Transform (move): Difference between revisions

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Transform does not copy the target's [[nickname|name]], [[level]], [[gender]] (even though the gender differences are copied), [[friendship]], [[status condition]]s, [[held item]], and {{DL|Gigantamax|Gigantamax Factor}}.
Transform does not copy the target's [[nickname|name]], [[level]], [[gender]] (even though the gender differences are copied), [[friendship]], [[status condition]]s, [[held item]], and {{DL|Gigantamax|Gigantamax Factor}}.


In Generations {{gen|III}} and {{gen|IV}}, the transformed Pokémon will be able to change form as if it were the species it transformed into, including form changes caused by an [[Ability]] or [[held item]].
In Generations {{gen|III}} and {{gen|IV}}, the transformed Pokémon initially copies the target's current form. However, a transformed Pokémon is able to change form as if it were the species it transformed into, so if needed it will change form immediately after transforming. This includes form changes caused by an [[Ability]] or [[held item]].


From [[Generation V]] onwards, the Transform user copies the target's current form and cannot change form in battle (regardless of its Ability or held item), except for the [[Dynamax]]-based form changes. For instance, the user can become a [[Mega Evolution|Mega-Evolved Pokémon]] by copying another Mega-Evolved Pokémon, but it is unable to Mega Evolve in battle. However, if the target is currently in [[Dynamax]], [[Gigantamax]], or [[Eternamax]] form, the Transform user will simply become the regular form of that Pokémon instead. The transformed Pokémon can Dynamax (except if transformed into a Pokémon species that is unable to Dynamax), but it is still unable to change into Gigantamax or [[Eternamax]] forms.
From [[Generation V]] onwards, the Transform user copies the target's current form and cannot change form in battle (regardless of its Ability or held item), except for the [[Dynamax]]-based form changes. For instance, a transformed Pokémon is unable to [[Mega Evolution|Mega Evolve]] in battle, but a Pokémon can use Transform and become a Mega-Evolved Pokémon by copying another Mega-Evolved Pokémon. However, if the target is currently in [[Dynamax]], [[Gigantamax]], or [[Eternamax]] form, the Transform user will simply become the regular form of that Pokémon instead. The transformed Pokémon can Dynamax (except if transformed into a Pokémon species that is unable to Dynamax), but it is still unable to change into Gigantamax or [[Eternamax]] forms.


The user's original moves and [[Ability]] will be unusable as long as it is transformed, being replaced by those copied from the target. All moves copied by Transform will initially have 5 remaining {{PP}}, except any moves whose maximum PP is fewer than 5 (i.e. {{m|Sketch}}) will simply have their full PP.
The user's original moves and [[Ability]] will be unusable as long as it is transformed, being replaced by those copied from the target. All moves copied by Transform will initially have 5 remaining {{PP}}, except any moves whose maximum PP is fewer than 5 (i.e. {{m|Sketch}}) will simply have their full PP.

Revision as of 12:40, 17 January 2021

Transform
へんしん Transform
Transform VIII.png
Transform VIII 2.png
Type  Normal
Category  Status
PP  10 (max. 16)
Power  —
Accuracy  —%
Priority  {{{priority}}}
  • Does not make contact
  • Not affected by Protect
  • Not affected by Magic Coat
  • Not affected by Snatch
  • Not affected by Mirror Move
  • Not affected by King's Rock
Target
Foe Foe Foe
Self Ally Ally
May affect anyone adjacent to the user
Availability
Introduced  Generation I
Condition  Smart
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jam  0  
Can be repeatedly used without boring the Judge.
Condition  Smart
Appeal  1
Earn +3 if the Pokémon gets the lowest score.
Condition  Clever
Appeal  3 ♥♥♥
Jamming  0  
An appealing move that can be used repeatedly without boring the audience.

Transform (Japanese: へんしん Transform) is a non-damaging Normal-type move introduced in Generation I.

