Transform (move)
Transform へんしん Transform | ||||||||||||
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Transform (Japanese: へんしん Transform) is a non-damaging Normal-type move introduced in Generation I.
Effect
This move effect may be in need of research. Reason: Are PP Ups taken into account for maximum PP displayed for a transformed Pokémon in Generation I and II? How does transform interact with species-specific items, such as soul dew or eviolite? You can discuss this on the talk page. |
Generation I
Transform changes the user's current type, current stats (except HP), current stat modifications, current moves, current species, and current cry to that of the target's.
The transformed Pokémon retains its original coloration (if played on a system that supports colors in the first place, such as the Super Game Boy, as well as the non-Japanese Pokémon Yellow on the Game Boy Color or Virtual Console). For instance, if Ditto (a purple Pokémon) uses Transform on Pikachu in Pokémon Red and Blue, then Ditto becomes a purple Pikachu.
Each move copied by Transform will have 5 remaining PP of the usual maximum. With this in mind, if a Ditto encounters another Ditto in this generation, both Ditto will continually Transform into each other, replenishing the 5 PP constantly and making the battle seemingly endless. PP-restoring items such as Ethers used from the Bag can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming.
Transform does not copy the target's status conditions, level, current or maximum HP, base experience, or the generic Minimize image. If a transformed Pokémon takes damage from a critical hit, its original stats will be used rather than its stats after Transform. The probability of a transformed Pokémon scoring a critical hit is based on the original Pokémon's base Speed, not the base Speed of the Pokémon it transformed into.
Transform bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, even if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.
In-game, if a wild Pokémon uses Transform and is subsequently caught, it will become a Ditto, regardless of what species it originally was. It will then have all the stats and moves of a Ditto, except for its current HP, which will remain unaltered by this change.
If a wild Pokémon uses Transform twice and is subsequently caught, its DVs will be the DVs of the first Pokémon it transformed into.
In Pokémon Stadium, Transform will not work if the target's current species is Ditto. The transformed Pokémon appears with the normal colors of the target.
Generation II
Like in Generation I, a transformed Pokémon retains its original palette colors. This remains even with the introduction of Shiny Pokémon in Generation II. For instance, if a Shiny Ditto (a blue Pokémon) uses Transform on Pikachu, then Ditto becomes a blue Pikachu.
A transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder, which uses the target's species.
If a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon that knows Sketch, Sketch will have its maximum 1 PP rather than 5 like other moves.
Transform will now fail if used on a transformed opponent or if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly. Wild Pokémon are now treated as their original species upon capture after transforming, rather than being treated as Ditto like in Generation I.
Transform will correctly copy Unown's letter.
In Pokémon Stadium 2, Transform is able to work even if the target is a Ditto (unlike the previous generation). If Transform is used by a Shiny Pokémon, it will cause the Pokémon species transformed into to appear Shiny. Likewise, a normal Pokémon transforming into a Shiny target's species will appear as a normal version.
Generation III
This move effect may be in need of research. Reason: Interaction with Deoxys's forms in link battles between games in which Deoxys has different forms You can discuss this on the talk page. |
Transform, if used by a Shiny Pokémon, causes the Pokémon species transformed into to appear Shiny. Likewise, a normal Pokémon transforming into a Shiny target's species appears as a normal version. This also applies to Pokémon Colosseum and XD. For instance, if a Shiny Ditto uses Transform on a non-Shiny (red) Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a Shiny (golden) Magikarp.
Transform copies the target Pokémon's Ability, replacing its own. Starting in this generation, Transform also copies the catch rate, the base experience, and the EV yield of the target.
Leppa Berries used from the Bag or as a held item can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming. A held Leppa Berry will only be consumed if a move known before transforming reaches 0 PP. The maximum PP of a move known due to Transform is the move's base maximum PP, regardless of any PP Ups used by the target.
If a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon with multiple forms, it will copy the form of the target. If a Pokémon transforms into a Castform and has the Ability Forecast, it will change form depending on the weather after transforming into Castform's current form.
During a Pokémon Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.
Generation IV
Transform now copies the target's coloration; whether or not the transformed Pokémon is Shiny depends on whether the target is, not the user. This also applies to Pokémon Battle Revolution. For instance, if any Ditto (Shiny or not) uses Transform on a non-Shiny Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a non-Shiny Magikarp as well. Likewise, if any Ditto uses Transform on a Shiny (golden) Magikarp, Ditto becomes a Shiny Magikarp as well.
A held Leppa Berry will be consumed if the Pokémon runs out of PP for a move it knows due to Transform. If a Leppa Berry is consumed via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, it will restore PP to a move known due to Transform. A Leppa Berry consumed as a held item, or via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, can restore a move's PP above the 5 Transform gives, as long as it doesn't exceed the move's maximum PP.
If a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina or Arceus, the Pokémon first transforms into the target's current form, then immediately changes to the form corresponding to its own held item; therefore, if it transforms into an Arceus but holds a Plate, it will first assume the target Arceus's form, then immediately change to the form corresponding to its own Plate (even if the transformed Pokémon had its Ability suppressed by Gastro Acid). If a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina in the Distortion World, it will remain in Origin Forme regardless of its held item. If a Pokémon transforms into Cherrim, it will change form depending on the weather. If a Pokémon transforms into Sky Forme Shaymin, it will change to Land Forme if it is frozen.
As in previous generations, a transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder and Quick Powder, which use the target's species.
During a Pokémon Super Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.
Generation V
Transform no longer copies the target's catch rate. Transform will now fail if used by a Pokémon that is already transformed, targeting a Pokémon behind a substitute, or targeting a Pokémon under the effect of Illusion.
A move known due to Transform now always has a maximum of at most 5 PP, regardless of the move's base maximum PP if it is greater than 5. As such, a Leppa Berry cannot restore the PP of a move known due to Transform above 5.
A transformed Pokémon can no longer change forms; it will remain in the form the target was in when the user transformed into it. For example, if a Pokémon transforms into Castform, it will not change form even if the weather changes.
Imposter, Ditto's signature Ability introduced in Generation V, automatically causes the user to transform into the opponent.
Pokémon that know Transform are banned from participating in Pokéstar Studios films.
In Generation V, using Transform while holding a Choice item (the Choice Band, Choice Scarf, or Choice Specs) on a target that also knows Transform will force the user to continue using Transform.
Generation VI
This move effect may be in need of research. Reason: Interaction with choice items on targets who also know Transform aside from Generation V You can discuss this on the talk page. |
The user will transform into Mega-Evolved Pokémon and maintain the form regardless of whether it holds the required Mega Stone. This has no effect on the restriction that only allows each player one Mega Evolution per battle. Also, a Pokémon that transforms into a species that has a Mega Evolution (but is not yet Mega Evolved) will be unable to Mega Evolve, even if the transformed Pokémon holds the corresponding Mega Stone.
A transformed Pokémon can use moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into, such as Hyperspace Fury if transformed into Hoopa Unbound.
Transform will fail if used on a Pokémon that is protected by Crafty Shield.
In Pokémon Contest Spectaculars, if Transform is used, a Substitute doll would be thrown in the stage. The user would then transform into the doll. The effects of Transform will last for the round it is used in.
Generation VII
Even if a Pokémon transforms into Meteor Form Minior, Shields Down will not prevent a transformed Pokémon from being afflicted with status conditions.
If powered up by a Normalium Z into Z-Transform, the user's HP is fully restored.
A transformed Pokémon can use Z-Moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into and if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal (excluding Ultra Necrozma). If the user has transformed into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon, it cannot use any Z-Moves, even if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal.
If the user transforms into a Pokémon that has no type (i.e. it was a pure Fire type that used Burn Up), the user will become Normal-type; if such a target has additionally been affected by Forest's Curse or Trick-or-Treat, the user will become Normal-type with an added Grass or Ghost type respectively. If the user transforms into a dual-typed Pokémon that has used Burn Up, however, Transform will copy the target's current types (and type additions) as usual.
In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, if the user transforms into the Partner PikachuP/EeveeE, it will also copy any clothes they have on them.
Generation VIII
If a Pokémon transforms into a Dynamax Pokémon, it will successfully transform but not become Dynamaxed. Transformed Pokémon can Dynamax, unless they are transformed into Zacian, Zamazenta, or Eternatus; if the user is already Dynamaxed, Transform will fail against these three Pokémon. Transform does not copy the Gigantamax Factor, so even if a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon that can Gigantamax, the transformed Pokémon will be able to Dynamax but not Gigantamax. If the target is Eternamax Eternatus, the user transforms into the regular version of Eternatus.
Description
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Learnset
By leveling up
# | Pokémon | Types | Egg Groups | Level | ||||||||||
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I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | ||||||
0132 | Ditto | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | |||||
0151 | style="text-align:center; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" width="140px" colspan="2" | Undiscovered | style="text-align:center; display:none; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" | Undiscovered | 10 | 10 | 10 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1SMUSUM 99PE |
80 | ||||
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move. Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move. A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method. An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation. |
Glitches
--
- Main article: -- (move)
In Generation I, if a Pokémon transforms into another Pokémon that knows more moves and, while transformed, switches the position of the move in the slot of a legitimate move and one which should contain no move, after reverting to its original form, it will have access to the glitch move --.
Ditto glitch
- Main article: Mew glitch
The primary method of the Mew glitch involves having a wild Ditto transform into the player's Pokémon, as this copies the Special stat, which is used to modify the species of Pokémon encountered.
Transform assumption glitch
In Generation I and II, any Pokémon that uses Transform is regarded as a Ditto in its new form; this means that if the player catches a Mew or a glitch Pokémon which has used the move Transform, or a Pokémon which has used Transform via Mirror Move, instead they will obtain a Ditto. Mew turning into Ditto was not an issue in these games because a wild Mew could not be legitimately encountered prior to Generation III. However, the Clefairy, Pidgey, and Fearow lines, which could be found in the wild, could use Transform via Metronome and Mirror Move, and would turn into Ditto on capture. This system was changed in Generation III.
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Shiny Ditto glitch
The Shiny Ditto glitch requires a game from Generation I and Generation II, but only has an effect on a Generation II game. In Generation I, if a Pokémon uses the move Transform while already transformed, after being caught it will retain the IVs of the Pokémon it transformed into. Due to Shininess being determined by IVs in Generations I and II, this allows the player to make a wild Ditto Shiny by having it use Transform while already Transformed; this can be accomplished by either having a Shiny Pokémon that knows Transform (Mew, certain glitch Pokémon, or another Ditto), or by teaching a Shiny Pokémon Mimic, then having the wild Ditto use Mimic on the move Transform. While Shiny Pokémon do not exist in Generation I, due to being determined by IVs, this Ditto will be Shiny when traded to Generation II.
Sketch glitch
- Main article: Sketch glitch
In Generation II, if a Pokémon uses Sketch while transformed, it will permanently learn the Sketched move.
Transform held item glitch
In Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon holding an item uses Transform and has its item stolen, as long as it does not faint before the end of the battle, both the transforming Pokémon and the thief will retain the item after the battle.
Mimic glitch
- Main article: Mimic glitch
In Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon uses Transform via Mimic then faints, it will keep the moves it learned via Transform.
Rage glitch
- Main article: Rage glitch
In Generation IV, if a transformed Pokémon uses Rage and causes the message "Rage is building" to appear, then defeats or captures the opponent, the Pokémon will permanently learn the moves it knew while transformed.
Level up glitch
This glitch is in need of research. Reason: It is currently unknown what other games this glitch is present in, if any. You can discuss this on the talk page. |
In Pokémon Emerald, if a transformed Pokémon levels up during battle, it will utilize its normal, non-transformed stats for the remainder of the fight.
In other games
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
In Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team and Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky, Transform has 1PP. The move causes the user to take the form of a random hostile Pokémon on the dungeon's floor. It does not copy anything else; if the Pokémon had nothing but Transform, they are left only with the regular attack and Struggle. This move is affected by Taunt.
In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Transform copies the appearance, type, Ability, moves, and stat modifications of the target for the current floor. Moves learned through Sketch while transformed will be forgotten after moving to the next floor. If used by an enemy to transform into the leader, the leader's teammates become confused.
Transformed Pokémon are still prone to status conditions and Dungeon tile restrictions from its original form; for example, a Ditto transformed into a Fire-type can still be burned, and a Pokémon that cannot walk through water still cannot when transforming into a Pokémon that is able to.
Pokémon GO
In a Gym or Raid Battle, Transform is automatically cast at the beginning of the battle. It turns the user into a copy of the opponent and copies the opponent's moves, species, base Attack, and base Defense; HP, IVs, and Power Up level are not copied. Unlike other attacks, Transform does not require the user to wait out the duration before casting an attack or dodging, and its animation is purely visual. However, it may cause lags for the rest of the battle if the player attempts to attack during the animation. The effects of Transform expire at the end of the battle.
Transform will not be cast if the opponent is a Ditto.
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Updates
- Gyms & Raids
- February 16, 2017
- Duration: 1.73 → 2.23 seconds
Description
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In the anime
The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Used In | Notes | |
Ditto's body glows white, multicolored, yellow, or light blue, then transforms into the opponent. | |||
Duplica's Ditto | Ditto's Mysterious Mansion | Debut | |
Drake's Ditto | Hello, Pummelo! | None | |
Duplica's Mini-Dit | Imitation Confrontation | None | |
Brodie's Ditto | Unfair Weather Friends | None | |
A wild Ditto | Pikachu's Ghost Carnival | None | |
Narissa's Ditto 1 | Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! | None | |
Narissa's Ditto 2 | Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! | None | |
A wild Ditto | Deceiving Appearances! | None | |
A wild Ditto | A Talent for Imitation! | None | |
Mew's body glows white or multicolored, then it transforms into any Pokémon. | |||
A wild Mew | The Journey to be a Pokémon Master Begins!! | None | |
Mew (M08) | Lucario and the Mystery of Mew | None | |
Mew (recurring) | Enter Pikachu! | None |
In the manga
In the Aim to Be a Card Master!! manga
The user transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
Kenta's Ditto | District Convention "Kenta, to the Open Sea" | Debut |
In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga
The user morphs its body to look like the target. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto morphs its body into a flimsy, giggly copy of the opponent. | |||
Duplica's Ditto | Pikachu's Excellent Adventure | Debut | |
Drake's Ditto | The Orange Crew Supreme Gym Leader | None |
In the Pokémon Adventures manga
The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto morphs its body into the shape of something. It also gains the opponent's abilities as well. | |||
Green's Ditty | Tauros the Tyrant | Debut | |
A Team Rocket Grunt's Ditto | Miltank Melee | None |
In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga
The user transforms into a replica of something else. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto turns into an exact replica of something else. | |||
Whitney's Ditto | For Pikachu's Sake!! The Search For The Missing Farfetch'd | Debut |
In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga
The user transforms into a copy of something else. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto turns into a copy of something else. | |||
Shu's Ditto | Get Moltres? | Debut |
In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga
The user transforms into a replica of the foe. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Clefairy transforms into an animate object. | |||
Red's Clefairy | Bring Down the Powerful Opponent Onix!! | Debut Clefairy cannot legally learn Transform | |
Ditto turns into an exact replica of the opponent. | |||
Giovanni's Ditto | Who's The Real Clefairy?! | None |
In the Pokémon Zensho manga
The user transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
Pokémon | Method | ||
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User | First Chapter Used In | Notes | |
Ditto transforms into the opposing Pokémon. | |||
Satoshi's Ditto | Fuchsia City | Debut |
In other generations
Core series games
Side series games
Spin-off series games
Trivia
- In the German version of the Generation II games, this move was renamed from Wandler into Verwandler. The reason for this is unknown. Even though the difference in meaning is minimal, this change was retracted in the following generations.
- Transform is the only way to see the battle animation of Cherrim's Sunshine Form in Generation IV, as Cherrim sent from a Poké Ball will always be sent out in Overcast Form, and Cherrim is not available in the wild in Generation IV. A Ditto that transforms into Cherrim, however, will play the animation of the alternate form if it escapes from a thrown Poké Ball.
- With the help of Transform, Pokémon can legitimately have more than 510 total effort values: if the target has EVs in some stats beside HP and the Transform user has EVs in HP, after transforming the total number of its EVs can exceed 510 due to HP not being copied.
In other languages
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References
This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games. |