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{{samename|various Pokémon body shapes called forms in [[Generation IV]] and {{gen|V}}|List of Pokémon by shape}}
----
[[File:Pokémon HOME Wallpaper Vivillon.png|thumb|250px|{{p|Vivillon}} has 20 known patterns, each are considered a different form of the same species]]
Many {{OBP|Pokémon|species}} have multiple '''forms''' (Japanese: '''{{ruby|姿|すがた}}''' ''form'') or [[Variant Pokémon|variations]] that differ in appearance between individuals of the same species. These appearances are different from [[Evolution]], as a Pokémon's different forms are considered the same species. Two forms of the same species can differ vastly, including a difference in their [[type]], [[height]] and [[weight]], [[Ability]], [[base stats]], [[gender]], and so on.

Certain Pokémon are able to undergo a '''form change''' (Japanese '''フォルムチェンジ''' ''Forme change''), in which they change from one form to another when specific requirements or conditions are met.<ref>'''[[Jacq]]''': ''"There’s also a phenomenon called a form change, where a Pokémon’s appearance changes under certain conditions.''" ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}}).</ref> Unlike Evolution<ref>'''[[Lillie]]''': "''It’s not actually evolving but undergoing a so-called “form change.”'' ({{g|Sun and Moon}})</ref> and [[Shiny Pokémon]],<ref>'''[[Jacq]]''': "''Form changes are different from Evolution in that the Pokémon can return to its original form. And unlike Shiny Pokémon, which can’t change their special coloration, the same individual Pokémon can go back and forth between its forms.''" ({{g|Scarlet and Violet}})</ref> a Pokémon that undergoes a form change is able to return to its original form. Not all Pokémon with known forms are able to change between them, such as with most [[regional form]]s. Rarely, some Pokémon undergo a variation in appearance that is not caused by either form change or Evolution, as is the case with the Bloodmoon {{p|Ursaluna}}.<ref>"''The Pokémon is unique in that its altered appearance cannot be attributed to Evolution or form change.''" - [https://scarletviolet.pokemon.com/en-us/pokemon/bloodmoon_ursaluna/ Pokémon Scarlet and Violet official website].</ref>

==Terminology==
A difference in appearance of a Pokémon that is unattributed to Evolution is known as a '''form''' (Japanese: '''{{ruby|姿|すがた}}''' ''form''). Some of these alternate appearances are instead named using the French word '''Forme''' (Japanese: '''フォルム''' ''Forme''). Most form names are formatted as proper nouns and end with either the word "Form" or "Forme".

The term "form change" is the process in which a species can alternate between one or more existing forms. This process has also been translated as "Forme change"<ref>"''Changing your hairstyle is like a '''Forme change''' for people!''" - {{g|X and Y}}</ref>, to "change forms",<ref>"''The nectar that lets Oricorio '''change forms''' is a bit different from one meadow to the next.''" - {{g|Sun and Moon}}</ref><ref>"''Some Pokémon can also '''change forms''', which can change how they look and their stats.''" - {{g|Sun and Moon}}</ref> and "Forme Change".<ref>"''This Zygarde has the Power Construct Ability, which allows Zygarde to '''Forme Change'''!''" - [[Reassembly Unit]], ({{g|Sun and Moon}})</ref>

==Types of forms and variations==
[[File:Mystri Stage artwork.png|thumb|right|200px|{{p|Unown}} has 28 unique forms resembling the Latin alphabet]]
===Form differences and other transformations===
{{main|List of Pokémon with form differences}}
Many of the major form variations are officially recognized by the [[Pokédex]].

The difference between two forms a species can take on vastly depends on the mechanism in which a Pokémon takes on the alternate appearance. Most of these differences typically fall under one of two patterns. Form change allows certain Pokémon to change between their different forms, such as with {{p|Castform}} or {{p|Oricorio}}, while other Pokémon have forms that are permanent and noninterchangeable, such as {{p|Unown}}. Form changes can be activated either by [[Ability]], an [[item]], current [[health]], [[level]], either by using a [[move]], the environment, or a combination of the listed. Not all form differences result in gameplay changes, such as with {{p|Flabébé}} and {{p|Xerneas}}, whose form differences are purely cosmetic.

