While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, Mimikyu changes forms, from Disguised Form into Busted Form, when it is hit by an attack.
Mimikyu is a small Pokémon whose body is almost entirely hidden under an old rag. Its small size makes it one of the shortestGhost types. Its beady black eyes are visible through holes in the body of its disguise, and the fringe of an amorphous foot or lower body is visible under the hem. Occasionally, it will also extend a black appendage from under its rag. The veil itself resembles a Pikachu. The cloth is yellow with black-tipped ears. The Pikachu face appears to be drawn with crayons, consisting of black eyes, red cheeks, and a squiggly black mouth. The head is hollow and can be used to store objects. Mimikyu also carries a small stick resembling a lightning bolt to create a tail for its costume. When its disguise is damaged, the costume's head droops limply backward, revealing Mimikyu's ruse. Larger rips in the costume are accompanied by shadowy vapors pouring out from whatever is hidden within.
A lonely Pokémon, Mimikyu is always covered by its disguise. It is unknown what Mimikyu's true appearance looks like. Since this Pokémon is weakened by sunlight, it is rumored that the veil is used for protection. It is believed that seeing its true form will cause a mysterious illness or even a painful death. Because of this, Mimikyu will become agitated and violently stop anyone from attempting to look underneath its rag. Mimikyu's disguise is modeled after Pikachu because of the popularity of Pikachu-styled merchandise, thinking that its disguise would allow it to make friends with people.[1] Unfortunately, this attempt makes its disguise look more creepy. Until recent times, Mimikyu was initially thought by humans to be just a ghost wearing a cloth.
Mimikyu is the only known Pokémon capable of using the Z-MoveLet's Snuggle Forever. It is also the only known Pokémon that can have Disguise as an Ability.
Silhouette of a Mimikyu's true form swimming in water
Mimikyu's eyes seen from under its rag
Forms
Mimikyu has two forms: Disguised Form and Busted Form.
Mimikyu changes into its Busted Form when it is hit by an attack and its neck breaks, causing it to slump over and no longer convincingly resemble a Pikachu. Ordinarily, the rag it wears allows Mimikyu to avoid attacks. Mimikyu will attempt to keep up its disguise, even if its rag is broken. However, if its rag does get damaged or its neck gets broken, it will spend all night patching it in front of a mirror as if its life depends on it. Repairing the rag correctly is often difficult for Mimikyu, so it cries a lot on the inside. It then seeks revenge on the one that damaged it, fearing that its true identity could have been exposed. Unforgiving, Mimikyu will take down the culprit at the risk of costing its own life in the process. Mimikyu will never forget the person who damaged its rag for as long as it is still alive.
Mimikyu, the Disguise Pokémon. A Ghost and Fairy type. It wears a ragged head cover to look like a Pikachu, but little is known about this Pokémon. It's said that a scholar who once tried to look inside met his end.
Mimikyu is the lead Pokémon in the music video for the song Ghost Dive, performed by Polkadot Stingray. Notably, it is the favorite Pokémon of vocalist Shizuku,[2] and its cry is sampled in the arrangement of Lavender Town.
Mimikyu appears as a Pokémon summoned from the Poké Ball, where it uses its exclusive Z-MoveLet's Snuggle Forever on any opponent who gets too close to it. Unlike its depiction in the core seriesgames, Mimikyu grabs its target instead of jumping on top of it. If the target is at 90% damage or more, they will be instantly KO'd, and Mimikyu will leave behind its disguise and presumably depart afterwards.
Mimikyu also appears as a Spirit. If its Spirit is equipped, the fighter will start the match with Death's Scythe.
Game data
Pokédex entries
This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation VII.
It stands in front of a mirror, trying to fix its broken neck as if its life depended on it. It has a hard time getting it right, so it's crying inside.
There will be no forgiveness for any who reveal that it was pretending to be Pikachu. It will bring the culprit down, even at the cost of its own life.
Mimikyu has two interchangeable forms: Disguised Form and Busted Form. It will always be in its Disguised Form outside of battle. Mimikyu starts battles in its Disguised Form. When it is hit by a damaging move, its AbilityDisguise reduces the damage it takes from it: in Generation VII, it takes no damage from it at all, and in Generation VIII onward, it nullifies the attack's damage but then loses 1/8 of its maximum HP. Afterwards, its disguise slumps to the side and it changes into Busted Form. While in Busted Form, it can be damaged normally. Mimikyu will stay in Busted Form until either it faints or the battle ends.
According to an official piece of merchandise, Mimikyu's height does not count the head of the disguise, only the body.[4]
In the Pokémon of the Year poll held by The Pokémon Company in 2020, Mimikyu was voted the most popular Generation VII Pokémon, receiving 99,077 votes. It was also the third-most popular Pokémon overall.
Mimikyu's disguise is based on Pikachu. The execution of the disguise is similar to ghost costumes made from bedsheets. Mimikyu also shares similarities with the Bugul Noz, a Breton myth about a kind and gentle fairy spirit whose horrifying ugliness causes it to be perpetually alone. The fact that Mimikyu's true appearance can kill may be a reference to Lovecraftian or eldritch monsters; if any person were to see their true forms, they would either be driven insane or die.
Name origin
Mimikyu and Mimikkyu may be derived from mimic, mimicry and きゅうきゅう kyūkyū (onomatopoeia for squeaking, similar to Pikachu). It may also involve a corruption of 迷宮 meikyuu (mystery). Or it may be a pun of mimic you
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.