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There’s Pikachu and Charizard, right?
In all seriousness, how many pokemon are there? It is a complicated question that used to be very simple; 151, we all know the song. As we get excited for new, cute and cool Pokémon and their epic transformations, the number of Pokémon keeps rising. For the average person, there are formally 905 Pokémon currently registered with the Pokédex. Still, it’s a bit more complicated if you’re an avid Pokémon enjoyer like myself. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are right around the corner, and we have seen a few new Pokémon.
With the introductions of Mega Evolutions, Gigantimax, and regional forms, the variations and designs of Pokémon, including their move set and typing, change accordingly, and this does not include the gender differences or the standard forms of Pokémon.
Note: check out our Pokémon Unite Tier List right here, updated this month.
Pokémon – By Generations
Generation I: This is where Pocket Monsters began. Rhydon was the first Pokémon ever made, and it only escalated from there. Pokémon Red and Green took the world by storm. It announced the original 151, with the final number being the infamous Mew, and that’s a whole other story in itself.
Generation II: What was next for the series? Well, go bigger and better. The formula worked, and the new generation introduced 100 new Pokémon. One of the most prominent additions, which some argue are the best Legendries, were introduced, Ho-Oh, Lugia, and the legendary beasts – let’s not call them dogs – Raikou, Entei, and Suicune. Gold and Silver games featured two regions; it’s safe to say Pokémon was thriving.
Generation III: Now, this is where the anime picked up speed, and the fans wanted more. Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald brought Groudon and Kyogre to the mix with the Legend Rayquaza. That wasn’t all; the game also featured mystery gifts and secret movements to unlock Regiice, Regirock, and Registeel. It was a solid entry that added another 135 Pokémon to the mix.
Generation IV: Many argue that this was the best generation; the starters were excellent, the anime had the perfect formula, and Sinnoh added 107 new Pokémon. We were introduced to the lore of Arceus, Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. The Pokémons were unique and fun, especially the new evolutions. My favorite was the Eveeloutions. The new Pokémon were fun, but some are well, you know? Like Drifloon, who takes away with small children, look it up; it’s true. This anime and game introduced a new Generation to Pokémon and succeeded tremendously.
Generation V: It added the most Pokémon in a while; 156. They featured a lot of new innovative things, including design choices that all the fans loved. Black and White 2 are regarded as one of the best mainline Pokémon games.
Generation VI: The anime for X and Y might be my favorite of all the series. It featured an epic storyline, and the characters were fun and witty, especially Serena, who is loved by almost the entire fandom. The series introduced 72 new Pokémon, but the main selling point was Mega Evolution.
Generation VII: Sun and Moon went for innovation, introducing new forms of Pokémon like the Alolan Executor with large necks, 88 new Pokémon were added to the roster. This was a time for a change for the series, and it tried a bunch of new things, especially Ultra Beasts. The introductions of variations were the main point of this generation, and it changed the formula quite a bit.
Generation VIII: The Galar region introduced 89 new Pokémon, and Legends Arceus threw a curve ball, introducing seven new Pokémon and showing previous ancient forms of Pokémon. It is a bit confusing, but the generation also added Gigantimax forms which we’ll get to later on. The legendaries weren’t anything to write home about, but it was a solid addition. The changed forms of Zapdos, Articuno, and Moltress were enjoyable and fantastic. It was okay addition to the series, but what we’re honestly waiting for is Generation IX.
Now that makes 905 Pokémon, but from the latest showcase, we can understand that the three starters and their evolutions, along with other Pokémon make a total of 922 Pokémon as of today. Let’s talk about the various designs and categories of Pokémon, starting with the Legendary Pokémon.
Pokémon Legendaries
These are a group of very rare Pokémon, including some that are one of a kind like Dialga, Palkia, or the infamous Mewtwo. They are powerful, having profound lore and prominent myths in the Pokémon world. They help shape the world or keep it safe. Nothing else defines a legendary Pokémon other than the way the games categorize them, or the anime features them in a special episode or movie.