Effect

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Are PP Ups taken into account for maximum PP displayed for a transformed Pokémon in Generation I and II? How does transform interact with species-specific items, such as soul dew or eviolite?
You can discuss this on the talk page.

Transform changes the user's current species, form, gender differences, type, stats (except the current and maximum HP), stat modifications, moves, Ability, and cry to that of the target's. The user returns to its original state once it is switched out, faints, or the current battle ends.

Transform does not copy the target's name, level, gender (even though the gender differences are copied), friendship, status conditions, held item, and Gigantamax Factor.

In Generations III and IV, the transformed Pokémon initially copies the target's current form. However, a transformed Pokémon is able to change form as if it were the species it transformed into, so if needed it will change form immediately after transforming. This includes form changes caused by an Ability or held item.

From Generation V onwards, the Transform user copies the target's current form and cannot change form in battle (regardless of its Ability or held item), except for the Dynamax-based form changes. For instance, a transformed Pokémon is unable to Mega Evolve in battle, but a Pokémon can use Transform and become a Mega-Evolved Pokémon by copying another Mega-Evolved Pokémon. However, if the target is currently in Dynamax, Gigantamax, or Eternamax form, the Transform user will simply become the regular form of that Pokémon instead. The transformed Pokémon can Dynamax (except if transformed into a Pokémon species that is unable to Dynamax), but it is still unable to change into Gigantamax or Eternamax forms.

The user's original moves and Ability will be unusable as long as it is transformed, being replaced by those copied from the target. All moves copied by Transform will initially have 5 remaining PP, except any moves whose maximum PP is fewer than 5 (i.e. Sketch) will simply have their full PP.

In the summary and party screens, the user is shown in its original state, unaffected by Transform. The bottom screen of the Nintendo DS and 3DS will still show the sprite of the Pokémon unaffected by the transformation as well, even though the moves will be those copied from the target.

Imposter (Ditto's signature Ability) automatically causes the user to transform into the opponent.

Generation I

The transformed Pokémon retains its original palette (although this is only relevant on systems that use color, such as the Super Game Boy, as well as the non-Japanese Pokémon Yellow on the Game Boy Color or Virtual Console). For example, in Pokémon Red and Blue, if Ditto (a purple Pokémon) uses Transform on Pikachu, then Ditto becomes a purple-colored Pikachu. However, in this generation only, the color loss glitch can still cause the transformed Pokémon to lose color and become gray.

Transform does not copy the target's base experience and generic Minimize image. If a transformed Pokémon takes damage from a critical hit, its original stats will be used rather than its stats after Transform. The probability of a transformed Pokémon scoring a critical hit is based on the original Pokémon's base Speed, not the base Speed of the Pokémon it transformed into.

Transform copies an unused catch rate value from the target Pokémon. However, this has no effect in gameplay. If the player attempts to catch a transformed wild Pokémon, the catch rate from its original species is used, instead of the catch rate value that was copied by Transform.

If two Pokémon battle using only Transform in this generation (such as a battle between two Ditto, or two Mew with no other moves), both Pokémon are able to continually Transform into each other, replenishing the 5 PP constantly and making the battle potentially endless. PP-restoring items such as Ethers used from the Bag can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming.

Transform bypasses accuracy checks to always hit, even if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

In Generations I and II, the Transform assumption glitch causes any transformed wild Pokémon to become a Ditto when caught, regardless of what species it originally was. In Generation I only, Ditto's catch rate will be saved as well, so this Ditto will be holding a Metal Powder if transferred to a Generation II game (regardless of the original or transformed species).

In Generations I and II, the Shiny Ditto DV manipulation glitch causes a wild Pokémon to retain the DVs of the penultimate Pokémon it transformed into, if it uses Transform while already Transformed. Due to Shininess being determined by DVs in Generation II, this can also be used to change whether a wild Ditto is Shiny or non-Shiny.

Only in this generation, the level up glitch causes a Transformed Pokémon to use its original moveset (unaffected by Transform) if it it levels up and learns a new move.

