Event Pokémon

If you were looking for the Event Pokémon in Pokémon GO, see Event Pokémon (GO).
Event redirects here. For the Pokéwalker course, see Rally (Pokéwalker).

Event Pokémon are Pokémon that are distributed through outside promotional sources; either via the internet, at live in-person events or attractions, promotional sales (including movie premieres), or from promotional bonus discs or other special cross-promotional transfers from another game.

20th Anniversary artwork of Event Pokémon from the first five generations

On a number of occasions, Pokémon otherwise obtainable exclusively through events in the core series games have been made available through other means, either in normal gameplay (sometimes requiring save data bonuses) or by transferring the Pokémon from a side series game.

Event-exclusive Pokémon species

See also: Category:Promotion-only Pokémon

Since Pokémon Red and Green, there have been Pokémon that were made unobtainable via normal gameplay in the core series games, making these species of Pokémon only legitimately obtainable from Nintendo's promotional event distributions. Some event-exclusive Pokémon have also been made available through cross-promotions with side series or spin-off Pokémon games. Most of the event-exclusive Pokémon are Mythical Pokémon.

Generation I

Pokémon Games Method
Mew Mew R G B (Jp) Y Nintendo events, historically through a direct trade
R B (Int) Y

Generation II

Pokémon Games Methods
Mew Mew G S C Gotta catch 'em all! Station
Celebi Celebi G S C The Japanese Mobile System GB to obtain a GS Ball, to be used in Ilex Forest
G S C Nintendo Power special promo
G S C Direct trade

Generation III

Pokémon Games Methods
Mew Mew R S E FR LG Old Sea Map from Japan-only Nintendo events to access Faraway Island
R S E FR LG Other giveaways
Lugia Lugia R S E FR LG MysticTicket from Nintendo events to access Navel Rock
R S E FR LG Other giveaways
Ho-Oh Ho-Oh R S E FR LG MysticTicket from Nintendo events to access Navel Rock
R S E FR LG Other giveaways
Celebi Celebi R S E FR LG Japanese Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc
R S E FR LG Other giveaways
Jirachi Jirachi R S E FR LG Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc
R S E FR LG Transfer from Pokémon Channel (PAL version only) after completing the game
R S E FR LG Other giveaways
Deoxys Deoxys R S E FR LG AuroraTicket from Nintendo events to access Birth Island
R S E FR LG Other giveaways

Generation IV

Pokémon Games Methods
Mew Mew D P Pt* HG SS Transfer 999 Pokémon to My Pokémon Ranch
D P Pt HG SS Other giveaways
Spiky-eared Pichu Spiky-eared
Pichu
D P Pt HG SS Ilex Forest shrine with Pikachu-colored Pichu
Celebi Celebi D P Pt HG SS Giveaways
Jirachi Jirachi D P Pt HG SS Giveaways
Deoxys Deoxys D P Pt HG SS Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Other giveaways
Manaphy Manaphy D P Pt HG SS Transfer Pokémon Egg from Pokémon Ranger after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Transfer Pokémon Egg from Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Transfer Pokémon Egg from Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Other giveaways
Darkrai Darkrai D P Pt HG SS Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Member Card from Nintendo events via Wi-Fi or Wireless Communications to access Newmoon Island
D P Pt HG SS Other giveaways
Shaymin Shaymin D P Pt HG SS Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs after finishing a Special Mission
D P Pt HG SS Oak's Letter from Nintendo events via Wi-Fi or Wireless Communications to access Flower Paradise and the Gracidea
D P Pt HG SS Other giveaways, which can access the Gracidea
Arceus Arceus D P Pt HG SS Giveaways

Generation V

Pokémon Games Methods
Jirachi Jirachi B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Deoxys Deoxys B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Darkrai Darkrai B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Shaymin Shaymin B W B2 W2 Giveaway
Arceus Arceus B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Victini Victini B W B2 W2 Liberty Pass from Nintendo events via Wi-Fi or Wireless Communications to access Liberty Garden
B W B2 W2 Other giveaways
Keldeo Keldeo B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Meloetta Meloetta B W B2 W2 Giveaways
Genesect Genesect B W B2 W2 Giveaways

