Why is Hisuian Zoroark Normal/Ghost? An Illusionist Reborn
As an avid Pokémon fan, I was shocked when Hisuian Zoroark‘s unusual typing was revealed. Like many, I had theories about why this powerful monster gained the rare Normal/Ghost designation. Today, I‘ll analyze the lore and strengths of this fascinating regional variant for fellow fans and gamers.
The Haunting History of the Hisuian Zorua
First, a quick refresher on Zoroark‘s origins. These shapeshifting foxes use illusions to trick prey and defend their packs. Hisuian Zorua migrated from other regions but met a tragic end in the unforgiving Hisui wilderness according to official backstory:
"The Zorua perished, unable to survive the harsh Hisuian environment and strife with other Pokémon. Their lingering souls were reborn in this Ghost-type form through the power of their malice toward humans and Pokémon."
This explains Ghost becoming their primary typing. It also clarifies the vengeful, ghostly design. Their demise filled these Zorua spirits with resentment, driving their supernatural rebirth.
As a fan, this backstory hooked me instantly. It‘s a dark deviation from Zoroark‘s usual mischievous lore. And it builds fascinating links between the Pokémon‘s looks and typing. This depth is why I adore regional variants!
Statistical Analysis: Born to Brawl
But just how good is Hisuian Zoroark in battle? Its base stats reveal tremendous potential:
| Stat | Base |
|---|---|
| HP | 105 |
| Attack | 100 |
| Defense | 100 |
| Sp. Atk | 105 |
| Sp. Def | 100 |
| Speed | 105 |
| Total | 615 |
These well-rounded figures exceed popular picks like Gengar and Decidueye. And the unique movepool makes Hisuian Zoroark unpredictable in matches.
Ghost STAB moves backed by solid 105 Sp. Attack put foes on the back foot. Meanwhile, Normal resists Ghost to enable trading blows. This also eliminates Fighting and Normal weaknesses that usually keep Dark types in check.
So with smarter positioning, Hisuian Zoroark can overpower ghosts and psychics with the raw stats to tank hits. It makes this fox a leading contender rather than a gimmick based on simulations.
Alluring Theorycraft: A Master Illusionist
The community speculated extensively about other motives behind the Ghost type. My favorite theory suggests leaning further into Zoroark‘s magical trickery roots.
What if Hisuian Zorua spirits didn‘t just perish…but willingly abandoned their bodies to roam as untethered illusions? This leans into lore of kitsune shapechangers without retconning the backstory.
It would establish Hisuian Zoroark as masters of illusion magic acutely in touch with the spirit world. This explains unnatural talents for affliction moves and summoning as ghosts. And completing the transformation into spectral bodies untethers them from bodily norms and limitations.
I adore this idea of the Hisuian Zoroark willingly evolving beyond physical fox forms to become the ultimate shapeshifters. It really sells Normal/Ghost as ideals for body and spirit respectively. And it makes an already awesome design feel truly magical!
Final Verdict: Vaunted Variant Done Right
In the end, Hisuian Zoroark knocked it out of the park for me as a fan of the species. The ominous backstory provides deeper lore and neatly feeds into the phenomenal new design. And Game Freak nailed the execution as well – fantastic stats, unpredictable skills, and a truly splashy battling niche.
It feels like justified payoff after Zoroark was relegated to a lesser role in recent generations too. This exciting revamp has me elated to battle with and against these spectral illusionists once more when Scarlet/Violet launches.
For fans on the fence, don‘t sleep on Hisuian Zoroark. It‘s the perfect evolution of concepts I‘ve loved for years with ample power to boot. And as someone enamored with regional forms, I consider this vaunted variant a sterling example of bigger risks reaping tremendous rewards for Nintendo and players alike.