In Pokémon Stadium, Transform is unable to copy the unique animation and cry of Pokémon Yellow's starter Pikachu. The Transform user simply becomes a regular Pikachu (with a regular Pikachu animation and cry) if it attempts to transform into that starter Pikachu. (this is not relevant for the previous game Japanese Pokémon Stadium, which entirely lacks a special animation and cry for the starter Pikachu)

In Japanese Pokémon Stadium, Transform works as in the core series games of this generation. For instance, two Ditto are still able to fight an endless battle by continually transforming into each other and replenishing their PP.

In Pokémon Stadium, Transform will fail if the target's current species is Ditto. However, two Mew can still fight an endless battle by continually transforming into each other and replenishing their PP. Alternatively, a Ditto and a Mew can also fight an endless battle, because once Ditto transforms into Mew, both Pokémon can keep transforming into each other as well.

In both Japanese Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Stadium, the transformed Pokémon appears with the normal colors of the target.

Generation II

Like in Generation I, a transformed Pokémon retains its original palette colors. This remains even with the introduction of Shiny Pokémon in Generation II. For instance, if a Shiny Ditto (a blue Pokémon) uses Transform on Pikachu, then Ditto becomes a blue-colored Pikachu. That color palette is kept indefinitely (unlike in the previous generation, where the transformed Pokémon could become gray during the battle).

A transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder, which uses the target's species.

Transform does not copy the target's catch rate (not even an unused value like in Generation I).

Like in Generation I, the Transform assumption glitch causes any transformed wild Pokémon to become a Ditto when caught, but this wild Pokémon's held item (if any) remains unaffected by this glitch.

Transform will now fail if used on a transformed opponent. Therefore, in a battle between two Transform users, the first Pokémon may use Transform indefinitely and replenish its PP with every use, but the second Pokémon will simply fail to use Transform every time.

Transform will now fail if the target is in the semi-invulnerable turn of a move such as Dig or Fly.

If a transformed wild Ditto is caught (or any other transformed wild Pokémon, which becomes a Ditto permanently when caught), it will simply have full remaining PP for Transform (10 out of 10 PP). This is a unique situation in this generation, because normally when a wild Pokémon uses any moves, their PP would be deducted. For comparison, in Generation I games, all wild Pokémon are caught with full PP regardless of any moves used. From Generation III onwards, Transform is no longer a special case concerning its PP used; if a wild Pokémon uses any move (Transform included), that move's PP is deducted as usual.

In this generation only, the shared DV glitch is activated if the NPC's Pokémon uses Transform twice and the player forces the NPC to switch Pokémon with Roar or Whirlwind, which causes the next Pokémon sent by the NPC to share the DVs copied from the player's Pokémon. This can be used to turn the next Pokémon sent by the NPC into a Shiny Pokémon.

In Pokémon Stadium 2 (like in the previous game Pokémon Stadium), Transform is unable to copy the unique animation and cry of Pokémon Yellow's starter Pikachu.

In Pokémon Stadium 2, Transform works like in the core series games of this generation, even if the target is a Ditto (unlike in the previous game Pokémon Stadium). However, a Shiny Pokémon transforms into the Shiny version of the target Pokémon. Likewise, a non-Shiny Pokémon transforms into the non-Shiny version of the target Pokémon. For instance, if a Shiny Ditto uses Transform on a non-Shiny (red) Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a Shiny (golden) Magikarp.

Generation III

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Interaction with Deoxys's forms in link battles between games in which Deoxys has different forms
You can discuss this on the talk page.

In this generation (as well as previously done in Pokémon Stadium 2), a Shiny Pokémon transforms into the Shiny version of the target Pokémon. Likewise, a non-Shiny Pokémon transforms into the non-Shiny version of the target Pokémon. This also applies to Pokémon Colosseum and XD. For instance, if a Shiny Ditto uses Transform on a non-Shiny (red) Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a Shiny (golden) Magikarp.