There are currently 63 legendary Pokémon, including the two from the Paldea region in Generation IX. Legendary Pokémon has always been a series staple and bring excitement to the games by region. The legendries are:
Kanto
- Articuno
- Zapdos
- Moltres
- Mewtwo
Johto
5. Suicune
6. Entei
7. Raikou
8. Lugia
9. Ho – Oh
Hoenn
10. Regirock
11. Registeel
12. Regice
13. Latios
14. Latias
15. Groudon
16. Kyogre
17. Rayquaza
Sinnoh
18. Azelf
19. Mesprit
20. Uxie
21. Dialga
22. Palkia
23. Giratina
24. Cresselia
25. Heatran
26. Regigigas
Unova
27. Cobalion
28. Terrakion
29. Virizion
30. Tornadus
31. Thundurus
32. Landorus
33. Zekrom
34. Reshiram
35. Kyurem
36. Enamorus; was introduced in Legends: Arceus, and we don’t know his current status in the Pokémon world.
Kalos
37. Xerneas
38. Yveltal
39. Zygarde
Alola
40. Type: Null
41. Silvally
42. Tapu Koko
43. Tapu Bulu
44. Tapu Fini
45. Tapu Lele
46. Cosmog
47. Cosmoem
48. Necrozma
49. Solgaleo
50. Lunala.
Galar
51. Zacian
52. Zamazenta
53. Eternatus
54. Kubfu
55. Urshifu
56. Regieleki
57. Regidrago
58. Clayrex
59. Galarian Articuno
60. Galarian Zapdos
61. Galarian Moltres
62. Glastrier
63. Spectrier.
Mythical Pokémon
These might be the rarest Pokémon out there, with many in the Pokémon world not even sure about their existence. This includes the infamous mew we all believe was under that truck in Pokémon Red. Until generation V in the West, legendries and mythical Pokémon were regarded as the same. Still, afterward, it’s been made more explicit. Mythical Pokémon are usually received through a mystery gift or other special events. They are not part of the game’s story but have distinct lore behind them. You don’t need a mythical Pokémon to complete the Pokédex. There are 22 Mythical Pokémon in total.
Kanto
1. Mew
Johto
2. Celebi
Heonn
3. Jirachi
4. Deoxys
Sinnoh:
5. Manaphy
6. Phione
7. Darkrai
8. Shaymin
9. Arceus
Unova
10. Victini
11. Keldeo
12. Meloetta
13. Genesect
Kalos
14. Diancle
15. Hoopa
16. Volcanion.
Alola
17. Magerana
18. Marshadow
19. Zeraora
20. Meltan
21. Melmetal
Galar
22. Zarude
Ultra Beasts
Now, this is where the series started experimenting a bit. I guess they belong in the legendary category, but honestly, I just feel like these are strong normal Pokémon, and the Pokédex doesn’t lie. They enter through extra dimensions, and we don’t know much about them. Some might consider them legendary, but I don’t think I will ever understand them.
Ultra Beasts
1. Poipole
2. Naganadel
3. Guzzlord
4. Stakataka
5. Blacephalon
6. Kartana
7. Xurkitree
8. Celesteela
9. Pheromosa
10. Nihilego
11. Buzzwole
Now that we’ve got the categories out of the way let’s get into what we know about the variations. Even the same Pokémon come in different forms, including gender differences, like how the male Rhydon’s horn is larger than the female or how the male Xatu has three lines on its body and the female has two. Some Pokémon have various versions that would exist due to the process of evolution. We will discuss all of them, including other forms of transformation as well.
