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Transform (move)

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Transform
へんしん Transform
Transform VIII.png
Transform VIII 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Status
PP  10 (max. 16)
Power  —
Accuracy  —%
Priority  0
  • Does not make contact
  • Not affected by Protect
  • Not affected by Magic Coat
  • Not affected by Snatch
  • Not affected by Mirror Move
  • Not affected by King's Rock
Range
Opponent Opponent Opponent
Self Ally Ally
Normal: May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Smart
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jam  0  
Can be repeatedly used without boring the Judge.
Condition  Smart
Appeal  1 ♥
Earn +3 if the Pokémon gets the lowest score.
Condition  Clever
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
An appealing move that can be used repeatedly without boring the audience.

Transform (Japanese: へんしん Transform) is a non-damaging Normal-type move introduced in Generation I.

Effect

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Are PP Ups taken into account for maximum PP displayed for a transformed Pokémon in Generation I and II? How does transform interact with species-specific items, such as soul dew or eviolite?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Generation I

Transform changes the user's current type, current stats, current stat modifications, current moves, current species, and current cry to that of the target's.

The transformed Pokémon retains its original coloration when displayed on a system that supports colors in the first place, such as the Super Game Boy or the Virtual Console. For instance, Ditto always transforms into a purple version of the target, except in Pokémon Yellow where the front sprite of Ditto is gray instead, so Ditto appears as a gray version of the target when viewed from the front, but purple when viewed from the back.

Each move copied by Transform will have 5 remaining PP of the usual maximum. With this in mind, if a Ditto encounters another Ditto in this generation, both Ditto will continually Transform into each other, replenishing the 5 PP constantly and making the battle seemingly endless. PP-restoring items such as Ethers used from the Bag can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming.

Transform does not copy the target's status conditions, level, current or maximum HP, base experience, or the generic Minimize image. If a transformed Pokémon takes damage from a critical hit, its original stats will be used rather than its stats after Transform. The probability of a transformed Pokémon scoring a critical hit is based on the original Pokémon's base Speed, not the base Speed of the Pokémon it transformed into.

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

In-game, if a wild Pokémon uses Transform and is subsequently caught, it will become a Ditto, regardless of what species it originally was. It will then have all the stats and moves of a Ditto, except for its current HP, which will remain unaltered by this change.

If a wild Pokémon uses Transform twice and is subsequently caught, its DVs will be the DVs of the first Pokémon it transformed into.

In Pokémon Stadium, Transform will not work if the target's current species is Ditto. The transformed Pokémon appears with the normal colors of the target.

Generation II

Like in Generation I, a transformed Pokémon retains its original palette colors. For instance, a non-Shiny Ditto is purple, so it always transforms into a purple version of the opponent. Similarly, a Shiny Ditto is blue, so it transforms into a blue version of the opponent.

A transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder, which uses the target's species.

If a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon that knows Sketch, Sketch will have its maximum 1 PP rather than 5 like other moves.

Transform will now fail if used on a transformed opponent or if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly. Wild Pokémon are now treated as their original species upon capture after transforming, rather than being treated as Ditto like in Generation I.

Transform will correctly copy Unown's letter.

In Pokémon Stadium 2, Transform is able to work even if the target is a Ditto (unlike the previous generation). If Transform is used by a Shiny Pokémon, it will cause the Pokémon species transformed into to appear Shiny. Likewise, a normal Pokémon transforming into a Shiny target's species will appear as a normal version.

Generation III

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Interaction with Deoxys's forms in link battles between games in which Deoxys has different forms
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Transform, if used by a Shiny Pokémon, will cause the Pokémon species transformed into to appear Shiny. Likewise, a normal Pokémon transforming into a Shiny target's species will appear as a normal version.

Transform copies the target Pokémon's Ability, replacing its own. Starting in this generation, Transform also copies the catch rate, the base experience, and the EV yield of the target.

Leppa Berries used from the Bag or as a held item can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming. A held Leppa Berry will only be consumed if a move known before transforming reaches 0 PP. The maximum PP of a move known due to Transform is the move's base maximum PP, regardless of any PP Ups used by the target.

If a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon with multiple forms, it will copy the form of the target. If a Pokémon transforms into a Castform and has the Ability Forecast, it will change form depending on the weather after transforming into Castform's current form.