Starting in this generation, Transform copies the catch rate, the base experience, and the EV yield of the target.

Leppa Berries used from the Bag or as a held item can only restore PP to moves the Pokémon knows before transforming. A held Leppa Berry will only be consumed if a move known before transforming reaches 0 PP. The maximum PP of a move known due to Transform is the move's base maximum PP, regardless of any PP Ups used by the target.

Wild Pokémon are now treated as their original species upon capture after transforming, rather than being treated as Ditto like in previous generations.

If a Pokémon transforms into a Castform and has the Ability Forecast, it will change form depending on the weather after transforming into Castform's current form.

During a Pokémon Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.

Generation IV

Transform now copies the target's coloration; whether or not the transformed Pokémon is Shiny depends on whether the target is, not the user. This also applies to Pokémon Battle Revolution. For instance, if any Ditto (Shiny or not) uses Transform on a non-Shiny Magikarp, then Ditto becomes a non-Shiny Magikarp as well. Likewise, if any Ditto uses Transform on a Shiny (golden) Magikarp, Ditto becomes a Shiny Magikarp as well.

A held Leppa Berry will be consumed if the Pokémon runs out of PP for a move it knows due to Transform. If a Leppa Berry is consumed via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, it will restore PP to a move known due to Transform. A Leppa Berry consumed as a held item, or via Bug Bite, Pluck or Fling, can restore a move's PP above the 5 Transform gives, as long as it doesn't exceed the move's maximum PP.

As in previous generations, a transformed Pokémon retains its original species for determining if it is boosted by Pokémon-specific stat-enhancing items, with the exception of Metal Powder and Quick Powder, which use the target's species.

During a Pokémon Super Contest, the Pokémon will transform into one of the other contestants.

Generation V

Transform no longer copies the target's catch rate.

Transform will now fail if used by a Pokémon that is already transformed. Therefore, in a battle between two Transform users (such as two Ditto), the first Pokémon will be able to use Transform only once (which will change Transform's PP to 5) and any further Transform attempts will fail, while the second Pokémon simply will not be able to use Transform against that transformed Pokémon.

Transform will now fail if targeting a Pokémon behind a substitute, or targeting a Pokémon under the effect of Illusion.

A move known due to Transform now always has at most 5 PP, regardless of the move's base maximum PP if it is greater than 5. As such, a Leppa Berry cannot restore the PP of a move known due to Transform above 5.

Pokémon that know Transform are banned from participating in Pokéstar Studios films.

In Generation V, using Transform while holding a Choice item (the Choice Band, Choice Scarf, or Choice Specs) on a target that also knows Transform will force the user to continue using Transform.

Generation VI

151Mew.png This move effect may be in need of research.
Reason: Interaction with choice items on targets who also know Transform aside from Generation V
You can discuss this on the talk page.

The user will transform into Mega-Evolved Pokémon and maintain the form regardless of whether it holds the required Mega Stone. This has no effect on the restriction that only allows each player one Mega Evolution per battle. Also, a Pokémon that transforms into a species that has a Mega Evolution (but is not yet Mega Evolved) will be unable to Mega Evolve, even if the transformed Pokémon holds the corresponding Mega Stone.

A transformed Pokémon can use moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into, such as Hyperspace Fury if transformed into Hoopa Unbound.

Transform will fail if used on a Pokémon that is protected by Crafty Shield.

In Pokémon Contest Spectaculars, if Transform is used, a Substitute doll would be thrown in the stage. The user would then transform into the doll. The effects of Transform will last for the round it is used in.

Generation VII

Even if a Pokémon transforms into Meteor Form Minior, Shields Down will not prevent a transformed Pokémon from being afflicted with status conditions.

If powered up by a Normalium Z into Z-Transform, the user's HP is fully restored.

