Regional form: Difference between revisions
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==Description== | ==Description== | ||
In the [[Alola]], [[Galar]], [[Hisui]], and [[Paldea]] regions, certain Pokémon species have regional forms. A Pokémon in these forms are described as such; for example, {{p|Sandshrew}} in its Alolan Form is referred to as Alolan Sandshrew and {{p|Ponyta}} in its Galarian Form is referred to as Galarian Ponyta. Although the original forms of these Pokémon are not normally identified by a separate name, people from regions that do have regional forms will usually refer to the original form of a given Pokémon in the same format.<ref group=" | In the [[Alola]], [[Galar]], [[Hisui]], and [[Paldea]] regions, certain Pokémon species have regional forms. A Pokémon in these forms are described as such; for example, {{p|Sandshrew}} in its Alolan Form is referred to as Alolan Sandshrew and {{p|Ponyta}} in its Galarian Form is referred to as Galarian Ponyta. Although the original forms of these Pokémon are not normally identified by a separate name, people from regions that do have regional forms will usually refer to the original form of a given Pokémon in the same format.<ref group="note">[[Hau]] refers to the Meowth the player's {{al|mom}} owns as a "Kantonian Meowth" in [[Pokémon Sun and Moon|Pokémon Sun, Moon]], [[Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon]].</ref><ref group="note">In [[Pokémon Sword and Shield]], a {{tc|Team Yell Grunt}} in [[Spikemuth]] will offer to trade the player a {{p|Mr. Mime}}, which he refers to as a "Kantonian Mr. Mime".</ref> According to the [[Pokédex]], Alolan {{p|Vulpix}} goes by an older name: ''Keokeo''.<!--Alolan Raichu's nickname "hodad" isn't a name, it's in quotation marks only in English.--> | ||
Pokémon with regional forms have uniquely adapted to habitats that are different than those where its species naturally live in other parts of the {{pkmn|world}}. As such, many things may be different about them, from their appearance and way of living to even their [[type]], [[move]]s, {{Abilities}}, [[base stats]], [[List of Pokémon by height|height]], and [[List of Pokémon by weight|weight]]. This is analogous to a form of real-world {{wp|evolution}} known as {{wp|peripatric speciation}}, where a population that is isolated from the rest of the species develops unique traits and may eventually evolve into a new species. | Pokémon with regional forms have uniquely adapted to habitats that are different than those where its species naturally live in other parts of the {{pkmn|world}}. As such, many things may be different about them, from their appearance and way of living to even their [[type]], [[move]]s, {{Abilities}}, [[base stats]], [[List of Pokémon by height|height]], and [[List of Pokémon by weight|weight]]. This is analogous to a form of real-world {{wp|evolution}} known as {{wp|peripatric speciation}}, where a population that is isolated from the rest of the species develops unique traits and may eventually evolve into a new species. | ||
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==Notes== | ==Notes== | ||
<references group=" | <references group="note" /> | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
Revision as of 08:00, 12 March 2023
A regional form (Japanese: リージョンフォーム Region Form), also known as a regional variant in Generation VII and Pokémon GO,[1] is an alternate form of a Pokémon species that is found in a specific region. These forms differ from those found in the region where the Pokémon was introduced — even, in most cases so far, to the point of having a different type.
As of Generation IX, Pokémon can have the following regional forms:
- Alolan Form (Japanese: アローラのすがた Alola Form) in Alola, known as an Alola Form in Generation VII;
- Galarian Form (Japanese: ガラルのすがた Galar Form) in Galar;
- Hisuian Form (Japanese: ヒスイのすがた Hisui Form) in Hisui;
- Paldean Form (Japanese: パルデアのすがた Paldea Form) in Paldea.
As of Generation IX, 55 Pokémon are known to have regional forms, and 58 regional forms are known in total. Apart from Meowth and Tauros, which have two and three respectively, each Pokémon with a regional form has only one.