Some Pokémon have alternate forms, states, stances, or other properties that are unrecognized by the Pokédex, but may still be described as different forms in [[Pokédex entry|Pokédex descriptions]] or game dialogue. These types of variations are often not described as forms mechanically and are usually seen as part of a Pokémon's animations for attacks or cinematics during gameplay. For example, {{p|Cyclizar}} is known to take on three different forms: Ride, Battle, and Basic form, with its posture changing based on activity.

====Shiny Pokémon====
[[File:Shiny Legendary Beasts.png|thumb|right|200px|The Shiny coloration of {{p|Raikou}}, {{p|Entei}}, and {{p|Suicune}}]]
{{main|Shiny Pokémon}}
Making their appearance in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}, Shiny Pokémon provide a unique coloration from how a species or form may otherwise appear. With a rarity of approximately 1/4000 (1/8000 prior to [[Generation V]]), Shiny Pokémon can usually be obtained through the same methods as any standard color Pokémon. A Shiny Pokémon's differences are purely cosmetic and do not affect gameplay, and are typically sought out by collectors for their rarity. Most Shiny Pokémon appear with a shining glitter or confetti-like effect when first encountered, giving them their name. Shiny Pokémon are recognized as forms in the [[Pokédex]] starting in {{g|Black and White}}.

All species and forms have a unique Shiny coloration (among exceptions), but certain games may provide a [[List of unobtainable Shiny Pokémon|Shiny lock]] on certain species, making their Shiny appearance unobtainable through standard methods.

<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:130Gyarados Dream.png|Gyarados
File:0130Gyarados-Shiny Dream.png|Shiny Gyarados
</gallery>

====Gender differences====
[[File:Partner Eevee gender differences.png|thumb|right|200px|{{p|Eevee}}'s tail indicates its [[gender]]]]
{{main|List of Pokémon with gender differences}}
Though the majority of Pokémon have no visual distinction between their [[gender]]s, there are some that do. Gender differences were introduced in [[Generation IV]], with multiple Pokémon from earlier generations having been updated to have these differences in addition to new Pokémon. Most gender differences have no in-game effect beyond the Pokémon's appearance; however, there are a number of exceptions, with {{p|Meowstic}}, {{p|Indeedee}}, and {{p|Oinkologne}} also differing in {{Abilities}} and the [[move]]s they can learn, while Indeedee, {{p|Basculegion}}, and Oinkologne differ in [[base stats]].

There are currently 102 species with gender differences.

====Fusion====
[[File:Necrozma diagram.png|thumb|right|200px|{{p|Necrozma}}'s process of fusion with {{p|Solgaleo}} and {{p|Lunala}}]]
{{main|Pokémon fusion}}
Originally introduced with {{B2W2}}, three groups of Pokémon are known to have the ability to fuse with another, those being {{p|Kyurem}}, {{p|Necrozma}}, and {{p|Calyrex}}. Pokémon fusion<ref>"''I happen to know quite a bit about '''Pokémon fusion''' myself...''" - [[Colress]] ({{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}})</ref> requires the base species, their host (the Pokémon who it is combining with), and an [[item]] to tie the two together. Fusion between Pokémon will allow the base Pokémon to gain the properties of its host, including type, Ability, and the usage of some moves.

Kyurem fuses with {{P|Reshiram}} and {{P|Zekrom}}, Necrozma fuses with {{P|Solgaleo}} and {{P|Lunala}} and Calyrex fuses with {{P|Glastrier}} and {{P|Spectrier}}. While Kyurem physically fuse with its hosts, Necrozma and Calyrex don't: Necrozma attatches its pieces to its hosts' bodies like an armor and Calyrex rides on its host like it was a steed.

