TL;DR
- Greavard combines bearded collie and komondor dog breeds with Litwick’s ghostly candle theme
- This ghost-type Pokemon uses deceptive cuteness to mask its life-draining abilities
- Strategic gameplay involves managing proximity risks while utilizing its underground detection mechanics
- Evolution potential remains unconfirmed but follows established Pokemon dog evolution patterns
- Early game encounters require careful positioning to avoid unintended stat penalties

The Paldea region continues to expand its Pokemon roster with the introduction of Greavard, marking a significant addition to the Scarlet and Violet lineup that blends canine charm with spectral mystery.
As Pokemon Scarlet and Violet approach their highly anticipated release date, developers are strategically unveiling new creatures through immersive storytelling. The recent promotional video features a Naranja Academy student from the Ghost-type Pokemon Club embarking on a nocturnal woodland expedition. During her investigation, she encounters established ghost-types like Mimikyu and Gengar, confirming their regional availability before stumbling upon this previously undiscovered species.
Greavard emerges as the twentieth officially revealed Paldea Pokemon, joining previously announced starters, legendaries, and regional variants like Paldean Wooper. Currently, only Ceruledge and Greavard represent the ghost-type category among disclosed creatures, suggesting potential type-specific gameplay mechanics.
Greavard presents as a shaggy-coated grey canine distinguished by a prominent candle-like protrusion emerging from its cranial region. This unique physical feature serves both aesthetic and functional purposes within the game’s mechanics.
The Pokemon employs clever subterranean tactics, burrowing into terrain while leaving only its candle component visible above ground. This creates natural camouflage that challenges trainers’ observational skills during exploration sequences. The visual design cleverly subverts expectations by pairing an outwardly friendly appearance with unexpectedly dark supernatural capabilities.

Despite its ominous abilities, Greavard exhibits remarkably sociable behavior patterns, actively seeking interaction with trainers who demonstrate attention. This behavioral dichotomy creates compelling risk-reward dynamics during encounters.
The Pokemon’s deceptive nature reveals itself through its hidden capacity to gradually drain life force from nearby creatures. This mechanic introduces strategic considerations for party placement and encounter duration management. New trainers should note that prolonged exposure within Greavard’s proximity field can result in cumulative stat reductions that persist beyond the immediate encounter.
A new Ghost-type Pokémon appeared in Paldea! Trainer's best friend or…? 🐶🕯️👀
👻 👻 #PokemonScarletViolet pic.twitter.com/vefZtC3esZ
— Pokémon @ Lumiose City 🥐 (@Pokemon) October 25, 2022
What kind of dog is Greavard based on?
Greavard’s design synthesizes elements from multiple canine sources, primarily drawing from the distinctive appearance of bearded collies and komondor breeds while incorporating Litwick’s ghostly candle motif.
The bearded collie influence manifests in Greavard’s lengthy, shaggy grey coat and overall facial structure, while the komondor contributes the corded, dense fur texture that facilitates its underground concealment tactics. The Litwick connection extends beyond visual similarity to include shared type characteristics and ability theming.
This multi-source inspiration approach follows established Pokemon design philosophy, where creators blend real-world animals with mythological elements and practical gameplay considerations. Understanding these origins can provide valuable insights for trainers developing effective battle strategies against similar hybrid-type Pokemon.
While Game Freak hasn’t officially confirmed Greavard’s evolutionary potential, historical patterns suggest strong possibilities. The most recent canine precedent, Yamper from Pokemon Sword and Shield, demonstrated how electric-type puppy designs can evolve into more formidable forms like Boltund.
This evolutionary trajectory establishes precedent for Greavard potentially developing into a more powerful ghost-type variant. Trainers should monitor level progression milestones and potential evolution trigger conditions similar to those found in our comprehensive game progression guides for optimal development timing.
Strategic consideration suggests that if Greavard follows Yamper’s pattern, trainers might expect evolution around mid-game levels, potentially unlocking enhanced abilities or additional type combinations. Proper evolution planning aligns with effective resource management strategies essential for long-term team development.
Action Checklist
- Scan terrain carefully for candle protrusions indicating buried Greavard
- Monitor party HP and stat indicators during Greavard interactions
- Limit continuous exposure to Greavard’s proximity field to under 30 seconds
- Document level progression milestones for evolution tracking
No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » Meet Greavard, a new addition to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Uncovering Greavard's real-world canine inspirations and ghost-type gameplay mechanics in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet
