Gameplay of Pokémon

Pokémon involves the catching and training of fictional creatures called "Pokémon" and using them to battle other Trainers. Each successive generation of games builds upon this concept by introducing new Pokémon, items, and gameplay concepts. Some of the general concepts were featured elsewhere in the franchise before being introduced to the games; double battles appeared in the anime long before appearing in the games and Pokémon Abilities are similar to the Pokémon Powers introduced in the Pokémon Trading Card Game, which also introduced Shiny Pokémon, the phenomenon of Pokémon being different colors than the original. Pokémon competitive play is where players around the world battle each other with Pokémon. However, it requires some strategy involving having Pokémon with high stats^[1] and picking supereffective moves.^[2]

Core series release timeline

1996	Red and Green
	Blue
1997
1998	Yellow
	Red and Blue
1999	Gold and Silver
2000	Crystal
2001
2002	Ruby and Sapphire
2003
2004	FireRed and LeafGreen
	Emerald
2005
2006	Diamond and Pearl
2007
2008	Platinum
2009	HeartGold and SoulSilver
2010	Black and White
2011
2012	Black 2 and White 2
2013	X and Y
2014	Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
2015
2016	Sun and Moon
2017	Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
2018	Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!
2019	Sword and Shield
2020
2021	Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl
2022	Legends: Arceus

Game structure[]

Each game in the Pokémon series takes place in a fictional region of the Pokémon world and begins with the player receiving a starter Pokémon usually from that region's Pokémon Professor. By traveling around the world, catching and evolving Pokémon and defeating other Trainers in battle, the player increases the size and strength of their Pokémon collection. A major subplot of each game is to defeat a criminal organization, whose intents are usually trying to take over the world through the misuse of Pokémon. These organizations include Team Rocket, Neo Team Rocket, Team Aqua and Team Magma, Team Galactic, Team Plasma, Neo Team Plasma, Team Flare, Team Skull, the Aether Foundation, the Ultra Recon Squad, Team Rainbow Rocket, Team Yell and Macro Cosmos.

Various facilities can be found throughout the Pokémon world such as Pokémon Centers, Poké Marts and in Pokémon Sun and Moon, some trial locations and Gyms. At a Pokémon Center, the player can have their Pokémon healed for free and access the PC, where players can organize their collection of Pokémon, store and withdraw items and have their Pokédex rated. Before X and Y, this is also where players can link up with other game cartridges or cards to battle or trade with other players. Poké Marts are shops where players can buy items with the money they win during battles; certain cities may have specialized shops, like a pharmacy or a department store. Periodically, a town will contain a Pokémon Gym, which houses a powerful Trainer known as a Gym Leader. Victory against them grants the player a Gym Badge; after collecting eight Gym Badges, the player may challenge the region's Elite Four and Champion. Gyms are absent in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, being replaced by trials which serve a similar purpose. Upon completion of a Trial, the player receives a Z-Crystal, which grants a Pokémon access to an extremely powerful move called a Z-Move. The trend of Gyms continues in Sword and Shield.

Once the player completes the goal of conquering all 8 Gyms (or all Trials) or if the player's Pokémon are strong enough, the player then learns more about the legend of the region and can open the opportunity to summon, battle and catch the mascot Legendary Pokémon at a certain location. If the player doesn't want the battle to take long, Master Balls can be used because Master Balls are the ultimate type of Poke Ball, capable of catching any Pokémon with zero failure. However, Master Balls cannot be used to catch Pokemon already owned by a trainer, as this trainer would hit the ball back, thus wasting the ball.

Completing the main storyline opens up other features in the games; this is primarily done by allowing passage into otherwise inaccessible places. Many games also have facilities dedicated to battling, such as the Battle Frontier and the Battle Maison. Afterward, the game remains virtually open-ended, with the ultimate goal of the player being to obtain at least one member of each of the different species of Pokémon, thus completing the Pokédex. The number of Pokémon increases with each game generation, starting from 151 in the first generation to 898 as of Sword and Shield, though in Sword and Shield, some of the Pokemon from older generations cannot be caught.

Pokémon Gyms[]

Pokémon Gyms (ポケモンジム, Pokémon Jimu) are buildings situated throughout the Pokémon world, where Pokémon Trainers can train or compete to qualify for Pokémon League competitions. Although the internal organizations of Pokémon Gyms may vary, the majority specialize in one certain type of Pokémon and all are manned by a Gym Leader (ジムリーダー, Jimu Rīdā), a formidable Trainer that acts as a boss. Pokémon Gyms can be found in many towns and cities in the Pokémon world.

In each Gym, there are various Gym Trainers that the player may face before battling the Gym Leader. These Gym Trainers are often placed so that the player is forced into battle with them. When a Trainer defeats a Gym Leader in battle, the former wins a Badge (バッジ, Bajji), which serves as proof of a Trainer's skill and is a key part of advancing the plot. In Sword and Shield, a Trainer must complete a Gym Challenge, which is essentially a minigame, in order to continue through the Gym. Also, this will earn the former a Technical Machine (prior to Sun and Moon), which allows the player to teach their Pokémon a certain move. It also usually enables the player to utilize the overworld effects of one of the various Hidden Machines, such as the ability to cross bodies of water with the move Surf or the ability to remove some trees from paths with the move Cut. As the player collects Gym Badges, the maximum level at which traded Pokémon obey their commands increases.

After a player defeats the eight Gym Leaders, they can travel through Victory Road and then proceed to the Pokémon League and challenge the Elite Four (四天王, Shitennō) and the region's Pokémon League Champion (チャンピオン, Champion). Defeating the Champion is considered to be the goal of the game. However, in Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Elite Four has been replaced by the Champion Cup, a single-elimination tournament that consists of a semifinal round and a final round. In the semifinal round, the player will challenge Hop and Marnie. Just before the finals begin, Bede (now a Gym Leader trained by retiring Gym Leader Opal), interrupts proceedings, intending to challenge the player. After defeating Bede, the player will battle Nessa, Bea or Allister, and Raihan. If the player defeats all three opponents, they will have the opportunity to face Leon, the Galarian Pokémon League Champion. Pokémon Sword and Shield are the only games that don't have a Victory Road, because the Pokémon League headquarters in the Galar region is located in Wyndon, a fictional representation of London.

Island Trials[]

In Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, there are no Gyms or Gym Leaders. The player is instead given various "trials" by characters known as Trial Captains. A trial usually presents the player with a task they must complete to summon a Totem Pokémon, a more powerful version of a certain species of Pokémon. Once the player has summoned and defeated the Totem Pokémon, they receive a Z-Crystal, an item that allows Pokémon to use powerful moves known as "Z-Moves". Completing all of the trials on an island allows the player to challenge that island's "kahuna" in a standard Pokémon battle. The player can challenge the Pokémon League after they have completed all four Grand Trials. After defeating the Elite Four, the player can defend their title as Champion by defeating a challenger.

Pokémon training[]

Pokémon battles[]

Battles between Pokémon are the central game mechanic of the Pokémon games. They are used to train Pokémon to become stronger, like competitions and to reach certain objectives within the game. Battling can also be done between players by connecting two games.

Pokémon uses a turn-based system. When the player challenges a Trainer or encounters a wild Pokémon, the screen changes to a battle scene with the player's Pokémon, the opposing Pokémon, their respective HP bars and an option menu. At any time, the player may carry up to six Pokémon in his or her active party; the first Pokémon in the lineup is automatically sent into battle. At the start of each turn, both sides can choose to attack, use an item, switch the Pokémon for another in their party or attempt to flee from battle (against a wild Pokémon). If both sides attack, the one who goes first is determined by Speed, although some moves, items and effects can override this. If either side chooses any other option, that action is performed before the attacks.

Each Pokémon uses moves to reduce their opponent's HP to zero, at which point the Pokémon faints (ひんし, hinshi) and is unable to battle. If the player's Pokémon wins, it receives experience points; when enough have accumulated, the Pokémon's level increases. If the player's Pokémon faints, he/she may use another Pokémon; in battles against wild Pokémon, the player may attempt to flee instead. If all of a player's Pokémon faint, the player loses the battle. This causes the player to lose some money and return to the last Pokémon Center they visited.^[3]

Double and Multi Battles[]

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire introduced Double Battles (ダブルバトル, Daburu Batoru), in which the opposing teams battle with two Pokémon at a time. Though the basic mechanics remain the same, moves may have multiple targets, and some affect the ally as well as the opponents. Additionally, some Abilities work only in Double Battles. Multi Battles (マルチバトル, Maruchi Batoru) were also introduced, with four Trainers in teams of two. The third-generation games only included Double Battles against other Trainers, but Diamond and Pearl introduced Double Battles with wild Pokémon under certain circumstances.

Triple and Rotation Battles[]

Black and White also introduced Triple Battles (トリプルバトル, Toripuru Batoru)^[4] and Rotation Battles (ローテーションバトル, Rōtēshon Batoru).^[5] In Triple Battles, both teams send out three Pokémon at once, with all three battling simultaneously. In Rotation Battles, both sides send out three Pokémon at once, but only use one at a time. The Pokémon which is battling can be switched out with the other two without using up a turn.

Sky and Inverse Battles & Horde Encounters[]

Pokémon X and Y introduced three new battling mechanics. Sky Battles (スカイバトル, Sukai Batoru) are performed against Sky Trainers and can only be performed with Flying-type Pokémon or those with the Levitate Ability. Horde Encounters (群れバトル, Mure Batoru, "Group Battle") are battles where five wild Pokémon attack at once, encouraging the use of moves that hit multiple targets.^[6][7][8] Inverse Battles (さかさバトル, Sakasa Batoru, "Reverse Battle") are like normal battles, but the entire type chart is inverted. This means that an attack which would normally deal double damage instead deals half damage, and vice versa.