Generation VI

Pokémon Games Methods
Mew Mew X Y OR AS Giveaways
Celebi Celebi X Y OR AS Pokémon Bank event
X Y OR AS Other giveaways
Jirachi Jirachi X Y OR AS Giveaways
Manaphy Manaphy X Y OR AS Giveaways
Darkrai Darkrai X Y OR AS Giveaways
Shaymin Shaymin X Y OR AS Giveaways
Arceus Arceus X Y OR AS Giveaways
Victini Victini X Y OR AS Giveaways
Keldeo Keldeo X Y OR AS Giveaways
Meloetta Meloetta X Y OR AS Giveaways
Genesect Genesect X Y OR AS Giveaways
Vivillon Fancy Pattern
Vivillon
X Y OR AS Giveaways
Vivillon Poké Ball Pattern
Vivillon
X Y OR AS Giveaways
Diancie Diancie X Y OR AS Giveaways
Hoopa Hoopa X Y OR AS Giveaways
Volcanion Volcanion X Y OR AS Giveaways

Generation VII

Nintendo 3DS

Pokémon Games Methods
Pikachu Original Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Hoenn Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Sinnoh Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Unova Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Kalos Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Alola Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM Giveaways
Pikachu Partner Cap
Pikachu
S M US UM QR Code
Mew Mew S M US UM Giveaways
Celebi Celebi S M US UM Giveaways
Jirachi Jirachi S M US UM Giveaways
Manaphy Manaphy S M US UM Giveaways
Darkrai Darkrai S M US UM Giveaways
Shaymin Shaymin S M US UM Giveaways
Arceus Arceus S M US UM Giveaways
Meloetta Meloetta S M US UM Giveaways
Greninja Battle Bond
Greninja
S M US UM Communication with the Sun and Moon Special Demo Version
Hoopa Hoopa S M US UM Giveaways
Rockruff Own Tempo
Rockruff
S M US UM Giveaways
Lycanroc Dusk Form
Lycanroc
S M US UM Evolve Own Tempo Rockruff
Magearna Magearna S M US UM QR Code
Marshadow Marshadow S M US UM Giveaways
Zeraora Zeraora S M US UM Giveaways

Nintendo Switch

Pokémon Games Methods
Mew Mew P E Included in the Poké Ball Plus
Meltan Meltan P E Giveaways (Mainland China only)

Generation VIII

Pokémon Games Methods
Pikachu
Original Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Hoenn Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Sinnoh Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Unova Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Kalos Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Alola Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
Partner Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Pikachu
World Cap
Pikachu
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.2.0 onwards)
Mew
Mew Sw Sh BD SP LA Included in the Poké Ball Plus
Celebi
Celebi Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Jirachi
Jirachi Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Manaphy Manaphy Sw Sh BD SP LA Pokémon Egg Giveaways
Darkrai Darkrai Sw Sh BD SP LA Member Card Distribution
Shaymin Shaymin Sw Sh BD SP LA Oak's Letter Distribution
Victini
Victini Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.3.0 onwards)
Genesect
Genesect Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.3.0 onwards)
Volcanion
Volcanion Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.3.0 onwards)
Magearna
Original Color
Magearna
Sw Sh BD SP LA Pokémon HOME Gift Box Distribution, after completing the National Pokédex (Version 1.2.0 onwards)
Marshadow
Marshadow Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways
Zeraora
Zeraora Sw Sh BD SP LA Pokémon HOME Gift Box Distribution
Melmetal
Gigantamax Factor
Melmetal
Sw Sh BD SP LA Pokémon HOME Gift Box Distribution, after sending over a Pokémon from Pokémon GO
Hattrem
Gigantamax Factor
Hattrem
Sw Sh BD SP LA During Wild Area News events
Milcery
Gigantamax Factor
Milcery
Sw Sh BD SP LA During Wild Area News events
Zarude
Zarude Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.2.0 onwards)
Zarude
Dada
Zarude
Sw Sh BD SP LA Giveaways (Version 1.2.0 onwards)

