Kalos
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||||||
The Kalos region (Japanese: カロス地方 Kalos region) is a region of the Pokémon world. It was the sixth core series region to be introduced and is the setting of Pokémon X and Y.
It is shaped like a five-pointed star, with one of its biggest cities being Lumiose City in the north-central part of the region. It features a vast network of rivers and waterways snaking through much of its landscape, cities and towns. North-east of Lumiose City lies a mountain range where more frigid temperatures exist, extending down into the plains below. Western Kalos features a vast ocean, where the shoreside city of Shalour City lies in the middle of a cove.
Etymology and design concept
Etymology
According to Junichi Masuda, the name comes from the Greek word κάλλος, meaning beauty.[1]
Design concept
- Main article: Pokémon world in relation to the real world → Kalos
Kalos is based on the northern half of Metropolitan France.[2] According to Junichi Masuda, France was chosen as a basis for Kalos because the team considered it a good fit for Pokémon X and Y's theme of "beauty".[3]
History
Dated history
- 3,000 years prior to the events of Pokémon X and Y, the Kalos war occurred, the ultimate weapon was created underneath Geosenge Town, and AZ was given eternal life.
- c. 800 years prior to the events of Pokémon X and Y, Xerneas releasedX/Yveltal absorbedY life energy throughout the Kalos region upon reaching the end of its life cycle. Afterward, it withdrew into hibernation deep within a forestX/mountain rangeY.
- c. 300 years prior to the events of Pokémon X and Y, Parfum Palace was built.
Contemporary history
In contemporary history, Calem/Serena leaves their home in Vaniville Town, meeting Shauna and Serena/Calem, who invite them to join the pair for a meeting in Aquacorde Town. Calem, Serena, and Shauna receive their starter Pokémon from Tierno and a Pokédex from Trevor on behalf of Professor Sycamore. After delivering a letter to their Mom from Professor Sycamore, they head on an adventure traveling across Kalos challenging Gyms in order to earn eight Badges to then challenge the Pokémon League. Over the course of their journey, they come into contact with Team Flare, an organization whose goal is to create a "beautiful and better" world while making money. They try to do this by stealing Fossils from Glittering Cave, siphoning electricity from the Kalos Power Plant, stealing the Poké Balls from the Poké Ball Factory in Laverre City, and attempting to agitate and capture an Abomasnow. Calem/Serena also encounters a mysterious giant called AZ on several occasions, initially on Kalos Route 13. After earning their seventh Badge from Olympia, Calem/Serena is contacted by Lysandre, a man introduced by Professor Sycamore, who reveals both himself as the leader of Team Flare, and his intention to use the "ultimate weapon" to eliminate all life in the world except for those in Team Flare. Calem/Serena battle Lysandre, first in Lysandre Labs, and again in the Team Flare Secret HQ, before making their way down to the basement where they find XerneasX/YveltalY and battle them, before battling against Lysandre once more. Even though Lysandre is defeated, and Calem/Serena and their friends reason with him, he still fires the ultimate weapon. The blast the weapon emits destroys it and buries Lysandre and the HQ, ultimately disbanding Team Flare. Calem/Serena then heads to the Pokémon League where they defeat the Elite Four and Diantha, becoming Champion of Kalos. Professor Sycamore then holds a grand ceremony in Kalos to celebrate Calem/Serena's victory, and all of their friends' efforts in defeating Team Flare. During the ceremony, a large mysterious man challenges Calem/Serena to a battle and is defeated, but is grateful to them, for in the battle, he finally felt free from the sorrow and rage he felt in creating the ultimate weapon. As such, the man is revealed to be the ancient king AZ, and having once again become the man who loved Pokémon with all his heart, his long lost partner Floette returns to him, resulting in a tearful reunion.
