Unown (Pokémon)

For Pokémon GO information on this species, see the game's section.
← #200: Misdreavus	Pokémon	#202: Wobbuffet →
This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Unown (disambiguation).

Unown Symbol Pokémon アンノーン Unknown #201 Images on the Bulbagarden Archives
Type Psychic Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Ability Levitate Cacophony Cacophony Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Hidden Ability Cacophony Cacophony
Gender ratio Gender unknown	Catch rate 225 (39.9%)
Breeding Egg Group No Eggs Discovered Hatch time 40 cycles Egg not obtainable
Height 1'08" 0.5 m Unown 0'0" 0 m {{{form2}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form3}}} 0'0" 0 m {{{form4}}}	Weight 11.0 lbs. 5.0 kg Unown 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form2}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form3}}} 0 lbs. 0 kg {{{form4}}}
Mega Stone [[|]] [[|]]
Base experience yield 61 Gen. II-IV Unknown IV 118 V+	Leveling rate Medium Fast
EV yield Total: 2 Unown 0 HP 1 Atk 0 Def 1 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed
Shape	Footprint {{{form2}}}
Pokédex color   Black	Base friendship 70
External Links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Unown (Japanese: アンノーン Unknown) is a Psychic-type Pokémon introduced in Generation II.

While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, as of Generation III, Unown has 28 derivative shapes, chronicled in the Unown Mode in Generation II and the Unown Report in HeartGold and SoulSilver. There are 26 Latin alphabet characters, plus ? (question mark) and ! (exclamation mark) introduced in Generation III. In Generation II, its shape is determined by its individual values; in Generation III, it is determined by its personality value; from Generation IV onward, it is determined by a separate form identifier.

Biology

Unown is a flat, thin Pokémon shaped like an eye with appendages that make it resemble a letter or a punctuation mark. It is entirely black, except for its white sclerae. All 26 alphabetic forms of Unown have fully open eyes, while the two punctuation forms have half-closed eyes. Though each of its forms has a counterpart in the Latin alphabet, Unown is said to resemble ancient writing and hieroglyphs. It is a mystery whether Unown predates or postdates written language, and therefore which one is based on the other. Unown can move its appendages independently like tentacles or fingers.

The Pokédex and Professor Oak's research disagree on whether Unown communicates using electromagnetic waves or telepathy. Either way, it can be detected by the Pokégear radio, which interprets it as the melody of the Azure Flute. Unown has an unknown connection to Arceus. It is said that an "odd power" emerges when more than one Unown come together. Certain Unown loose in the Hisui region were capable of repelling Poké Balls that contained Pokémon, preventing them from being battled. Professor Laventon is also implied to have been the first person to have noticed that Unown resembles human writing as he mentions in Unown’s Pokédex entry that, while he has pointed out that Unown resembles writing from other lands, no one will take him seriously. In the anime, it is capable of reading the thoughts of other life forms. Great numbers of Unown are capable of distorting the reality to suit the dreams and wishes of whoever is in control of the Unown. However, they can only do this when more Unown are present, so it could be a shared effort rather than an ability unique to each Unown.

Unown is an extremely rare Pokémon that lives in its own dimension and rarely ventures outside. When it moves to the Pokémon world, Unown tends to stick to walls like engravings of ancient texts or orbit other Unown, usually in ruins.

In Generation VIII, Hidden Power is Unown's signature move.

In the anime

Unown in the anime

Major appearances

Unown (M03)

Unown played a large role in Spell of the Unown: Entei, creating the illusions that drive the plot.

Notes about Unown can be seen on Professor Oak's computer at the beginning of the movie. The information (as presented in the Japanese version) has been cleaned up and transcribed here:

• Because of their very timid and careful character, Unown do not want to go out to the external world.
• Unown have the power to perceive the feelings of other creatures (including human beings).
• Unown communicate with each other over electromagnetic waves but cannot use telepathy.
• Given all this, Unown are still classified as a species of Pokémon, as opposed to any other sort of creature.

Other

In Address Unown!, an Unown G fell out of the Unown Dimension. After it was healed by the group, it helped defend them against Team Rocket, and its mind merged with that of Ash's Larvitar so that the group could help it address its inner pain.