A transformed Pokémon can use Z-Moves exclusive to a species it has transformed into and if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal (excluding Ultra Necrozma). If the user has transformed into a Mega-Evolved Pokémon, it cannot use any Z-Moves, even if it holds an appropriate Z-Crystal.

If the user transforms into a Pokémon that has no type (i.e. it was a pure Fire type that used Burn Up), the user will become Normal-type; if such a target has additionally been affected by Forest's Curse or Trick-or-Treat, the user will become Normal-type with an added Grass or Ghost type respectively. If the user transforms into a dual-typed Pokémon that has used Burn Up, however, Transform will copy the target's current types (and type additions) as usual.

In Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee!, if the user transforms into the Partner PikachuP/EeveeE, it will also copy any clothes they have on them.

Generation VIII

If a Pokémon transforms into a Dynamax Pokémon, it will successfully transform but not become Dynamaxed. Transformed Pokémon can Dynamax, unless they are transformed into Zacian, Zamazenta, or Eternatus; if the user is already Dynamaxed, Transform will fail against these three Pokémon. Transform does not copy the Gigantamax Factor, so even if a Pokémon transforms into a Pokémon that can Gigantamax, the transformed Pokémon will be able to Dynamax but not Gigantamax. If the target is Eternamax Eternatus, the user transforms into the regular version of Eternatus.

Description

Games Description
StadStad2 Transforms the user into a copy of the target, including the type. All moves have only five PP each.
GSC The user assumes the foe's guise.
RSE Alters the user's cells to become a copy of the foe.
FRLG The user transforms into a copy of the foe with even the same move set.
Colo.XD Alters the user's cells to copy the target.
DPPtHGSSPBR The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set.
BWB2W2
XYORAS
SMUSUMPE
SwSh
The user transforms into a copy of the target right down to having the same move set.


Learnset

By leveling up

# Pokémon Types Egg Groups Level
I II III IV V VI VII VIII IX
0132 Ditto NormalIC Big.png Ditto Ditto 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1
0151 Mew PsychicIC Big.png style="text-align:center; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" width="140px" colspan="2" | Undiscovered style="text-align:center; display:none; background:#Template:Undiscovered egg color;" | Undiscovered 10 10 10 1 1 1 1SMUSUM
99PE
80
Bold indicates a Pokémon gains STAB from this move.
Italics indicates a Pokémon whose evolution or alternate form receives STAB from this move.
A dash (−) indicates a Pokémon cannot learn the move by the designated method.
An empty cell indicates a Pokémon that is unavailable in that game/generation.


Glitches

--

Main article: -- (move)

In Generation I, if a Pokémon transforms into another Pokémon that knows more moves and, while transformed, switches the position of the move in the slot of a legitimate move and one which should contain no move, after reverting to its original form, it will have access to the glitch move --.

Color loss glitch

In Generation I only, a transformed Pokémon will lose its color and become gray if any of these happen:

  • If the transformed Pokémon uses Transform again.
  • If the other Pokémon successfully uses any move on the transformed Pokémon.
  • If the opposing Pokémon is transformed and the player throws a Poké Ball on it. (including a failed Poké Ball thrown in a battle against a Trainer)
  • If the player opens the party screen and returns to battle.

Ditto glitch

Main article: Mew glitch

The primary method of the Mew glitch involves having a wild Ditto transform into the player's Pokémon, as this copies the Special stat, which is used to modify the species of Pokémon encountered.

Transform assumption glitch

In Generations I and II, any Pokémon that uses Transform is regarded as a Ditto in its new form, and its only move will be Transform.

If a transformed wild Pokémon is caught in a Generation I game (and becomes a Ditto), then Ditto's catch rate will be saved as well, so this Ditto will be holding a Metal Powder if transferred to a Generation II game (regardless of the original or transformed species). However, if a transformed wild Pokémon is caught in a Generation II game, this wild Pokémon's held item (if any) remains unaffected by this glitch.