After the ceremony, Calem/Serena is invited to Kiloude City to partake in its Battle Maison, and is given a train pass for it by Professor Sycamore. After partaking in a few battles there, they are informed by Professor Sycamore that the Anistar sundial can radiate special energy, and their Mega Ring is upgraded to be able to locate Mega Stones hidden across Kalos during twilight. Calem/Serena then returns to Lumiose City, where they are contacted by Looker, who has a series of cases he wants them to investigate. Calem/Serena takes part in a series of trials across Lumiose and become's Looker's second-in-command. During the investigations, Calem/Serena and Looker meet an orphan girl named Emma and her Espurr named Mimi, who are living in the alleys of Lumiose. Eventually, Looker offers to let Emma live in the Looker Bureau. However, soon after, a mysterious figure vandalizes the Lumiose Museum and also lures Trainers in to steal their Pokémon. Upon investigating these cases, and through the help of Malva, they learn that the crimes are being committed by Essentia, who is actually Emma in a suit that enhances her power, but she is unconscious in doing this: she is actually being controlled by Xerosic. Calem/Serena and Looker track Xerosic down to a secret floor in Lysandre Labs, and manage to defeat Essentia in a series of battles. Looker captures Xerosic, and takes him away, and parts ways with Calem/Serena and Emma, and despite the latter's hesitance, Looker reassures her that their bonds will always be strong no matter how far apart they are.
Geography
The geography of Kalos varies greatly within the region. The region is naturally bordered by a vast ocean to the west and northwest, and the eastern and southern borders are formed by mountain ranges. These borders give the region its signature star-like shape, as a large peninsula reaches out to the sea in the northwest, creating one point, and elsewhere the coastline, mountain ranges and rivers create the remaining four points. Kalos is made up of three distinct divisions, all with their own unique characteristics in both geography and Pokémon: Central Kalos, Coastal Kalos, and Mountain Kalos. The bustling Lumiose City is located near the point where all three divisions meet.
Central Kalos is located in the centric and southern parts of the region. The area is dominated by large forested plains with multiple rivers crossing it, with very few changes in elevation. Several towns are surrounded by walls of some sort, and there are also many old castles and châteaus. Many important human settlements and landmarks are located here, such as Vaniville Town, Santalune City, a portion of Lumiose City, and the Parfum Palace.
Coastal Kalos is located by the vast sea in the western parts of Kalos. The mainly explored area is a strip between mountains and the sea. This area is dominated by rocky shores in the southwest and lush beaches and forests in the northwest. Most human settlements are located by the sea. The peninsula in the northwest is known for its menhir stones. There are many important locations, such as the Reflection Cave, Geosenge Town, and Shalour City with its Tower of Mastery.
Mountain Kalos is located in the eastern reaches of the region. The area is largely mountainous and the temperatures tend to be cooler than in the other parts, with some routes and settlements having snow covering them. To the north there is a marshy area that is said to be haunted. However, the settlements are plentiful, and there are some important landmarks, such as the Kalos Power Plant that is built on a harsh wasteland, the Poké Ball Factory in Laverre City, and the Pokémon League.
Kiloude City is located outside the three divisions, and is only reachable by train from Lumiose City. The city is relatively isolated from the other parts of the region, being completely surrounded by mountains.
Demographics
The Kalos region has a total population of 1288 including all the towns, cities, routes and areas. Since its introduction in Generation VI, it has been the largest region by population.
Notable locations
Kalos has sixteen cities and towns, and a Pokémon League.
Like in Unova, the routes of Kalos start counting again from 1, likely to represent its geographical isolation from the previously introduced regions. There are 22 routes in total.
In the anime, like Unova, Kalos was far enough away from Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, and Sinnoh to require traveling via airplane (as evidenced by how Ash and Alexa arrived in the region, as well as how Ash and Serena left the region for Kanto and Hoenn, respectively).