SOS and Max Raid Battles[]

Pokémon Sun and Moon also introduce a new battle type, the SOS Battle. In these battles, the opposing Pokémon may call for allies to assist them, making the battle two-on-one against the player. Pokémon Sword and Shield introduces Max Raid Battles, where a Dynamax or Gigantamax Pokémon appears in a Pokémon den. The player can battle with three CPUs or three other players through wireless connection, where the opposing Pokémon are changed from day to day. If the player is defeated, the Pokémon may be challenged again. If a Pokémon is defeated or caught, the player receives Dynamax candies, which make Pokémon stronger when Dynamaxed, Exp. Candies, Rare Candies, and TRs (single use TMs).

Pokémon types[]

A Pokémon's type (タイプ, taipu) is an elemental attribute determining the strengths and weaknesses of each Pokémon and its moves. Pokémon take double damage from attacking moves of types they are weak to and half damage from moves they resist. These type matchups offset one another in rock–paper–scissors-style relationships. Some Pokémon types grant full immunity to certain attack types; for instance, Ghost types take no damage from Normal or Fighting-type moves. Some Pokémon Abilities can change these interactions, such as Levitate making Pokémon immune to Ground-type moves.

In the original Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow games, there are a total of 15 Pokémon types: Normal, Fire, Water, Grass, Electric, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost and Dragon. The Dark and Steel types were added in Gold and Silver and the Fairy type was introduced in X and Y.^[10] Some types have special properties unrelated to the damage chart; for example, Electric types are immune to being paralyzed.

The console RPGs Colosseum and XD featured a unique move type known as Shadow, but it does not appear outside these games. Shadow Pokémon can be considered to be of this type, but they still retain their regular typing as well. In Pokémon XD, Shadow moves are super effective against non-Shadow Pokémon and not very effective against Shadow Pokémon.

Pokémon moves[]

Like the characters in many role-playing video games, Pokémon can learn a wide variety of moves (技, waza). These moves may inflict damage, induce status problems, restore health, or perform actions that in some way affect the battle. The general strength of and resistance to these moves are determined by the various statistics a particular Pokémon has. All moves have a type, power (威力, Iryoku), accuracy and a number of Power Points (PP). The moves that one Pokémon may learn are different from another depending on the species of Pokémon; even those that evolve from others do not necessarily learn all the same moves that their predecessors learn. Each Pokémon may only know a total of four moves at any one time. Moves may be learned through leveling up, using TMs and HMs, breeding and move tutors (NPCs that teach moves).

Types[]

Each move is classified as one of the 18 Pokémon types. The effectiveness of a move is dependent on how susceptible the target Pokémon's type is to the move's type. Phrases associated with this aspect are "It's super effective!" (damage is at least doubled), "It's not very effective..." (damage is at least halved) and "It doesn't affect [defending Pokémon]..." (damage and all effects are negated). A Pokémon with the same type as the move it uses will receive a 50% bonus to its damage, referred to as a "Same-Type Attack Bonus" (STAB). Moves are further defined as "physical" or "special"; before the Diamond and Pearl games, moves' status of being either physical or special depended on the type, rather than on the individual move. There are also "status" moves, which deal no damage and often inflict status changes on the defending or attacking Pokémon. Damage-inflicting moves remove a certain number of Health Points from the target Pokémon based on the types of the move and its target and on the statistics of the two Pokémon. The damage can also be affected by items held by either Pokémon or by their Abilities.

Accuracy[]

Each move has a specific accuracy (命中, Meichū), which determines the chance of hitting the target Pokémon assuming no changes are made to user's accuracy or the target's evasiveness. Very powerful moves often have below-average accuracy. Moves with standard 100% accuracy ratings are susceptible to changes in accuracy and evasiveness, but some moves bypass both and always land.

Power Points[]

The PP (Power Points) of a move indicate how many times a Pokémon may use that move. As with accuracy, a powerful move is often offset by having a low number of PP. Once a Pokémon uses up all the PP for a certain move, it can no longer use that move. If a Pokémon expends all the PP for all of its moves, it then resorts to a move called Struggle, which damages the user as well as the target. Depleted PP can be restored by using certain items or by visiting a Pokémon Center. A move can also have its PP increased via the use of special items; however there is a cap in the maximum PP every move can have.

Status[]

Many moves have effects beyond inflicting damage. A common secondary effect is a chance to induce a certain status effect (状態異常, jōtai ijō) on the target: paralysis (まひ, Mahi), burn (やけど, Yakedo), freeze (こおり, Kōri), poison (どく, Doku) or sleep (ねむり, Nemuri); each negatively affects how the afflicted Pokémon performs in battle. Some moves have negative side-effects for the user, such as forcing the player to wait a turn before or after use or causing recoil damage. A few moves, such as Splash, does nothing whatsoever except when used as a Z-Move.

Z-Moves[]

Once per battle, if a Pokémon holds a Z-Crystal, a powerful object obtained from completing island trials, it can use an upgraded version of one of its moves, called a Z-Move. Z-Moves based on attacking moves tend to have much higher power than normal; those based on status moves usually incur a benefit on the user before executing the move. Certain Pokémon can have Z-Moves that only they can learn, and they can also have exclusive Z-Crystals. For example, the Pokemon Mimikyu is the only Pokemon that can use the Z-move Let's Snuggle Forever if it knows Play Rough.

Max Moves[]

When a Pokemon is Dynamaxed, it uses Max Moves instead of regular moves. These moves all have a secondary effect that is consistent among all moves of that type. For instance, the Max Move Max Geyser always sets rain on the field when used. The power and type of these moves are based on the power and type of the moves when the Pokemon is not Dynamaxed; if a Pokemon knows Aqua Jet for instance, it will always become Max Geyser when Dynamaxed and have a power of 90. Even if the opponent uses Protect, these moves will still hit the opponent, albeit dealing less damage. However, all status moves become Max Guard, which protects the user completely from all moves including Max Moves.

Moves outside of battles[]

Certain moves can also be used in the overworld to bypass obstacles, quickly travel between locations, escape dungeons, or heal Pokémon. Usually, Pokémon will learn these moves with the use of the HM items and will be able to use them in the aforementioned ways after certain Badges are obtained.

Move Styles[]

Introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon can use their moves in two styles: Strong Style and Agile Style. If the Strong Style is chosen, the Pokémon's attack power will be raised, but the action speed will be decreased, meaning that the Pokémon might need to wait for a few turns before it gets to attack again. Using the Agile Style decreases the Pokémon's attack power, but its action speed will be raised, meaning that the Pokémon will act more frequently. Using either Strong or Agile Style causes a move to consume 2 PP.

Pokémon abilities[]

Pokémon Abilities (特性, Tokusei) are special attributes which were introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Specific species of Pokémon have one to three possible Abilities, with individual Pokémon exhibiting one Ability each. Unlike the moves a Pokémon knows, its Ability cannot normally change (except sometimes during evolution, and by using the Ability Capsule, which was introduced in Pokémon X and Y).

Most Pokémon use their Abilities in battle. Abilities can strengthen a Pokémon's statistics or weaken a foe, inflict status effects such as paralysis or poisoning, or perform other effects. Some Abilities also grant immunities or resistances, such as Water Absorb - when a Pokémon with this Ability gets hit by a Water-type attack, it absorbs the attack upon contact, recovering HP in the process, rather than losing HP as normal. Not all Abilities are helpful and may be implemented to hinder a Pokémon. For example, Slaking, which would otherwise be extraordinarily powerful, has the Truant Ability, which only lets it attack every other turn.

Some Abilities have effects outside of Pokémon battles. For example, Pokémon with the Pickup Ability will sometimes retrieve items off the ground. A Pokémon with the Ability Intimidate, mentioned above, will cause the player to encounter lower-level wild Pokémon less often.^[11]

Pokémon Black and White introduced Hidden Abilities, which initially could only be found on Pokémon acquired from the Pokémon Global Link, either through the Pokémon Dream World feature or through promotional releases. There are also rare instances of Hidden Abilities available in the main game, either as a special encounter or as a Trade with an NPC. Black 2 and White 2 introduced the game mechanic of Hidden Grottoes (隠し穴, Kakushi Ana), areas where the player has a chance to find a Pokémon that has its Hidden Ability. Subsequent games introduced more means of obtaining Pokémon with Hidden Abilities; for instance, Pokémon encountered in Horde Battles have a small chance of having their Hidden Ability.

Catching Pokémon[]

Because each player begins the game with only one starter Pokémon, catching is one of the most fundamental aspects of Pokémon, and the primary method of recruiting new Pokémon to the player's party. Players cannot catch Pokemon already owned by a trainer, as the opposing trainer would hit the ball back, thus wasting the ball.

In a battle against a wild Pokémon, the player may attempt to catch it by using one of many different types of Poké Balls. The odds of success vary, but are increased if the target Pokémon's HP is low, if the target is affected by a status-altering effect like sleep or paralysis, and if a stronger or specially-suited Poké Ball is used.

If the catch is successful, the caught Pokémon's data is added to the Pokédex, the player may give the Pokémon a nickname, and the Pokémon is added to the player's party. However, if the player's party is filled to its maximum of six Pokémon, the caught Pokémon is instead sent to a storage box accessible at Pokémon Centers. In the first- and second-generation games, if the current PC box is full, the player will be unable to catch any new Pokémon until accessing a PC and switching to a different box. In more recent games, new Pokémon are automatically transferred to the next available box.

However, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, simply catching a Pokemon will not be enough to register it to the Pokedex. As the goal of this game is to create the Sinnoh region's (then known as the Hisui region) first Pokedex, the player must observe the behaviors of various Pokemon in their daily lives. Also, as PC boxes were not invented yet in the Hisui region's time period, Pokemon not in the player's party will stay in pastures.