The tablet

Markings of Unown were observed on a tablet in Top-Down Training. The tablet reads:

Unown Romaji FRIEND FRIEND SUBETENOINOCHIHA SUBETE NO INOCHI HA BETSUNOINOCHITODEAI BETSU NO INOCHI TO DEAI NANIKAWOUMIDASU NANIKA WO UMIDASU

In the English dub, Dawn reads it as "When every life meets another life, something will be born".

In Journey to the Unown!, Saturn had his Bronzor use Confuse Ray on multiple Unown, causing trouble for Ash and his friends. The tablet from Top-Down Training also appeared in this episode. The Unown reappeared in a flashback in Enter Galactic!.

In PK21, an Unown F fell out of the Unown Dimension following an unspecified incident, and Pikachu and his friends had to help it return to the Unown Dimension so it could reunite with the other Unown.

In Star Night, Star Flight!, five Unown covered a town in Johto with an endless night in order to help Tiara accept parting ways with her Cleffa. Once she finally realised it was time to say goodbye, the Unown returned day to the town and departed.

Minor appearances

In The Mastermind of Mirage Pokémon, a Mirage Unown G was created by the Mirage Master.

In The Rise of Darkrai, multiple Unown fled from Dialga and Palkia in the Unown Dimension. Others appeared during the opening sequence.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky - Beyond Time & Darkness featured a stone tablet written in Unown.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP263 Unown Ash's Pokédex Unown, the Symbol Pokémon. Unown are said to have existed since ancient times. They are many in form and shape, but little is known about this mysterious Pokémon.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP060 Unown Dawn's Pokédex Unown, the Symbol Pokémon. Unown use telepathy to communicate with each other. Many different shapes of Unown have been discovered.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry JN083 Unown Goh's Rotom Phone Unown, the Symbol Pokémon. A Psychic type. Unown can't do much on its own. When two or more gather, they can produce a mysterious kind of power.

In the manga

Unown in Pokémon Adventures

Pokémon Adventures

Gold, Silver & Crystal arc

Unown first appeared in Into the Unown at the Ruins of Alph. During a battle with the Team Rocket Elite Trio, Gold had his Sunbo use Flash, accidentally awakening the Unown from their slumber. Angered, the Unown retaliated on Team Rocket, defeating them.

Bugsy later returned to study the ruins further in Hurray for Heracross, where he caught an Unown G and gave it to one of his colleagues. Later, as he searched for Suicune, he found two chambers with Unown markings. Using his device to translate them, they read the following.

Unown Romaji ANANUKE ANANUKE HOUOU HOUOU

Three Unown appeared in a flashback in Raising Raichu, being the N, G, and U forms.

FireRed & LeafGreen arc

In Some Things Are Better Left Unown, Sird gained control of a small army of Unown after awakening them in the Tanoby Ruins. She initially used them as a distraction against Lorelei, allowing her to defeat the Elite Four member. Sird later used them to impede the progress of Red, Blue, and Green as they headed to the Trainer Tower, but they were defeated by Mewtwo. Also, two Unown of the ! and ? forms followed Giovanni to Birth Island to relay his successful capture of Deoxys back to the Team Rocket Warehouse.

Diamond & Pearl arc

In Knowledge of the Unown I, a D and P Unown befriended Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum in Solaceon Town. The two enlisted the help of the Pokédex holders to free their friends from a chamber in the Solaceon Ruins. Later, they helped to defeat the Team Galactic Grunt blocking Pearl's path to Veilstone City.

Multiple Unown appeared in Halting Honchkrow and Chancing Upon Chingling.

HeartGold & SoulSilver arc

In All About Arceus IV, a massive group of Unown were spawned at the Sinjoh Ruins when Arceus created Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina.

Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All

Multiple Unown appeared in GDZ58.

An Unown appeared in GDZ59.

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

Multiple Unown appeared in all of the species' forms in Rampage at the Ruins of Alph!!.

In the TCG

Main article: Unown (TCG)

The English Pokédex data for Unown cards in the Neo Destiny expansion say that it is believed that the variety of types of Unown is a result of evolutionary adaptation, but this is not present in the original Japanese text.

