Rarity or availability describes how frequently a Pokémon appears in the wild, or how easily it can be caught and added to the Pokédex through other means.

The rarity of a Pokémon may vary between different games or regions, or even between locations in the same region.

Rarity levels

Common

Common Pokémon are the most plentiful and easy to come by. Not only are they abundant, but they usually have a low catch rate as well. Most of the Pokémon in this group are basic, unevolved Pokémon.

In the Trading Card Game and Trading Figure Game, common Pokémon are marked with File:Rare com.gif.

Uncommon

Uncommon Pokémon are not as easily found as common Pokémon, and may take some effort to locate and capture. Both evolved and unevolved Pokémon are often found in this group.

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Trading Figure Game, uncommon Pokémon are marked with File:Rare uncom.gif.

Rare

Rare Pokémon are the most difficult to locate and capture in the wild. Some rare Pokémon cannot be captured in the wild, and must be evolved or obtained through other means. Evolved and legendary Pokémon frequently fall into this group.

In the Pokémon Trading Card Game and Trading Figure Game, rare Pokémon are marked with File:Rare rare.gif.

One-time Pokémon

These are Pokémon that only appear once per Pokémon game, if at all. Legendary Pokémon are most common in this tier, though there are several others, such as Hitmonchan, who are only available once without breeding. Often, in the TCG, they are holofoil cards, though being a holofoil card does not automatically guarantee that a Pokémon is a one-time Pokémon.

Swarm

Pokémon that only appear in a swarm. Dawn/Lucas's little sister in Sandgem Town will tell you a different Pokémon on what Route each day.

• Doduo –- Route 201
• Zigzagoon –- Route 202
• Cubone –- Route 203
• Krabby –- Route 206
• Phanpy –- Route 207
• Absol –- Route 213
• Drowzee –- Route 215
• Delibird –- Route 216
• Voltorb –- Route 218
• Natu –- Route 224
• Makuhita –- Route 225
• Spinda –- Route 227
• Beldum –- Route 228
• Pidgey –- Route 229
• Corsola –- Route 230

• Surskit –- Lake Verity
• Lickitung –- Lake Valor
• Slakoth –- Eterna Forest
• Magnemite –- Fuego Ironworks
• Electrike –- Valley Windworks

((Incomplete))