Generation IX

Pokémon Games Methods
Raichu Alolan
Raichu
S V During Poké Portal News events
Voltorb Hisuian
Voltorb
S V During Poké Portal News events
Electrode Hisuian
Electrode
S V Evolve Hisuian Voltorb
Mewtwo Mewtwo S V During Poké Portal News events
Mew Mew S V Giveaways
Typhlosion Hisuian
Typhlosion
S V During Poké Portal News events
Dialga Dialga S V During Poké Portal News events
Palkia Palkia S V During Poké Portal News events
Darkrai Darkrai S V Giveaways
Samurott Hisuian
Samurott
S V During Poké Portal News events
Zoroark Hisuian
Zoroark
S V Giveaways
Sliggoo Hisuian
Sliggoo
S V During Poké Portal News events
Goodra Hisuian
Goodra
S V Evolve Hisuian Sliggoo
Decidueye Hisuian
Decidueye
S V During Poké Portal News events
Walking Wake Walking Wake S V During Poké Portal News events
Iron Leaves Iron Leaves S V During Poké Portal News events
Pecharunt Pecharunt S V Mythical Pecha Berry Distribution

Event-exclusive moves

Starting in Generation V, the games contained moves that cannot be accessed in-game by means other than events. These are moves that are already known by distributed event Pokémon, not moves that can be learned by level-up by event-exclusive Pokémon.

Snarl was a TM move even in Pokémon Black and White, but its TM required the Lock Capsule to obtain. However, the Lock Capsule was never distributed, and no Pokémon could learn Snarl via level-up in these games. However, as TM moves were able to be passed down by breeding in Generation V, non-event Pokémon were able to learn Snarl in Black and White.

Nintendo promotional event Pokémon

050Diglett.png This section is incomplete.
Please feel free to edit this section to add missing information and complete it.
Reason: Details on serial codes (Gen VI) and QR codes (Gen VII)

Periodically, Nintendo hosts or sponsors parties and events for fans, often in connection to the premiere of a new game or movie. They are especially notable in that certain rare Pokémon and items in the games, as well as cards and other products, are only available for a limited time from them. The methods used to transfer Pokémon and items to a game have varied over time, and include direct link trading and physical reception from an e-Card via Mystery Events. Wireless reception from a Wonder Spot and Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection via Mystery Gift and distribution devices have also been used. Other methods may occur in the future.

Event Pokémon typically have a special Original Trainer and ID number, indicating their authenticity, and usually a special promotional Ribbon from Generation III onwards. (In later generations, these Ribbons may prevent the Pokémon from being traded through the GTS or Wonder Trade.) From Generation IV onwards, most event Pokémon are distributed in Cherish Balls, special Poké Balls that exist solely for event distribution. Event Pokémon are usually desired because they are hard or impossible to find in the games, holding a rare item, and/or know at least one special move that would otherwise be impossible to have.

Some Pokémon are distributed with a specific Nature, gender, Ability, or Shininess, while others may leave one or more of these random (though Shininess is usually strictly fixed one way or the other). For Pokémon obtained in Generation IV onwards, the dates do not need to be the dates the events were held. This is because the date is based on the one set on the handheld system.

Generation IV introduced the distribution of promotional events via Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. At first, only Key Items were distributed. These items allowed players to enter areas normally inaccessible. In June 2009, Pokémon began being distributed via Wi-Fi as well with the distribution of a Jirachi. Owners of the Japanese versions of the Sinnoh-based games, no matter where they were, could use Wi-Fi to receive the Pokémon. Later on, Japan began having distributions occurring simultaneously via events and over Wi-Fi. In March 2010, the Pikachu-colored Pichu became available for North American and PAL versions of Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum. This became the first event Pokémon to be available to non-Japanese games via Wi-Fi.

