Foxes are rather shy animals that survive on omnivorous diets and are found in various environments, including forests and tundras. In myths and folklore, foxes are often depicted as cunning tricksters. Many of the fox-like Pokemon are also mischievous and sneaky, though some are simply elegant.
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Vulpix and Ninetales
One of the first fox Pokemon introduced to the franchise is Vulpix. It is an adorable Fire-type creature that received attention in the anime thanks to Brock, who takes care of one for Suzie. When a Vulpix is exposed to a Fire Stone, it evolves into a Ninetales. This is a majestic Pokemon with white fur and a glorious, bushy tail. Ninetales is likely inspired by the kitsune of Japanese mythology, which is a shape-shifting fox that is said to have up to nine tails. The Vulpix evolutionary line got the spotlight once again in Pokemon Sun and Moon, which introduced Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales. The Alolan regional variants have beautiful whitish-blue fur, with Alolan Vulpix being an Ice-type and Alolan Ninetales being an Ice/Fairy dual-type. These regional variants manage to make the already regal-looking creatures appear even more spectacular.
Zorua and Zoroark
When players think of shapeshifting Pokemon, Ditto is usually the first that comes to mind. However, it isn’t the only Pokemon capable of drastically changing its form. Zorua is a Dark-type fox, and the Pokedex reveals that it enjoys surprising people by transforming into other forms. It does this through the signature Ability of its evolutionary line, Illusion. In battle this allows it to take the form of the last Pokemon in a player’s team. When used cleverly, the Ability can be integrated into an intricate strategy that leaves opponents confused. When Zorua is leveled up enough, it eventually evolves into Zoroark. In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Zorua and Zoroark receive regional variants. These variants are white, and they are notable because they are the first examples of Normal/Ghost dual-type creatures.
Fennekin, Braixen, and Delphox
Pokemon X and Y brought gamers some of the most beloved starters of the franchise. Some gamers were strongly attached to Froakie which eventually evolves into Greninja, a Pokemon that has become a fan favorite. It will be receiving more attention in the upcoming 7-Star Tera Raids of Scarlet and Violet. Gen 6 also introduced Fennekin, the cute Fire-type fox. As its name suggests, the Pokemon is inspired by the similarly large-eared fennec fox. It evolves into Braixen and eventually into Delphox which is a bipedal Fire/Psychic creature. It carries a flaming stick and its fur makes it look like it is wearing witch robes.
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Nickit and Thievul
Nickit has one of the most striking designs of all the fox Pokemon. The small, quadrupedal creature has red fur with black markings around its eyes that make it look like it has a mask on. Nickit survives off thievery, and the Pokedex reveals that it uses its tail to erase its tracks as it flees. The Dark-type Pokemon evolves into Thievul which remains quadrupedal but is larger, with white fur on its chest. Thievul also has black markings around its eyes, which makes it look ready for a night of looting. According to the Pokedex, it will follow the scent of its target and steal from them when they least expect it. Although Nickit and Thievul are cute critters, they seem like a handful to train.
Eevee and Its Eeveelutions
Eevee is a special Normal-type Pokemon that was introduced in the first Pokemon generation. The Pokedex claims that it has an irregular genetic code, and this may be why it has such a wide array of evolutions. As of Scarlet and Violet, there are eight Eevee evolutions, often dubbed Eeveelutions by fans. The Eeveelutions retain the fox-like qualities of Eevee, though they gain additional traits to reflect their new typing.
Three Eeveelutions were originally introduced in Gen 1, including Jolteon the Electric-type and Flareon the Fire-type. The Water-type evolution Vaporeon has perhaps the most striking design from the original trio, as it looks like a cross between a fox and a fish. In the next generation, Umbreon the Dark-type and Espeon the Psychic-type made their first appearance, while Leafeon the Grass-type and Glaceon the Ice-type were introduced in Gen 4. The last Eeveelution to be introduced is Sylveon, which first made an appearance in Pokemon X and Y and was meant to show off the new Fairy type.
Notably, there were no new fox Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet. While this may be disappointing to some fans, it certainly doesn’t mean that the new additions are bad. There are several standouts, including Palafin, which has a secret Hero form that is activated when it is switched out of battle and thrown back in, as well as Annihilape, which gives renewed attention to a classic Gen 1 Pokemon. There are rumors that Scarlet and Violet DLC may be on the way, and it may be an opportunity for new fox Pokemon to make an appearance, perhaps as a Paradox Pokemon.
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet are available now for Nintendo Switch.
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