Why Are Cyndaquil, Rowlet and Oshawott Starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the next title to feature a new adventure. While we already had a new title this year, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, we are excited for another one. Legends: Arceus brings in a new era for Pokémon, and it's not forgetting some of its veteran stars; opting to reuse Cyndaquil, Rowlet and Oshawott as starter Pokémon.

The three Pokémon were popular in the anime but were less desirable when it came to the games themselves. So, why have the Pokémon Company opted to pick these three Pokémon - from different regions - over the others? It may be a little easier to explain than one might think according to a Reddit theory.

Why Are Cyndaquil, Rowlet and Oshawott Starters in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

So, why are these three Pokémon the chosen ones? Reddit user u/ZeeGee009 has claimed that the game is traced back to 12th century Japan. Given the game's trailer, it's easy to see how that makes sense - the game is set in a much older time period of Sinnoh, known as the Hisui region.

The reason they were chosen is due to their evolutionary connections to feudal Japan. What does that mean? Allow us to explain.

• Read More: Is Pokémon Legends: Arceus Open-World?

Rowlet evolves into Decidueye (the Arrow Quill Pokémon) having connections to Archers. Oshawott's evolution is Samurott, which focuses on Samurais as the concept for this evolution. And Cyndaquill resembles a honey-badger (found in Japan) with Typhlosion's Japanese name being 'Bakufu', which can be translated to 'Shogun'. These were titles given to Military Generals in Feudal Japan.

It's a bold but logical explanation for the unusual choices in starters; it's just a surprise not to see Charmander feature once again. For more on Pokémon Legends: Arceus, take a look at our release guide, and our guides to catching both Noble Pokémon and Alpha Pokémon, to aid you with getting started.