Settlements
| Map | Name | Population | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Vaniville Town | 10 | Blooming buds covered in mountain dew exude hope for the future in this small town. |
|
Aquacorde Town | 15 | A town that naturally sprang as people flocked to this pristine riverside. |
|
Santalune City | 36 | Many beginning Trainers gather in this friendly city to start a Pokémon journey. |
|
Lumiose City | 448 | A dazzling metropolis of art and artifice, located in the very heart of the Kalos region. |
|
Camphrier Town | 17 | This ancient town was once famous for the long-neglected manor home of a noble family. |
|
Cyllage City | 57 | A city nestled between the cliffs and the sea, overlooked by steep Bicycle racecourses. |
|
Ambrette Town | 28 | This town was known only for its aquarium until the discovery of rare Fossils really put it on the map. |
|
Geosenge Town | 16 | A town lined with mysterious stones and encircled by strange ruins of old. |
|
Shalour City | 35 | The seaside home of the Tower of Mastery, where the legend of mysterious stones lives on. |
|
Coumarine City | 49 | An exclusive resort area made popular thanks to its clear skies and mild atmosphere. |
|
Laverre City | 42 | An unearthly city created by those inspired by a mysterious and ancient tree 1,500 years old. |
|
Dendemille Town | 20 | A rural town where Pokémon and windmills work together to farm the land in a chilly latitude. |
|
Anistar City | 37 | Some say the enigmatic device used as a sundial came from outer space. |
|
Couriway Town | 23 | The railway brings people from great distances to see the huge, majestic falls. |
|
Snowbelle City | 36 | They say the cold air flowing from the Pokémon Gym is responsible for this city's frozen state. |
|
Pokémon League | 11 | This path is open only to those who can best every Pokémon Gym in the Kalos region. |
|
Kiloude City | 40 | This city, popular with Pokémon Trainers, is a typical example of southern Kalosian life. |
Landmarks
| Map | Landmark | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Santalune Forest | The gentle light filtering through this sun-dappled forest makes it a popular spot for nature walks. |
|
Tower of Mastery | The tower of further awakenings. |
|
Chamber of Emptiness | A mysterious void. It is said that nothing can exist within it. |
|
Victory Road | This treacherous path to the Pokémon League will break the hearts of even the toughest Trainers. |
|
Parfum Palace | A luxurious palace constructed 300 years ago by a king who wished to display his power to all. |
|
Connecting Cave | This cave linking Route 7 and Cyllage City is notable for its great hordes of Zubat. |
|
Glittering Cave | Lose all sense of direction as you wander through this cave, where Luminous Moss glows emerald green. |
|
Reflection Cave | The sheer faces of these rock walls reflect the images of people and Pokémon like nature's mirror. |
|
Kalos Power Plant | An environmentally responsible power plant that generates solar power from space. |
|
Azure Bay | The deep blue ocean off Kalos's coast, where Pokémon from distant lands are said to visit. |
|
Sea Spirit's Den | A pit in the shallows of Azure Bay thought to have been born from an ancient outpouring of energy. |
|
Poké Ball Factory | An expansive factory where every Poké Ball used in the Kalos region is produced. |
|
Lost Hotel | This once-famous hotel clings to the shade of its former glory after tragedy left it in ruins. |
|
Frost Cavern | The drifting snow and impenetrable fog make this cavern a place of fantastical illusions. |
|
Terminus Cave | A coal mine that was closed a few years ago due to rumors of a monster living deep within it. |
|
Pokémon Village | Legends say a place exists where Pokémon live in hiding, but no one has ever found it. |
Anime-exclusive
| Picture | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
|
Allearth Forest | The Allearth Forest is a forbidden place where the "Great Destruction," a mass catastrophe where much life was lost, took place. |
|
Arche Valley | A small town with stone houses. It is Meray and Baraz's hometown. People strive to become one with nature here. |
