Eevee and the Eeveelutions are among the most popular evolutionary lines in all of Pokémon, and almost every time a new generation is on the horizon (such as the Scarlet and Violet's Gen 9), fans theorize on if a new Eeveelution will be released and what type it could be. Even with Eevee collecting so many evolutions already, there are a few very worthy types that it has yet to evolve into.
Eevee's popularity has reached the point that it is almost a secondary mascot for the Pokémon series. The first Pokémon to have multiple possible evolutions, Eevee has more evolutions than any other Pokémon in the series with eight. It is the definition of innovation in the series, with every new evolution requiring a different method or mechanic than the last. In particular, one of its evolutions, Sylveon, is the only evolution that requires the use of Pokémon Amie. Scarlet and Violet probably not adding an Eeveelution is disappointing, since Eevee's evolution gimmick makes it one of the few Pokémon that is discussed with every new generation that comes along.
There is plenty of reason to suspect that more Eeveelutions could arrive in future generations, and there are very good concepts that could be used. Eevee has proved to be incredibly versatile, with 8 types already covered by Eeveelutions. With how well Eevee seems to transform into almost any type, there is a lot of potential for what the next Eeveelution could be.
A Ghost-Type Eeveelution Could Be An Interesting Ethereal Pokémon
Espeon is one of the most popular Eeveelutions, and its cool supernatural charm is a major reason for that. A lot of Eeveelutions tend to lean towards elegance in their designs, such as Vaporeon, Glaceon, and the aforementioned Espeon. There is a type that can combine these two historically successful elements of Eeveelutions, and that is the Ghost type.
Ghost-type Pokémon can be scary, but there are also elements of mystery that could be associated with ghosts. A Ghost-type Eeveelution could display some ethereal elegance with a wispy, enigmatic design. Not only would a Ghost Eeveelution have great potential for excellent design, but it could offer new opportunities in of mechanics and viability. The Ghost type is almost the polar opposite of Eevee's Normal type, with both being immune to each other. Deg a Ghost-type Eeveelution would do well to focus on the mysterious side of Ghost Pokémon. An ability and moveset combining disruption and raw spectral power would be the way to go.
There are a lot of sources that the developers could dig into if they wanted to make a Ghost-type Eeveelution. Whether it drew inspiration from any specific myth, or was just a mysterious, spectral Eeveelution, the end result would undoubtedly look phenomenal. The bizzare origin behind Eevee's Pokémon design only adds more aesthetic potential for a Ghost-type.
A Bug-Type Eeveelution Would Be One Of The Most Experimental Pokémon Designs
One undisputed trait that is shared among all Eeveelutions is that they are generally rather cute. Even though Eevelutions such as Espeon and Vaporeon are very powerful, their designs still lean towards cuteness, with a few also adding grace to the mixture, with Jolteon being the only aggressive-looking mixture. One of the most interesting routes that the next Eeveelution could take involves one of the least stereotypically cute types in the game, Bug type.
Of course, there are cute Bug Pokémon such as Joltik and Dewpider, but insects and arachnids have a bigger reputation for being creepy than cute. However, there is a nearly endless amount of bugs that could be used as inspiration. A Bug-type Eeveelution could be based on a bee, a beetle, or any other sort of bug. With Eevee having so many evolutions in Pokémon, the developers need to be creative in order to add more, which Bug-type gives ample opportunity for. In addition to powerful Bug-type moves like Leech Life and X-Scissor, the sheer variety of Bug designs could open any number of possibilities. A Bug-type Eeveelution could end up with more possibilities than any other.
Bug-type Pokémon have grown significantly from the days of Caterpie and Weedle. Now rather than primarily being early-game Pokémon, Bug-types are popular in all levels of the games. Adding a Bug-type Eeveelution would not only provide an opportunity for a truly creative new Pokémon, but potentially add a new strong Bug Pokémon to the scene. Whether it be closer to a ladybug or a scorpion, Bug is a great candidate for what type Eevee should evolve into next.
A Dragon-Type Eveelution Could Bring Majesty And Power To Pokémon
Ever since its debut in Gen 1, the Dragon type has held a reputation as the strongest in the game. Resistant to all three starter types and only weak to two types other than itself, it has certainly earned its reputation. As the type most closely associated with legendaries and pseudo-legendaries, the Dragon type commands respect. That is why it feels like a Dragon-type Eeveelution is long overdue.
Dragon-type Pokémon are tough, powerful, and majestic. They are also surprisingly varied, with unexpected Pokémon such as Mega Ampharos and Alolan Exeggutor boasting the type. This combined with the creative direction of past Eeveelutions brings up a whole world of possibilities if Eevee is allowed to evolve into a Dragon-type and fans have drawn impressive Dragon Eeveelution concepts already. In addition, A Dragon-type Eeveelution would be an opportunity for Eevee to play a significant role in a game's plot. With the Dragon type being tied to so many powerful Pokémon, it's possible that the discovery of a Dragon-type Eeveelution could be a major lore event.
Even though Pokémon's Psychic type ruled Gen 1, Dragons have always been the top of the heap lore-wise. With Eevee being the Pokémon with the most evolutionary potential, a Dragon Eeveelution could represent the absolute peak of what Eevee is capable of in-universe. If another Eeveelution is planned for the future, Dragon might be the strongest type to choose.
Whatever one may think Pokémon's best Eeveelution is, the enthusiasm that the discussion of Eeveelutions generates would make it unsurprising if another one were to be announced. There are still nine more types for Eevee to evolve into, so it is completely fair to speculate on which could possibly be next. If Pokémon does come out with a new Eeveelution, then one of the aforementioned types may be the best option.