Pokémon evolution[]

Evolution (進化, shinka) is a sudden change in form of a Pokémon, usually accompanied by an increase in stat values. There are several different conditions which can trigger evolution in different species; the most common is gaining enough battle experience. There are many other factors that can determine if, when, and into what, different Pokémon will evolve. The original alternate methods were the use of items called evolutionary stones or by trading the Pokémon to another player. Later additions to the pool of conditions for evolution include dependence on the Pokémon's friendship level, the time of day in the game, carrying a unique item while being traded, the gender, the area in the game where the Pokémon levels up, having a separate specific Pokémon in the player's party, trading for a specific Pokémon, knowing a certain move, or doing something with the console. Unlike the evolution of organisms, Pokemon do not pass on the traits to their offspring using DNA.

The player can choose to halt evolution at any time before the animation is finished by pressing the B button, unless the evolution was initiated by using an evolutionary stone on the Pokémon. Pokémon whose evolutions are canceled will attempt to evolve again after the condition for evolution is met again. Preventing evolution for a time can be useful, as many Pokémon learn moves sooner in their unevolved form than in their evolved form. This is known as an evolution cancel.

The Pokémon Trading Card Game introduced the idea of numerical stages for referring to different points in a Pokémon's evolution. This has translated into colloquial usage among fans of the games. All Pokémon can be placed at one of four evolutionary stages (though no existing Pokémon line includes more than three out of the four stages): Basic Pokémon, Stage 1 Pokémon which evolve from Basic Pokémon, Stage 2 Pokémon which evolve from Stage 1 Pokémon and Baby Pokémon which are acquired by breeding certain Basic or Stage 1 Pokémon and hatching their Eggs. A Pokémon higher up on this evolutionary scale is sometimes called an evolved form of the previous stages; likewise, a Pokémon lower down on the scale is said to be a pre-evolved form of later Pokémon in the chain.

Leveling up[]

This is the most common method of evolution across all Pokémon generations, and involves Pokémon acquiring experience points through battling other Pokémon. For example, a Charmander will evolve to Charmeleon when it reaches to level 16.

Evolutionary stones[]

Evolutionary stones are items which can be found throughout the games. Some Pokémon can have particular evolutionary stones used on them, and doing so will cause the Pokémon to evolve. Initially five evolutionary stones were introduced into the game: the Water, Thunder, Leaf, Moon and Fire Stones. Later generations introduced more kinds, bringing the total to ten in Generation VII.

Trading[]

Some Pokémon, like Machoke and Kadabra, evolve when traded between players. Additional evolutionary requirements can also exist; for instance, Seadra only evolves into Kingdra if it holds a Dragon Scale when traded and Shelmet and Karrablast only evolve when traded for each other.

Friendship[]

A Pokémon's friendship (なつき度, Natsuki-do, lit. "Degree of Emotional Attachment"; nicknamed "Happiness" by players) is an attribute that can rise or fall based upon several conditions and events. This aspect, introduced in Pokémon Yellow, determined Pikachu's stat growth and affected the outcome of certain NPC events. In Pokémon Gold and Silver it is a means to evolve several Pokémon. When Pokémon like Chansey or Golbat level up and have very high Friendship, they will evolve.

In addition to its use in certain evolutions, the moves Return and Frustration base their power on the Pokémon's friendship value, with Return's power rising the higher the friendship value is and Frustration's power rising the lower the friendship level is.

Affection[]

In Pokémon X and Y, a feature known as Pokémon-Amie (ポケパルレ, Pokeparure, "PokéParler") was introduced; in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the feature is known as Pokémon Refresh. And in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield it is known as Pokemon Camp. It allows players to interact with and care for Pokémon in a manner similar to some digital pet games. This minigame utilizes the touchscreen to allow players to pet their Pokémon and feed them sweets to raise their affection value. In battle, Pokémon with high Affection may turn to their Trainer to await orders and express emotions. Additionally, they can receive certain benefits such as an increased chance to land critical hits if their affection reaches a high enough value.^[12][13] Eevee must have high affection and must know a Fairy-type move to evolve into Sylveon.

Other means[]

Rarely, a unique condition must be met for a Pokémon to evolve. For instance with the Pokémon Glaceon and Leafeon, which both evolve from Eevee, and which both need to be levelled up around specific rocks in the environments of every game after Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl. Another example is Inkay, which, upon Levelling up from Level 30 onwards, requires the game system to be turned upside-down to evolve into Malamar.

Stats[]

All Pokémon have six statistics (能力, Nōryoku, "Attribute") which affect their performance in battle. These are HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed.^[14] These statistics can be temporarily modified during battle by Abilities, items, and moves.

• HP (short for Hit Points):^[15] A Pokémon faints when its HP reaches zero, and it cannot be used in battle again until it is revived at a Pokémon Center, or with a special item. However, they can still use moves in the field.
• Attack (こうげき, Kōgeki): Determines the strength of a Pokémon's physical attacks.
• Defense (ぼうぎょ, Bōgyo): Determines the Pokémon's resistance against physical attacks.
• Special Attack (とくこう, Tokukō): Determines the power of a Pokémon's special attacks.
• Special Defense (とくぼう, Tokubō): Determines the Pokémon's resilience to special attacks.
• Speed (すばやさ, Subayasa): After battle commands are entered, the Speed statistics of the participating Pokémon are compared. With some exceptions, Pokémon with higher Speed make their moves before those with lower Speed. If the player's Pokémon uses the Psychic-type move Trick Room, the player can reverse the turn order for five turns. Once Trick Room is used, slower Pokémon go first and faster Pokémon move last.

There are also two other statistics, Accuracy (命中率, Meichūritsu) and Evasiveness (回避率, Kaihiritsu), which are not affected when Pokémon level up. No Pokémon has innately higher Accuracy or Evasiveness than any other, but they can be modified during battle like other statistics. Increasing Accuracy makes a move more likely to hit while increasing Evasiveness makes the opponent's move more likely to miss. A Pokémon's Accuracy, the opponent's Evasiveness, and the accuracy value of a given move affect the probability that the move will hit. Evasiveness was called "Evade" in the first generation and "Evasion" in the second.

In Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow, both the Special Attack and Special Defense stats were a single stat, named the "Special" stat, which determined both power with and resistance against special attacks.^[16]

When Pokémon level up, their statistics increase, as determined by the Pokémon's base stat values, effort values, Pokémon Nature, and individual values. These variables working in tandem provide each Pokémon with its unique stats.

Base stat values[]

The Base stat values determine the natural statistical strengths of the various Pokémon species. Every species is assigned a number in each of the six stats; the higher the number, the higher the stat can potentially be. While these values may greatly vary between species, they are the same for each member of that species. It is the difference among species which explains why all Aerodactyl will have a higher Speed than any Snorlax of the same level; however, it is the combination of other factors that causes some Snorlax to be faster than others.^[17] Adding up all the base stat values for a certain species generates the base stat total, which players use to determine approximately how strong that species is.

Effort values[]

Effort values (努力値, doryokuchi, EVs) are hidden values that affect the strengths of a Pokémon in particular statistical areas. Differing effort value levels between two Pokémon can create a significant difference in the two Pokémon's statistical strengths. When a Pokémon battles and defeats an opponent, they gain experience points and also receive a number and type of EVs according to the defeated Pokémon's species. Every defeated Pokémon gives at least one EV to each of the Pokémon that fought it. Certain factors, like holding the Macho Brace item, can increase the rate at which EVs are gained in battle. In Pokémon Gold and Silver, a condition known as Pokérus (ポケルス, Pokerusu) was introduced which doubles the rate at which EVs are obtained, and will be contagious for a certain number of days, allowing it to spread to other Pokémon. Also, consuming certain items can increase a Pokémon's EVs, and certain Berries decrease EVs while increasing a Pokémon's friendship value. There is a limit on the number of EVs Pokémon can have, which prevents stats from increasing indefinitely. The total limit allows for maximum Effort Values in two stats simultaneously.

In the first- and second-generation games, a similar system usually referred to as Stat Experience or Stat Exp. was used. As with Effort Values, there is a limit to how much Stat Exp. a Pokémon can have in each stat; however, unlike Effort Values, there is no limit to the total Stat Exp. a Pokémon can have across all stats, meaning that a Pokémon can have maximum Stat Exp. in every stat. Also of note is that, for Pokémon from the first and second generation to be forward and backward compatible for trading, Stat Exp. was not tracked separately for Special Attack and Special Defense in the second generation games. Instead, the Special Stat Exp. value was used to calculate both Special Attack and Special Defense.

In Pokémon X and Y, a minigame known as Super Training (スパトレ, Supatore) is introduced that allows players to more accurately manage the effort values. The player can do this by playing a soccer-like minigame, which also rewards the player with training bags to continue the training passively. The Pokémon's effort values can also be viewed in the Super Training interface, which includes an "Effort-o-Meter" to allow the player to see the maximum capability of increasing the Pokémon's effort values.^[18][19]

In Pokémon Sun and Moon, a graph of a Pokémon's EVs along with its base stats can be seen by pressing the Y button while viewing the summary of a Pokémon. A sparkling stat shows that the Pokémon had obtained the maximum number of EVs for the stat. Pokémon can gain EVs passively through a feature called "Poké Pelago".

Pokémon Natures[]

Pokémon Natures (性格, Seikaku) were first introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire. Each Pokémon has a Nature, randomly assigned when it is generated, which cannot be changed. A Pokémon's Nature affects the rate at which some of its stats increase: out of the twenty-five possible Natures, twenty will increase one stat's growth rate but decrease another's. The other five modify the same stat in both increases and decreases, and thus the Pokémon's overall growth is unaffected.^[20] Natures also determine which flavor of Pokéblocks or Poffins that Pokémon likes and dislikes.