Basic Pokémon Forms
Pokémon come in all shapes and forms, even the same ones. Many can transform into different types, and others have fixed attributes. These forms can either be purely cosmetic like Vivillon or have small type differences like Burmy and its Wormadam evolutions. Pokémon like Unown come in 28 forms, where Shellos is the same, but its color varies by East and West Sea. This is all done without taking into account the Shiny variants; safe to say, even if their forms vary, the Pokémon remains the same. The Pokémon that have basic form differences are:
| Pokémon | Form and Variation |
| Unown | It has a total of 28 forms |
| Castform | Apart from its original form, it has 3 other weather forms. |
| Deoxys | It has 4 forms relating to battle formations. |
| Burmy | It has 3 forms depending on where you find it. |
| Wormadam | The type of Burmy changes Wormadams evolved form. |
| Cherrim | It has its overcast and Sunshine form. |
| Shellos | Has two colors ranging from the sides of the sea. |
| Gastrodon | Similar to Shellos. |
| Dialga | Origin orb changes its appearance. |
| Palkia | Origin orb changes its appearance. |
| Giratina | Origin orb changes its appearance. |
| Shaymin | It has its base form and flight form. |
| Arceus | It can change its typing and its color changes accordingly. |
| Basculin | It comes in two colors and in the past was white. |
| Darmanitan | It has its normal mode and Zen mode. |
| Deerling | It has forms according to the seasons. |
| Sawsbuck | It’s the base Deerling’s evolution. |
| Tornadus | It has its base form then its Therian form. |
| Thunderous | It has its base form then its Therian form. |
| Landorous | It has its base form then its Therian form. |
| Enamorus | It has its base form then its Therian form. |
| Kyurem | It has both Black and White forms. |
| Keldeo | It has a base form and a Resolute form. |
| Meloetta | It has an Aria and a Pirouette Form. |
| Genesect | It has a total of 5 forms. |
| Vivillon | It has a total of 20 different design patterns. |
| Flabebe | It has 5 colored flower forms. |
| Floette | It is similar to Flabebe. |
| Florges | It is similar to Floette. |
| Furfrou | It can be designed many ways in reality but it has 10 forms in the game. |
| Zygarde | It has a cell form and 3 battle ready forms. |
| Hoopa | It has a base form and a battle form. |
| Oricorio | It has 4 forms depending on the style it takes which change it’s typing. |
| Lycanroc | It has 3 forms depending on its evolution. |
| Wishiwashi | It has two forms. |
| Silvally | Its form changes with its typing. |
| Minor | It has a Meteor form and a Core form. |
| Necrozma | It has 4 forms. It absorbs Solgaleo and Lunala to achieve the other forms. |
| Magerana | It has two colors, the new one and the original design. |
| Toxtricity | It has two variants. |
| Alcremie | It has 9 forms with 7 variants from each creating 63 designs. |
| Eiscue | It has an Ice face and a Noice face (lol). |
| Morpeko | It has a Full belly mode and a Hangry mode. |
| Zacian | It has 2 forms. |
| Zamazenta | It has 2 forms. |
| Eternatus | It has two variants. |
| Urshifu | It has two variants |
| Zarude | It has a base form and a Dada form. |
| Clayrex | It has 3 forms |
| Lunala | It has two forms |
| Solgaleo | It has two forms |
| Groudon | It has a base form and a Primal form |
| Kyogre | It has a base form and a Primal form |
Regional Forms
Pokémon species separated from the rest in certain environmental conditions evolve differently by developing unique traits. These were introduced in the Alola region in Pokémon Sun and Moon and have also become a staple of the series. Alolan Sandshrew and Galarian Corsola are great examples, these Pokémon have similar characteristics, but their type and abilities, including their stats, might differ.
Alola
1. Rattata
2. Raticate
3. Raichu
4. Sandshrew
5. Sandslash
6. Vulpix
7. Ninetales
8. Diglett
9. Dugtrio
10. Meowth
11. Persian
12. Geodude
13. Graveler
14. Golem
15. Grimer
16. Exeggutor
17. Marowak
Galar
1. Meowth
2. Ponyta
3. Rapidash
4. Farfetch’d
5. Weezing
6. Mr. Mime
7. Corsola
8. Zigzagoon
9. Linoone
10. Darumaka
11. Darmanitan
12. Yamask
13. Stunfisk
14. Slowpoke
15. Slowbro
16. Articuno
17. Zapdos
18. Moltress
19. Slowking
Hsui
1. Growlithe
2. Voltorb
3. Electrode
4. Typhlosion
5. Qwilfish
6. Sneasel
7. Samurott
8. Lilligant
9. Basculin
10. Zorua
11. Zoroark
12. Braviary
13. Sliggoo
14. Goodra
15. Avalugg
16. Decidueye.
We don’t know if these forms still exist, though, since Hsui was shown as a time in the past, and many Pokémon like Voltorb have evolved from then.