Description
In the Alola, Galar, Hisui, and Paldea regions, certain Pokémon species have regional forms. A Pokémon in these forms are described as such; for example, Sandshrew in its Alolan Form is referred to as Alolan Sandshrew and Ponyta in its Galarian Form is referred to as Galarian Ponyta. Although the original forms of these Pokémon are not normally identified by a separate name, people from regions that do have regional forms will usually refer to the original form of a given Pokémon in the same format.[note 1][note 2] According to the Pokédex, Alolan Vulpix goes by an older name: Keokeo.
Pokémon with regional forms have uniquely adapted to habitats that are different than those where its species naturally live in other parts of the world. As such, many things may be different about them, from their appearance and way of living to even their type, moves, Abilities, base stats, height, and weight. This is analogous to a form of real-world evolution known as peripatric speciation, where a population that is isolated from the rest of the species develops unique traits and may eventually evolve into a new species.
When breeding Pokémon whose offspring have a regional form, the offspring will normally take on the form corresponding to the region in which it was bred, regardless of its parents' forms. However, if one of the parents of the same evolutionary family held an Everstone when the Egg was produced, the offspring will be the same form as that parent.
If a Pokémon without a regional form evolves into a Pokémon with a regional form, it will evolve into the form native to the region it is currently in.
From Generation VIII onward, regional forms may have an evolution that their regular form does not have, or changes their evolution from a previously existing Pokémon into a new one.
Alolan Form
Generation VII
In Pokémon Sun and Moon, if a Pokémon evolves from a species that does not have an Alolan Form to one that does, such as Cubone, it will always evolve into its Alolan Form and cannot evolve into its original form. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the Pokémon will evolve into its Alolan Form while in Alola itself, but can also evolve into its original form while in Ultra Space.
While Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! take place in Kanto, players can import Alolan Forms from Pokémon GO or receive them from in-game trades.
Generation VIII
Alolan Forms of Pokémon present in the Galar Pokédex are unavailable by normal means in Pokémon Sword and Shield and can be obtained by transferring them from Generation VII. Alolan forms of Pokémon included in The Isle of Armor expansion are available as rewards for finding hidden Alolan Diglett on the Isle of Armor, and Alolan Exeggutor and Marowak can be obtained from in-game trades with Regina in exchange for their respective Kantonian forms. In The Crown Tundra, certain Alolan Forms can be obtained from Dynamax Adventures. An Alolan Meowth also makes a cameo appearance in the NPC Pokémon Camp on Route 7.
In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Ninetales can be obtained after completing Request 83.
List of Alolan Forms
A total of eighteen Alolan Forms were introduced in Generation VII, all for Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
Galarian Form
While only Pokémon introduced in Kanto have Alolan Forms, Pokémon introduced both in and after Generation I can have Galarian Forms.
List of Galarian Forms
A total of nineteen Galarian Forms were introduced in Generation VIII. Thirteen of these forms were introduced in the launch versions of Pokémon Sword and Shield, with the remaining six introduced through updates and downloadable content additions to the games.
Hisuian Form
Like in the Galar region, Pokémon introduced both in and after Generation I have Hisuian Forms. Notably, these forms were introduced after their region's debut, as Hisui is a version of the Sinnoh region from the distant past.
List of Hisuian Forms
A total of seventeen Hisuian Forms were introduced in Generation VIII.
Paldean Form
A total of four Paldean Forms were introduced in Generation IX.
List of Paldean Forms
| Ndex | Pokémon | Original form | Paldean form | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | Type | Ability | Image | Type | Ability | New Evolution | ||
| #0128 | Tauros | 
|
Normal | Intimidate Anger Point Sheer Force (Hidden) |
 Combat Breed |
Fighting | Intimidate Anger Point Cud Chew (Hidden) |
|
 Blaze Breed |
Fighting Fire | Intimidate Anger Point Cud Chew (Hidden) | ||||||
 Aqua Breed |
Fighting Water | Intimidate Anger Point Cud Chew (Hidden) | ||||||
| #0194 | Wooper | 
|
Water Ground | Damp Water Absorb Unaware (Hidden) |
|
Poison Ground | Poison Point Water Absorb Unaware (Hidden) |
 Clodsire |
In addition, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduce the Wiglett and Toedscool lines, whose designs heavily resemble the Diglett and Tentacool lines, respectively. Despite their similar appearances, these Pokémon are not regional forms, as their Pokédex entries confirm them to be separate species. Their resemblance to pre-existing Pokémon may be inspired by the real-world phenomenon of convergent evolution.
