List of Pokémon with form differences: Difference between revisions

Form differences are when, within one species of Pokémon, there are major, visible differences between individuals. Sometimes, this will as well extend to the Pokémon's types and stats, though this is not always the case.

In the games

Unown

Unown was the first Pokémon revealed to have visual differences between individuals of the species. Each individual Unown, at least in Generation II, would have a form that corresponded to one of the twenty-six letters of the Latin alphabet. In Generation III, two more forms were added, for the punctuation marks ? and !. The Unown Dex of Generation II also listed various words that corresponded to the Unown's different forms, though the differences between Unown appearance do not affect its stats.

Spinda

Just as well, Spinda has many visual variations among the species, all because of its spots. Like Unown's letter, the spot placement is generated based upon the personality value of each of the individuals. Just as well, the location of the spots has no effect on the Spinda's stats. Unlike Unown, though, these differences are very rarely repeated, as they are based on random integers that are different for each of the spots on its face and ears. In fact, there are more than four billion different forms of Spinda.

Kecleon

The first Pokémon to change type depending on the attack last used on it. If a Fire type move is used on it, it will turn into a fire type Kecleon, thought its attacks don't change.

Castform

The first Pokémon to change type just as well as its appearance was Castform. However, unlike other Pokémon, Castform does not retain its changes outside of battle, and can actually change as the battle is going on. Castform's current form is dependent on the weather in the battle: If the battle is being conducted in clear conditions or a sandstorm, it retains its normal sprite and Normal type. If the sun is shining brightly, though, Castform will assume a more sunny appearance as well as the Fire type. During rain, it will become reminiscent of a raindrop, and will assume the Water type. Finally, while it is hailing, Castform will become more icy, and become an Template:Type2 Pokémon. The type will change any time the weather does.

Deoxys

Deoxys, of course, is the first Pokémon to have its actual base stats, as well as appearance, change depending on the form it takes, with Defense, Normal, Attack, and Speed forms that are game-specific, with the Defense form appearing only in LeafGreen, the Normal form appearing only in Ruby and Sapphire, the Attack form appearing only in FireRed, and the Speed form appearing only in Emerald. All four forms, of course, can be found in Diamond and Pearl, and changed at will in a special location.

Burmy and Wormadam

Both Burmy and its female evolution, Wormadam, have three separate forms, though only Wormadam's form makes a difference on its type. Burmy's form changes after each battle it participates in: if it last battled outside, it will be covered in leaves, if it was in a building, it would assume a form that is seemingly covered in insulation, and if it last battled inside of a cave, the it would have what seems to be dirt and rocks on its exterior. Wormadam's three forms are similar, however, the form is permanent, and the type that she is is either Bug/Grass if she is in her leafy form, Bug/Steel if she is in her insulation-covered form, or Bug/Ground if she is in her rocky form. Her stats and move compatibility vary as well.

Shellos and Gastrodon

Another Sinnoh-native evolution family, Shellos and Gastrodon also have a difference, depending on, this time, whether the Pokmon in question was caught in the east or west of Sinnoh. The western variation of both is pink, while the eastern variation is blue. There is also some difference in their bodily appearance whether they are an East Shellos/Gastrodon or a West one.

Arceus

The seeming god of all Pokémon, Arceus has multiple forms with slight palette differences that represent the seventeen elemental types. These depend on the plate which Arceus holds. Strangely, there is a Template:Type2 Arceus sprite, but no possible plate to make it this type.

Other Pokémon

The Pokédex entry for Arbok states that the markings on its belly differ from region to region. Likewise, in Generation IV, there are many Pokémon with slight sprite differences based on their gender, and even one, Cherrim, which changes depending on the time of day.

Other form differences

There are several other differences that Pokémon have. For detailed descriptions of them, see Variant Pokémon.