The final evolution of Galarian Slowpoke, first revealed back in January, is here: Galarian Slowking will come to Pokémon Sword and Shield when the Crown Tundra expansion is released for Nintendo Switch on Oct. 22. And by all accounts, Galarian Slowking is a very messed-up Pokémon.
Like Galarian Slowbro, which has a bivalve gun for an arm, Galarian Slowking is one part Slowpoke, one part Shellder. According to The Pokémon Company’s official description of Galarian Slowking, a Poison/Psychic-type, a bite from a Shellder “set off a reaction between the chemicals secreted by Galarian Slowpoke’s brain and the spices inside its body, causing Slowpoke to gain the Poison type as it evolved into Galarian Slowking.”
And if that description has you wondering, “pardon me, body spices?!” then here’s a reminder about Slowpoke spice:
The Slowpoke of the Galar region used to eat the seeds of a certain plant that grew in their habitat, as this was their favourite food. These seeds were in fact Galarica seeds, used to this day as an essential spice for cooking. The Slowpoke in Galar built up particles of this spice in their bodies over several generations, eventually gaining the unique appearance and behaviour they are known for today.
When the Shellder assumes direct control of Slowking (which is presumably blinded by its Shellder helmet), Galarian Slowking performs mystical rituals to cast spells against its enemies. “Galarian Slowking have been observed uttering incantations in order to communicate with each other,” the official Pokémon website explains. “They also appear to chant mysterious spells when using moves in battle. Exactly what these Slowking are saying has yet to be fully understood.”
So, yes, add Galarian Slowking to the long list of subtly disturbing Pokémon, one that is two creatures in one, leaving questions about who’s in charge of its consciousness and who is simply a passenger.
Here’s a more detailed look at Galarian Slowking and its dark, disturbing nature: