Bulbapedia

Transform (move)

Revision as of 18:13, 10 October 2022 by Gigalh128 (talk | contribs) (Transform was always affected by fly/dig, so nothing changed here.)
Transform
へんしん Transform
Transform VIII.png
Transform VIII 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Status
PP  10 (max. 16)
Power  —
Accuracy  —%
Priority  {{{priority}}}
  • Does not make contact
  • Not affected by Protect
  • Not affected by Magic Coat
  • Not affected by Snatch
  • Not affected by Mirror Move
  • Not affected by King's Rock
Target
Foe Foe Foe
Self Ally Ally
May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Smart
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jam  0  
Can be repeatedly used without boring the Judge.
Condition  Smart
Appeal  1 ♥
Earn +3 if the Pokémon gets the lowest score.
Condition  Clever
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
An appealing move that can be used repeatedly without boring the audience.

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?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Transform changes the user's current species, form, gender differences, type, stats (including base stats, individual values, and effort values; except the current and maximum HP are not copied), stat modifications, moves, Ability, height, and weight to that of the target's. From Generation III to IV, Transform also copies the catch rate. From Generation III onwards, Transform also copies the base experience, and the EV yield of the target. From Generation IV onwards, Transform also copies the target's cry.

The Transform user retains its own species name or nickname, as well as its level, gender (even though the target's appearance is copied, including any visible gender differences), friendship, status conditions, and held item. Transform does not affect whether the user is affected by Telekinesis (for instance, a Ditto transformed into Diglett is still affected by Telekinesis).

The user's original moves and Ability will be unusable as long as it is transformed, being replaced by those copied from the target. All moves copied by Transform will initially have 5 remaining PP, except any moves whose maximum PP is fewer than 5 (i.e. Sketch) will simply have their full PP. A transformed Pokémon can use moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into, such as Hyperspace Fury if transformed into Hoopa Unbound.

In the summary and party screens, the user is shown in its original state, unaffected by Transform. The bottom screen of the Nintendo DS and 3DS will still show the sprite of the Pokémon unaffected by the transformation as well, even though the moves will be those copied from the target.

The user returns to its original state once it is switched out, faints, or the current battle ends.

Form changes:

  • In Generations III and IV, the Transform user initially copies the target's current form. However, a transformed Pokémon is able to change form as if it were the species it transformed into, so if needed it will change form immediately after transforming. This includes form changes caused by an Ability (such as Castform's Forecast) or held item (such as Arceus's Multitype).
  • From Generation V onwards, the Transform user copies the target's current form and cannot change form in battle (regardless of its Ability or held item), except for the Dynamax-based form changes. For instance, a transformed Pokémon is unable to Mega Evolve in battle, but a Pokémon can transform into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon (by copying another Mega-Evolved Pokémon). However, if the Transform target is currently in Dynamax, Gigantamax, or Eternamax form, the user will simply transform into the regular form of that Pokémon instead. The transformed Pokémon can Dynamax (except if transformed into a Pokémon species that is unable to Dynamax), but it is still unable to change into Gigantamax or Eternamax forms.

Color palette and Shininess:

  • In Generations I and II core series games (when played in color), the transformed Pokémon retains its original color palette. For instance, Shiny Ditto and Shiny Mew are both blue Pokémon, so they will transform into blue versions of the target.
  • In Japanese Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium, the transformed Pokémon has the normal colors of the target.
  • In Pokémon Stadium 2 and Generation III games (including Pokémon Colosseum and XD), a Shiny Pokémon transforms into the Shiny version of the target Pokémon. Likewise, a non-Shiny Pokémon transforms into the non-Shiny version of the target Pokémon.
    For instance, if a Shiny Ditto uses Transform on a non-Shiny (red) Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a Shiny (golden) Magikarp.
  • From Generation IV onwards (including Pokémon Battle Revolution), Transform copies the target's coloration; whether or not the transformed Pokémon is Shiny depends on whether the target is, not the user.
    For instance, if any Ditto (Shiny or not) uses Transform on a non-Shiny (red) 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.

Multiple Transform users:

  • In Generation I core series games and Japanese Pokémon Stadium, if two Pokémon battle using only Transform (such as a battle between two Ditto or two Mew with Transform), both Pokémon are able to continually Transform into each other, replenishing the 5 PP constantly and making the battle potentially endless.
  • In Pokémon Stadium, Transform fails if the target's current species is Ditto. However, other Pokémon with Transform (for instance, two Mew) can still fight an endless battle by continually transforming into each other and replenishing their PP. Alternatively, a Ditto and a Mew can also fight an endless battle, because once Ditto transforms into Mew, both Pokémon can keep transforming into each other as well.
  • In Generations II to IV (including Pokémon Stadium 2, Colosseum, XD, and Battle Revolution), Transform fails if used on a transformed opponent. Therefore, in a battle between two Transform users, the first Pokémon may use Transform indefinitely and replenish its PP with every use, but the second Pokémon will simply fail to use Transform every time. The second Pokémon can eventually lose all PP and start using Struggle.
  • From Generation V onwards, Transform fails if used by or on a Pokémon that is already transformed. Therefore, in a battle between two Transform users (such as two Ditto), the first Pokémon will be able to use Transform only once and any further Transform attempts will fail, while the second Pokémon simply will not be able to use Transform against that transformed Pokémon.

Imposter (Ditto's signature Ability) automatically causes the user to transform into the opponent. Transform will fail if used on a Pokémon that is protected by Crafty Shield.

Generation I

In this generation only, Transform copies an unused catch rate value from the target Pokémon. However, this has no effect in gameplay. If the player attempts to catch a transformed wild Pokémon, the catch rate from its original species is used, instead of the catch rate value that was copied by Transform.

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.

PP-restoring items such as Ethers used from the Bag can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming.

Transform bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, unless the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

In Generations I and II, the Transform assumption glitch causes any transformed wild Pokémon to become a Ditto when caught, regardless of what species it originally was. In Generation I only, Ditto's catch rate will be saved as well, so this Ditto will be holding a Metal Powder if transferred to a Generation II game (regardless of the original or transformed species).

In Generations I and II, the Shiny Ditto glitch causes a wild Pokémon to retain the DVs of the penultimate Pokémon it transformed into, if it uses Transform while already Transformed. Due to Shininess being determined by DVs in Generation II, this can also be used to change whether a wild Ditto is Shiny or non-Shiny.

In this generation only, the color loss glitch causes the transformed Pokémon to lose their original color soon after transformation, being replaced by Ditto's color palette (therefore, Ditto itself is unaffected by this).

If a Pokémon uses Transform on a minimized target, the user copies the target's regular sprite (rather than the tiny sprite). Similarly, if a minimized Pokémon uses Transform, its own tiny sprite is replaced by the target's regular sprite.

If a Pokémon uses Transform on a target whose sprite has disappeared because it used Acid Armor, the user appears as a regular sprite (rather than with no sprite). Similarly, if a Pokémon's sprite has disappeared because it used Acid Armor, using Transform will make it visible again as the transformed Pokémon.

Only in this generation, the level up moveset glitch causes a Transformed Pokémon to use its original moveset (unaffected by Transform) if it levels up and learns a new move.

In Pokémon Stadium, Transform is unable to copy the unique animation and cry of Pokémon Yellow's starter Pikachu. The Transform user simply becomes a regular Pikachu (with a regular Pikachu animation and cry) if it attempts to transform into that starter Pikachu. (this is not relevant for the previous game Japanese Pokémon Stadium, which entirely lacks a special animation and cry for the starter Pikachu)

Generation II

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.

Like in Generation I, the Transform assumption glitch causes any transformed wild Pokémon to become a Ditto when caught. This wild Pokémon's held item (if any) remains unaffected by this glitch.

If a transformed wild Ditto is caught (or any other transformed wild Pokémon, which becomes a Ditto permanently when caught), it will simply have full remaining PP for Transform (10 out of 10 PP). This is a unique situation in this generation, because normally when a wild Pokémon uses any moves, their PP would be deducted. For comparison, in Generation I games, all wild Pokémon are caught with full PP regardless of any moves used. From Generation III onwards, Transform is no longer a special case concerning its PP used; if a wild Pokémon uses any move (Transform included), that move's PP is deducted as usual.

In this generation only, the Roar/Whirlwind shared DV glitch is activated if the NPC's Pokémon uses Transform twice and the player forces the NPC to switch Pokémon with Roar or Whirlwind, which causes the next Pokémon sent by the NPC to share the DVs copied from the player's Pokémon. This can be used to turn the next Pokémon sent by the NPC into a Shiny Pokémon, or to change the gender of the NPC's Pokémon.

In this generation only, Mirror Move always fails when used by a transformed Pokémon.

In Pokémon Stadium 2 (like in Pokémon Stadium), Transform is unable to copy the unique animation and cry of Pokémon Yellow's starter Pikachu.

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.

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.

Wild Pokémon are now treated as their original species upon capture after transforming, rather than being treated as Ditto like in previous generations.

During a Pokémon Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.

Generation IV

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.

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 targeting a Pokémon behind a substitute, or targeting a Pokémon under the effect of Illusion.

A move known due to Transform now always has 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.

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.

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

Games Description
StadStad2 Transforms the user into a copy of the target, including the type. All moves have only five PP each.
GSC The user assumes the foe's guise.
RSE Alters the user's cells to become a copy of the foe.
FRLG The user transforms into a copy of the foe with even the same move set.
ColoXD Alters the user's cells to copy the target.
DPPtHGSSPBR The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set.
BWB2W2
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwShBDSP 		The user transforms into a copy of the target right down to having the same move set.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX
0132     Ditto Ditto 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0151     No Eggs Discovered No Eggs Discovered 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: Transform glitches

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 lag 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.

If Ditto is used against a Team GO Rocket Grunt, Transform will do absolutely nothing, including charging an attack.

  Transform
Fast Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 0
Energy boost 0
Duration 2.23 seconds
Damage window 0.3 – 0.7 seconds
 
Trainer Battles
Power 0
Energy boost 0
Turns 3
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
 
By Elite Fast TM
By GO Snapshot
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Updates

Gyms & Raids
  • February 16, 2017
    • Duration: 1.73 → 2.23 seconds

Description

Games Description
MDRB The user gains the Transformed status. The user transforms into a hostile Pokémon that appears on the floor.
MDTDS Gives the user a Transformed status, which transforms the user into one of the enemy Pokémon that can appear on the floor.
BSL じぶんを へんしんじょうたいにかえる フロアに しゅつげんする てきポケモンの どれかに へんしんする このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI  UNUSED
SMD You transform into another Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your party will find it confusing.*
It makes your appearance the same as a target Pokémon's. Your moves and types will also change to those of the target Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your teammates may mistake it for someone else, so be careful!*


In the anime

 
Ditto
 
Drake's Ditto
 
Mew
 
Ditto 1 and 2
The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set.
Pokémon Method
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 Ditto hired by Kublock 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

Aim to Be a Card Master!!


The Electric Tale of Pikachu


Pokémon Adventures


Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys


Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All


Pokémon Pocket Monsters


Pokémon Zensho


In other generations

Core series games

       
Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV
   
  		 
  		 
 
Generation V Generation VI SMUSUM LGPE

Side series games

       
Stadium Stadium 2 Colosseum XD
 
Battle Revolution

Spin-off series games

   
MD: Red and Blue SMD

Trivia

  • Since the Transform user retains its own gender, it is possible to transform into a Pokémon species which would be normally unavailable with that gender. For instance, a male Smeargle retains his gender (including the symbol ♂ displayed in battle), even when transformed into female-only Pokémon such as Miltank, Chansey, or Tsareena, or into gender-unknown Pokémon such as Mewtwo, Beldum, or Cryogonal.
    • The Transform user copies the appearance and visual gender differences of the target, even if those are not compatible with the Transform user's gender. For instance, if a male Smeargle copies a female Pikachu, then he will have the appearance of a female Pikachu as well (with the heart-shaped tail) even though he remains male like before (with the ♂ symbol in battle).
  • 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.
  • From Generation III to V, a transformed Pokémon may legitimately have up to 765 EVs (if it has 255 HP EVs, and the target Pokémon has 510 EVs other than HP). Similarly, from Generation VI onwards, a transformed Pokémon may legitimately have up to 762 EVs (if it has 252 HP EVs, and the target Pokémon has 510 EVs other than HP).
  • 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.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 變身 Binsān
Mandarin 變身 / 变身 Biànshēn
  Czech Přeměna
  Danish Forvandling
  Dutch Transformeer
  Finnish Muuntautuminen
  French Morphing
  German Wandler
Verwandler (Gen II only)
  Greek Μεταμόρφωση
  Indonesian Transformasi
Berubah
  Italian Trasformazione*
Trasformaz.*
  Korean 변신 Byeonsin
  Norwegian Forvandle[1]
  Polish Transformacja
  Brazilian Portuguese Transformação
  Serbian Transformacija
Spanish   Latin America Transformación*
Mutación (EP111)
  Spain Transformación*
Transform*
  Swedish Transformering
  Thai แปลงร่าง
  Vietnamese Biến Hình

References

  1. ↑ Glossary on Pokemon.no (archived)


  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.
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