List of Pokémon with form differences in Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, certain Pokémon have various forms which, while similar to those in the core series, operate using different mechanics. Although every species has one Pokédex entry each, a Pokémon is considered different from any of its alternate forms; this means that even if a player has one form of the Pokémon species registered in the Pokédex, an alternate form will still appear as a new silhouette in the Nearby screen and receiving one in a trade will be considered a Special Trade. They also may have different base stats or moves, and are also ordered separately in the Player’s Pokémon inventory.
Some, but not all, Pokémon with gender differences can be considered different forms based on these criteria. While most gender differences are purely cosmetic and have no effect on gameplay, male and female Meowstic and Oinkologne have different movesets and base stats, respectively. While some male and female Pokémon may be ordered separately in the Pokémon inventory, such as Frillish, Jellicent, and Pyroar, they do not have differing base stats or movesets and are therefore not included below.
Many forms in GO are determined at the time of capture or evolution and cannot be changed, including certain forms which can in the core series games. Exceptions to this include Shaymin, Furfrou, Hoopa, and Zygarde, as well as Pokémon that have undergone Fusion, Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion, Gigantamax, or have entered a Battle-Only Form.
Regional forms
Regional forms were first introduced to Pokémon GO on May 29, 2018 with the release of Alolan Exeggutor. Some species appear in the wild, while others are exclusive to 7 km Eggs, raids, and later, Field Research. The availability of certain regional forms may change during limited-time special events. The first Galarian form, Galarian Weezing, was introduced in raids on November 16, 2019 to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield. The first Hisuian form, Hisuian Voltorb, was introduced in the wild and Special Research on January 30, 2022 to celebrate the release of Pokémon Legends: Arceus. The first Paldean form, Paldean Wooper, was introduced in the wild on November 5, 2023 for Wooper Community Day.
| Availability | Pokémon |
|---|---|
| First in evolutionary line Obtainable from Eggs, Raid Battles, and Research Many are obtainable in the wild during special events |
                     
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| First in evolutionary line Obtainable from Daily Adventure Incense |
  
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| Regional Pokémon that evolve from regional Pokémon Obtainable from evolution |
              
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| Regional Pokémon that evolve from non-regional Pokémon Obtainable from Eggs, Raid Battles, and Research Unobtainable from evolution (excluding special events) |
  * *  *    
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| Regional evolutions Not considered regional forms Obtainable from evolution of regional Pokémon |
   
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Mega Evolution and Primal Reversion
- Main article: Mega Evolution (GO)
Certain Pokémon can undergo Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion, which lasts for 8 hours and increases the base stats of that individual Pokémon.
Fusion
- Main article: Fusion (GO)
Starting with GO Fest 2024, Necrozma can undergo Fusion with either Solgaleo or Lunala to become Dusk Mane Necrozma or Dawn Wings Necrozma, respectively. Fusion is indefinite until the Player Separates the Pokémon.
Gigantamax
- Main article: Gigantamax (GO)
Certain Pokémon can Gigantamax, which occurs during Max Battles and grants that individual Pokémon access to Max Moves and G-Max Moves.
Shadow and Purified Pokémon
- Main article: Shadow Pokémon (GO)
Shadow Pokémon are Pokémon corrupted by Team GO Rocket that have Shadow auras and angry red eyes. Shadow Pokémon can be purified with Candy and Stardust to become Purified Pokémon.
Event Pokémon
- Main article: Event Pokémon (GO)
Event Pokémon, originally known as Costume Pokémon, are special forms that have appeared during various events for a limited time. These forms feature an otherwise-normal Pokémon with an event-themed costume.
Alternate forms
Pikachu
Pikachu has appeared with the greatest number of different, non-interchangeable forms. Many of these forms are Event Pokémon that, besides cosmetic differences, do not have notable effects on gameplay. Some of these Event Pokémon do, however, have different movesets compared to the standard Pikachu that is found in the wild. A standard Pikachu can learn the Legacy moves Present, Surf, and Thunder via Elite TM. To determine if an Event Pikachu can learn Legacy moves, the Player can attempt to use an Elite Fast TM or Elite Charged TM on the Pokémon and see what moves are available.
MewtwoMewtwo has two forms in Pokémon GO. Unlike in the core series games, Mewtwo has an alternate form (Armored Mewtwo), which is based on the first movie remake reincarnation. This is the only event Pokémon to have completely different stats and moveset to its normal counterpart. These two forms have been available in five-star Raid Battles and EX Raid Battles. They are non-interchangeable.
UnownUnown has 28 forms which, like in the core series games, correspond to the 26 letters of the English alphabet plus ! and ?. Certain forms of Unown have been made available in increased spawns during certain global or local events. The forms available typically correspond to the characters of a word related to the event. All forms have been released, though not all Shiny forms have been released.
