View source for Battle-Only Form (GO)

A '''Battle-Only Form''' is a [[List of Pokémon with form differences in Pokémon GO|form]] transformation which a Pokémon can achieve during certain conditions while [[Pokémon battle|battling]] in [[Pokémon GO]]. They were introduced as a mechanic along with {{p|Morpeko}} during the Halloween 2024 Part I event. Currently, nothing with a Battle-Only Form can be used in Gyms in any way.

==List of Battle-Only Forms==
{| class="roundtable sortable" style="text-align:center; margin:auto; background: #{{GO color light}}; border:3px solid #{{GO color dark}}"
! colspan=2 | Pokémon
! colspan=2 | Base form
! colspan=2 | Battle-Only Form
! Effect
! Release date
|-
| style="font-family:monospace,monospace" | #0681
| {{p|Aegislash}}
| {{MSP/GO|0681|Aegislash}}
|  Shield Forme
| {{MSP/GO|0681B|Aegislash}}
| Blade Forme
| This Pokémon changes to Blade Forme when it uses a Charged Attack and changes to Shield Forme when it uses a Protect Shield.<br>[[File:GO boost arrow.png|16px]] Attack change<br>[[File:GO drop arrow.png|16px]] Defense change<br>Fast Attacks do 0 damage in Shield Forme
| July 22, 2025
|-
| style="font-family:monospace,monospace" | #0778
| {{p|Mimikyu}}
| {{MSP/GO|0778|Mimikyu}}
|  Disguised Form
| {{MSP/GO|0778B|Mimikyu}}
| Busted Form
| Once per battle, the shroud that covers the Pokémon can protect it from a Charged Attack, after which Mimikyu's Defense will be lowered until the end of battle.<br>[[File:GO drop arrow.png|16px]] Defense drop
| April 1, 2026
|-
| style="font-family:monospace,monospace" | #0877
| {{p|Morpeko}}
| {{MSP/GO|0877|Morpeko}}
|  Full Belly Mode
| {{MSP/GO|0877H|Morpeko}}
| Hangry Mode
| This Pokémon will transform when it uses a Charged Attack. When in Hangry Mode, {{m|Aura Wheel}} changes to a Dark-type attack.
| October 22, 2024
|}

==In the core series games==
{{p|Castform}}, {{p|Cherrim}}, {{p|Zacian}}, and {{p|Zamazenta}} all possess [[List of Pokémon with form differences|forms]] which can only be activated during battle in the core series games. In Pokémon GO, these forms are instead permanent and set upon encountering and catching them.

{{p|Darmanitan}}, {{p|Meloetta}}, {{p|Greninja}}, and {{p|Necrozma}} all have at least one battle-exclusive form in the core series which has not yet been included in Pokémon GO.

The concept of Battle-Only Forms predates the release of {{p|Wishiwashi}}, {{p|Minior}}, {{p|Cramorant}}, {{p|Palafin}}, {{p|Ogerpon}}, and {{p|Terapagos}} all of whom can enter distinct forms during battle in the core series games.

==Trivia==
* Since its release, {{p|Xerneas}} has entered its {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences in Pokémon GO|Xerneas|Active Mode}} when sent into battle. As there is no gameplay difference between this form and its Neutral Mode, and its release predates this concept, it is not considered a Battle-Only Form.
* Despite {{p|Mimikyu}} having a Battle-Only Form, Mimikyu originally couldn't be used in {{GO|Trainer Battle}}s except against [[Team GO Rocket]] for over 2 months after it debutted in the game.
* Although the game says Aegislash's Fast Attack does 0 damage in Shield Form, it actually does deal very little damage.

==In other languages==
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==Related articles==
{{forms}}
{{Project Sidegames notice}}

[[Category:Pokémon GO]]