Individual values[]

Individual values (個体値, kotaichi) or IVs are a hidden value for each statistic which determine a Pokémon's maximum potential. These values are randomly generated along with each Pokémon when it is encountered or bred, and set in stone for the rest of the game. These hidden values are why even Pokémon that seem identical and have been raised the same way may have different stats. IVs range from 0 to 31,^[20] and their Generations I and II predecessors, "determinant values", ranged from 0 to 15.

Items[]

Items can be found in the world, given to the player by NPCs, or bought at shops for in-game currency.

Recovery items[]

Many items received in the game are used to heal Pokémon during and outside of battles. A range of items cure various status conditions, such as Antidotes for poisoning and Awakenings for sleep. Revives restore a Pokémon back to health after it has lost all of its HP. Ethers and Elixirs restore the PP of a Pokémon's moves to varying degrees.

Technical and Hidden Machines & Technical Record[]

Technical Machines (わざマシン, Waza Mashin) and Hidden Machines (ひでんマシン, Hiden Mashin), commonly abbreviated as TMs and HMs, can be used to teach moves to Pokémon, including some moves that they would otherwise not learn by increasing in level. TMs are commonly found in the field, in shops, and as rewards for defeating a Gym Leader. HMs are often vital to game progression as they have important effects outside of battle, allowing the player to traverse certain obstacles. For example, Pokémon who learn the HM move Surf can transport the protagonist over water, which is necessary to reach island locations. When a Pokémon learns an HM move, the move cannot be deleted or replaced unless the player uses the services of an NPC known as the Move Deleter.

Prior to Generation V, TMs could only be used once. However, from Generation V onwards, TMs could be used infinitely. HMs could be used indefinitely even before Generation V when TMs can be used more than once. In Generation VII, HMs were removed and the usage of HMs outside of battle were replaced by other means such as the Poke Rider, which summons a Pokemon to do things that formerly HMs did such as surf across water.^[21]

Generation VIII also introduced the introduction of TRs, or Technical Records, which work similarly to the TMs, but they can only be used once. Once a TR is used, it will break.

Key items[]

Key items are rarer than regular items and are usually given to the player rather than found. These include fishing rods which are used to find water-dwelling Pokémon, a bicycle which allows the protagonist to move around faster, a town map which allows the player to look through the entire region, a dowsing machine, and keys which open locked doors leading to important areas. These items cannot be thrown away, sold, or given to a Pokémon.

Held items[]

Starting with Pokémon Gold and Silver, each Pokémon is able to hold a single item. Items carried by Pokémon can have a range of effects. Some, like Berries, are consumed after one use and boost HP or stats. Others persistently boost move power, defense, Speed, and more. Just like moves, some items hinder the user to compensate their power; for instance, the Life Orb boosts the damage of the holder's attacks, but hurts it after each successful attack. Others items solely harm the user except in rare situations, such as the Toxic Orb, which badly poisons the user. Pokémon X and Y introduced Mega Stones used to Mega Evolve members of the stone's species, and Sun and Moon introduced Z-Crystals, which give the holder access to Z-Moves. Items like the Razor Claw and Razor Fang evolve certain Pokémon when held while a condition is met. Most items, including Poké Balls and Potions, can be held but have no effect when given to a Pokémon. Items can be moved between, removed from, and neutralized on Pokémon through moves like Trick, Knock Off, and Embargo, or consumed to damage the opponent through the attacks Fling and Natural Gift.

Poké Ball[]

The Poké Ball (モンスターボール, Monsutābōru, "Monster Ball") is a spherical device used by Pokémon Trainers to catch wild Pokémon and store them in the player's inventory when not active. Upon contact, the balls draw a Pokémon inside and then close automatically. Wild Pokémon are able to resist and break free; however, weakened Pokémon and those with status conditions are less able to struggle and therefore more easily caught. Legendary Pokémon are much more capable of resisting being caught, and will often require many Poké Balls or more powerful Poké Balls to catch them. If the player attempts to catch a non-player character's Pokémon, the opponent will block the Ball to prevent its theft. A subcategory of Generation 7 Pokémon called Ultra Beasts require a different Poké Ball altogether: the Beast Ball, which is less effective than the standard Poké Ball at catching other Pokémon.

As depicted in the anime and manga series, the Poké Ball, when not in use, is the size of a golf ball and, with a press of the central button, enlarges to the size of a baseball. The Pokémon is released for battle by throwing the ball; when retrieving a Pokémon, a beam of red light converts the Pokémon into energy to reclaim it. Poké Balls are explained as being incredibly comfortable for Pokémon, so much that they would willingly enter one without any sort of encouragement.^[22] The Pokémon Voltorb, Electrode, Galarian Stunfisk, Foongus, and Amoonguss are often mistaken for Poké Balls, due to their shape and color schemes which highly resemble Poké Balls.

Pokémon creator Satoshi Tajiri said that the Poké Ball concept was inspired by Ultraseven's Capsule Monsters from the tokusatsu superhero television series Ultraseven (1967–1968).^[23]

Various types of Poké Balls exist. Introduced in Pokémon Red and Blue are the Poké Ball, Great Ball (スーパーボール, Sūpā Bōru, "Super Ball"), Ultra Ball (ハイパーボール, Haipā Bōru, "Hyper Ball"), and Master Ball (マスターボール, Masutā Bōru). The Master Ball always succeeds against any Pokémon that can be caught, and of which typically only one is available in the game. They are best used during battles with Legendary Pokémon. If the Master Ball is used in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, there is a cutscene showing the Master Ball doing its job. In Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold and SoulSilver, there are fruits called Apricorns, which, when given to Kurt in Azalea Town, make one of seven special types of Poké Balls, depending on the Apricorn's color. The seven kinds of Poké Balls Kurt can make (and the seven color Apricorns they are made out of) are Level (Red), Moon (Yellow), Lure (Blue), Friend (Green), Love (Pink), Fast (White), and Heavy (Black). Beginning in Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald, other specialized balls appear, including the Timer Ball, which becomes more effective as the number of turns in the current battle rises, and the Net Ball, which has a better chance of catching Water and Bug-type Pokémon, among others. In addition, in several games there exists an area called the Safari Zone in which only Safari Balls can be used; these cannot be obtained or used elsewhere in the game. Pokémon Sun and Moon introduced the Beast Ball, which is designed for capturing Ultra Beasts and is much more effective at capturing them than standard Poké Balls. There is also a special kind of Poké Ball known as the Cherish Ball, which can only be obtained through special distribution events. Mythical Pokémon and other event Pokémon are contained in Cherish Balls. In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Poke Balls such as the Heavy Ball, Level Ball, and Dream Ball can be acquired through the mascot of the Pokémon League, Ball Guy. Ball Guy is a tall man who wears a large Poké Ball mascot head, which displays a friendly face. He can be seen in jumbotrons in various stadiums with different animations. If the player defeats a Pokémon, there will be an animation showing Ball Guy being crushed by a foot. If there is a close ending to a Pokémon battle, he will show a nervous animation, and if the player and opponent Dynamax/Gigantamax their Pokémon, he will show a Dynamax animation. If a Dynamax Pokémon is defeated, he will show a fainting animation.

In the Nintendo GameCube RPGs, Pokémon Colosseum and Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, the player is able to catch non-player characters' Pokémon through the use of the Snag Machine, which turns Poké Balls into Snag Balls. Snag Balls are capable of catching any Pokémon, and are developed by the antagonists to steal Pokémon where they are not common in the wild. Snag Balls can also be used by the player to catch Shadow Pokémon who have been tainted by the antagonist group and that the player is required to purify for game completion.

Poké Balls have appeared in every installment of the Super Smash Bros. series, releasing a Pokémon to assist the player who grabbed it. Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U also introduces the Master Ball, which almost always releases a legendary Pokémon with a powerful ability, with a small chance of releasing Goldeen instead, which does nothing but flop helplessly on the ground (presumably using the move Splash, which does nothing).

UGO.com listed the Poké Ball 18th on their list of "Our 50 Favorite Video Game Power-ups" citing how everybody runs to get it in the Super Smash Bros. series.^[24]

Poké Ball toys have been sold as merchandise. Between November and December 1999, more than 25 million Poké Balls were distributed with Burger King meals across the United States.^[25]

Pokédex[]

The Pokédex (ポケモン図鑑, Pokémon Zukan, lit. "Pokémon Encyclopedia") is an electronic device designed to catalog and provide information regarding the various species of Pokémon. The name Pokédex is a portmanteau of Pokémon and index.^[26] In the video games, whenever a Pokémon is first caught, its height, weight, species type, and a short description will be added to a player's Pokédex. Each region has its own Pokédex, which differ in appearance, species of Pokémon catalogued, and functions such as the ability to sort the list of Pokémon based on alphabetical order or display the Pokémon's size compared to the player character. The "National Pokédex" allows Pokémon from all regions to be catalogued. The Nintendo 3DS application Pokédex 3D Pro features all of the Pokémon with all of its forms and each one has its own animation.

Pokémon transformations and forms[]

Gender differences[]

Starting in Generation IV, Pokémon sometimes had minor visual differences depending on their gender, or gender differences.