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee

When one Unown is released from a Poké Ball, it will fly off the screen. It then returns with a large swarm, similar to what Beedrill did in the original Super Smash Bros. The only difference is that Beedrill only attacks from left or right while Unown can come from any direction. Any opponent caught in this barrage is damaged and juggled.

There are also a number of Unown Poké Floats featured in the Poké Floats stage. In the second half of the stage's cycle, numerous Unown fly across the screen. Towards the end of the cycle, staying on the stage relies on hopping between the Unown.

Trophy information

These Psychic-type symbol Pokémon resemble ancient hieroglyphics found on rocks, a resemblance that's said to be more than superficial. Quite a few different shapes of Unown have been confirmed, and it's believed that each type has unique abilities. These enigmatic Pokémon can be found in the Ruins of Alph.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Unown does not return as a Poké Ball Pokémon, though it is a Spirit, appearing in its F form.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Johto #061 Gold Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related. Silver Its flat, thin body is always stuck on walls. Its shape appears to have some meaning. Crystal Because different types of Unown exist, it is said that they must have a variety of abilities. Stadium 2 Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.
Generation III Hoenn #— Kanto #— Ruby This Pokémon is shaped like ancient writing. It is a mystery as to which came first, the ancient writings or the various Unown. Research into this topic is ongoing but nothing is known. Sapphire Emerald This Pokémon is shaped like ancient text characters. Although research is ongoing, it is a mystery as to which came first, the ancient writings or the various Unown. FireRed Its flat, thin body is always stuck on walls. Its shape appears to have some meaning. LeafGreen Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related.
Generation IV Sinnoh #114 Johto #061 Diamond Shaped like ancient writing, it is a huge mystery whether language or Unown came first. Pearl They seem to communicate among each other telepathically. They are always found stuck on walls. Platinum When alone, nothing happens. However, if there are two or more, an odd power is said to emerge. HeartGold Their shapes look like hieroglyphs on ancient tablets. It is said that the two are somehow related. SoulSilver Its flat, thin body is always stuck on walls. Its shape appears to have some meaning.
Generation V Unova #— Black When alone, nothing happens. However, if there are two or more, an odd power is said to emerge. White Black 2 When alone, nothing happens. However, if there are two or more, an odd power is said to emerge. White 2
Generation VI Kalos #— Hoenn #— X Its flat, thin body is always stuck on walls. Its shape appears to have some meaning. Y Shaped like ancient writing, it is a huge mystery whether language or Unown came first. Omega Ruby This Pokémon is shaped like ancient writing. It is a mystery as to which came first, the ancient writings or the various Unown. Research into this topic is ongoing but nothing is known. Alpha Sapphire
Generation VII Alola #— Kanto #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII.
Generation VIII Galar #— Sinnoh #114 Hisui #142 This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword and Shield. Brilliant Diamond Because the Pokémon is shaped like ancient writing, it is a huge mystery whether written language or Unown came first. Shining Pearl They seem to communicate among each other telepathically. They are always found stuck on walls. Legends: Arceus It is hard to believe these strangely shaped Pokémon are truly living creatures. I've pointed out that the species' many forms resemble writing from other lands; no one will take me seriously.
Generation IX Paldea #— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation IX.

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Inside Ruins of Alph Crystal Inside Ruins of Alph
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Trade Emerald Trade FireRed LeafGreen Inside Tanoby Chambers (different forms appear in different chambers) Colosseum Trade XD Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Solaceon Ruins (different forms appear in different rooms) Platinum Solaceon Ruins (different forms appear in different rooms) HeartGold SoulSilver Ruins of Alph B1F (different letters appear when puzzles are solved) Ruins of Alph 1F (! and ? only; appears after finding all Unown letters) Pal Park Forest
Generation V Black White Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 Poké Transfer
Generation VI X Y Trade Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Mirage Cave (South of Route 107)
Generation VII Sun Moon Pokémon Bank Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Pokémon Bank Let's Go Pikachu Let's Go Eevee Unobtainable
Generation VIII Sword Shield Unobtainable Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl Solaceon Ruins (different forms appear in different rooms) Legends: Arceus Jubilife Village, Obsidian Fieldlands, Crimson Mirelands, Cobalt Coastlands, Coronet Highlands, and Alabaster Icelands (only one of each form) Solaceon Ruins (after capturing all 28 forms of Unown)

