When I remember it vividly Pokemon Scarlet and Purple When it was first announced, and I instantly fell in love with Fuecoco as a Gen 9 Fire Starter, people online were shocked that it was breaking the 26-year-long pattern of Chinese Zodiac-inspired Fire Starter Pokémon. I'll be honest – I always thought the Chinese zodiac theory was a bit forced. however, Pokemon There are a lot of unique references and unique sources of inspiration across the board, so there might be something there. When I found out about Pokemon Wind and Wavedetails, I started thinking about the Chinese zodiac tradition and how it suddenly made sense for Gen 10 when I read about a setting-appropriate myth.
Based on leakage, Pokemon Gen 10 will be called Pokemon Wind and WaveWith games featuring human-like box legendaries that each represent one of these key elements. The games will reportedly be set in an archipelago inspired by Southeast Asia and Indonesia, which is an interesting location considering the series' settings are Japanese, American, or European. But why would Gen 10 resurrect the Chinese zodiac tradition? The answer is simple, and it is because there is a perfect folklore creature that it fits.
Everything Explained in Pokemon Gen 10 Teraleak
Images and documents related to the Pokemon Gen 10 games, reportedly called Pokemon Wind and Wave, have surfaced online detailing their new content.
Pokemon's Fire Starter Chinese Zodiac theory explained, and how it crashed
If you're out of the loop, fire starter Chinese zodiac theory states that each starter with a fire type can fit into one of the 12 animals represented by the Chinese zodiac. These will be:
- Gen 1: Charmander is the dragon of the Chinese zodiac, which may refer to Charizard's design and the fact that even in one of its mega evolutions, the dragon is a type.
- Gen 2: Cyndaquil is the rat of the Chinese zodiac, which is fitting since it's called the “Fire Mouse Pokemon”.
- Gen 3: Turchik is the Rooster of the Chinese zodiac, which makes sense because it's the Rooster.
- Gen 4: Chimchar is the monkey of the Chinese zodiac, which is actually a monkey again.
- Gen 5: Tepig is the Chinese zodiac pig, and it's also easy to spot.
- Gen 6: Fennekin is the dog of the Chinese zodiac, although this theory is starting to show its cracks, because Fennekin is clearly a fox (and its evolution proves it).
- Gen 7: Litten is the tiger of the Chinese zodiac, and while the starter is a cat, its final evolution is clearly based on a tiger.
- Gen 8: Scorbunny is the Chinese zodiac rabbit, which again fits well.
- General 9: Fuecoco is the real deal breaker, as the rest of the Chinese zodiac animals are the snake, horse, goat and ox, but it's clearly based on the crocodile, as its evolution holds.
How Pokemon Wind and Wave Can Revive Chinese Zodiac Theory
There is no guarantee of that PokemonThe Chinese zodiac theory of will return to Gen 10, but if Pokemon Wind and Wave The leak is true, and with the games set in Southeast Asia and Indonesia, it would be a shame not to use the perfect creature for this format: the Sigbin. Sigbin (or Sigben) is a creature originating from Philippine folklore that resembles a hornless goat.
According to myths, the sigbin has large ears that clap, a long tail that it can use as a whip, and a terrible smell. It is active at night and hunts for blood, which it sips from the shadows of animals and humans. It is said to walk backwards, with reports suggesting that it places its head between its legs, and may be able to become invisible. Despite its terrifying appearance and behavior, it could easily become a Pokémon, possibly the final evolution of a Gen 10 Fire-type starter. Possibilities include:
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A fire goat with some of Sigbin's physical characteristics for a pure fire-type Pokemon.
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A goat that features the physical characteristics of Sigbin, but with a focus on invisibility and bloodsucking from shadows, for a potential fire/ghost starter. Because it is not possible Pokemon Legends: Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Purple Hisuian was a fire/ghost starter in Typhlosion and Skeledirge.
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Inspired by Sigbin in terms of goat-like creature design, with a focus on the nauseating smell, which could be perfect for Fire/Poison Pokemon like Salazzle.
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A Goat Pokémon that is physically and behaviorally inspired by Sigbin, combining some of the traits common to Fire/Dark Pokémon, such as Incineroar.
Why Goat Fire Starters Make Perfect Sense in Gen 10
Since Sigbin has so many characteristics that can make for an interesting Pokemon concept, the possibilities for a potential starter are endless. Given that goats have long been associated with fire as an element due to religious symbolism, and given that there are no Fire-type goat Pokémon, this could be a great opportunity to kill two birds with one stone by creating a myth-appropriate critter based on local legend. It can enrich the setting Pokemon Wind and WaveAlso offering completely refreshing Pokemon species as starters.
Finally, since Skiddo and Gogoat are the only true goat Pokemon, it would make sense to have more based on these animals. One could argue that from Cobalion PokemonThe Sword of Justice is a goat, but it is actually based on antelopes, which instead have different characteristics from goats. As such, a Sigbin-inspired Pokémon would be perfect for Gen 10, and it could revive the Chinese zodiac theory — at least for a while.
- issued
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October 16, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Fantasy violence, in-game purchases