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

Generation IV

Transform now copies the target's coloration; whether or not the transformed Pokémon is Shiny depends on whether the target is, not the user.

A held Leppa Berry will be consumed if the Pokémon runs out of PP for a move it knows due to Transform. If a Leppa Berry is consumed via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, it will restore PP to a move known due to Transform. A Leppa Berry consumed as a held item, or via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, can restore a move's PP above the 5 Transform gives, as long as it doesn't exceed the move's maximum PP.

If a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina or Arceus, the Pokémon first transforms into the target's current form, then immediately changes to the form corresponding to its own held item; therefore, if it transforms into an Arceus but holds a Plate, it will first assume the target Arceus's form, then immediately change to the form corresponding to its own Plate (even if the transformed Pokémon had its Ability suppressed by Gastro Acid). If a Pokémon transforms into Origin Forme Giratina in the Distortion World, it will remain in Origin Forme regardless of its held item. If a Pokémon transforms into Cherrim, it will change form depending on the weather. If a Pokémon transforms into Sky Forme Shaymin, it will change to Land Forme if it is frozen.

As in previous generations, a transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder and Quick Powder, which use the target's species.

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

Generation V

Transform no longer copies the target's catch rate. Transform will now fail if used by a Pokémon that is already transformed, targeting a Pokémon behind a substitute, or targeting a Pokémon under the effect of Illusion.

A move known due to Transform now always has a maximum of at most 5 PP, regardless of the move's base maximum PP if it is greater than 5. As such, a Leppa Berry cannot restore the PP of a move known due to Transform above 5.

A transformed Pokémon can no longer change forms; it will remain in the form the target was in when the user transformed into it. For example, if a Pokémon transforms into Castform, it will not change form even if the weather changes.

Imposter, Ditto's signature Ability introduced in Generation V, automatically causes the user to transform into the opponent.

Pokémon that know Transform are banned from participating in Pokéstar Studios films.

In Generation V, using Transform while holding a Choice item (the Choice Band, Choice Scarf, or Choice Specs) on a target that also knows Transform will force the user to continue using Transform.

Generation VI

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Interaction with choice items on targets who also know Transform aside from Generation V
You can discuss this on the talk page.

The user will transform into Mega-Evolved Pokémon and maintain the form regardless of whether it holds the required Mega Stone. This has no effect on the restriction that only allows each player one Mega Evolution per battle. Also, a Pokémon that transforms into a species that has a Mega Evolution (but is not yet Mega Evolved) will be unable to Mega Evolve, even if the transformed Pokémon holds the corresponding Mega Stone.

A transformed Pokémon can use moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into, such as Hyperspace Fury if transformed into Hoopa Unbound.

Transform will fail if used on a Pokémon that is protected by Crafty Shield.

In Pokémon Contest Spectaculars, if Transform is used, a Substitute doll would be thrown in the stage. The user would then transform into the doll. The effects of Transform will last for the round it is used in.

Generation VII

Even if a Pokémon transforms into Meteor Form Minior, Shields Down will not prevent a transformed Pokémon from being afflicted with status conditions.

If powered up by a Normalium Z into Z-Transform, the user's HP is fully restored.

A transformed Pokémon can use Z-Moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into and if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal (excluding Ultra Necrozma). If the user has transformed into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon, it cannot use any Z-Moves, even if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal.

If the user transforms into a Pokémon that has no type (i.e. it was a pure Fire type that used Burn Up), the user will become Normal-type; if such a target has additionally been affected by Forest's Curse or Trick-or-Treat, the user will become Normal-type with an added Grass or Ghost type respectively. If the user transforms into a dual-typed Pokémon that has used Burn Up, however, Transform will copy the target's current types (and type additions) as usual.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, if the user transforms into the Partner PikachuP/EeveeE, it will also copy any clothes they have on them.

Generation VIII

If a Pokémon transforms into a Dynamax Pokémon, it will successfully transform but not become Dynamaxed. Transformed Pokémon can Dynamax, unless they are transformed into Zacian, Zamazenta, or Eternatus; if the user is already Dynamaxed, Transform will fail against these three Pokémon. Transform does not copy the Gigantamax Factor, so even if a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon that can Gigantamax, the transformed Pokémon will be able to Dynamax but not Gigantamax.

