In the world of Pokémon Go, some beloved creatures have seemingly been left in the shadows. Players have wondered where their favorites like Arceus and Mewtwo have been, and now there’s buzz surrounding the elusive Honedge and Basculegion.

Recently, I had the privilege to chat with Michael Steranka, the Director of Pokémon Go at Scopely. With so many fans hungry for updates on these highly sought-after Pokémon, I couldn’t resist asking about their anticipated arrival.

Let’s start with Honedge. This Ghost/Steel type is a fan favorite, especially considering the popularity of its evolution line, Aegislash. Steranka acknowledged the community’s enthusiasm but shed light on why Honedge has yet to make its debut.

"Aegislash has its unique ability to change forms from Shield to Sword, which requires us to build a complex technological framework," Steranka explained at Pokémon Go Fest: Paris. "We needed to establish this foundation before tackling more Pokémon with similar dynamics."

But there’s more to it than just form changes! Steranka mentioned the challenges of integrating damage-related transformations and specific move conditions, emphasizing that the team wants to ensure a smooth introduction into the game. "We’re very aware of the demand for Honedge and Aegislash, but we want to release them at the right moment," he stated, highlighting the importance of a balanced environment—especially with major events like the Pokémon World Championships on the horizon.

As for Basculegion, the anticipation is palpable! Steranka remained a bit reserved about its release, indicating that the team is searching for the perfect thematic timing. "It’s important for us to integrate Pokémon thoughtfully, ensuring we respect their unique qualities while also blending with ongoing game themes," Steranka remarked.

Fans speculate that Basculegion could align with a themed event, but details are scarce. One can only hope that when it finally arrives, it won’t come with the convoluted evolution methods seen with other recent Pokémon like Urshifu.

With the promise of Honedge and Basculegion on the horizon, Pokémon Go trainers have much to look forward to. The excitement is building—let’s just hope we don’t have to wait too long!