Mega Evolution[]

Mega Evolution (メガシンカ, Mega Shinka) is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon X and Y, which further increases the abilities of specific Pokémon. If the player character possesses an item called the Key Stone (キーストーン, Kī Sutōn) and a Pokémon is holding a Mega Stone (メガストーン, Mega Sutōn) that corresponds to its species (whose name usually ends with the suffix -ite), that Pokémon will be able to Mega Evolve during battle. The player cannot perform more than one Mega Evolution per battle. Unlike normal evolution, this transformation is temporary and the Pokémon will revert to its normal form after the battle. Mega Evolved Pokémon have higher stats than their normal forms and may also have a different type or Ability.^[27] Unfortunately, while this does not affect gameplay, many Pokédex entries for Mega Evolved Pokémon state that the process or form the Pokémon use is painful to said Pokémon. There are 46 species of Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, two of which have two different Mega forms.^[28] Mewtwo was the first known example of a Pokémon capable of Mega Evolution, with Mega Mewtwo Y appearing in a special episode of the television series and the film Pokémon the Movie: Genesect and the Legend Awakened. Two Pokémon, Charizard and Mewtwo, have multiple Mega Evolved forms and the one they can Mega Evolve into is dependent on which Mega Stone they hold.^[29]

Primal Reversion[]

Primal Reversion (ゲンシカイキ, Genshi Kaiki) is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.^[30] Only two Pokémon, Groudon and Kyogre, are currently capable of Primal Reversion. These Pokémon will undergo Primal Reversion automatically if they hold the Red Orb or Blue Orb (respectively) when sent into battle. Like Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion increases the Pokémon's stats and changes their Abilities; unlike Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion can be performed more than once per battle.^[31]

Bond Phenomenon[]

Bond Phenomenon (キズナ現象, Bond Phenomenon) is a mechanic that debuted in the anime's XYZ series and was introduced into the core series games in Pokémon Sun and Moon. The only Pokémon capable of this transformation is Greninja with the Battle Bond Ability. Greninja will transform into Ash-Greninja if it knocks out a Pokémon during battle (although it does not assume the Ash-Greninja form if there is only one Pokemon that is KO'd, during which the battle instantly ends), giving it an appearance similar to Ash Ketchum, increased stats and a stronger Water Shuriken. Unlike Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion and Ultra Burst, Bond Phenomenon does not require an item to activate. In the anime, as revealed by one of Clemont's gadgets, both Ash and Greninja share exactly the same heartbeat when Bond Phenomenon occurs. According to Clemont, in order to execute the transformation, the emotions of both Ash and Greninja must be in sync. Also, in the anime, Bond Phenomenon requires the trust between Trainer and Pokémon to reach maximum. Ash can also see from Greninja's point of view when the form is activated. However, this does come with a side effect for Ash; whenever Greninja gets hit by an attack, he can feel it as well (in exactly the same spot where Greninja took damage). If the form is pushed too hard (or if both the Trainer and Pokémon fail to perfect the transformation), Ash can pass out from exhaustion and fatigue. The term "Ash-Greninja" was coined by Bonnie, Clemont's little sister.

Regional form[]

Regional forms (リージョンフォーム, Region Form), also called regional variants, is a species of Pokémon found in a specific region that takes on a different form than it does in most other regions. Many regional forms have a different type to its regular form.

Ultra Burst[]

Ultra Burst (ウルトラバースト, Ultra Burst) is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, exclusive to the Legendary Pokémon Necrozma. Necrozma may undergo Ultra Burst if it is in its Dusk Mane or Dawn Wings form and holding the Ultranecrozium Z Z-Crystal, which will allow it to transform into Ultra Necrozma. Like Mega Evolution, Bond Phenomenon and Primal Reversion, Ultra Burst increases Necrozma's stats and is a temporary transformation.

Dynamax[]

Dynamax (ダイマックス, Daimax) and Gigantamax (キョダイマックス, Kyodaimax) are mechanics introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. If the player character possesses an item called the Dynamax Band (ダイマックスバンド, Daimax Band), it drastically increases the Pokémon's size, its HP by 50% and can use Max Moves. The Pokémon can further increase its HP by 5% from using Dynamax Candy (ダイマックスアメ, Daimax Candy) to increase its Dynamax Level, up to a maximum Dynamax Level of 10 (where the Dynamaxed Pokemon would have twice as much HP as its non-Dynamaxed form). Unlike Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion, Z-Moves and Ultra Burst, Dynamaxing can only be used in Gym Stadiums, Max Raid Battles and other areas except for wild or trainer battles. The transformation is not permanent, because a Pokemon can stay Dynamaxed for only three turns. After three turns, the Pokemon will shrink and return to its normal size.

Zacian, Zamazenta and Eternatus are the only Pokémon that cannot Dynamax.

Gigantamax[]

Gigantamax (キョダイマックス, Kyodaimax) is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Gigantamax is similar to Dynamax, but it changes the Pokémon's form, similar to Mega Evolution. Gigantamax Pokémon use G-Max Moves, exclusive to the 32 Pokémon capable of Gigantamaxing (as of the release of the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLCs). Each Gigantamax Pokémon must have their respective move type in order to use their respective G-Max Move.

Eternamax[]

Eternamax (ムゲンダイマックス, Mugendaimax) is a mechanic introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield, exclusive to the Legendary Pokémon Eternatus. Eternatus changes into its Eternamax form after defeating it for the first time. Its power prevents the player's and Hop's Pokémon from attacking. Eternatus is attackable after the player summons the Legendary Pokémon Zacian and Zamazenta, resulting in a Max Raid Battle where the player can capture Eternatus and end its transformation.

Eternamax Eternatus can be seen in battle (if Eternatus uses the move Eternabeam), but the player cannot currently use this form of Eternatus outside of this appearance.

Pokémon groups[]

Starter Pokémon[]

List of starter Pokémon

Game(s)	Starter Pokémon
Red, Green, Blue, FireRed, and LeafGreen	Bulbasaur	Charmander	Squirtle
Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold, and SoulSilver	Chikorita	Cyndaquil	Totodile
Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, Omega Ruby, and Alpha Sapphire	Treecko	Torchic	Mudkip
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl	Turtwig	Chimchar	Piplup
Black, White, Black 2, and White 2	Snivy	Tepig	Oshawott
X and Y	Chespin	Fennekin	Froakie
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon	Rowlet	Litten	Popplio
Sword and Shield	Grookey	Scorbunny	Sobble
Legends: Arceus	Rowlet	Cyndaquil	Oshawott

One of the reoccurring aspects of the Pokémon series of role-playing games is the choice of one of three different Pokémon at the start of the player's adventures. Players have the option to choose one of three different types of Pokémon: a Grass type, a Fire type and a Water type, though many starter Pokémon gain an additional type upon evolution.^[32] These Pokémon are supposedly indigenous to their regions, yet otherwise unattainable except through trading with another game. Many games include a rival character, who receives the Pokémon whose type is advantageous against the player's starter Pokémon (with the exception of Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon as well as Sword and Shield, when the player's rival, Hau and Hop respectively, chooses a Pokémon that is weak to the player's Pokémon).

Partner Pokémon[]

List of partner Pokémon

Game(s)	Partner Pokémon
Yellow, Let's Go, Pikachu!, and Masters	Pikachu
XD: Gale of Darkness, Conquest, and Let's Go, Eevee!	Eevee
Colosseum	Espeon			Umbreon
Ranger	Plusle			Minun
Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Starly		Pachirisu		Munchlax
Ranger: Guardian Signs	Pichu

This concept is introduced in Pokémon Yellow, in which players are given a Pikachu, the mascot of the Pokémon media franchise, who walks along behind them.^[33] The rival Trainer receives an Eevee, a Normal-type Pokémon. However, with the introduction of Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, the player will receive a Pikachu and the rival gets an Eevee in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!, and if the player plays Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!, the player will receive Eevee, while the rival will receive Pikachu. The Eevee will evolve into one of its three different evolved states depending on how well the player fares in battles with the rival at the beginning of the game.

Fossil Pokémon[]

List of fossil Pokémon

Generation	Fossil Pokémon
Generation I	Omanyte	Omastar	Kabuto	Kabutops	Aerodactyl
Generation II	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation III	Lileep	Cradily	Anorith	Armaldo	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation IV	Cranidos	Rampardos	Shieldon	Bastiodon	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation V	Tirtouga	Carracosta	Archen	Archeops	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation VI	Tyrunt	Tyrantrum	Amaura	Aurorus	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation VII	No additional Fossil Pokémon
Generation VIII	Dracozolt	Arctozolt	Dracovish	Arctovish	No additional Fossil Pokémon

Fossil Pokémon (化石ポケモン, Kaseki Pokémon) are prehistoric Pokémon which can be obtained through reviving their specific Fossils.

Legendary Pokémon[]

List of legendary Pokémon

Generation	#	Legendary Pokémon
Generation I	4	Articuno	Zapdos	Moltres	Mewtwo	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation II	5	Raikou	Entei	Suicune	Lugia	Ho-Oh	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation III	8	Regirock	Regice	Registeel	Latias	Latios	Kyogre	Groudon	Rayquaza	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation IV	9	Uxie	Mesprit	Azelf	Dialga	Palkia	Heatran	Regigigas	Giratina	Cresselia	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation V	9	Cobalion	Terrakion	Virizion	Tornadus	Thundurus	Reshiram	Zekrom	Landorus	Kyurem	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation VI	3	Xerneas	Yveltal	Zygarde	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation VII	11	Type: Null	Silvally	Tapu Koko	Tapu Lele	Tapu Bulu	Tapu Fini	Cosmog	Cosmoem	Solgaleo	Lunala	Necrozma	No additional Legendary Pokémon
Generation VIII	10	Zacian	Zamazenta	Eternatus	Kubfu	Urshifu	Regieleki	Regidrago	Glastrier	Spectrier	Calyrex	Galarian Articuno	Galarian Zapdos	Galarian Moltres
Total	59	The Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres in Generation VIII are not counted as different from Generation I

Legendary Pokémon (伝説のポケモン, Densetsu no Pokémon) is a term of art. Since the Gold and Silver versions of the games, the main series' game package features one Legendary Pokémon, usually the Pokémon most involved in the main storyline of that game. Legendary Pokémon are often described as being exceptionally rare. In most cases, Legendary Pokémon are exceptionally powerful, difficult to catch and unable to evolve (with the exception of Cosmog, Cosmoem and Kubfu) and no known Legendary Pokémon is capable of breeding. Many Legendary Pokémon also lack a gender (with the exception of Cresselia, which is female only, Urshifu, Heatran, and Latios and Latias). Certain Legendary Pokémon colloquially termed Roaming Pokémon (移動してるポケモン, Migrating Pokémon) randomly move around the world map and flee from battle, making them even harder to obtain. They are often targeted by the villainous teams, who intend to use them to either destroy or recreate the Pokémon world.