Kyurem is the only one with a named method of fusion, '''Absofusion''' (Japanese: '''{{ruby|吸収合体|きゅうしゅうがったい}}''' ''Absorb Union''), but all three species have been described as "fusing" with another. Necrozma's fusion is mechanically required for it to [[Ultra Burst]] into Ultra Necrozma.
<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:0646Kyurem-Black.png|Black Kyurem
File:0646Kyurem-White.png|White Kyurem
File:0800Necrozma-Dusk Mane.png|Dusk Mane Necrozma
File:0800Necrozma-Dawn Wings.png|Dawn Wings Necrozma
File:0898Calyrex-Shadow Rider.png|Shadow Rider Calyrex
File:0898Calyrex-Ice Rider.png|Ice Rider Calyrex
</gallery>

=====Ultra Burst=====
{{main|Ultra Burst}}
Ultra Burst is a mechanic exclusive to the [[Legendary Pokémon]] {{p|Necrozma}} in {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}. It can only be achieved if Necrozma has fused with either {{p|Solgaleo}} or {{p|Lunala}}. It is similar to [[Mega Evolution]], in which it requires Necrozma to hold an [[Ultranecrozium Z]] and must be activated prior to selecting a move. Necrozma raises its [[base stats]] by 74, and gains the {{type|Dragon}} over its previous [[Steel (type)|Steel]]- or {{type|Ghost}}s. Because of its access to a [[Z-Crystal]], Ultra Necrozma can use the {{m|Light That Burns the Sky}} [[Z-Move]]. Only one Pokémon can Ultra Burst per a battle.

====Mega Evolution====
[[File:Blaziken Mega Evolution.png|thumb|200px|A {{p|Blaziken}} Mega Evolving]]
{{main|Mega Evolution}}
{{g|X and Y}} introduced Mega Evolution, allowing certain Pokémon to achieve a more powerful form in battle. Mega Evolution may only be achieved if the Pokémon's {{pkmn|Trainer}} possesses a [[Key Stone]] and the Pokémon [[Held item|holds]] the [[Mega Stone]] corresponding to its species, and a Trainer can only Mega Evolve their Pokémon once per battle. In addition to altering the Pokémon's appearance, Mega Evolution changes its [[base stats]] and may also change its [[type]] and [[Ability]]. In the core series, Mega Evolution appears in all [[Generation VI]] and [[Generation VII]] games, as well as {{g|Legends: Z-A}} and its [[DLC]] expansion [[Mega Dimension]].

Some Pokémon have multiple Mega Evolutions, which are differentiated by being called X and Y Mega Evolutions. Mega Dimension introduced a new variant of Mega Evolution known as Z Mega Evolution. Z Mega Evolutions have more speed than other Mega Evolutions with cost of more [[Mega Power]]. Like their counterparts, they also require a Mega Stone.

As an exception to the above, {{p|Rayquaza}} does not hold a Mega Stone, but instead, requires the [[move]] {{m|Dragon Ascent}}. Rayquaza holding a [[Z-Crystal]] will be prevented from Mega Evolving. There are currently 96 different Mega-Evolved forms including Z Mega Evolutions, of which there are 87 species able to Mega Evolve.

<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:0448Lucario.png|Lucario
File:0448Lucario-Mega.png|Mega Lucario
File:0448Lucario-Mega Z.png|Mega Lucario Z
</gallery>

====Primal Reversion====
{{main|Primal Reversion}}
Starting in {{g|Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire}}, {{p|Kyogre}} and {{p|Groudon}} have the ability to revert to a primal state through usage of Natural Energy. Similar to [[Mega Evolution]], Primal Reversion causes a Pokémon's [[base stat]] total to increase by 100. They are given new {{Abilities}}, and Groudon earns a new [[type]]. Unlike Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion does not require a [[Key Stone]], and the Pokémon is able to transform at the start of battle by simply [[Held item|holding]] either a [[Red Orb|Red]] or [[Blue Orb]]. Multiple Pokémon can undergo Primal Reversion in battle. In the core series, Primal Reversion would reappear in {{g|Sun and Moon}} and their sister titles, {{g|Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon}}, before returning in {{g|Legends: Z-A}}'s [[Mega Dimension]] [[DLC]].
<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:0382Kyogre-Primal.png|Primal Kyogre
File:0383Groudon-Primal.png|Primal Groudon
</gallery>