In side games

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
Generation III Trozei! Phobosphere (G), Endless Level 48 (N), Endless Level 83 (Y), Mr. Who's Den (All 28 forms) MD Red MD Blue Unown Relic (See main page for details)
Generation IV MD Time MD Darkness Aegis Cave (See main page for details) MD Sky Aegis Cave (See main page for details)
Generation V Rumble Blast Unown Hideout: Everspring Valley (All 28 forms, post-ending) Rumble U Locomotive Café: Bonus Round!, Variety Battle: The Secret Ruins (The "Z" variant is the reward in Bonus Round!)
Generation VI Battle Trozei Safari Jungle Stage 1 (AMo, ETu, IWe, JWe, MTh, QFr, RFr, USa, YSu) Safari Jungle Stage 2 (BMo, FTu, GTu, KWe, NTh, OTh, SFr, VSa, ZSu) Safari Jungle Stage 3 (CMo, DMo, HTu, LWe, PTh, TFr, WSa, XSa, !Su, ?Su) Shuffle Violeta Palace: Stage 373 (!) Violeta Palace: Stage 383 (?) Event: Pokémon Safari (23rd release; N, I, C, and E) Rumble World Legend Terrain: Mineral Crust Hollow (All Areas, changes daily) Picross Area 27: Stage 05 (F only)
Generation VII Rumble Rush (See main pages for details) Entei Sea, Lugia Sea, Butterfree Sea, Charizard Sea2020, Charizard SeaFinal, Jirachi SeaFinal, Celebi SeaFinal, Garchomp SeaFinal, Entei SeaFinal, Mimikyu SeaFinal, Mewtwo SeaFinal, Rowlet SeaFinal, Buzzwole SeaFinal, Zygarde SeaFinal

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 48		108 - 155	206 - 300
Attack: 72		69 - 136	134 - 267
Defense: 48		47 - 110	90 - 214
Sp. Atk: 72		69 - 136	134 - 267
Sp. Def: 48		47 - 110	90 - 214
Speed: 48		47 - 110	90 - 214
Total: 336	Other Pokémon with this total
Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature. Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.

Pokéathlon stats

A-Z

Speed 2/4 ★★☆☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 2/4 ★★☆☆	Stamina 2/4 ★★☆☆
Jump 2/5 ★★☆☆☆	Total 10/20 ★★☆☆

! and ?

Speed 2/4 ★★☆☆	Power 2/3 ★★☆
Skill 2/5 ★★☆☆☆	Stamina 2/4 ★★☆☆
Jump 2/5 ★★☆☆☆	Total 10/21 ★★☆☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting ½× Flying 1× Poison 1× Ground 0× Rock 1× Bug 2× Ghost 2× Steel 1× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric 1× Psychic ½× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 2× Fairy 1× None

Notes: If Gravity is in effect, this Pokémon is given an Iron Ball or affected by Smack Down or Ingrain, the opponent has the Ability Mold Breaker, Turboblaze or Teravolt, or this Pokémon is affected by Gastro Acid, or this Pokémon's Ability is replaced, the effectiveness of  Ground-type  moves is 1×.

Learnset

Unown is available in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl.

By leveling up

BDSP

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP 011 Hidden Power Normal Special 06060 100100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Unown Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Unown Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

LA

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Learn Mastery  Move   Type   Cat.   Power   Accuracy   PP Base  St.   Ag.  Base  St.  1 10 Hidden Power Normal Special 50 70 30 100% 100% 15

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Unown Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Unown Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

TM   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by TM.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Unown Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Unown Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Parent   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.

Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Unown in Generation VIII Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Unown in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Unown Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Unown Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

By tutoring

Generation VIII Other generations: II - III - IV - V - VI - VII - IX

Game   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Unown Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Unown Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Anime-only moves

Move	Type	Episode
Psychic	Psychic	PK21

Side game data

Pokémon Trozei! Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: (A-Z) 1.8% (!?) 0.1% Friend Area: Aged Chamber Phrases 51%-100% HP What am I, you ask? 26%-50% HP My HP has plunged to half... 1%-25% HP I cannot go on... I have little power left... Level up I have leveled up.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.2% IQ group: A
Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●
Pokémon Rumble Rush Walking Speed: 2.08 seconds Base HP: 47 Base Attack: 71 Base Defense: 47 Base Speed: 60
Pokémon Battle Trozei Psychic Attack Power: ★★★★★
Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #537 Relentless Increases damage done by combos if foe has any status condition.			Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #537 Flash Mob Increases damage when there are more Pokémon with the same type in the puzzle area.
Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #537 Swap+ Sometimes replaces three disruptions with this Pokémon.			Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #537 Calm Down Delays your opponent's disruptions.
Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 115 10 #537 Mega Boost+ Fills the Mega Gauge of the same type of Pokémon more.			Pokémon Shuffle Psychic Attack Power: 50 - 100 5 #537 Mind Zap Delays your opponent's disruptions.
Pokémon GO Base HP: 134 Base Attack: 136 Base Defense: 91 Egg Distance: N/A Buddy Distance: 5 km Evolution Requirement: N/A Fast Attacks: Hidden Power Charged Attacks: Struggle

In Pokémon GO, Unown can be obtained by completing 1/4 of the Special Research, Level 50 Challenge.

Evolution

Unevolved Unown  Psychic

Forms

A	B	C	D	E	F	G
H	I	J	K	L	M	N
O	P	Q	R	S	T	U
V	W	X	Y	Z	!	?
Does not evolve
Unown  Psychic

Sprites

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation II Gold Silver Crystal Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Front Back Front Back Front Back
Generation V Black White Black 2 White 2 Front Back Front Back
Generation VI X Y Omega Ruby Alpha Sapphire Front Back Front Back
Generation VII Sun Moon Ultra Sun Ultra Moon Front Back Front Back
Generation VIII Legends: Arceus

For other sprites and images, please see Unown images on the Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

The Unown featured in Spell of the Unown: Entei

• In Spell of the Unown: Entei, Professor Oak had some pictures of Unown on his computer which have never appeared in any other media. Some resemble Greek alphabet letters, particularly σ (lowercase sigma), Σ (capital sigma), Π (capital pi), and Ω (capital omega). The top left large image also resembles the Greek ligature, Ȣ (ou). Others resemble the Cyrillic letters ю (yu) and б (lowercase be). The Unown in the top-middle large image resembles the Cyrillic я (ya).
• If a player does not have Unown's Pokédex data on a Generation II game when in Oak's lab in Pokémon Stadium 2, Unown's Pokédex number is listed as 252 instead of 201. This happens regardless of which Pokédex display mode is selected.^{[citation needed]}
• Unown is the only Pokémon with a base stat total of 336.
• Unown currently is represented in the Trading Card Game by the most cards of any Pokémon after Pikachu, with 92 unique cards.
• Unown is the only Generation II Pokémon that has not been featured in a Ranger series game.
  • It is also the only Generation II Pokémon obtainable in Generation VII that cannot have the black clover as its origin mark.
• Due to Unown's letter and Shininess both being determined by IVs in Generation II, Shiny Unown will always be either an I or V in these games. This in turn matches the acronym for IVs; however, this is only a coincidence, as "Individual Values" (IVs) is a fan-originated term.
• Unown is the only Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex (that is not a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon) not used by any Trainer in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
• The two main official artworks for Unown represent a G-shaped Unown (for Pokémon Gold and Silver Versions) and an F-shaped one (for Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen Versions onward), which may allude to the acronym for Game Freak.
• The original design of the W-shaped Unown used in Pokémon Gold and Silver was altered considerably before Pokémon Crystal, to a design that is in use for all subsequent games.
• Despite Unown being able to use TM10 in Generation VI and Generation VII, it still cannot do so legitimately because it will always already know Hidden Power.
• Unown is the only Pokémon that cannot learn any status moves.
• Starting in Generation IV, where moves were split into categories based on themselves and not their types, Unown can only use its Attack (not Special Attack) stat for confusion damage and Struggle.
• Excluding starter, Legendary, and Mythical Pokémon, the Unown evolution family is the only:
  • Generation II evolution family that was never obtainable via the Pokémon Dream World in Generation V.
  • Generation I, II, III, or IV evolution family that was never obtainable via the Generation V Pokémon Global Link.
• While most Pokémon have a right-facing menu sprite that is a mirror image of their left-facing sprite, most forms of Unown are bilaterally asymmetrical and have a unique sprite for both. The ones that do not are Unown A, H, I, M, O, T, U, W, X, Y, and !.
• In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Unown are the only Pokémon that can be found in the wild with no preferred foods.
• Unown was designed by Ken Sugimori, who had wanted to make a Pokémon with a more surreal design.

