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Pokémon Sword and Shield is set to receive two expansions this year, which will include all-new legendary monsters. The Crown Tundra, slated for fall 2020, brings with it a mythical creature whose unsettling design immediately draws the eyes toward its big-ass head.
I can’t stop looking at it, even as it makes me feel uncomfortable. My guess is that this is intentional, as Calyrex comes with the “Unnerve” ability, which stops enemies from consuming their own berries. I wouldn’t be able to eat in front of this thing, either.
There are theories as to why Calyrex looks this way — it’s likely that the name refers to the concept of “calyx,” which can be understood as the protective bud that forms before a flower blooms. It’s possible that, perhaps, Calyrex will have a form where the top of its head opens up and reveals something beautiful. This will likely pair with the Crown Tundra concept, which in its concept art features a largely icy terrain that is sparse in greenery.
The head is also likely a subtle reference to the U.K.’s Crown Jewels, given that the icon for the Crown Tundra expansion looks like the famous ceremonial hat.
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Sure. I can get behind that. But right now? All I can see is a disproportionally huge head that makes the entire design look lopsided. It probably doesn’t help that Calyrex has short nubs for arms, or that its long legs also bring the focus upward.
Inevitably, there are memes about all of this.
In this moment, I am euphoric. Not because of any phony Arceus' blessing. But because, I am enlightened by my intelligence. pic.twitter.com/wrl54m73y2
— Ultima (@UltimaShadowX) January 9, 2020
— Shenaniganza (@dbMisadventure) January 9, 2020
Same energy pic.twitter.com/OzYEqPAKtX
— PG | Aaron Zheng (@CybertronVGC) January 9, 2020
calyrex looks like it’s about to say “well actually” and give you an unnecessarily long explanation #pokemondirect pic.twitter.com/1egdDDy1gZ
— TAHK0 ☕️ @ ALA ARTIST ALLEY (M-7) (@TAHK0) January 9, 2020
— eva #PAXSouth (@seamoosi) January 9, 2020
I AM CALYREX, THE POKEMON OF PURE HEADACHE! YEEOOW, MY HEAD! pic.twitter.com/zanWvanTDH
— MattPan ALT (@MattPansDumpAcc) January 9, 2020
drew some fanart of calyrex from the pokemon direct pic.twitter.com/aNqwp3iK2o
— angel ♡ (@boysdisease) January 9, 2020
Calyrex is giving me Princess Mononoke's Forest Spirit vibes pic.twitter.com/wFgQir3Hdd
— Chris (@AtiKurisu) January 9, 2020
According to Game Freak, Calyrex has a big head because it’s very smart, actually:
This Pokémon ruled all of Galar in ancient times. Though it appears delicate and slight, its every move is filled with grace and dignity. It also has extremely high intelligence, and it’s said to see every past, present, and future event.
The Crown Tundra will be a part of Sword and Shield’s expansion pass, which is priced at $29.99, though all players will be able to enjoy the returning monsters that will be introduced with the update. But if you don’t want to wait, you can already download Galarian Slowpoke into Sword and Shield.