====Regional form====
[[File:Pokédex Image Exeggutor SV Blueberry.png|thumb|rright|200px|{{p|Exeggutor}} and {{rf|Alolan}} Exeggutor in the [[Blueberry Academy|Blueberry]] [[Pokédex]]]]
{{main|Regional form}}
Introduced in {{g|Sun and Moon}}, regional forms, formerly known as regional variants, are Pokémon that have adapted specifically to the environment of the [[region]] they reside in and thus differ in appearance from their previously [[Pokémon discovery|discovered]] counterparts. They may also differ in other attributes, such as [[type]], [[move]]s, [[Ability]], or [[base stats]]. There are four known classifications of regional forms: the [[Alolan form]]s found in [[Alola]], the [[Galarian form]]s found in [[Galar]], the [[Hisuian form]]s found in [[Hisui]], and the [[Paldean form]]s found in [[Paldea]]. There are currently 54 Pokémon that have regional forms, and 57 regional forms currently exist in total (55 and 58, respectively, if White-Striped {{p|Basculin}} is counted as a regional form).

Similarly, a set of Pokémon who behave ecologically alike to another may be mistaken for a regional form, but they are in fact considered [[convergent species|entirely different species]], such as the case with {{p|Diglett}} and {{p|Wiglett}}.

<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:0026Raichu-Alola.png|Alolan {{p|Raichu}}
File:0052Meowth-Galar.png|Galarian {{p|Meowth}}
File:0058Growlithe-Hisui.png|Hisuian {{p|Growlithe}}
File:0194Wooper-Paldea.png|Paldean {{p|Wooper}}
</gallery>

====Dynamax form====
[[File:Sword Shield Max Raid Battle artwork.png|thumb|left|150px|A Dynamaxed {{p|Pangoro}} found in a [[Max Raid Battle]]. Artwork by [[James Turner]]]]
{{main|Dynamax}}
Introduced in {{g|Sword and Shield}}, the Dynamax phenomenon is a particular transformation that causes a Pokémon to grow to extreme sizes for three turns. These Dynamax forms<ref>'''[[Mustard]]''': "''and when they drink the soup, their '''Dynamax form''' will change into a Gigantamax form!''" ({{g|Sword and Shield}})</ref> will increase a Pokémon's [[HP]] and change all their [[move]]s to [[Max Move]]s. Additionally, they ignore certain properties of other moves, such as those affecting [[weight]], due to their tremendous size. In the [[core series]], this phenomenon is stated to be found only within specific locations in the [[Galar]] [[region]]. Dynamax is not recognized by the [[Pokédex]] in the core series, despite being described as a form.
[[File:Gigantamax Charizard index sheet.jpg|180px|thumb|right|A Gigantamax {{p|Charizard}}]]

In [[Pokémon GO]], Pokémon who are able to {{GO|Dynamax}} are considered a separate form than those of the same species and appearance, whereas in other titles, any Pokémon are able Dynamax.

=====Gigantamax form=====
{{main|Gigantamax}}
In {{g|Sword and Shield}}, Gigantamax was introduced. It is a special type of Dynamax that causes the Pokémon's appearance to change beyond a simple increase in size. Only certain species of Pokémon can Gigantamax, and even among Pokémon with Gigantamax forms, only those possessing a trait known as the {{DL|Gigantamax|Gigantamax Factor}} may Gigantamax. Gigantamaxing has many of the same effects as regular Dynamaxing; however, when a Pokémon Gigantamaxes, its attacking moves of a certain [[type]] are replaced with that Pokémon's exclusive [[G-Max Move]], rather than regular [[Max Move]]s.