This means that if the player catches a Mew or a glitch Pokémon which has used the move Transform, or a Pokémon which has used Transform via Mirror Move, instead they will obtain a Ditto. Mew turning into Ditto was not an issue in these games because a wild Mew could not be legitimately encountered prior to Generation III. However, the Clefairy, Pidgey, and Fearow lines, which could be found in the wild, could use Transform via Metronome and Mirror Move, and would turn into Ditto on capture. This system was fixed in Generation III.

By v0id19
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


Shiny Ditto DV manipulation glitch

Main article: List of glitches in Generation II → Shiny Ditto DV manipulation

In Generations I and II, if a wild Pokémon uses the move Transform while already transformed, it will retain the DVs of the penultimate Pokémon it transformed into. Due to Shininess being determined by DVs in Generation II, if a non-Shiny wild Pokémon transforms into a Shiny Pokémon and then uses Transform again, it will become a Shiny Pokémon. Conversely, if a Shiny wild Pokémon transforms into a non-Shiny Pokémon and then uses Transform again, it will become a non-Shiny Pokémon. This way, a wild Pokémon can even switch between Shiny and non-Shiny versions multiple times in the same battle. This does not work on a Pokémon owned by a Trainer (either the player or a non-player character).

This allows the player to make a wild Ditto Shiny by having it use Transform while already transformed. This is possible by using a Shiny Pokémon that knows Transform (Mew, certain glitch Pokémon, or another Ditto) in battle against a wild Ditto, and then waiting for the wild Ditto to use Transform twice (by first using its original Transform move, and then using the Transform that was copied from the player's Pokémon). In Generation II games, after the wild Pokémon transformed twice in the current battle, it still appears with its original color palette at first. However, if the player opens the list of Pokémon or the Pack and then returns to battle, or simply catches that wild Pokémon, the color palette will be updated. At this point, a Ditto that was originally non-Shiny (purple) will appear with its Shiny (blue) color palette.

Alternatively, the player may transfer a Shiny Pokémon with Mimic from a Generation II to a Generation I game (even though this Pokémon won't appear as Shiny in the Generation I game, it still will have the correct DVs of a Shiny Pokémon). In Generation I (but not in Generation II), Mimic is able to copy Transform, and it can even copy moves that haven't been used yet (because the player chooses the move from a list). If the player uses that Shiny Pokémon with Mimic in battle against a wild Ditto in Generation I, the player's Pokémon can use Mimic to copy the wild Ditto's Transform, and then the wild Ditto can use Transform twice (by first using its original Transform move, and then using Transform that was copied by the player with Mimic). As a result, the wild Ditto will have the same DVs as the player's Shiny Pokémon, and therefore will be a Shiny Ditto; its Shiny appearance will be shown if it's caught and transferred to a Generation II game.

It's not possible to catch a Shiny version of any other Pokémon species using this method, due to the additional glitch in both Generations I and II that causes any transformed wild Pokémon to be a Ditto when caught.

Shared DV glitch

In Generation II only, this glitch can be used to change the DVs of any Pokémon used by the NPC, provided both the NPC and the player have the required moves (or use these moves as a result of Metronome).

If a NPC's Pokémon uses Transform twice and the player forces the NPC to switch Pokémon with Roar or Whirlwind, this glitch is activated. The DVs copied from the player's Pokémon at the penultimate use of the NPC's Transform are used by the next Pokémon sent by the NPC.

If the NPC copies the DVs of a Shiny Pokémon owned by the player by using this glitch, the next Pokémon sent by the NPC as a result of Roar or Whirlwind will be Shiny as well. That Shiny Pokémon will display the sparkle animation when entering battle, but it will appear with the non-Shiny color palette at first. Once the player opens the party or Pack, that NPC's Pokémon will appear with the Shiny color palette.

This glitch can only be used to change the DVs of the NPC's Pokémon's, not the DVs of the player's Pokémon. If this glitch is attempted the other way around (the player's Pokémon uses Transform twice, and the NPC's Pokémon uses Roar or Whirlwind to force the player to change Pokémon), no DVs will change as a result.