In spin-off games
Super Smash Bros. series
Alolan Raichu, Vulpix, and Exeggutor appear as Pokémon that can appear from Poké Balls in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
Pokémon GO
Regional forms are present in Pokémon GO. They often have special requirements to be obtained as opposed to simply encountering them in the wild.
Alolan Pokémon first appeared in Pokémon GO on May 30, 2018, with the appearance of Alolan Exeggutor. Initially, Alolan Pokémon were exclusive to 7 km Eggs and Raid Battles, but have occasionally reappeared in the wild since their debuts.
| Alolan Pokémon in Pokémon GO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ndex | Name | Pokémon | Evolution | Release date | Notes |
| 103 | Alolan Exeggutor | 
|
— | May 30, 2018
|
|
| 027 | Alolan Sandshrew | 
|
|
June 21, 2018 |
|
| 037 | Alolan Vulpix | 
|
|
June 21, 2018 |
|
| 052 | Alolan Meowth | 
|
|
June 21, 2018 |
|
| 088 | Alolan Grimer | 
|
|
June 21, 2018 |
|
| 019 | Alolan Rattata | 
|
|
June 23, 2018
|
|
| 050 | Alolan Diglett | 
|
|
July 14, 2018
|
|
| 074 | Alolan Geodude | 
|
 
|
July 14, 2018
|
|
| 026 | Alolan Raichu | 
|
— | July 19, 2018
|
|
| 105 | Alolan Marowak | 
|
— | July 19, 2018
|
|
Galarian Pokémon first appeared on November 16, 2019, with the appearance of Galarian Weezing.
| Galarian Pokémon in Pokémon GO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ndex | Name | Pokémon | Evolution | Release date | Notes |
| 110 | Galarian Weezing | 
|
— | November 16, 2019 (after Chimchar's Community Day)
|
|
| 618 | Galarian Stunfisk | 
|
— | June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. - June 8, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 052 | Galarian Meowth | 
|
|
June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 263 | Galarian Zigzagoon | 
|
 
|
June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 554 | Galarian Darumaka | 
|
|
June 3, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 083 | Galarian Farfetch'd | 
|
|
June 17, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. - June 18, 2020, at 1:00 p.m. (PDT)
|
|
| 077 | Galarian Ponyta | 
|
|
October 22, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. - October 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (PDT)
|
|
| 562 | Galarian Yamask | 
|
|
October 23, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (PDT) - November 3, 2020 at 6:00 p.m. (PST)
|
|
| 122 | Galarian Mr. Mime | 
|
|
December 19, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. - December 20, 2020 at 8:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 079 | Galarian Slowpoke | 
|
 
|
June 8, 2021 at 10:00 a.m - June 13, 2021 at 8:00 p.m. (local time)
|
|
| 144 | Galarian Articuno | 
|
— | July 25, 2022
|
|
| 145 | Galarian Zapdos | 
|
— | July 25, 2022
|
|
| 146 | Galarian Moltres | 
|
— | July 25, 2022
|
Hisuian Pokémon first appeared on January 30, 2022, with the appearance of Hisuian Voltorb.
| Hisuian Pokémon in Pokémon GO | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ndex | Name | Pokémon | Evolution | Release date | Notes |
| 100 | Hisuian Voltorb | 
|
|
January 30, 2022
|
|
| 058 | Hisuian Growlithe | 
|
|
July 27, 2022
|
|
| 211 | Hisuian Qwilfish | 
|
|
July 27, 2022
|
|
| 215 | Hisuian Sneasel | 
|
|
July 27, 2022
|
|
| 628 | Hisuian Braviary | 
|
— | July 31, 2022
|
|
| 713 | Hisuian Avalugg | 
|
— | December 24, 2022
|
|
Please note that the availability of Pokémon in GO, such as from wild encounters, eggs, and Raid Bosses, is frequently changed. Due to this, the data listed above may not always be up-to-date.