With the exception of {{p|Melmetal}}, a species with a Gigantamax form may eat [[Max Soup]] in order to gain the ability to Gigantamax or revert into being able to Dynamax instead. There are 32 known Gigantamax forms, and 32 different species that are able to Gigantamax.

=====Eternamax=====
{{main|Eternamax}}
{{p|Eternatus}} can transform into [[Eternamax]] Eternatus, allowing it to use Max Moves in the [[Max Raid Battle|battle]] against it. However it's never described as being a Dynamax or Gigantamax form in the [[core series]]. Eternamax Eternatus is exclusive to the battle against it at the [[Tower summit]] and can only be "used" during the animation for {{m|Eternabeam}}. Like Dynamax and Gigantamax, Eternatus grows to a massive size, nearly five times its originally length. While unusable in most circumstances, Eternamax Eternatus is described as a form in the Pokédex.

Unlike other raid battles, Eternamax Eternatus will only ever use Max Moves, won't guard itself, and the use of {{m|Behemoth Blade}} and {{m|Behemoth Bash}} do not receive an attack bonus against it.

====Terastallized state====
[[File:Terastal Pikachu artwork.png|180px|thumb|right|A {{t|Flying}} Tera Type {{p|Pikachu}}]]
{{main|Terastal phenomenon}}
The Terastal phenomenon was introduced in {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}. While Terastallized, a Pokémon takes on a crystallized appearance, allowing them to change into a special [[type]] known as a Tera Type. This appearance is accompanied by a giant gem known as a Tera Jewel that rests on the Pokémon's head signifying the newly received type. While in a Terastallized state, the Pokémon's moves gain multiple usage properties, such as an increase in STAB. The {{t|Stellar}} type is a type exclusive to Terastallized Pokémon, encompassing the power of all types.

Two species have {{DL|Terastal phenomenon|unique Terastallized states}}, {{p|Ogerpon}} and {{p|Terapagos}}. This prevents them from changing their Tera Type by using [[Tera Shard]]s. Terapagos' Terastallized state, its Stellar Form, is recognized by the [[Pokédex]], unlike other forms of Terastallization.

<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:1017Ogerpon-Teal Terastal Dream.png|Terastallized {{p|Ogerpon}}<br>(Teal Mask)
File:1017Ogerpon-Wellspring Terastal Dream.png|Terastallized {{p|Ogerpon}} (Wellspring Mask)
File:1017Ogerpon-Hearthflame Terastal Dream.png|Terastallized {{p|Ogerpon}} (Hearthflame Mask)
File:1017Ogerpon-Cornerstone Terastal Dream.png|Terastallized {{p|Ogerpon}} (Cornerstone Mask)
File:1024Terapagos-Stellar Dream.png|Terastallized {{p|Terapagos}} (Stellar Form)
</gallery>

====Unique individuals====
Some Pokémon have a unique appearance unattributed to any sort of Evolution or form change (with exception of [[Bond Phenomenon|Ash-Greninja]], whose base form is visually identical to that of ordinary {{p|Greninja}}). These appearances are registered as forms in the [[Pokédex]], however they are represented by only a single member of their species, making them stand-out from not only their own species, but other form types. Because of their unique appearances, these forms are unable to pass down through [[breeding]]. Many of these unique individuals go beyond aesthetic differences, having unique [[move]]s, [[height]] and [[weight]], {{Abilities}}, [[base stat]]s, or [[Z-Move]]s. Cosplay Pikachu and Greninja with {{a|Battle Bond}} can perform a form change, while Eternal Flower {{p|Floette}} can [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]].

The [[Spiky-eared Pichu]] cannot be [[transfer]]red or [[trade]]d, and the Cosplay Pikachu is unable to be transferred. Additionally, Greninja with Battle Bond are incapable of transforming into Ash-Greninja as of {{g|Scarlet and Violet}}.