|
Avignon Town | A historical town with a large castle on a hill. |
|
Azoth Kingdom | A mechanical kingdom where large cogs and gears all over the city run continuously. |
|
Brackish Town | A town between Cyllage City and Geosenge Town. It is famous for its chocolate cake. Diantha had an exhibition match here. |
|
Calanthe Town | A town between Cyllage City and Geosenge Town. It has a hospital for humans. |
|
Castle of Chivalry | A castle owned by Wikstrom, where he puts Trainers and their Pokémon through several challenges to better themselves. |
|
Chapman Research Lab | A research lab previously operated by Chapman, an environmental scientist who was researching the area surrounding it. It became derelict after Chapman passed away. |
|
Dahara City | A sprawling metropolis with towering skyscrapers surrounded by stone houses. One hundred years ago, a great battle between the Pokémon occurred in the city, causing massive destruction. |
|
Dahara Tower | The largest skyscraper and main landmark of Dahara City. |
|
Diamond Domain | An underground domain where many Carbink live in peace. There is a large diamond here called the Heart Diamond that sustains the land. |
|
Fleurrh City | A city with a Showcase theater that is located between Couriway Town and Snowbelle City. |
|
Gloire City | A seaside city with a large castle on a hill that is located between Couriway Town and Snowbelle City. The castle has a theater where Master Class Pokémon Showcases are hosted. |
|
Grace Tower | A rock formation between Shalour City and Coumarine City. It is rumored to be a landing site for UFOs. |
|
Jacore Town | A town between Couriway Town and Snowbelle City that has a jewelry exhibit. |
|
Joule Town | A town between Couriway Town and Snowbelle City that hosts a festival. |
|
Kalos Canyon | A canyon located somewhere between Geosenge Town and Shalour City. Due to the wind currents in the canyon, many Trainers come here to practice Sky Battles. |
|
Lagoon Town | A town located between Shalour City and Coumarine City. It has a theater for Pokémon Showcases. |
|
Mega Island | An island located off the coast of Shalour City. Mega Stones can be found here. |
|
Mt. Molteau | A mountain located between Dendemille Town and Anistar City. It is a resting place for Moltres. |
|
Nebel Plateau | A remote highlands where Pokémon harmed by humans live together with Volcanion. |
|
Ninja Village | A village located between Anistar City and Snowbelle City. It is the hometown to the ninja Sanpei and his two brothers, Ippei and Nihei. |
|
Odyssey Village | A village between Lumiose City and Santalune City that holds a Rhyhorn racing track. |
|
Orsay City | A modern city with a large shopping mall. |
|
Otori Mountain | A mountain located between Anistar City and Couriway Town that served as the base for a group of ninjas. |
|
Pikachu Land | A film set owned by Frank, a movie director. It is the location for his movie, The Lightning-fast Hero! Super Pikachu!!. |
|
Pikachu Manor | A large mansion on top of a cliff that is owned by Frank, a movie director. A lot of furniture and items inside resemble Pikachu, including a throne. |
|
Pokémon Summer Camp | A summer camp hosted by Professor Sycamore. It is located between Geosenge Town and Shalour City. |
|
Pomace Mountain | A mountain located somewhere between Geosenge Town and Shalour City. Mabel, a Trainer with a lot of knowledge about Mega Evolution, lives here. |
|
S.S. Cussler | The remains of a luxury liner that sank to the bottom of the ocean long ago after colliding with an iceberg. Due to sea currents the wreckage was moved close to Muraille Coast. It has since become a home for many Pokémon living in the ocean. |
Appearance
Artwork
|
|
| Pre-release artwork of Kalos from Pokémon X and Y | Artwork of Kalos from Pokémon X and Y |
In-game
|
| Kalos as seen in Pokémon X and Y |
Kalos League
- Main article: Kalos League
The Kalos League is the regional Pokémon League of the Kalos region. After obtaining the eight Badges of the region, a Trainer may battle the Elite Four and Champion at the Pokémon League building.