Event availability of Unown
SpindaSpinda has twenty forms (patterns) in Pokémon GO's Pokédex, nine of which have been released. Spinda can only be caught as a reward for completing specific Field Research. Only one pattern is available worldwide at any time and the pattern rotates periodically. Pattern 9, which is based on two Spinda from Going for a Spinda, specifically was added for the 2019 Valentine's Day Event. Since July 2019, Spinda has a possibility of being Shiny, with the Shiny forms' spot patterns being slightly different from their normal counterparts.
Event availability of Spinda
CastformCastform has four forms, and the current weather affects which form may spawn. Unlike in the core series games, these forms are non-interchangeable. Additionally, even a change in weather will not affect previously spawned Castform.
DeoxysDeoxys has four forms which have been exclusively available in five-star Raid Battles and EX Raid Battles. These forms are non-interchangeable.
Burmy and WormadamBurmy and Wormadam have three forms. Like the core series games, the form that Burmy appears as depends on the map environment where they spawn in the wild. Plant Cloak Burmy tend to spawn in green and forested areas, Sandy Cloak Burmy tend to spawn in sandy areas, and Trash Cloak Burmy tend to spawn in urban areas. These forms are non-interchangeable. All male Burmy evolve into Mothim. Female Burmy evolve into Wormadam, and the form of Wormadam is based on the form of Burmy.
CherrimCherrim has two forms which, like Castform, are dependent on the current weather. Unlike in the core series games, these forms are non-interchangeable. Additionally, even a change in weather will not affect previously spawned Cherrim. Cherubi will randomly evolve into either form of Cherrim.
Shellos and GastrodonShellos and Gastrodon have two forms. Similar to the Generation IV games, Shellos forms depend on the real-world geographical location. Since September 2019, Shellos can hatch from 5 km Eggs acquired in the respective region. They can also appear in the wild. During certain events, like GO Tour 2024 – Global, both forms of Shellos can appear in the wild worldwide. East Sea Shellos evolves into East Sea Gastrodon and West Sea Shellos evolves into West Sea Gastrodon.
RotomRotom has six forms in Pokémon GO's Pokédex, five of which have been released (Fan Rotom is still unavailable). Unlike in the core series games, these forms are non-interchangeable.
DialgaDialga has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable. Origin Forme Dialga, using the legacy move Roar of Time, is able to extend the duration of Lucky Eggs, Incenses, Daily Adventure Incenses, and Star Pieces. This Adventure Effect lasts for 6 minutes and costs 5 Dialga Candy and 5000 Stardust.
PalkiaPalkia has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable. Origin Forme Palkia, using the legacy move Spacial Rend, is able to extend the Player’s encounter distance on the map. This Adventure Effect lasts for 10 minutes and costs 5 Palkia Candy and 5000 Stardust.
GiratinaGiratina has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable.
ShayminShaymin has two interchangeable forms. Changing between the Land Forme and Sky Forme requires 25 Shaymin Candy and 10000 Stardust.
BasculinBasculin has three forms. Similar to the Shellos family, Basculin forms depend on the real-world geographical location. Basculin can appear in the wild or hatch from 5 km Eggs acquired in the respective region. White-Striped Basculin first appeared on Routes during Pokémon GO Tour 2024 and can hatch from 7 km Eggs acquired from Mateo, and will be able to evolve into Basculegion in the future.
Deerling and SawsbuckDeerling and Sawsbuck have four forms. Like in the Generation V games, Deerling forms appear in the wild based on the real-world meteorological season for that hemisphere (except the first season it was available, when it was based on the Northern Hemisphere season regardless of hemisphere). They also coincide with in-game seasons.
Unlike in the core series games, they are locked to that form once caught.
TornadusTornadus has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable.
ThundurusThundurus has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable.
LandorusLandorus has two forms which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. Its forms are non-interchangeable.
GenesectGenesect has five forms (Drives) which have been available in five-star Raid Battles. These Drives are non-interchangeable.
VivillonVivillon has 18 different wing patterns. Players can collect patterned Vivillon by pinning Postcards received from Players, PokéStops, or Gyms in different regions. After pinning a certain number of Postcards, the player will encounter a Scatterbug that can later evolve into Vivillon with the pattern based on the location of the postcard. A pattern icon is shown on the evolve button to distinguish various Scatterbug and Spewpa. Two wing patterns from the core series games (Fancy and Poké Ball) are currently unavailable and are not listed in the GO Pokédex.