Pokémon Masters EX
The following sync pairs use regional form Pokémon:
| Dex | Trainer | NDex | Pokémon | Type | Weakness | Role | EX role | Base potential | Availability | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #081 | 
|
Summer 2020 Steven |
#028A | 
|
Sandslash♂ Alolan |
Ice
|
Fighting
|
|
★★★★★☆EX | Seasonal Sync Pair Scout | |
| #107 |
|
New Year's 2023 Lisia |
#078G | 
|
Rapidash♂ Galarian |
Fairy
|
Ghost
|
|
★★★★★☆EX | Seasonal Sync Pair Scout | |
| #054 |
|
Hau | #026A | 
|
Raichu♂ Alolan |
Electric
|
Ground
|
|
★★★★☆☆EX | Story Chapter 11 | |
| #130 |
|
Kiawe | #105A | 
|
Marowak♂ Alolan |
Fire
|
Water
|
|
★★★★★☆EX | Sync Pair Scout | |
| #055 |
|
Sophocles | #076A | 
|
Golem♂ Alolan |
Electric
|
Ground
|
|
★★★★ | Battle Points | |
| #061 |
|
Nanu | #053A | 
|
Persian♀ Alolan |
Dark
|
Bug
|
|
★★★★ | Story Chapter 15 | |
| #106 |
|
Molayne | #051A | 
|
Dugtrio♂ Alolan |
Steel
|
Fire
|
|
★★★★ | Story Chapter 26 | |
New Pokémon Snap
Alolan Raichu, Sandslash, and Vulpix can be found and photographed in the Lental region.
In the anime
Main series
Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon
Alolan Pokémon were present in Pokémon the Series: Sun & Moon since the first episode. Ash first learned about them in The Guardian's Challenge!, where his class discussed the difference between Alolan Exeggutor and Exeggutor from other regions.
An Alolan Persian nicknamed Pershie first appeared in That's Why the Litten is a Scamp!, where it was shown antagonizing a wild Litten. It reappeared in Dummy, You Shrunk the Kids! and We Know Where You're Going, Eevee!.
Multiple Alolan Rattata and Raticate appeared in To Top a Totem!, where they were harassing a farmer on Melemele Island, stealing his crops. Hala tasked Ash with finding a solution to this problem that doesn't involve battling the pests. Instead, Ash chose to battle the Verdant Cavern Totem Pokémon, Gumshoos, and enlisted its help to scare the Rattata and Raticate away.
Lillie received a Pokémon Egg in Lillie's Egg-xhilarating Challenge!. It hatched into an Alolan Vulpix she nicknamed Snowy in Racing to a Big Event!. After capturing it in the following episode, Lillie took her first steps towards overcoming her fear of touching Pokémon.
Racing to a Big Event! also featured the debut of Alolan Raichu and Muk. Raichu appeared under the ownership of Nina, while multiple Muk appeared to eat the pancakes dropped during the race.
In Getting the Band Back Together!, an Alolan Dugtrio appeared under the ownership of Professor Kukui's old friend, DJ Leo. Their musical performance drew the adoration of a wild Alolan Diglett, who later joined as another member of their DJ group.
In A Team-on-Team Tussle!, Team Rocket fought a trio of Team Skull Grunts over a Darkinium Z protected by a Totem Alolan Raticate and Ally Alolan Rattata and Raticate. While Jessie and James are ultimately unsuccessful in defeating the Totem, Meowth is able to steal the Z-Crystal while it is distracted.
An Alolan Geodude debuted in Treasure Hunt, Akala Style!, where Ash attempted to catch it. After a short battle, the Alolan Geodude punched Ash's Poké Ball into his face with a Thunder Punch and then ran away.
