One Kantonian Pokémon is Ready for a Cross-Gen Evolution, But It Shouldn’t Happen

The anticipation for the next generation of Pokémon games is buzzing, and if the whispers are true, we might see Gen 10 set in a vibrant version of Greece. This setting could lead to some intriguing new Pokémon designs, drawing heavily from Greek mythology. Imagine classics getting an imaginative twist, with both new and beloved Pokémon making appearances.

There’s chatter about giving Tauros a minotaur-inspired evolution in Gen 10, but that might be overkill given its recent spotlight in Gen 9. Introducing yet another form for Tauros might not sit well when you compare it to Miltank, which hasn’t received such treatment.

Perhaps it’s the response to Gen 9’s initial hiccups or the looming 30th anniversary of Pokémon, but all signs suggest Gen 10 will debut next year. Meanwhile, expect 2025 to focus on Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Though official confirmations are missing, the buzz started early, tracing back to a little in-game painting in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet depicting what seemed to be a European street. Now, with Gen 10 rumored to be in Greece, Tauros seems like a prime candidate for a cross-gen evolution, but it might not be the right move.

If the Gen 10 games do take place in Greece, it opens the door for designs rooted in the storied myths of the region. This could see Pokémon taking on regional forms or evolving into something new, spearheaded by the world’s mythological backdrop. The idea of Tauros evolving into a minotaur seems appealing, but let’s consider the facts: Tauros already had multiple regional forms in Scarlet and Violet. Adding more might feel excessive.

Bouffalant and Tauros often get compared due to their thematic similarities, but they’re different beasts—one’s a buffalo, the other’s a bull. Since minotaurs are traditionally depicted with bull-like features, Tauros would fit the bill for such an evolution more naturally than Bouffalant. However, given its recent slate of forms, another change might be too much too soon.

Tauros made quite an impact in the competitive scene of Scarlet and Violet, with versions like Blaze Breed and Aqua Breed becoming fan-favorites due to their strategic advantages. It’s one of the few Pokémon to receive multiple regional forms in a single generation, making any further evolution potentially overwhelming.

The Paldean versions also bring diversity: you have regular Tauros as Normal type, and Fighting types for Combat, Blaze, and Aqua Breeds. This variety shows why adding yet another form could dilute its uniqueness.

Why shouldn’t Tauros receive a minotaur evolution in Gen 10, though? Miltank, its counterpart in the Johto games, hasn’t been given regional forms or evolutionary stages yet. Offering Tauros both in back-to-back games would seem unfair, especially considering Miltank’s popularity and meme-worthy status courtesy of its tough Gym Leader battle in Gen 2.

Moreover, tying Tauros to a minotaur theme would likely require maintaining Fighting as a type, which might not provide enough novelty given the existing Fighting-type Paldean Tauros. While there are alternative routes for developing a cross-gen minotaur evolution for Tauros, the idea is still speculative as the Greece setting remains unconfirmed. Fans should stay optimistic but cautious, as these are still just rumors.