Type Bird Usable In Battle
As a Normal/Flying-type Pokémon with average stats, the original Farfetch'd is often overlooked and not really considered to be a valuable asset to any team in terms of battling, but the Galarian regional form has changed that perception completely.
Galarian Farfetch'd is a Fighting-type, with not much difference in terms of design aside from how it makes more use of its leek as a sword-like weapon. What's more is that it evolves into Sirfetch'd which, as Ash shows in the anime, is a reliable and combat-ready Pokémon for any team.
8 Galarian Meowth Isn't The Most Glamorous Of Designs, But Perrserker Is A Fun New Addition To The Evolutionary Line
While both the Galarian and Alolan regional variants of Meowth are a bit wilder and arguably not as good as the original, they offer new sides to the cat Pokémon. Alolan Meowth and Persian are Dark-types and more mischievous, while Galarian Meowth is a Steel-type with a new evolution form in Perrserker.
And although it isn't the strongest Steel-type in battle with a base stat total of only 440, Perrserker's design livens up the Meowth line and gives it more options.
7 Galarian Zapdos Is Known More For Its Powerful Movement On The Ground Than In The Air
The original Zapdos has always been viewed as the least majestic of the three Legendary Birds, as its design had to look more jagged to represent its Electric typing. The Galarian variant of Zapdos has kept its pointy design despite no longer being an Electric-type, and its feathers still make crackling, zapping sounds according to its Pokédex entry.
As a dual Flying/Fighting-type, Galarian Zapdos is better known for its powerful legs and is seen running more often than flying. The Sword & Shield Pokédex entries for it explain how it can run at speeds of more than 180 miles per hour.
6 Galarian Weezing Has One Of The Most Unique Designs
The original form of Weezing has never been known as a particularly strong Pokémon, other than it causing problems with Selfdestruct on occasion. However, the Galarian regional variant of Weezing has added an additional typing in Fairy and has given it a new design that certainly helps it stand out. The factory chimney top hat really helps to add to the general British vibe that the Galar region is based on.
Galarian Weezing has the same stats as the original and more weaknesses, but its dual Poison/Fairy typing allows it to learn more moves than its original. This has made it competitively viable and utilized by many players on the professional Pokémon circuit.
5 Galarian Rapidash Is Vastly Different In Design & Typing From Its Original
In stark contrast to the original Rapidash from Kanto, the Galarian form of Rapidash has blue and purple fur as opposed to the fiery flames. As a dual Psychic/Fairy-type, Galarian Rapidash stores immense Psychic power within its fur.
Galarian Rapidash has the same stats as its predecessor but also less type resistances than before. Despite it perhaps not being an improvement in terms of battle, its new design is befitting of a Fairy-type and certainly gives it a refreshing and unique look.
4 Galarian Slowbro Is Especially More Interesting Than Its Original
Galarian Slowpoke itself doesn't exactly bring too much in terms of change to the original, with it being pure Psychic-type as opposed to Water/Psychic. However, when it evolves into Galarian Slowbro, the Shellder bites its arm this time instead of the tail, setting off a chemical reaction and making the entire host Poison-type, according to its Pokédex entry.
A Psychic/Poison combination gives it two fewer weaknesses than the original, and it focuses more on physical attacks than before. There is also a Galarian form of Slowking, which looks even more intimidating as the Poison has spread to its head.
3 Galarian Darmanitan Brings Even More Variety With Its Unique Fire-Ice Zen Mode
Darmanitan was already an interesting Pokémon due to it having an alternate Zen Mode that was dual Fire/Psychic-type, but the Ice-type Galarian Darmanitan also has a Zen mode, making it dual Fire/Ice-type.
While its Zen Mode doesn't give it any fewer weaknesses than its normal form at 4, it does have 3 more type resistances, with a Fire/Ice combination allowing for a unique moveset. Galarian Darmanitan's snowball design is a perfect change from its original fiery aesthetic, and it fits into the snowy landscapes of Sword & Shield perfectly.
2 Obstagoon Adds A Whole New Side To The Zigzagoon Line
Galarian Zigzagoon and Linoone have new designs with darker coloring compared to their Hoenn counterparts, emphasizing their new Dark-typing. While they still don't necessarily look as scary as other Dark-type Pokémon such as Poochyena or Mightyena, Galarian Linoone does have an additional evolution form, Obstagoon, who represents the typical Dark-type look.
Obstagoon has an impressive moveset and can learn at least one move of every single type, and it only has three type weaknesses as a dual Normal/Dark-type. With a base stat total of over 500, Obstagoon is quick with good physical offense and defense and could be a valuable member of any team.
1 Galarian Moltres Is Majestic & Terrifying In Equal Measure
While the original Moltres is a Flying/Fire-type, the Galarian Moltres brings a whole new aesthetic to the majestic Legendary Bird Pokémon as a dual Dark/Flying-type with an intimidating black, pink, and red design.
With resistance to both Ground and Psychic-type attacks, Galarian Moltres has been used by many professional Pokémon players, mainly due to its impressive base special defense of 125, allowing it to survive longer than it may normally and giving it time to unleash devastating Dark-type moves.