<gallery heights=100 class="c">
File:0025Pikachu-Cosplay.png|[[Cosplay Pikachu]]
File:0025Pikachu-Original Cap.png|[[Pikachu in a cap]]
File:SSBU Spiky Pichu.png|[[Spiky-Eared Pichu|Spiky-Eared]] {{p|Pichu}}
File:0658Greninja-Ash.png|{{p|Greninja|Ash-Greninja}}
File:0670Floette-Eternal.png|{{p|Floette|Eternal Flower Floette}}
File:0893Zarude-Dada.png|[[Dada]] {{p|Zarude}}
File:0901Ursaluna-Bloodmoon.png|{{p|Ursaluna|Bloodmoon Ursaluna}}
</Gallery>

===Other variations===
[[File:Spinda anime.png|200px|thumb|right|Different variations of {{p|Spinda}}]]
{{main|Variant Pokémon}}
Some Pokémon have other variations that may not be recognized by the Pokédex as distinct forms, such as [[Shadow Pokémon]], [[Pokémon fusion]]s, [[giant Pokémon]], [[Cloning|cloned Pokémon]], [[mirage Pokémon]], and [[toy Pokémon]], as well as several other unique variations affecting individuals or groups of Pokémon.

{{p|Spinda}} is a Pokémon known for each member of the species possessing a unique pattern of spots. It is an example of the variation a Pokémon can even within its own species. In [[Generation VII]] exclusively, Spinda's Pokédex may display male and female variants in the model viewer and portraits, similar to Pokémon with gender differences.

Among others, some Pokémon are seen with [[List_of_Pokémon_with_form_differences#Unidentified_properties|Unknown appearances]], that are not recognized in the Pokédex but are tied to their biology in different ways. {{p|Zygarde}} is also a species made up of smaller life forms known as [[Zygarde Cell]]s and [[Zygarde Core]]s, that control its Forme Change.

{{-}}

==In other languages==
<div style="display:inline-block">
''Form''
{{langtable|color={{Pokémon color light}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color}}
|zh_yue=樣子 ''{{tt|Yeuhngjí|Form}}''
|zh_cmn=樣子 / 样子 ''{{tt|Yàngzi|Form}}''
|fi=Muoto
|fr=Forme
|de=Form
|id=Bentuk<br>Wujud
|it=Forma
|ko=모습 ''{{tt|Moseup|Form}}''
|ms=Bentuk
|pl=Forma
|pt_br=Forma
|es=Forma
|th=ร่าง ''Rang''
|tr=Form
|vi=Dạng
}}</div>
<div style="display:inline-block">
''Forme''
{{langtable|color={{Pokémon color light}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color}}
|zh_yue=形態 ''{{tt|Yìhngtaai|Form}}''
|zh_cmn=形態 / 形态 ''{{tt|Xíngtài|Form}}''
|fi=Muoto
|fr=Forme
|de=Form
|id=Bentuk
|it=Forma
|ko=폼 ''Form''
|ms=Bentuk
|pl=Forma
|pt_br=Forma
|es=Forma
|th=ฟอร์ม ''Form''
|tr=Form
|vi=Hình dáng<br>Hình thái
}}</div>
<div style="display:inline-block">
''Form change/Forme change''
{{langtable|color={{Pokémon color light}}|bordercolor={{Pokémon color}}
|zh_yue=形態變化 ''{{tt|Yìhngtaai binfa|Form change}}''
|zh_cmn=形態變化 / 形态变化 ''{{tt|Xíngtài biànhuà|Form change}}''
|fr=Changer de forme
|de=Formwechsel
|it=Cambiare forma
|ko=폼체인지 ''Form change''
|es=Cambiar de forma
}}</div>

==References==
<references />

==Related articles==
{{forms}}

[[Category:Pokémon world]]
[[Category:Variant Pokémon]]
[[Category:Game mechanics]]
[[Category:Pokémon with different forms|*]]

[[ja:フォルムチェンジ]]