Mythical Pokémon[]

List of mythical Pokémon

Generation	Mythical Pokémon
Generation I	Mew	No additional Mythical Pokémon
Generation II	Celebi	No additional Mythical Pokémon
Generation III	Jirachi	Deoxys	No additional Mythical Pokémon
Generation IV	Phione	Manaphy	Darkrai	Shaymin	Arceus
Generation V	Victini	Keldeo	Meloetta	Genesect	No additional Mythical Pokémon
Generation VI	Diancie	Hoopa	Volcanion	No additional Mythical Pokémon
Generation VII	Magearna	Marshadow	Zeraora	Meltan	Melmetal
Generation VIII	Zarude	No additional Mythical Pokémon

Mythical Pokémon (幻のポケモン, Maboroshi no Pokémon) is a separate group of Pokémon. The term is commonly associated with Pokémon that cannot be obtained through standard gameplay, requiring an external mechanic to obtain them; however, some Mythical Pokémon have been made obtainable in later releases, notably Deoxys. These Pokémon are usually placed at the end of their respective games' Pokédex and can only be obtained through distribution events set up by Nintendo. The first of these Mythical Pokémon was Mew, who was programmed into the Red and Green games as a secret character by Shigeki Morimoto without any knowledge of the other members of the development team and was not announced until several months after the games' release in a special promotion. Since then, the games have continued to feature Pokémon that cannot be obtained through standard gameplay, but the programming that allow the player to catch them within the games can be activated by special items (or other Pokémon) distributed by Nintendo. The first of these such items was the GS Ball in Crystal, which was distributed to players in Japan through the mobile phone connector, allowing them to encounter Celebi. Like Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon are powerful and difficult to catch, are usually not part of an evolutionary line (with the exception of Meltan) and cannot breed (with the exception of Manaphy).

Shiny Pokémon[]

Shiny Pokémon (光るポケモン, Shining Pokémon) were first introduced in Gold and Silver as a way to demonstrate the new color capabilities of the Game Boy Color system. These are Pokémon which have a different coloration than normal; in earlier games, this was done by means of a palette swap. Encountering a Shiny Pokémon is extremely rare; the probability under normal conditions is 1 in 8,192 (1 in 4,096 from the sixth generation onwards).^[34] There are some major exceptions to this rule, such as a red (shiny) Gyarados present in Pokémon Gold, Silver, Crystal, HeartGold and SoulSilver and three Pokémon present in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, all of which are guaranteed to be Shiny.

There are various ways of increasing the chance of getting a Shiny Pokémon. In second-generation games, breeding a Shiny Pokémon with a regular Pokémon has a higher chance (1 in 64) of producing a Shiny Pokémon. In Diamond, Pearl, Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl, Platinum, X, and Y, the Poké Radar can be used to "chain" Pokémon of the same species, improving the odds of a Shiny Pokémon with each link (up to 40 links, when the odds are 1 in 200). Since Generation IV, breeding Pokémon that originated in games of two different languages results in Eggs with a 1 in 1,638 (Generation IV games) or 1 in 1365 (Black and White onwards) chance to contain a Shiny Pokémon; this method of increasing odds has been dubbed the "Masuda method" after developer Junichi Masuda.^[35] Additionally, an item introduced in Black 2 and White 2 called the Shiny Charm increases the probability of finding Shiny Pokémon. However, this item is only accessible long after completing the game, as the player must have completed the National Pokédex (excluding Mythical Pokémon). Beginning in Black and White, certain Pokémon in each game are 'Shiny-locked', meaning the player cannot obtain a Shiny variant of them in normal gameplay. They can, however, obtain them in limited time events. An example of such events would be the event for Shiny Zacian and Zamazenta (both of whom are normally Shiny locked), where players would input a code onto Mystery Gift to receive said Pokémon. The event was initially started in South Korea, exclusively for players who preordered Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, and the event has since spread all over the world.

Pokémon Sun and Moon's SOS Battle mechanic created a new way to "hunt" for Shiny Pokémon. If a wild Pokémon calls allies to help and the ally is continually of the same species in a "chain", the chance that it calls a Shiny Pokémon rises up to a base of 13 in 4096 after the 30th is called, as do the chances of a Hidden Ability and perfect IVs, though they are capped at a maximum of four perfect IVs. In their sequels' Ultra Warp Ride minigame, by successfully traveling more light-years through the wormhole and entering wormholes with more rings, the player can increase the chance of finding Shiny Pokémon in the Ultra Space Wilds. Generation 7 also introduced an upgrade to the "Masuda method" referred to as "Swap Breeding"; the game is continually saved and soft-reset until a fast-hatching, dummy Pokémon is hatched shiny within the first thirty attempts, and shininess is transplanted to the new Pokémon hatched in the same position as the dummy was.^[36]

In Gold, Silver and Crystal, Shiny Pokémon have slightly above-average stats, but this is because their Shininess is determined by their determinant values in those games. In the third generation and onward, however, Shininess is determined by another value, and Shiny Pokémon are not stronger than any other Pokémon in battle. Most fans consider Shiny Pokémon to be collectors' items because of their rarity.

The term "Shiny" was initially a term invented by the Pokémon fan community due to the flash of stars that appear when such a Pokémon enters a battle, implying a sheen property to the colors of the Pokémon. The term "Shiny Pokémon" was later officially acknowledged in Pokémon Black and White, but it has been used in the anime and in a few strategy guides before this. The term hikaru (光る, "shining") was also a widely used slang term in Japan; Ken Sugimori uses hikaru in the title of a piece of artwork featuring a Shiny Charizard. The alternate term "Alt. Color" (色違い, Iro Chigai) appears among the options the player can choose when filling out forms in the third generation of games.

Shiny Pokémon have appeared in the anime, including the aforementioned red Gyarados and a Noctowl that protagonist Ash Ketchum catches. A pink Butterfree was also featured in an episode of the first season of the anime, but this alternate coloration is not what appears in the subsequent video games where the Shiny feature has been implemented.

Baby Pokémon[]

List of baby Pokémon

Generation	Baby Pokémon
Generation I	No additional Baby Pokémon
Generation II	Pichu	Cleffa	Igglybuff	Togepi	Tyrogue	Smoochum	Elekid	Magby
Generation III	Azurill	Wynaut	No additional Baby Pokémon
Generation IV	Budew	Chingling	Bonsly	Mime Jr.	Happiny	Munchlax	Riolu	Mantyke
Generation V	No additional Baby Pokémon
Generation VI
Generation VII
Generation VIII	Toxel	No additional Baby Pokémon

Some Pokémon have pre-evolutions that are usually only obtainable by hatching them from Eggs. Known as Baby Pokémon (ベイビィポケモン, Baby Pokémon), these Pokémon are unable to breed but have evolutions that can breed baby Pokémon. For most baby Pokémon introduced after Gold and Silver, the parent can only produce these Pokémon when holding a certain item.^[37]

Ultra Beasts[]

List of Ultra Beasts

Game(s)	Ultra Beasts
Sun and Moon	Nihilego	Buzzwole	Pheromosa	Xurkitree	Celesteela	Kartana	Guzzlord
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon	Poipole	Naganadel	Stakataka	Blacephalon	No additional Ultra Beasts

The Ultra Beasts (ウルトラビースト, Urutora Biisuto) are a group of extradimensional Pokémon originating from Ultra Space.

Connectivity[]

Pokémon trades[]

Players have the ability to trade their Pokémon with one another by connecting two compatible games. Trading is an important aspect to the Pokémon games, being the crux upon which much of the franchise is based. This is because the slogan and consequently the goal, "Gotta catch 'em All," is logistically impossible without trading. Each game released in a generation has certain Pokémon that are exclusive to that version. For example, in Pokémon Red players can catch the Pokémon Ekans and its evolved form, Arbok, while both are absent in the wild in both Pokémon Blue and Pokémon Yellow. Other Pokémon are only available when offered up as a choice. The most obvious example is the choice between three starter Pokémon at the beginning of the game; the only way to get the other two is by trading. Some NPCs offer to trade Pokémon with the player, allowing them to acquire Pokémon otherwise unavailable without connecting to another game. For example, the only way to get a Jynx in Pokémon Red and Blue (other than trading with another game cartridge) is through an in-game trade. The other way that trading is made instrumental in gameplay is that some Pokémon, like Haunter and Machoke, evolve into their final forms only when traded.

Trading between games on the Game Boy and related systems is accomplished through a Game Link Cable that attaches to ports found on all Game Boy incarnations. The size of the ports varies between consoles, so several hybrid cables have been created that allow, for example, linking between the original Game Boy and the Game Boy Color. Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen include a special wireless dongle which plugs into the game link port for local wireless communication. On the Nintendo DS, DS Wireless Communications is used instead.^[38] Diamond and Pearl also introduced the Global Trade Station/System (or GTS), a place where people all around the world may trade Pokémon using the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection. In the GTS hall, the player can input their own location and pinpoint the locations of other players they have interacted with. The Nintendo WFC records this data when they trade successfully with someone over the GTS or in their Pal Pad.^[39] For the Nintendo 3DS line, two successors to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection were implemented in each generation. In the Player Search System in Pokémon X and Y and Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the function is simply called Trade, while in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in the Festival Plaza, the function is called Link Trade. The second successor is called Wonder Trade; players choose a Pokémon to trade and are randomly paired with another player around the world.

Pokémon battles[]

In addition to allowing trades between players, the connectivity features, such as the Game Link cable, the GTS and the Player Search Systems (PSS), that work via the internet, also allow players to battle each other and test their Pokémon strengths and their strategies.^[6][9] This has allowed Pokémon to be played competitively, with worldwide tournaments.