Flabébé, Floette, and FlorgesFlabébé, Floette and Florges have five forms (flower colors). Three of these (Red, Blue, and Yellow Flower) depend on their real-world geographical location. Two (White and Orange Flower) are available globally but are rarer to encounter.
FurfrouFurfrou is found globally in the wild in its Natural Form but can be groomed into one of nine additional forms (trims), some of which are exclusive to certain regions. Changing the trim costs 25 Furfrou Candy and 10000 Stardust. Furfrou was the first Pokémon to have a form-changing mechanic implemented in Pokémon GO after Mega Evolution. Heart Trim is the only time-dependent form, as it is exclusively available during Valentine's Day events.
MeowsticMeowstic has two non-interchangeable gender forms obtained by evolving Espurr. Besides the cosmetic difference, male and female Meowstic have different movesets.
Pumpkaboo and GourgeistPumpkaboo and Gourgeist can be one of four sizes: Small, Average, Large, and Super. Larger sizes of Pumpkaboo are rarer to encounter in the wild. Different sizes have also different base stats. Super Size variants have different, lower pitched cries than the other forms. Unlike in the core series games, the different sizes of Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist have different menu sprites.
XerneasXerneas has two forms: Neutral Mode and Active Mode. There is no gameplay difference between them. Xerneas appears in Active Mode in battles, in capture encounters, and when at a Gym as a Raid Boss. It appears in Neutral Mode in all other instances, such as when viewing its summary screen and as a Buddy Pokémon.
ZygardeZygarde has three interchangeable forms: 10% Forme, 50% Forme, and Complete Forme. 10% Zygarde and the Zygarde Cube are obtainable after completing the third step of the From A to Zygarde Special Research. Zygarde can change forms by using Zygarde Cells, that the Player can collect during Routes. Zygarde Cells are stored in the Zygarde Cube in the Player’s item inventory. Using 50 Zygarde Cells on the 10% Forme Zygarde will transform it into the 50% Forme. Using 200 Zygarde Cells on the 50% Forme will transform it into the Complete Forme. The Player can transform Zygarde back from Complete Forme to 50% Forme, and then from 50% Forme to 10% Forme, using 10 Zygarde Candy and 2000 Stardust each time. After reverting the form, transforming Zygarde from 10% Forme to 50% Forme will require another 50 Zygarde Cells, and transforming Zygarde from 50% Forme to Complete Forme will require another 200 Zygarde Cells.
HoopaHoopa has two interchangeable forms: Hoopa Confined and Hoopa Unbound. To be able to change its form, the player must complete the second step of the Mischief Unbound Ticketed Special Research. Changing the form from Hoopa Confined to Hoopa Unbound requires 50 Hoopa Candy and 10000 Stardust, while changing Hoopa Unbound to Hoopa Confined requires 10 Hoopa Candy and 2000 Stardust.
OricorioOricorio has four forms which depend on their real-world geographical location. Unlike in the core series games, these forms are non-interchangeable.
LycanrocLycanroc has three forms. Like in the core series games, most Rockruff can evolve into Midday Form or Midnight Form Lycanroc depending on the time of day. Unlike the core series games, however, Abilities are not used in Pokémon GO, so Dusk Form Lycanroc is obtained differently. Since January 2024, some Rockruff are only capable of evolving into Dusk Form Lycanroc, which can be seen on the Pokémon’s summary screen. Rockruff that can evolve into Dusk Form Lycanroc cannot evolve into Midday Form or Midnight Form Lycanroc, and vice versa.
ToxtricityToxtricity has two forms: Low Key Form and Amped Form. There is no gameplay difference between them. Toxel will randomly evolve into either form of Toxtricity.
Sinistea and PolteageistSinistea and Polteageist have two forms: Phony Form and Antique Form. There is no gameplay difference between them other than Antique Form Sinistea needing 400 Sinistea Candy to evolve instead of only 50. The Antique Form has a mark on the bottom of the Pokémon, while the Phony Form doesn't.
MorpekoMorpeko can change between Full Belly Mode and Hangry Mode, its Battle-Only Form. Morpeko will switch between forms when using a Charged Attack during Trainer Battles. Switching forms will change the type of Aura Wheel; Electric in Full Belly Mode and Dark in Hangry Mode.
OinkologneOinkologne has two non-interchangeable gender forms obtained by evolving Lechonk. Besides the cosmetic difference, male and female Oinkologne have different base stats.
MausholdMaushold has two forms: Family of Four or Family of Three. As in the core series games, the chance of Tandemaus evolving into Family of Three Maushold is significantly lower than that of evolving into Family of Four Maushold. Though the two Maushold forms have different silhouettes, only the Family of Four silhouette will appear as the evolution on the summary screen of Tandemaus, regardless of if that individual Pokémon will evolve into the Family of Three.
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