There are very few countries or areas of the world where events tend to be held: Japan, the United States, Canada, South Korea, Australia, and various countries of Western Europe, and even then, limited to certain cities or city centers. While it is not unheard of for event Pokémon to be distributed outside of these countries, it is incredibly rare. Some countries may see several years pass between promotional events, and a majority of countries have never had a local event. The establishment of wireless internet has made the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection a much better distribution model to reach Pokémon players around the world.

In Generation V, the Pokémon Global Link became a new method for distributing Pokémon, though Pokémon were still distributed through Wi-Fi. Though they may not have been as unique as other event Pokémon (in regards to moves, Shininess, event Poké Ball, Ribbons, etc.), Pokémon from Global Link promotions can be obtained by anyone worldwide, depending on the country they set on the website; some may require purchase of other products, however.

In other languages

Language Title
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Pokémon de evento

See also


Event exclusives
Pokémon
Pikachu in a capSpiky-eared PichuVictiniGenesect
Ash-GreninjaVivillon (Poké Ball Pattern)DiancieHoopa
VolcanionMagearnaMarshadowZeraoraMeltan
MelmetalZarudeWalking WakeIron LeavesPecharunt
Moves
Happy HourCelebrateHold HandsHold Back
Items
Bluesky MailMirage MailEgg TicketEon TicketMysticTicket
AuroraTicketOld Sea MapBrick MailMember CardOak's Letter
Enigma StoneLiberty PassDiscount CouponDynamax Crystal
Mythical Pecha Berry
Pokéwalker Routes
Yellow ForestWinner's PathSightseeingRallyAmity Meadow
Other
C-Gear Skins


Event distributions
Generation I: JapaneseEuropean language
Generation II: JapaneseEuropean language
Generation III: JapaneseEnglishGermanSpanishFrenchItalian
Generation IV: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi)
Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi)
Trading (GTS)
Generation V: Japanese (local | Wi-Fi) • English (local | Wi-Fi) • German (local | Wi-Fi)
Spanish (local | Wi-Fi) • French (local | Wi-Fi) • Italian (local | Wi-Fi) • Korean (local | Wi-Fi)
Global Link promotions
Generation VI: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
LocalTrading
Generation VII: 3DS: Japanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • American region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
PAL region (Nintendo Network | serial code) • Korean region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Taiwanese region (Nintendo Network | serial code)
Local
Switch: PE (International | China)
Generation VIII: SwShBDSPLA
Trading
Generation IX: SV
Specific events: Gather More Pokémon! Campaign
PCNY (Gen II | Gen III) • Trade and Battle DayJourney Across AmericaParty of the Decade
Other groupings: Movie events10th AnniversaryTanabataUndistributed
Special Pokémon from games
In-game: Gen IGen II • Gen III (RSFRLGEColosseum/XD) • Gen IV (DP ​• Pt ​• HGSS) • Gen V (BWB2W2)
Gen VI (XYORAS) • Gen VII (SMUSUMPE) • Gen VIII (SwShBDSPLA) • Gen IX (SV)
Gift Pokémon (Eggs) • Wild Pokémon (Roaming Pokémon) • In-game trades (Hayley's trades)
Game-based: Gen IGen IIGen IIIGen IVGen VIGen VII
Gen VIII (Wild Area News) • Gen IX (Poké Portal News)
Other: Undistributed
Non-Pokémon event distributions
Gen IIIGen IVGen VGen VIGen VII (Game-based) • Gen VIIIGen IX (Game-based)
Global Link
Other lists
Notable ID numbers (Gens I-IIIII onward) • Wonder Cards (Gen VGen VIGen VII) • Serial code prefixes
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