In A Crowning Moment of Truth!, while Ash and his classmates were visiting Wela Volcano Park for the Wela Fire Festival, the festivities were interrupted by a wild Alolan Marowak, who stole the Wela Crown used in a ceremony. While Kiawe and his Turtonator were defeated by it during their first challenge, they were able to defeat it in a rematch thanks to Turtonator's newly learned Shell Smash. After being defeated, Marowak gave back the crown and asked to join Kiawe's party.
Alolan Sandshrew and Ninetales debuted in Getting a Jump on the Competition!. The Sandshrew appeared as wild Pokémon native to Mount Lanakila, while Ninetales appeared under the ownership of Cerah.
A wild Alolan Meowth appeared in Acting True to Form!, where it came to Team Rocket looking for a worthy master. It manipulated Jessie and James into turning against Meowth by showing off its abilities, and also earned their favor when they realized it could use their Darkinium Z. When Giovanni and Matori contacted the trio for a report on their activities, the Alolan Meowth became intrigued by them. To this end, it slipped away, stole Meowth's savings, and flew to Kanto to reach Team Rocket HQ, where Matori made it her assistant due to its craftiness.
An Alolan Grimer appeared in a flashback in Turning Heads and Training Hard!, under the ownership of Tupp.
More Alolan Sandshrew appeared in Not Caving Under Pressure! in the caverns underneath Mount Lanakila. Lillie befriended a particularly large Sandshrew, and helped it reclaim its territory from an aggressive Tyranitar. After the battle, Sophocles's Charjabug found an Ice Stone, which the Sandshrew promptly used to evolve into Sandslash. Sandslash rewarded Lillie with an Icium Z as a token of gratitude.
An Alolan Golem and Muk appeared in A Young Royal Flame Ignites!, under the ownership of members of the Revengers, a heel wrestler group.
Alolan Geodude and Graveler appeared in Sparking Confusion! at Wela Volcano Park, having been driven out by rock hunters attempting to mine the caves in the area for the food the Pokémon eat. The hunters were attacked by their leader, an Alolan Golem, who began attacking indiscriminately. Thanks to the Ultra Guardians' Metang, however, Ash, Kiawe, and Sophocles were able to calm the group of Alolan Pokémon and stop the magnetic interference coming from the Park. The leader Golem later joined a trio of Hikers who volunteered to help with future patrols of Wela Volcano Park.
Pokémon Journeys: The Series
A Galarian Farfetch'd appeared in Toughing It Out!, where it was caught by Ash. It evolved into Sirfetch'd in Beyond Chivalry… Aiming to be a Leek Master!.
An Alolan Exeggutor appeared in That New Old Gang of Mine!, where it was caught by Goh. An Alolan Dugtrio also appeared in the same episode.
A Galarian Ponyta and a Galarian Rapidash appeared in The Tale of You and Glimwood Tangle!. While within Glimwood Tangle, Chloe followed a Galarian Ponyta where it led her to an injured Galarian Rapidash. After finding the dew of a flower that could heal it, the Rapidash let Chloe ride it to Ballonlea.
An Alolan Ninetales apperared in Leaping Toward the Dream!. It had wound up on Mt. Coronet after being kidnapped and accidentally lost by Pokémon hunters. It was later caught by Goh after he calmed it down and gained its trust, after which Project Mew members took it back home.
A Galarian Stunfisk and a Galarian Slowpoke appeared in Grabbing the Brass Ring!, with the former being caught by Goh.
A Galarian Corsola appeared in The Winding Path to Greatness!, where it was caught by Goh.
A Hisuian Growlithe and a Hisuian Braviary appeared in The Arceus Chronicles (Part 1) in a painting exhibited during the Sinnoh Festival.
A Galarian Slowking, a Galarian Slowbro, and a group of Galarian Slowpoke appeared in An Evolution in Taste! as visitors to Slowpoke Island.
A Trainer's Alolan Sandshrew appeared in Aim For The Eight!.
A Galarian Darmanitan appeared in Chasing to the Finish!, under the ownership of Sterling.