Paldea: As of right now, we only know of Wooper, but we will surely see more when the game releases.
Mega Evolutions
They are taking the Evolution tree one step further, evolving the Pokémon temporarily into a much stronger form. The Pokémon and trainer require a keystone and a Mega stone specific to that Pokémon. The only Pokémon that doesn’t need the mega stone or a trainer is Rayquaza. These forms change the design and shape of the Pokémon, along with its stats and typing. There are a total of 46 Pokémon as of now capable of Mega evolving and 48 total forms.
1. Venusaur
2. Charizard (Two Forms)
3. Blastoise
4. Alakazam
5. Gengar
6. Kangaskhan
7. Pinsir
8. Gyarados
9. Aerodactyl
10. Mewtwo (Two forms)
11. Ampharos
12. Scizor
13. Heracross
14. Houndoom
15. Tyranitar
16. Blaziken
17. Gardevoir
18. Mawile
19. Aggron
20. Medicham
21. Manectric
22. Banette
23. Absol
24. Latias
25. Latios
26. Garchomp
27. Lucario
28. Abomasnow
29. Beedrill
30. Pidgeot
31. Slowbro
32. Steelix
33. Sceptile
34. Swampert
35. Sableye
36. Sharpedo
37. Camerupt
38. Altaria
39. Salamence
40. Metagross
41. Rayquaza
42. Lopunny
43. Gallade
44. Audino
45. Diancie
Gigantimax
It is a new form taken by Pokémon under particular circumstances in a special arena under a power spot. It increases the size of the Pokémon and changes its design dramatically for some Pokémon. It was introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield; it adds new G-max moves and worked to introduce G-Max Raid Battles in the game. Suppose a Pokémon does not have a Gigantimax form; it Dynamaxes, which just increases its size. It’s not the best addition to the game, but it’s something to chew on. There are 32 Pokémon capable of Gigantimaxing.
1. Charizard
2. Butterfree
3. Pikachu
4. Meowth
5. Machamp
6. Gengar
7. Kingler
8. Snorlax
9. Eevee
10. Lapras
11. Snorlax
12. Garbodor
13. Melmetal
14. Corviknight
15. Orbeetle
16. Drednaw
17. Flapple
18. Appletun
19. Sandaconda
20. Toxtricity
21. Hatterene
22. Grimmsnarl
23. Alcremie
24. Copperajah
25. Duraludon
26. Venasaur
27. Blastoise
28. Rillaboom
29. Cinderace
30. Inteleon
31. Urshifu (Both forms).
Final Thoughts
According to the Pokémon universe, we know of 922 Pokémon. That’s because even if the forms, variations, and designs of some Pokémon change, their base characteristics remain the same, and that’s what makes a Pokémon what it is. Alolan Vulpix lives in snowy peaks, very different from normal Vulpix, but they both possess the same characteristics. But if we go further into it, there are a total of 405 variations and forms of Pokémon, making the total design variations 1328.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does Ash’s Greninja come in?
It’s Grenninja’s special ability, Battle bond. Now some believe it to be a variation of form. The move increases the base stats of the Pokémon and technically works as Mega Evolution.
Why are regional variants not separate Pokémon?
This is due to the shape, characteristics, and behavior of these Pokémon. The process of evolution changed the shape, typing, and even behavior of a few of them. Still, it also showed something fascinating; some regional forms are the original ones.
How many Pokémon will there be?
We don’t know, but the franchise is thriving, and sales are going through the roof. Game Freak is changing the formula, and everyone’s excited about what’s new to offer. Generation IX just introduced Terrastalizing, which enhances and changes typing of Pokémon.
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