By Daniel CM
This video is not available on Bulbapedia; instead, you can watch the video on YouTube here.


Sketch glitch

Main article: Sketch glitch

In Generation II, if a Pokémon uses Sketch while transformed, it will permanently learn the Sketched move.

Transform held item glitch

Main article: List of glitches in Generation IV → Transform held item glitch

In Japanese versions of Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon holding an item uses Transform and has its item stolen, as long as it does not faint before the end of the battle, both the transforming Pokémon and the thief will retain the item after the battle.

Mimic glitch

Main article: Mimic glitch

In Japanese versions of Pokémon Diamond and Pearl, if a Pokémon uses Transform via Mimic then faints, it will keep the moves it learned via Transform.

Rage glitch

Main article: Rage glitch

In Generation IV, if a transformed Pokémon uses Rage and causes the message "Rage is building" to appear, then defeats or captures the opponent, the Pokémon will permanently learn the moves it knew while transformed.

Level up glitch

Only in Generation I, if a transformed Pokémon levels up and learns a new move, it will use its original moveset (unaffected by Transform) from this point onwards in the current battle. Additionally, any PP lost from this point onwards in the current battle will not affect the Pokémon's actual PP as shown in the summary, which will effectively be restored once the transformed Pokémon switches out, faints, or the battle ends. For instance, if a Mew transformed into Pikachu reaches the level 20 and learns Mega Punch, then it will have Mew's moveset (including Mega Punch) from this point onwards in the current battle, not Pikachu's moveset (even though Mew remains transformed into Pikachu). If that Mew had 29 PP remaining for Pound when it transformed, then it will still lose PP as usual for each use of Pound, if any (decreasing to 28 PP, then 27 PP, and so on), but once the current battle ends, Mew will still be shown to have 29 PP for Pound, just like it had before transforming.

In other games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

In Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team and Explorers of Time, Darkness and Sky, Transform has 1PP. The move causes the user to take the form of a random hostile Pokémon on the dungeon's floor. It does not copy anything else; if the Pokémon had nothing but Transform, they are left only with the regular attack and Struggle. This move is affected by Taunt.

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Transform copies the appearance, type, Ability, moves, and stat modifications of the target for the current floor. Moves learned through Sketch while transformed will be forgotten after moving to the next floor. If used by an enemy to transform into the leader, the leader's teammates become confused.

Transformed Pokémon are still prone to status conditions and Dungeon tile restrictions from its original form; for example, a Ditto transformed into a Fire-type can still be burned, and a Pokémon that cannot walk through water still cannot when transforming into a Pokémon that is able to.

Pokémon GO

In a Gym or Raid Battle, Transform is automatically cast at the beginning of the battle. It turns the user into a copy of the opponent and copies the opponent's moves, species, base Attack, and base Defense; HP, IVs, and Power Up level are not copied. Unlike other attacks, Transform does not require the user to wait out the duration before casting an attack or dodging, and its animation is purely visual. However, it may cause lags for the rest of the battle if the player attempts to attack during the animation. The effects of Transform expire at the end of the battle.

Transform will not be cast if the opponent is a Ditto.

GO Normal.png Transform
Fast Attack
Gyms & Raids
Power 0
Energy boost 0
Duration 2.23 seconds
Damage window 0.3 – 0.7 seconds
Transform GO.png
Trainer Battles
Power 0
Energy boost 0
Turns 3
Eligible Pokémon:
Standard eligibility
Ditto
By Elite Fast TM
By GO Snapshot
As Shadow Pokémon
As Purified Pokémon
Formerly eligible
None