An image of Galarian Mr. Mime appeared in JN119.
Pokédex entries
|
Pokémon: Twilight Wings
Two Galarian Zigzagoon appeared in Training, where they were seen in the Wild Area.
A Galarian Ponyta from Glimwood Tangle was featured in Oleana's presentation in Assistant. An Office Worker's Galarian Mr. Mime, along with a wild Galarian Meowth, also appeared in the same episode.
In the manga
Pokémon Adventures
Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon arc
Sun's great-grandfather owned three Alolan Meowth prior to his death. One of them, nicknamed Cent, joined Sun's team. They debuted in The Grand Entrance and Delivery Boy Sun.
Nanu's Alolan Persian debuted in Pokémon Move Specialist Professor Kukui, where it battled Olivia's Lycanroc.
Alolan Grimer, Meowth, Rattata, and Marowak all debuted in The Decision and the Tournament of Six.
Moon owns an Alolan Grimer, which debuted in The Party Crasher and Guzma the Destroyer. It evolved into an Alolan Muk sometime before Darkness!! The Mysterious Claws of Necrozma!, thus marking this regional form's debut.
Kiawe's Alolan Marowak debuted in Going Ashore and Neighboring Akala Island, where it battled Cent.
An Alolan Grimer appeared in Unleashing the Incredible Z-Move.
Ilima's Alolan Rattata appeared in A Photoshoot and the Abandoned Thrifty Megamart. An Alolan Raticate belonging to a Team Skull Grunt appeared in a flashback in the same round, thus marking this regional form's debut.
Molayne's Alolan Dugtrio appeared in Truth and the Mastermind Behind Team Skull, thus marking this regional form's debut.
An Alolan Raticate belonging to an Aether Foundation Employee debuted in Battle in Vast Poni Canyon.
Multiple Alolan Exeggutor appeared in Madness!! Mother Lusamine! on Exeggutor Island.
Alolan Vulpix, Ninetales, Sandshrew, and Sandslash all debuted in Shock!! Father in the Pendant!, where they were seen on Mount Lanakila.
Alolan Graveler and Golem both debuted in Tyrant!! The Fiendish Man!, under the ownership of Samson Oak.
Sword & Shield arc
Galarian Zigzagoon debuted in Wow!! That's One Big Pokémon.
Galarian Linoone debuted in Zap!! A Rising Beam of Light, under the ownership of a Team Yell Grunt.
Henry's Lancelot was caught as a Galarian Farfetch'd, as seen during a flashback in Ooh Shiny!! Legendary Equipment. Casey's Galarian Stunfisk, nicknamed Mega, was also seen during the flashback.
Bede's Galarian Ponyta debuted in Blazing!! Bede's Feelings. It evolved into a Galarian Rapidash sometime prior to PASS25.
Allister's Galarian Yamask debuted in Glittering!! The Tapestry in the Vault.
Opal's Galarian Weezing debuted in Rising!! Opal of Ballonlea.
A Galarian Mr. Mime debuted in a fantasy in PASS19.
Multiple Galarian Mr. Mime appeared in PASS20.
Melony's Galarian Darmanitan appeared in PASS25.
Galarian Slowpoke appeared in this round. Three of them ran off with Klara and Avery's uniforms. Klara was also revealed to own one in the same round.
In the TCG
Regional forms are featured in the Pokémon Trading Card Game as Alolan, Galarian, and Hisuian Pokémon. Evolutions exclusive to regional forms are referred to with the same descriptors used for their pre-evolutions (for example, Galarian is used as a descriptor for both Galarian Form Pokémon and their evolutions). Notably, Alolan form cards brought the return of Attacks that cost zero Energy to use, a mechanic that was previously only seen during the TCG's Generation IV sets and has since remained exclusive to cards featuring either Alolan forms or Hisuian forms.