Description

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


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX
0132 Ditto NormalIC Big.png Ditto Ditto 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0151 Mew PsychicIC Big.png style="text-align:center; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" width="140px" colspan="2" | Undiscovered style="text-align:center; display:none; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" | Undiscovered 10 10 10 1 1 1 1SMUSUM
99PE 		80
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


Glitches

--

Main article: -- (move)

In Generation I, if a Pokémon transforms into another Pokémon that knows more moves and, while transformed, switches the position of the move in the slot of a legitimate move and one which should contain no move, after reverting to its original form, it will have access to the glitch move --.

Ditto glitch

Main article: Mew glitch

The primary method of the Mew glitch involves having a wild Ditto transform into the player's Pokémon, as this copies the Special stat, which is used to modify the species of Pokémon encountered.

Transform assumption glitch

In Generation I and II, any Pokémon that uses Transform is regarded as a Ditto in its new form; this means that if the player catches a Mew or a glitch Pokémon which has used the move Transform, or a Pokémon which has used Transform via Mirror Move, instead they will obtain a Ditto. Mew turning into Ditto was not an issue in these games because a wild Mew could not be legitimately encountered prior to Generation III. However, the Clefairy, Pidgey, and Fearow lines, which could be found in the wild, could use Transform via Metronome and Mirror Move, and would turn into Ditto on capture. This system was changed in Generation III.

By v0id19
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


Shiny Ditto glitch

Main article: List of glitches in Generation II → Shiny Ditto DV manipulation

The Shiny Ditto glitch requires a game from Generation I and Generation II, but only has an effect on a Generation II game. In Generation I, if a Pokémon uses the move Transform while already transformed, after being caught it will retain the IVs of the Pokémon it transformed into. Due to Shininess being determined by IVs in Generations I and II, this allows the player to make a wild Ditto Shiny by having it use Transform while already Transformed; this can be accomplished by either having a Shiny Pokémon that knows Transform (Mew, certain glitch Pokémon, or another Ditto), or by teaching a Shiny Pokémon Mimic, then having the wild Ditto use Mimic on the move Transform. While Shiny Pokémon do not exist in Generation I, due to being determined by IVs, this Ditto will be Shiny when traded to Generation II.

Sketch glitch

Main article: Sketch glitch

In Generation II, if a Pokémon uses Sketch while transformed, it will permanently learn the Sketched move.

Transform held item glitch

Main article: List of glitches in Generation IV → Transform held item glitch

In Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon holding an item uses Transform and has its item stolen, as long as it does not faint before the end of the battle, both the transforming Pokémon and the thief will retain the item after the battle.

Mimic glitch

Main article: Mimic glitch

In Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon uses Transform via Mimic then faints, it will keep the moves it learned via Transform.

Rage glitch

Main article: Rage glitch

In Generation IV, if a transformed Pokémon uses Rage and causes the message "Rage is building" to appear, then defeats or captures the opponent, the Pokémon will permanently learn the moves it knew while transformed.

Level up glitch

BoEANSprite.png This glitch is in need of research.
Reason: It is currently unknown what other games this glitch is present in, if any.
You can discuss this on the talk page.

In Pokémon Emerald, if a transformed Pokémon levels up during battle, it will utilize its normal, non-transformed stats for the remainder of the fight.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Prior to Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Transform causes the user to take the form of a random hostile Pokémon on the dungeon's floor. It does not copy that Pokémon's moves, type combination, Abilities, or stats. It has only 1 PP, leaving the user only the basic attack and Struggle left to use (unless the user knows moves other than Transform).

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Transform copies the appearance, type, Ability, moves, and stat modifications of the target for the current floor. Moves learned through Sketch while transformed will be forgotten after moving to the next floor. If used by an enemy to transform into the leader, the leader's teammates become confused.

Transformed Pokémon are still prone to status conditions and Dungeon tile restrictions from its original form; for example, a Ditto transformed into a Fire-type can still be burned, and a Pokémon that cannot walk through water still should not when transforming into a Pokémon that is able to.