Updates

Gyms & Raids
  • February 16, 2017
    • Duration: 1.73 → 2.23 seconds

Description

Games Description
MDRB The user gains the Transformed status. The user transforms into a hostile Pokémon that appears on the floor.
MDTDS Gives the user a Transformed status, which transforms the user into one of the enemy Pokémon that can appear on the floor.
BSL じぶんを へんしんじょうたいにかえる フロアに しゅつげんする てきポケモンの どれかに へんしんする このわざは ポケモンタワーでは くりだせない
MDGtI IconKanji2MD.pngUNUSED
SMD You transform into another Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your party will find it confusing.*
It makes your appearance the same as a target Pokémon's. Your moves and types will also change to those of the target Pokémon. If an enemy uses this move, your teammates may mistake it for someone else, so be careful!*


In the anime

Kublock Ditto Transform.png
Ditto
Drake Ditto Transform.png
Drake's Ditto
Mew Transform.png
Mew
Narissa Ditto Transform.png
Ditto 1 and 2
The user transforms into a copy of the foe right down to having the same move set.
Pokémon Method
User First Used In Notes
Ditto Ditto's body glows white, multicolored, yellow, or light blue, then transforms into the opponent.
Duplica's Ditto Ditto's Mysterious Mansion Debut
Drake's Ditto Hello, Pummelo! None
Duplica's Mini-Dit Imitation Confrontation None
Brodie's Ditto Unfair Weather Friends None
A wild Ditto Pikachu's Ghost Carnival None
Narissa's Ditto 1 Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! None
Narissa's Ditto 2 Dealing With a Fierce Double Ditto Drama! None
A wild Ditto Deceiving Appearances! None
A wild Ditto A Talent for Imitation! None
Mew Mew's body glows white or multicolored, then it transforms into any Pokémon.
A wild Mew The Journey to be a Pokémon Master Begins!! None
Mew (M08) Lucario and the Mystery of Mew None
Mew (recurring) Enter Pikachu! None


In the manga

In the Aim to Be a Card Master!! manga


In The Electric Tale of Pikachu manga


In the Pokémon Adventures manga


In the Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys manga


In the Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All manga


In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga


In the Pokémon Zensho manga


In other generations

Core series games

Side series games

Spin-off series games

Trivia

  • In the German version of the Generation II games, this move was renamed from Wandler into Verwandler. The reason for this is unknown. Even though the difference in meaning is minimal, this change was retracted in the following generations.
  • Transform is the only way to see the battle animation of Cherrim's Sunshine Form in Generation IV, as Cherrim sent from a Poké Ball will always be sent out in Overcast Form, and Cherrim is not available in the wild in Generation IV. A Ditto that transforms into Cherrim, however, will play the animation of the alternate form if it escapes from a thrown Poké Ball.
  • With the help of Transform, Pokémon can legitimately have more than 510 total effort values: if the target has EVs in some stats beside HP and the Transform user has EVs in HP, after transforming the total number of its EVs can exceed 510 due to HP not being copied.

In other languages

Language Title
Chinese Cantonese 變身 Binsān
Mandarin 變身 / 变身 Biànshēn
The Czech Republic Flag.png Czech Přeměna
Denmark Flag.png Danish Forvandling
The Netherlands Flag.png Dutch Transformeer
Finland Flag.png Finnish Muuntautuminen
France Flag.png French Morphing
Germany Flag.png German Wandler
Verwandler (Gen II only)
Greece Flag.png Greek Μεταμόρφωση
Indonesia Flag.png Indonesian Transformasi
Berubah
Italy Flag.png Italian Trasformaz.
South Korea Flag.png Korean 변신 Byeonsin
Norway Flag.png Norwegian Forvandle[1]
Poland Flag.png Polish Transformacja
Brazil Flag.png Brazilian Portuguese Transformação
Serbia Flag.png Serbian Transformacija
Spanish CELAC Flag.png Latin America Transformación*
Mutación (EP111)
Spain Flag.png Spain Transformación*
Transform*
Sweden Flag.png Swedish Transformering
Vietnam Flag.png Vietnamese Biến Hình

References


Project Moves and Abilities logo.png This article is part of Project Moves and Abilities, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on two related aspects of the Pokémon games.