Johto Pokémon in need of an evolution in the 10th generation

With Pokémon Scarlet and Violet breaking several long-standing traditions and attempting to diversify the Pokémon roster by finally adding some long-awaited type combinations, the 10th generation is in a good position to follow this example. After Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced players to several Hisuian forms of popular Pokémon, including evolutions like Ursaluna, it's time to give the series more creatures from past generations with cross-generational evolutions, including some from Johto in the 2nd generation.

Although regional forms are a great gimmick to breathe new life into existing evolutionary lines, cross-generational developments can often break even more ground and take underutilized Pokémon to the next level. Kingambit from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is such an example, and allowing some of the most overlooked Pokémon in the Johto Pokédex to have further evolutions could prove to be a health-promoting and fan-favorite decision, especially considering the popularity of the second generation.

Ledian

Ledyba and Ledian are among the earliest Pokémon you can catch while playing the games of the second generation, and although they have unique designs (they are also the only ladybug-inspired creatures in the series), Ledian has some of the lowest stat values of any evolved Pokémon in the entire series. With a base stat total (BST) of 390, Ledian ranks quite low in the game and could use a new evolution in the 10th generation. Specifically, the Pokémon's Pokédex entries mention that it delivers punches with all four of its arms, so it could work to give it the Fighting type as a secondary type in Pokémon Gen 10, allowing for more effective attacks.

Ariados

Ariados recently appeared in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's DLC "The Teal Mask" and was even able to enjoy some spotlight by appearing as a fixed encounter during Perrin's side quest to capture Bloodmoon Ursaluna. However, compared to most of its counterparts, this Pokémon has a low base stat total (BST) of 400, and its Bug/Poison type combination doesn't provide any advantages in terms of attack and defense. A cross-generational evolution of Ariados could make it the first spider Pokémon with a third evolutionary stage, and it would have the potential to be quite deadly.

Sunflora

One of the main reasons why Sunflora is considered a candidate for evolution among fans is the fact that it could easily acquire the Fire type as a secondary type, and that would make perfect sense. Now, with Ogerpon from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet potentially being one of the strongest Pokémon in the 9th generation with its Hearthflame Mask and having the Fire type as a secondary type, there is no reason to hold back Sunflora. In the 9th generation, Scovillain was already introduced as a Pokémon with the same types, so a cross-generational evolution of Sunflora in the 10th generation would be simply perfect.

Xatu

Considering the past and future themes of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Xatu's Pokédex entries about its ability to see both the past and the future would have made it a perfect addition. However, it remains one of the most mysterious Pokémon in the franchise, not to mention from the 2nd generation, and if it were to receive a cross-generational evolution in the 10th generation, it could also become a more popular evolutionary line. Often overlooked due to its limited type combination, an evolution of Xatu could turn this Pokémon into a significant threat.

Miltank

When the second generation games were first released, Whitney's Miltank in Pokémon Gold and Silver was considered one of the toughest battles in the entire game when approached at a normal level. With a base stat total of 490, Miltank is already a formidable opponent, but being the only cow-like Pokémon in the series, it could use some additional attention. Furthermore, a cross-generational evolution of Miltank could turn it into an incredibly strong and impressive creature, potentially carrying on the legacy of Whitney's infamous Miltank.