Alolan Pokémon
Galarian Pokémon
Hisuian Pokémon
Similar concepts
Variant Pokémon
- Main article: Variant Pokémon
Prior to Generation VII, there were already certain Pokémon that had variations depending on their native geographical area, but, unlike regional forms, these Pokémon do not appear to have any functional difference from their original forms; rather, their differences are purely aesthetic, with their type, moves, Abilities, height, and weight remaining the same.
- The Generation I Pokédex entries for Arbok state that there are six variations of its face-like hood markings that differ between areas. Eight designs are known, but only three have appeared in the core series games (with a fourth in Pokémon Ranger). In Pokémon Adventures, Arbok gains a special ability depending on its pattern.
- In Sinnoh, Shellos and Gastrodon have different appearances on each side of Mt. Coronet. East Sea Shellos and Gastrodon only appear east of Mt. Coronet, whereas West Sea Shellos and Gastrodon only appear on the west side.
- Mantyke's Pokédex entry in Pokémon Pearl says that the pattern on its back varies from region to region. While it has the same appearance in all Generation IV games (due to using the same sprites), the "face" from Generation V onward appears wider.
- Vivillon, which was introduced in Generation VI, has a different appearance depending on where the game it was created in is from in the real world.
- In the anime episode Poké Ball Peril, a number of alternately colored Pokémon were seen on Valencia Island, including Butterfree, Raticate, Nidoran♂, Nidoran♀, Vileplume, Paras, and Weepinbell. Professor Ivy, the Pokémon Professor of the Orange Archipelago, studies these variations.
- The episode Fly Me to the Moon featured Pidgey native to Pudgy Pidgey Isle that were too heavy to fly due to an abundance of food and a lack of predators.
- In the Pokémon Adventures round Off Course with Corsola, Bill mentioned that Kanto and Johto share many of the same Pokémon, but their colors and patterns are different between regions.
δ Delta Species
- Main article: δ Delta Species (TCG)
The Pokémon Trading Card Game introduced Delta Species Pokémon in Generation III. Like regional forms, these Pokémon would undergo a type change, but their appearance would stay generally the same. The backstory of EX Delta Species states that these changes were not due to natural adaptation but rather a mutation brought on by exposure to electromagnetic waves.
This seems to be an exclusive phenomenon on the island of Holon, the aforementioned waves a product of experiments by scientists in the area searching for the Mythical Pokémon Mew. Delta Species Pokémon appeared in the TCG from EX Delta Species to EX Dragon Frontiers.
Trivia
- According to an interview with Shigeru Ohmori, regional forms were inspired by cases of speciation induced by region isolation, specifically mentioning the Galápagos Islands as a direct inspiration. In addition, Ohmori mentioned that Alolan Exeggutor was the first regional form of a Pokémon to be designed, and inspired the creation of other Alolan Forms.[4]
- In Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, when a Pokémon undergoes evolution into a regional form, the background in the evolution animation is green, as opposed to the blue background used for all other Pokémon. Conversely, when a Pokémon Egg hatches into a regional form, the background is blue instead of yellow. Additionally, a different arrangement of the evolution music is played in both of these situations.
- In contrast to other regional forms, Galarian Zigzagoon is referred to as the original form of its respective species.[5]
- As of Generation IX, the only type not represented in a regional form is Bug.
- Additionally, there are no Flying-type regional forms that weren't already that type in their original form.
- Dark is the most common type among regional forms, with 11, while Water, Dragon, and Fairy are tied for the least common type, with only 3 regional forms each.
- Out of the generations with Pokémon who would later have regional forms, Generation I has the most, at 33, while Generation VII has the fewest, at one.
- Generations IV and VIII are the only generations to not introduce any Pokémon that later received regional forms.
- Generation VIII introduced the most regional forms, with 36, while Generation IX introduced the least, with four (or only two, if all three Paldean Tauros breeds are counted as a single Pokémon).
- All fully evolved Galarian regional forms and/or their regional evolved forms have a signature move or a signature Ability.
- Several Pokémon with regional forms have unique distinctions:
- Alolan Raichu is the only regional form of a Pokémon to have access to an exclusive Z-Move.
