As Pokémon nears three years without a new main series release, the anticipation for what Generation 10 might offer is growing among fans. Game Freak has shown a tendency in recent titles to revisit and refresh beloved Pokémon from earlier generations. So, as we look toward the future, Generation 10 seems like an ideal moment to reintroduce a Pokémon from Generation 1 with a fresh perspective.
The Pokémon from the very first generation hold a special place in the hearts of many fans, something Game Freak has capitalized on over the years. We’ve seen new evolutions, regional forms, and even divergent forms for Pokémon, primarily focusing on the classics. These updates have allowed Game Freak to reinvent some creatures, adding depth to their backstories or simply enhancing their capabilities. As this trend looks set to continue, one Pokémon that stands out from Generation 1 as needing some TLC is Cubone. Loved for its poignant backstory, Cubone is surrounded by fan theories, particularly about its parentage, but this has only cemented its place as a character of tragedy. A new form could finally shift its storyline toward a more uplifting narrative in Generation 10.
Starting back with the second generation, Game Freak began giving certain Pokémon the opportunity to shine through new evolutions. Pokémon like Golbat, Seadra, and Tangela benefited from these upgrades, gaining both power and popularity. This philosophy likely underpins the inclusion of regional forms and other evolutions, too. Even Cubone’s evolution, Marowak, was given a new fiery Alolan form in Generation 7. What’s missing, however, is an update for Cubone itself, one that could bring much-needed catharsis and positivity to its lineage.
One possibility for Cubone’s reinvention lies in a potential new evolution. Speculation has long swirled about what Marowak’s evolution might have been if Game Freak had followed through with what some believe to be a three-stage evolution plan. Many fans think Kangaskhan might be involved as Cubone’s absent mother, represented by the skull Cubone wears. An additional evolution might see Marowak shedding this symbolic skull, marking personal growth and acceptance—a shift from sorrow to healing.
As Generation 9 introduced convergent evolutions, there’s chatter that this concept could expand in the next installment, with Cubone as a strong candidate. Convergent evolutions mimic the real-world phenomenon where unrelated species evolve to resemble each other. Applying this to Cubone could mean introducing a doppelgänger whose cheerful background contrasts with Cubone’s somber tale. Though it might seem like another blow to Cubone, it could also result in compelling dynamics between the two, offering a fresh angle on Cubone’s narrative.
There’s always the chance Game Freak could surprise us with something entirely novel. The Pokémon franchise is no stranger to innovation, always introducing new mechanics or forms of gameplay. Whether it was mega evolution in Generation 6 or other battle enhancements in subsequent games, Pokémon Gen 10 is poised to have its own defining feature. What if Cubone finds solace or new strength through one such Gen 10 twist? With countless possibilities, it would be a loss if Cubone’s story doesn’t get the happy turn it deserves in the next generation.
With all these speculations, fans remain hopeful that Cubone’s tale will enjoy an uplifting transformation when Generation 10 eventually drops. Whether through a new form, an evolution, or an unexpected twist, Cubone’s journey could finally pivot from being defined by loss to celebrating renewal.