Pokémon GO

In a Gym or Raid Battle, Transform is automatically cast at the beginning of the battle. It turns the user into a copy of the opponent and copies the opponent's moves, species, base Attack, and base Defense; HP, IVs, and Power Up level are not copied. Unlike other attacks, Transform does not require the user to wait out the duration before casting an attack or dodging, and its animation is purely visual. However, it may cause lags for the rest of the battle if you try to attack during the animation. The effects of Transform expire at the end of the battle.

Transform will not be cast if the opponent is a Ditto.

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

Updates

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

Description

Games Description
MDRB The user gains the Transformed status. The user transforms into a hostile Pokémon that appears on the floor.
MDTDS Gives the user a Transformed status, which transforms the user into one of the enemy Pokémon that can appear on the floor.
BSL じぶんを へんしんじょうたいにかえる フロアに しゅつげんする てきポケモンの どれかに へんしんする このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI IconKanji2MD.pngUNUSED
SMD You transform into another Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your party will find it confusing.*
It makes your appearance the same as a target Pokémon's. Your moves and types will also change to those of the target Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your teammates may mistake it for someone else, so be careful!*


In the anime

Aether Paradise Ditto Transform.png
Aether Paradise's Ditto
Drake Ditto Transform.png
Drake's Ditto
Mew Transform.png
Mew
Narissa Ditto Transform.png
Ditto 1 and 2
The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Ditto Ditto's body glows white, multicolored, yellow, or light blue, then transforms into the opponent.
Duplica's Ditto Ditto's Mysterious Mansion Debut
Drake's Ditto Hello, Pummelo! None
Duplica's Mini-Dit Imitation Confrontation None
Brodie's Ditto Unfair Weather Friends None
A wild Ditto Pikachu's Ghost Carnival None
Narissa's Ditto 1 Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! None
Narissa's Ditto 2 Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! None
A wild Ditto Deceiving Appearances! None
A wild Ditto JN019 None
Mew Mew's body glows white or multicolored, then it transforms into any Pokémon.
A wild Mew The Journey to be a Pokémon Master Begins!! None
Mew (M08) Lucario and the Mystery of Mew None
A wild Mew Enter Pikachu! None


In the manga

In the Aim to Be a Card Master!! manga


In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga


In the Pokémon Adventures manga


In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga


In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga


In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga


In the Pokémon Zensho manga


In other generations

Core series games

Transform I.png Transform II.png Transform III.png Transform IV.png
Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV
Transform V.png Transform VI.png
Transform VI 2.png 		Transform VII.png
Transform VII 2.png 		Transform PE.png
Transform PE 2.png
Generation V Generation VI SMUSUM LGPE

Side series games

Transform Stad.png Transform Stad2.png Transform Colo.png Transform XD.png
Stadium Stadium 2 Colosseum XD
Transform PBR.png
Battle Revolution

Spin-off series games

Transform PMD RB.png
MD: Red and Blue

Trivia

  • In the German version of the Generation II games, this move was renamed from Wandler into Verwandler. The reason for this is unknown. Even though the difference in meaning is minimal, this change was retracted in the following generations.
  • Transform is the only way to see the battle animation of Cherrim's Sunshine Form in Generation IV, as Cherrim sent from a Poké Ball will always be sent out in Overcast Form, and Cherrim is not available in the wild in Generation IV. A Ditto that transforms into Cherrim, however, will play the animation of the alternate form if it escapes from a thrown Poké Ball.
  • With the help of Transform, Pokémon can legitimately have more than 510 total effort values: if the target has EVs in some stats beside HP and the Transform user has EVs in HP, after transforming the total number of its EVs can exceed 510 due to HP not being copied.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 變身 Binsān
Mandarin 變身 / 变身 Biànshēn
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Přeměna
Denmark Flag.png Danish Forvandling
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Transformeer
Finland Flag.png Finnish Muuntautuminen
France Flag.png French Morphing
Germany Flag.png German Wandler
Verwandler (Gen II only)
Greece Flag.png Greek Μεταμόρφωση
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Transformasi
Berubah
Italy Flag.png Italian Trasformaz.
South Korea Flag.png Korean 변신 Byeonsin
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Forvandle[1]
Poland Flag.png Polish Transformacja
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Transformação
Serbia Flag.png Serbian Transformacija
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Transformación*
Mutación (EP111)
Spain Flag.png Spain Transformación*
Transform*
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Transformering
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Biến Hình

References

  1. ↑ Glossary on Pokemon.no (archived)


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