- Meowth is the only Pokémon to have:
- More than one regional form with them being for different regions, as it has both an Alolan and Galarian regional form.
- Both a regional form and a Gigantamax form.
- Alolan Geodude's evolutionary line is the only three-stage evolutionary line in which all members have a regional form.
- Galarian Slowpoke is the only regional form:
- With a branched evolution.
- To lose a type (in this case, Water) rather than gaining or replacing one.
- Slowbro is the only Pokémon to have both a regional form and a Mega Evolution. In Pokémon GO, which features both, Galarian Slowbro cannot Mega Evolve.
- Alolan Marowak is the only regional form of a Pokémon not to share at least one of its types with its pre-evolved form.
- Tauros has the most regional forms of all Pokémon, with three.
- The Legendary birds are the only Legendary Pokémon with regional forms.
- Hisuian Sneasel is the only regional form of a Pokémon to have gender differences.
- Galarian Darmanitan is the only regional form of a Pokémon capable of changing forms, via Zen Mode.
- Goodra is the only pseudo-legendary Pokémon to have a regional form.
- Decidueye is the only Pokémon:
- Introduced after Generation VI to have a regional form.
- With a regional form whose original form is from a region with regional forms and whose forms evolve at different levels.
- White-Striped Basculin is the only regional form of a Pokémon that evolves into a Pokémon with gender differences.
- Basculin's White-Striped Form, while not considered a regional form in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is treated as such in Pokémon HOME. Furthermore, Professor Laventon refers to it as a regional form in its Pokédex entry, and, in the TCG, Basculin cards featuring the White-Striped form use the name "Hisuian Basculin".
- This makes White-Striped Basculin the only regional form of a Pokémon:
- Whose type is exactly the same as its original form.
- Whose name does not follow the standard convention of being named after the region its form corresponds to.
- This makes White-Striped Basculin the only regional form of a Pokémon:
- No regional forms are available in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, nor can they be transferred from Pokémon HOME, unlike all other games since Generation VII.
- Pokémon Legends: Arceus is the only core series game in which the original form of a regional form Pokémon is unobtainable, with Sneasel being the only exception to this.
- The smoke tower on the rooftop of the Galaxy Hall resembles Galarian Weezing, although it does not appear in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
- Paldean Wooper is the only Paldean Form to be revealed prior to the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Consequently, it is also the only regional form to be revealed alone during a game's pre-release season.
- Initially, researchers believed Wiglett and Wugtrio to be Paldean Forms of Diglett and Dugtrio, respectively, before concluding they were new species entirely.
In other languages
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Alola FormSMUSUMPE / Alolan FormSwSh
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Alolan <Pokémon>
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Galarian Form
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Galarian <Pokémon>
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Hisuian Form
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Hisuian <Pokémon>
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Paldean Form
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Paldean <Pokémon>
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Notes
- ↑ Hau refers to the Meowth the player's mom owns as a "Kantonian Meowth" in Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.
- ↑ In Pokémon Sword and Shield, a Team Yell Grunt in Spikemuth will offer to trade the player a Mr. Mime, which he refers to as a "Kantonian Mr. Mime".
References
- ↑ Professor Willow: "Is it still a regional variant if it only existed in the past?"
- ↑ Steel yourself for some spooky scary shenanigans during Pokémon GO Halloween 2020! | Pokémon GO Official Website
- ↑ Niantic's Reddit account clarifies Yamask availability
- ↑ Interview with Game Freak in Pokémon Sun & Pokémon Moon: The Official Alola Region Pokédex & Postgame Adventure Guide, p. v
- ↑ Pokémon Shield Pokédex entry for Hoennian Zigzagoon: "Zigzagoon that adapted to regions outside Galar acquired this appearance.[...]"
See also
- List of Pokémon with form differences
- List of Pokémon with gender differences
- Variant Pokémon
- Mega Evolution
- Primal Reversion
- Bond Phenomenon
- Ultra Burst
- Dynamax
- Gigantamax
- Terastal phenomenon
- Paradox Pokémon
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This game-related article is part of Project Games, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon games. |