Mystery Gift[]

Mystery Gift, a means by which players can receive items from other people, was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver and has appeared in every handheld Pokémon game since. To use Mystery Gift, the feature must first be activated in a specific way.

In Gold, Silver and Crystal, if two players line up the infrared ports on their Game Boy Color units and activate Mystery Gift from the intro menu, each will receive an item. This process also sends a record of each player's party Pokémon to the other player's game for a daily event in Viridian City in which they can battle the other player's Pokémon (controlled by the computer). Players can use Mystery Gift an unlimited number of times, but only once per day for each person. In addition, a player of Pokémon Stadium 2 with a Gold, Silver or Crystal cartridge plugged into the Transfer Pak can use Mystery Gift with a girl in White City. A Mystery Gift can also be received by connecting with a Pocket Pikachu 2 GS.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl expanded Mystery Gift to include a variety of transferring options. After enabling Mystery Gift, players may obtain items via wireless or Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection and may also transfer them to friends. Wireless connection also allows the player to transfer items from Pokémon Battle Revolution. Currently, Mystery Gift via Nintendo WFC has only been implemented in Pokémon Platinum and Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver. However, this was changed when the shiny Pichu was distributed to all version games via WFC. Also, with the creation of the Pokéwalker, in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, came another way to Mystery Gift. By pressing the connect button on two Pokéwalkers and pointing them at each other, both Pokéwalkers will receive an item, which the player will receive upon connecting with his or her game. Beginning with Pokémon X and Y, an option to receive Mystery Gifts by single-use serial code or password over Nintendo Network was added. Single-use codes are given out in participating retailers and via the Pokémon Global Link and are usually region locked. Wireless and infrared events are no longer region locked, allowing any region console to receive events distributed by those methods.

Mystery Event[]

In Ruby and Sapphire, Mystery Gift is replaced with Mystery Event. This feature utilizes the now defunct e-Reader accessory. Using special e-cards, the player could obtain special items such as rare Berries or the Eon Ticket. In FireRed, LeafGreen and Emerald, Mystery Gift is a means to obtain special items at Nintendo's promotional events through the use of the Wireless Adapter, which allow the player to catch otherwise unobtainable Pokémon, such as Mew and Deoxys.

Pokémon Bank[]

Pokémon Bank (ポケモンバンク, Pokémon Banku) is an application which allows players to store up to 3,000 Pokémon in an online cloud storage service. Players can deposit and withdraw Pokémon from both physical and downloaded versions of compatible games, allowing players to exchange Pokémon between the two versions without the need for a second system. Additionally, an application called Poké Transporter (ポケムーバー, Poke Mūbā, "Poké Mover") allows players to upload Pokémon from Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 and White 2 to the Pokémon Bank, after which they can be imported into newer games. The service requires an annual subscription fee and there are plans to continue to utilize it for future Pokémon titles.^[40]

Intended for release on December 27, 2013, Pokémon Bank was postponed due to unforeseen traffic levels on the Nintendo Network service.^[41] Pokémon Bank was fully released on the Nintendo eShop on January 22, 2014, in Japan, February 4, 2014, in Europe and February 5, 2014, in North America.

As of an update released on January 24, 2017, Pokémon Sun and Moon have also gained compatibility with Pokémon Bank. The update allows players to send their Pokémon from their core sixth generation games to Sun and Moon, though when transferred, they cannot return to the older games. Additionally, the Poké Transporter was also updated to allow players to transfer Pokémon caught in the Virtual Console editions of Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow to Pokémon Sun and Moon. The update also added a new in-app National Pokédex, presumably to make up for the lack of one in Sun and Moon.^[42][43][44]

On November 17, 2017, coinciding with the release of Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, it was announced that the games would support Pokémon Bank later the same month. The update, which came three days later, also added compatibility with the Virtual Console versions of Pokémon Gold and Silver as well as Crystal (which was not re-released until January 26, 2018) to the Poké Transporter.^[45]

Pokémon Home[]

On May 28, 2019, Pokémon Home was revealed as the successor application to Pokémon Bank. Released in February 2020, the app is available on Nintendo Switch and smartphone devices and has connectivity with Pokémon Bank, Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, Pokémon Sword and Shield and Pokémon Go (with plans to include connectivity to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus at some point in 2022).^[46] Players can get a free version that can store up to 30 Pokémon, or they can buy the premium pass which will let them store up to 6,000, twice as much as Pokémon Bank.

Pokémon breeding[]

Pokémon breeding was introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver. Pokémon can be bred in-game at a Pokémon Day Care (育て屋, Sodateya). These are businesses generally run by an elderly person or couple, which raise Trainers' Pokémon for a fee. If two compatible Pokémon are left there, they will eventually produce a Pokémon Egg (タマゴ, tamago), which the Trainer can pick up for free. After being carried by the Trainer for some distance, the Egg will hatch into a young Pokémon, usually of the lowest stage in its mother's evolutionary line.

Compatibility[]

Compatibility is usually restricted to one male and one female. In addition, Pokémon species are assigned to Egg Groups (タマゴグループ, Tamago Gurūpu), which determines their breeding compatibility with other species. Pokémon may belong to up to two Egg Groups; in order to breed, they must share at least one Egg Group. Nearly all Pokémon species, even those that are all-male or genderless, are able to breed with the shapeshifting Pokémon Ditto. The Egg produced will yield a hatchling from the non-Ditto Pokémon's evolutionary line. Two Ditto cannot breed to produce another Ditto.

A select group of species cannot breed at all, which includes all Legendary Pokémon, all Ultra Beasts, most Mythical Pokémon, Nidorina and Nidoqueen (but not Nidoran♀), Unown, and all "baby" Pokémon. This is called the "Undiscovered" Egg Group. Although some Legendary Pokémon have genders, they still cannot breed. An unusual circumstance involves the relation of the Mythical Pokémon Manaphy and Phione; both can breed with Ditto to create an Egg which hatches into Phione, yet Phione does not evolve into Manaphy. Manaphy itself is obtained from an Egg from Pokémon Ranger games, but it will never breed to produce another Manaphy Egg.

Inheritance[]

Pokémon hatched from Eggs can inherit (遺伝, iden) stats from their parents. Three of the Pokémon's individual values are inherited from one or the other of its parents, and the other three IVs are generated randomly.^[47]

Moves can also be inherited through breeding. Moves that a newly hatched Pokémon begins with are divided into three categories: learned moves, inherited moves, and hereditary moves or "Egg Moves". Learned moves are moves that the Pokémon would have naturally at its starting level; inherited moves are those that the Pokémon would be able to learn at later levels or through TMs; and Egg Moves (タマゴわざ, Tamago Waza), inherited from the father (or either parent beginning in Pokémon X and Y), are those that the Pokémon would not be able to learn normally. The Pokémon can learn the move on this occasion as it receives the move from a parent of a different species. Upon birth, the young Pokémon's move slots are filled with learned moves. However, if there are any inherited moves or Egg Moves available for the Pokémon to learn, they replace the learned moves.^[47][48] And also if a Pokémon holds an EverStone, the offspring will inherit the nature of the parent holding the stone.

Battle facilities[]

In addition to the Pokémon Gyms and other battles to advance the plot, side games and post-game areas have been introduced in subsequent editions of the Pokémon games that extend the gameplay.

Battle Tower and Galarian Star Tournament[]

First introduced in Pokémon Crystal, the Battle Tower (バトルタワー, Batoru Tawā) is a game feature accessible outside of the main storyline where the player faces several Trainers in succession with a limited set of their Pokémon and receive prizes in the form of otherwise rare items. The Japanese version of Crystal which had a mobile phone adapter allowed for players to challenge other players to Battle Tower fights. The next Battle Towers appear in Ruby and Sapphire, which is similar to the Crystal Battle Tower, and in Diamond and Pearl, which has a boss character and a point system similar to the Battle Frontiers.

In Pokemon Sword and Shield, the player can take part in tournaments in Wyndon Stadium. They can also invite Leon, their rivals, and the gym leaders to take part. After fulfilling certain requirements in the game, the Battle Tower will open, where the player can receive the Pokémon Type: Null, shop for TMs, spend Battle points, and battle trainers in single and double battle formats, with a battle with Leon before the player moves up a tier. Once the player starts the fourth adventure in the Crown Tundra expansion pass, Leon will contact the player, and the Galarian Star Tournament will be unlocked. The Galarian Star Tournament is an all-elimination tournament in a Multi Battle format. When first unlocked, the player can team up with Hop or Marnie. After the first tournament, the player can partner with Hop, Leon, Mustard, and Peony, as well as other Gym Leaders. The player cannot Dynamax willy-nilly; the game chooses who will be able to get the opportunity to Dynamax, like in Max Raid Battles. If the player wins for the 15th time, Sordward and Shielbert, who previously caused a ruckus in the Galar region, will become battle partners. The tournament is held at Wyndon Stadium in Wyndon.

Battle Frontier[]

The Battle Frontier (バトルフロンティア, Batoru Furontia) was introduced in Pokémon Emerald, replacing the Battle Tower as found in the Ruby and Sapphire games. In addition to having its own Battle Tower with the same rules as the previous ones, the Battle Frontier adds several other game mechanics that make battles unique in the end game. Examples include the Battle Palace's prohibition on choosing what moves the Pokémon uses and the Battle Factory's random rental Pokémon. Instead of prizes, the player is awarded Battle Points (BP) which can be traded for rare items or TMs. The Diamond and Pearl Battle Tower uses this same system, and it is replaced by a Battle Frontier in Pokémon Platinum. The HeartGold and SoulSilver games also have a Battle Frontier, identical to that of the Platinum version, where the Battle Tower was found in Crystal. After a series of battles in each venue, players encounter Frontier Brains (フロンティアブレーン, Furontia Burēn) who are challenged in the same fashion as all other battles, and the player will either earn a Symbol (シンボル, Shinboru, Emerald) or a Commemorative Print (きねんプリント, Kinen Purinto, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver) for winning. The Frontier Brains can be challenged a second time to more advanced versions of the Symbols or Prints (advancing from Silver to Gold). The Frontier Brains have very powerful Pokémon, often including Legendary Pokémon, making a victory even more difficult than in the main storyline.