Gym Leaders
| Kalos League | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation VI | Region: Kalos | ||
| Gym Leader Japanese |
Location Japanese |
Type | Badge |
 Viola ビオラ Viola |
Santalune City ハクダンシティ Hakudan City |
Bug |  Bug Badge |
 Grant ザクロ Zakuro |
Cyllage City ショウヨウシティ Shouyou City |
Rock |  Cliff Badge |
 Korrina コルニ Corni |
Shalour City シャラシティ Shara City |
Fighting |  Rumble Badge |
 Ramos フクジ Fukuji |
Coumarine City ヒヨクシティ Hiyoku City |
Grass |  Plant Badge |
 Clemont シトロン Citron |
Lumiose City ミアレシティ Miare City |
Electric |  Voltage Badge |
 Valerie マーシュ Mache |
Laverre City クノエシティ Kunoe City |
Fairy |  Fairy Badge |
 Olympia ゴジカ Gojika |
Anistar City ヒャッコクシティ Hyakkoku City |
Psychic |  Psychic Badge |
 Wulfric ウルップ Urup |
Snowbelle City エイセツシティ Eisetsu City |
Ice |  Iceberg Badge |
Elite Four and Champion
| Kalos League | |
|---|---|
| Generation VI | |
| Member Japanese |
Type |
 Malva パキラ Pachira |
Fire |
 Siebold ズミ Zumi |
Water |
 Wikstrom ガンピ Gampi |
Steel |
 Drasna ドラセナ Dracaena |
Dragon |
 Champion Diantha カルネ Carne |
Various |
Trivia
- The English and Japanese names of cities and towns in Kalos are derived from various ingredients used in fragrances. Likewise, the names in the European versions are derived from various terminologies related to art.
- Kalos is the only region in which:
- Gym Leaders hand out TMs containing moves from older generations in games that they are introduced in.
- All Gym Leaders and Elite Four members use teams consisting entirely of Pokémon of the type they use.
- All Routes have alternate names.
- There is more than one status-healing local specialty food item: the Lumiose Galette and the Shalour Sable, although the latter cannot be obtained in Pokémon X and Y without trading.
- Kalos is the only core series region not to have:
- A notable Ghost-type expert.
- Any vending machines.
- Cities, towns, or landmarks with a human population on an island.
- The Kalos region has the largest regional Pokédex of all regions.
- Kalos is tied with Galar as the region that appears in the fewest core series games, with only two: Pokémon X and Y.
- Kalos has the largest population of any region, with 1,288 inhabitants living in its cities, towns, and other areas.
- The adjectival form of Kalos is "Kalosian", as seen in Kiloude City's description.
See also
In other languages
| Language | Name | Origin |
|---|---|---|
| German, Spanish, French, Italian, Portuguese, Czech, Danish, Finnish, Indonesian, Dutch, Croatian, Hungarian, Estonian, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Swedish, Turkish, Vietnamese |
Kalos | From its Japanese and English name |
| Korean | 칼로스 Kalos | Transcription of its Japanese name |
| Chinese (Mandarin) | 卡洛斯 Kǎluòsī | Transcription of its Japanese name |
| Chinese (Cantonese) | 卡洛斯 Kāloksī | |
| Greek | Κάλος Kálos | Transcription of its English name |
| Hebrew | קאלוס Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Arabic | كالوس Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Hindi | कालोस Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Russian | Калос Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Tamil | காலோஸ் Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Telugu | కాలోస్ Kalos | Transcription of its English name |
| Thai | คาลอส Kalos | Transcription of its Japanese name |
References
- ↑ Pokémon X and Pokémon Y: Honedge Revealed! (YouTube)
- ↑ Pokémon X and Pokémon Y Developer Roundtable Recap (YouTube)
- ↑ Nutt, Christian (September 19, 2013). "A New Pokémon for a New Era." Game Developer.
| Regions in the Pokémon world | ||
|---|---|---|
| Kalos | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ||||||||
|
|
This article is part of Project Locations, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on every location in the Pokémon world. |
