The ancient land of Hisui is populated by ancestral versions of beloved characters from Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum, though their personalities are independent of their far-off descendants. Nobody with a Nintendo Switch should miss this new chapter in the franchise’s history. If you still need some convincing, let these attractive ladies of Hisui push you in the right direction.
5. Akari
It’s always a little weird to call the player character a waifu since they’re, well, ourselves – but one look at the adorable Akari is all you need to know she belongs on this list. Like many characters in the Hisui Region, Akari is heavily based on a Pokémon Diamond & Pearl character – specifically, she seems to be an ancestor of protagonist Dawn. Dawn herself is a pretty popular character who gets a ton of love and fanart online, and for a history buff like me, the old-timey Akari is even better. Whether she’s Professor Laventon’s assistant or a time-traveling hero chosen by Arceus to get some stuff done in Hisui, Akari is prime waifu material.
4. Irida
Irida sure has a flashy fashion sense for someone living in ancient times. “Irida” is a play on “iridescence,” the name for the rainbow-colored sheen on nacre and, most notably, pearls. It’s the perfect name for the petite leader of the Pearl Clan, who shines bright despite her modest size. When we meet her, Irida comes across as a very distrusting individual – but she knows how to recognize people’s good deeds, so she eventually warms up to the player. Irida is an Eevee-specialist who’s never seen without her Glaceon. As the game continues, she adds an Espeon and a Flareon to the team.
3. Mai
We’ll jump to the other side of the Hisuian culture war and look at Mai, a Warden of the Diamond Clan tasked with overseeing the majestic ride-friendly Wyrdeer. Mai is one of the coolest characters in the game by far – at least regarding her appearance. She has the Diamond Clan symbol on her jacket, wears a stylish hairclip, and – more importantly – has several Pokémon drawings all around her outfit that would make bad-ass tattoos. Mai seems to be an ancestor of Marley, a somewhat low-profile trainer found on the Victory Road of Pokémon DPP.
2. Cogita
If I was a little pretentious, I’d describe myself as a sapiosexual – someone who feels romantic attraction toward highly intelligent people. Anyone who feels identified by that description will agree with putting Cogita so high up on the list. Cogita is stylish, elegant, and wise beyond her (apparent) years. She’s a repository of ancient Hisuian knowledge – from historical events to manufacturing processes for legendary artifacts. It’s even implied that she was the one who wrote the Old Verses found throughout the game, which does nothing but add more mystery to her backstory. Just how old is she?
1. Arezu
Whether it’s her personality or design, Arezu keeps us coming back for more. Her outfit – a Hisuian take on an oversized hoodie – is adorable, and the gradient-colored pantyhose makes you wonder just how advanced Hisuian textiles are. Along with the comfy-looking sweater, her sultry eyes and Arceus-blessed proportions make Arezu a force to be reckoned with in the world of Pokéwaifus. Watching her enthusiasm on her first visit to Jubilife Village made my heart swoon, and the whole “becoming a hairstylist” character ark was quirky in the best way possible. I hope Game Freak finds a way to give us more Arezu sometime in the future!
