Tauros Variants: A Comprehensive Guide to Paldea’s Raging Bulls
The world of Pokémon is no stranger to regional forms, and Tauros, the raging bull of Generation I, is no exception. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Tauros has received a significant update, sporting not just one, but three unique forms native to the Paldea region. So, what are the variants of Tauros? The short answer is that there are three distinct Tauros forms found in Paldea: the standard Combat Breed, and two special variants: the Blaze Breed and the Aqua Breed. These three forms offer different types, appearances, and availability. Let’s delve into each of these variants in detail.
The Three Forms of Paldean Tauros
Combat Breed: The Base Form
The Combat Breed is the most common form of Tauros you will encounter in Paldea. It maintains the single Fighting-type classification and showcases a robust, black and gray color palette. This version of Tauros is designed to embody the spirit of a bull used in bullfighting, drawing visual inspiration from the Toro Bravo of the Iberian Peninsula. Key characteristics include shorter, broader horns, a shaggier mane, and a fierce, angry expression. This variant serves as the base form from which the other two special breeds are derived. They are found in herds roaming the open grassy areas of the East and West provinces of Paldea.
Blaze Breed: Fire-Fighting Fury
The Blaze Breed Tauros is a unique and rarer variant, exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet. This form adds Fire-type to its Fighting-type base, making it a potent Fighting/Fire-type. The Blaze Breed is visually distinct, sporting red markings on the shaggy mane behind its head. Additionally, its three tails are intertwined, further differentiating it from the Combat Breed. This fiery variant can be found in the same locations as the Combat Breed, but it is a much rarer encounter. To find it more effectively, players can consume a sandwich with Fire encounter power. The Blaze Breed is not available in Pokémon Violet, making it a prized catch for Scarlet players.
Aqua Breed: A Watery Rampage
The Aqua Breed Tauros is the counterpart to the Blaze Breed and is exclusive to Pokémon Violet. This variant adds Water-type to its base Fighting-type classification, resulting in a Fighting/Water-type. The Aqua Breed is identifiable by its flowing, blue mane, resembling water, that further emphasizes the watery nature of this form. Like the Blaze Breed, it is a rare encounter and appears alongside the standard Combat Breed in herds. To improve chances of finding one, players can consume a sandwich with Water encounter power. The Aqua Breed is unavailable in Pokémon Scarlet, making it a sought-after Pokémon for Violet trainers.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Tauros Variants
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Tauros variants, along with their detailed answers to provide additional valuable information:
1. Where are the different forms of Tauros found?
Combat Breed Tauros are found in herds in the East and West Provinces of Paldea. Blaze Breed Tauros are found in the same areas, but only in Pokémon Scarlet, and Aqua Breed Tauros are found in the same areas but only in Pokémon Violet.
2. How rare are Blaze and Aqua Breed Tauros?
The standard spawn rate for both Blaze and Aqua Breed Tauros is quite low, approximately 20% or less. These rare spawns can be increased by eating sandwiches with specific Fire or Water encounter powers, respectively.
3. Are Blaze and Aqua Breed Tauros version-exclusive?
Yes, absolutely. The Blaze Breed Tauros is exclusive to Pokémon Scarlet, while the Aqua Breed Tauros is exclusive to Pokémon Violet. You cannot catch a Blaze Breed in Violet or an Aqua Breed in Scarlet.
4. Do these Tauros variants evolve?
No, none of the Paldean Tauros variants evolve. This includes the Combat Breed, Blaze Breed, and Aqua Breed.
5. What is the type of each Tauros variant?
The Combat Breed is Fighting-type. The Blaze Breed is Fighting/Fire-type, and the Aqua Breed is Fighting/Water-type.
6. Can I breed Blaze or Aqua Breed Tauros to get more of them?
Yes, you can. When breeding any form of Paldean Tauros, the offspring will be the same form as the parent. Therefore, breeding a Blaze Breed will result in more Blaze Breed Tauros and breeding an Aqua Breed will result in more Aqua Breed Tauros. However, breeding the standard Combat Breed will only ever result in more Combat Breed Tauros.
7. Can I get a female Tauros?
No, Tauros is a male-only species. All Tauros, regardless of the variant, are male.
8. Why is the standard Paldean Tauros black?
The black color of the standard Paldean Tauros is inspired by the Toro Bravo, the type of bull commonly used in bullfighting. This reinforces the bullfighting aesthetic of the Paldea forms.
9. What makes the Blaze Breed distinct in appearance?
The Blaze Breed is visually distinguished by its red markings on its mane and its intertwined tails.
10. What makes the Aqua Breed distinct in appearance?
The Aqua Breed is visually distinct due to its flowing, blue mane, which gives it a watery appearance.
11. What is the standard encounter rate for rare forms?
The standard encounter rate for Blaze and Aqua Breed is less than 20%, making them rare encounters in their respective games.
12. How can I increase my chances of finding Blaze or Aqua Breed Tauros?
Eating sandwiches with specific Fire or Water encounter powers will greatly increase your chances of finding Blaze or Aqua Breed Tauros. You need to look in the correct area to begin with, and look at the map to make sure you’re in the correct province.
13. Why can’t I find Aqua Breed Tauros in Pokémon Scarlet?
The Aqua Breed Tauros is exclusive to Pokémon Violet and cannot be found in Pokémon Scarlet. You would need to play the Violet version to find it.
14. Is there a “best” Tauros form?
The “best” Tauros form depends on your needs. The Combat Breed is common and reliable. The Blaze Breed offers a powerful Fire/Fighting type for Scarlet players, while the Aqua Breed offers a Water/Fighting type for Violet players, making each variant useful in its own way. The rare variants have better move types for a more diverse team.
15. Is Tauros a new addition to the game?
No, Tauros is not a new Pokémon. It was originally introduced in Generation I, but in Paldea, Tauros has received new regional forms.
Conclusion
The introduction of Paldean Tauros variants has brought a new level of collectability and strategy to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Understanding the differences between the Combat, Blaze, and Aqua Breed Tauros is essential for trainers aiming to complete their Pokédex and excel in battles. The version-exclusive nature of the Blaze and Aqua Breeds encourages trading and adds to the collaborative experience of the game. Whether you prefer the fiery power of the Blaze Breed or the watery prowess of the Aqua Breed, these regional forms make Tauros a compelling Pokémon to seek out and train in the Paldea region.