Origin

Unown's appearances are corruptions of the 26 letters of the modern Latin alphabet, as well as the exclamation and question marks. Unown's G form specifically may be based on a double-story lowercase G. The shapes of the Unown are used like graphic symbols in the Pokémon world, although in Hoenn and the Sevii Islands, their place is taken by Braille. Unown being weak alone and strong together may be inspired by the idea that a single letter cannot convey much information, but many letters forming a sentence can communicate a hypothetically infinite number of interpretations and ideas.

Name origin

Unown may be derived from unknown.

Unknown is literally unknown.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese アンノーン Unknown From unknown French Zarbi Verlan for bizarre Spanish Unown Same as English name German Icognito From icon and inkognito Italian Unown Same as English name Korean 안농 Annown Transcription of Japanese name Mandarin Chinese 未知圖騰 / 未知图腾 Wèizhītúténg From 未知 wèizhī and 圖騰 / 图腾 túténg Cantonese Chinese 未知圖騰 Meihjītòuhtàhng From 未知 meihjī and 圖騰 tòuhtàhng

More languages Danish Ukendt / Ukendte* Literally "unknown" Finnish Tuntemattomat* Literally "the unknown" Hebrew אנון Anon Transcription of English name Hindi अननोन Unown Transcription of English name Hungarian Öntudatlan* Literally "senseless" Norwegian De ukjente* Ukjent* Literally "The unknown" Literally "unknown". Russian Аноун Anoun Transcription of English name Swedish Okänd* Literally "unknown" Thai อันโนน Annon Transcription of Japanese name

Related articles

• Unown (M03)
• List of Pokémon with form differences

External links

• Article on Wikipedia

Super Smash Bros. series Games: Super Smash Bros. • Super Smash Bros. Melee • Super Smash Bros. Brawl Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U • Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters: Pikachu • Jigglypuff • Mewtwo • Pichu Pokémon Trainer (Squirtle • Ivysaur • Charizard) • Lucario • Greninja • Incineroar Stages: Saffron City • Pokémon Stadium • Poké Floats • Pokémon Stadium 2 • Spear Pillar Prism Tower • Unova Pokémon League • Kalos Pokémon League Poké Ball and Master Ball: Abomasnow • Abra • Alolan Exeggutor • Alolan Raichu • Alolan Vulpix • Arceus • Articuno • Beedrill Bellossom • Bewear • Blastoise • Bonsly • Celebi • Chansey • Charizard • Chespin • Chikorita • Clefairy Cyndaquil • Darkrai • Dedenne • Deoxys • Ditto • Eevee • Electrode • Entei • Fennekin Fletchling • Gardevoir • Genesect • Giratina • Gogoat • Goldeen • Groudon • Gulpin • Hitmonlee Ho-Oh • Inkay • Jirachi • Keldeo • Koffing • Kyogre • Kyurem • Latias and Latios Lugia • Lunala • Manaphy • Marill • Marshadow • Meloetta • Meowth • Mew • Metagross • Mimikyu Moltres • Munchlax • Onix • Oshawott • Palkia • Piplup • Porygon2 • Pyukumuku • Raikou • Scizor • Snivy Snorlax • Solgaleo • Spewpa • Staryu • Starmie • Suicune • Swirlix • Tapu Koko • Togedemaru • Togepi Torchic • Unown • Venusaur • Victini • Vulpix • Weavile • Weezing • Wobbuffet • Xerneas • Zapdos • Zoroark Collectables: Trophies (Melee • Brawl • for Nintendo 3DS/Wii U) Stickers Spirits Misc: The Subspace Emissary • My Music • Final Smash • Pokémon Change • Brawl cameos

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Pokémon

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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.