Battle Tent[]

Emerald also features Battle Tents (バトルテント, Batoru Tento), which allow the player to encounter some of the unique battle mechanics of three of the Battle Frontier venues. Rather than Battle Points, the player is awarded with an item that is rare or expensive.

Battle Subway and Pokémon World Tournament[]

The Battle Subway (バトルサブウェイ, Batoru Sabuwei) is unique to the Black and White games and serves as the games' Battle Tower, taking on the form of a subway to match the games' New York City-styled setting. In the same vein as the Battle Tower in Diamond and Pearl and the various Battle Frontiers, players earn BP and after a certain number of battles they challenge one or both of the two Subway Bosses (Subway Masters (サブウェイマスター, Sabuwei Masutā) in Japan), depending on what type of battles (Single, Double, or Multi) the player was competing in.

The Battle Subway returns in Black 2 and White 2, but it is joined by two new sets of areas. The first one introduced in the games is the Pokémon World Tournament (ポケモンワールドトーナメント, Pokémon Wārudo Tōnamento), wherein the player participates in a tournament-style setting with various NPC Trainers, set to a particular theme of a level limit, using randomly assigned teams, or using teams downloaded from the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection, to earn BP. The more advanced side of the Pokémon World Tournament is a tournament-style setting in battling the Gym Leaders and Pokémon League Champions from all over the Pokémon World, enabling players to challenge characters such as Brock and Misty from Red and Blue, Volkner from Diamond and Pearl, Lance from Gold and Silver, or Steven from Ruby and Sapphire.

Black Tower and White Treehollow[]

Also introduced in the games are the Black Tower (黒の摩天楼, Kuro no Matenrō) in Black 2's Black City and the White Treehollow (白の樹洞, Shiro no Judō) in White 2's White Forest. In these facilities, the player must battle a series of Trainers without using items, and only relying on Doctor or Nurse Trainers to restore their team's health. At the end, the player challenges the leader and later is awarded a rare Pokémon for succeeding.

Battle Maison[]

The Battle Maison (バトルハウス, Batoru Hausu, "Battle House") is introduced in X and Y, and can only be accessed after the player completes the main story. Similar to the Battle Frontier and the Battle Subway, there are different types of battling methods to choose from: single, double, triple, rotation, and multi battles. Then the player is drawn to a tournament where he/she is challenged to numerous battles with random Trainers. After winning a battle the player receives one BP (battle point) which can later be used to by items, vitamins, and TMs. After winning 21 battles the player must battle the strongest Trainer, referred to as the Battle Chatelaine. The player battles a different Battle Chatelaine depending on what battle style is chosen. If the player beats 50 Trainers, they have the chance to battle one of the Battle Chatelaines again. Only this time do they use legendary Pokémon (e.g. Zapdos, Moltres, Articuno). Another similar feature is the Battle Chateau (バトルシャトー, Batoru Shatō), where the player advances through a ranking system based on the French nobility system after battling increasingly difficult Trainers, including being able to battle the Gym Leaders, Elite Four members, and Champion in the same system.

In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the Battle Maison returns, but the Battle Frontier, which was featured in the original Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire games, is hinted to be in production. The Battle Maison is very similar to the one in Pokémon X and Y, but TMs (Technical Machines) cannot be bought; they are replaced by other items.^{[citation needed]}

Battle Royal and Battle Tree[]

The Battle Royal (バトルロイヤル, Battle Royal) is introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon, which involves four Trainers all battling each other at the same time. After becoming Champion, the player is given access to the Battle Tree (バトルツリー, Battle Tree) on Poni Island. The Battle Tree is similar to the Battle Maison, Battle Subway, and Battle Towers from the previous generations. On the 20th battle of normal challenges and 50th battle of Super challenges, a powerful Trainer known as a Battle Legend will be challenged.

Competitions[]

In addition to battling, several Pokémon competitions have been introduced throughout the series to provide an alternate set of mini-games.

Pokémon Contests[]

Pokémon Contests (ポケモンコンテスト, Pokémon Kontesuto) are competitions of skill among Pokémon Trainers and their Pokémon partners. Pokémon Contests are different from Pokémon battles, testing talent rather than power. They were introduced in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire and later appeared in Emerald, Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, they have since been renamed as Super Contest Shows.

Conditions and Ranks[]

There are five categories that a Pokémon can be entered into: Beauty, Cute, Cool, Tough, and Smart. In addition, there are four ranks of contests: Normal, Super, Hyper, and Master Rank. To enter, a Trainer must go to the contest hall that holds contests of the appropriate rank, and in ranks higher than Normal, the participating Pokémon must have won the contest of the selected category in the previous rank. In Diamond and Pearl, Contests are renamed Super Contests, and the four ranks are named Normal, Great, Ultra, and Master.^[49] In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, they have since been renamed Super Contest Shows.

Rounds[]

Visual Competition[]

In the first round (called "Visual Competition" in Diamond and Pearl) the Pokémon is shown to the audience, who then vote on their favorite. Pokémon will gain more points here if they have good condition in the selected category, which can be increased by using Pokéblocks. In Diamond and Pearl, Pokéblocks are replaced by Poffins, and the player can also use the stylus to dress up their Pokémon in certain Accessories (アクセサリー, Akusesarī) to fit the theme of the contest.^[50]

Dance Competition[]

The second round, called "Dance Competition", was introduced in Diamond and Pearl. The participating Pokémon join in a dance routine. The leading Pokémon gets rated based on following the rhythm, and the rest of the Pokémon have to mimic the leader's steps. All four participants take turns to be the leader.^[51]

Acting Competition[]

The final round ("Acting Competition") comprises a few rounds, and the Pokémon are ordered in sequence based on their performance in the previous round. Each round, the player chooses one Pokémon move to perform before the judge, and in Diamond and Pearl players also choose which of three judges to appeal to. Each move has a category, appeal value, and effect. Using a good combination will gain the Pokémon more appeal points, but using the same move twice consecutively will be less effective. Moves can have many effects, such as "jamming" previous Pokémon to reduce their appeal, or randomizing the order of appeals in the next round.^[52] After appeals are concluded, the results are shown, and the Pokémon with the most total points wins a ribbon.^[53]

Necessary Spoils[]

Pokéblocks[]

Pokéblocks (Polock (ポロック, Porokku)), introduced in Ruby and Sapphire, are candy-like treats used to increase the contest condition and Loyalty of Pokémon. Pokéblocks are created from Berries in the "Berry Blender" minigame, which can be played by two to four human or computer-controlled players. The types of berries blended by all participants affect the category and effectiveness of the resulting Pokéblock. Pokéblocks are also used in the games' Safari Zone to attract wild Pokémon.

Poffins[]

Poffins (ポフィン, Pofin), a type of baked goods, were introduced in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as replacements for Pokéblocks. Poffins are made by adding a Berry to some batter in a pot, and stirring it with a stylus using the Nintendo DS's touch screen. Poffins can be mixed only with human partners and can be done solo or with two to four players wirelessly.

Pokéathlon[]

In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, the contest minigame is replaced with an athletic competition called the Pokéathlon (ポケスロン, Pokesuron), whose name is a combination between the words Pokémon and triathlon. The competitions range from track and field events such as hurdling or a relay race to a snowball fight and a game resembling pachinko.

Aprijuice[]

A Pokémon's stats may be increased by consuming "Aprijuice" (ボンドリンク, Bon Dorinku, "Bon Drink") made from fruits known as Apricorns that the player can find throughout the world. By putting a number of Apricorns in a blender and making the player character run a certain number of steps, the Apricorns are mixed into a milkshake-like blend. The process can be repeated multiple times, each time adding more Apricorns to the mixture and running to blend them. The number of times this is done, along with the variety of Apricorns used, affects the type and effectiveness of the resulting Aprijuice. Aprijuice will increase one of five additional statistics that only exist for the Pokéathlon which consist of Speed, Power, Skill, Jump, and Stamina.

Pokémon Musicals[]

In Pokémon Black and White, the contest minigame is replaced by the Pokémon Musicals (ポケモンミュージカル, Pokémon Myūjikaru).^[54] Rather than grooming Pokémon with Pokéblocks, Poffins, or Aprijuice, the player's Pokémon is only dressed in Accessories which can be waved around on stage when the Pokémon dances to various pieces of music; the player does not control the Pokémon during this time, other than Appealing with special props. If the audience likes the performance, they give more props to the player in person post-performance. The player can, in fact, control the camera angle during the performance.

Pokéstar Studios[]

Another minigame is added in Black 2 and White 2 called Pokéstar Studios (ポケウッド, Pokeuddo, "Pokéwood"). The player joins the cast of a movie and participates in a mock battle with a chroma key opponent, while picking line options that match the script of the film and completing an objective within a particular set of turns. Depending on how well the player performs according to the script, they will receive items from the film premiere's audience and unlock more movies to participate in.

Pokémon Sword/Shield DLC[]

The first Pokémon DLC for Pokémon Sword and Shield is known as The Isle of Armor, which was released on June 17 of 2020.^[55] It added new areas and Pokémon to the game, as well as different regional variations for ones already existing. It also added many new mechanics to the game such as the Cram-o-matic. The 2nd part of the DLC is The Crown Tundra,^[56] which unlocks another new area in the Galar region and introduces new Legendary Pokémon, as well as a co-op mode. It was released on October 22, 2020 (US)/ October 23, 2020 (EU). In both DLCs, Pokémon can follow the player around.

References[]