Battle-Only Form (GO)

A Battle-Only Form is a form transformation which a Pokémon can achieve during certain conditions while battling in Pokémon GO. They were introduced as a mechanic along with Morpeko during the Halloween 2024 Part I event.

List of Battle-Only Forms

Pokémon		Base form		Battle-Only Form		Effect	Release date
#0877	Morpeko		Full Belly Mode		Hangry Mode	This Pokémon will transform when it uses a Charged Attack. When in Hangry Mode, Aura Wheel changes to a Dark-type attack.	October 22, 2024

In the core series games

Castform and Cherrim both possess 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 them in the wild.

Darmanitan, Meloetta, Greninja, Mimikyu, Necrozma, Zacian, and Zamazenta all have battle-exclusive forms in the core series which have not yet been included in Pokémon GO.

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

Trivia

• Since its release, Xerneas has entered its 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.

Related articles

Pokémon forms and variants Permanent: Shiny Pokémon (GO) • Alternately colored Pokémon (animated series) Gender differences • Form differences (GO) • Brilliant Pokémon • Alpha Pokémon Transformations: Mega Evolution (Shuffle • Masters • GO) • Primal Reversion (GO) • Bond Phenomenon Ultra Burst • Dynamax (GO) • Gigantamax (GO) • Eternamax • Terastal phenomenon Groups: Totem Pokémon • Noble Pokémon • Titan Pokémon Regional forms: Alolan • Galarian • Hisuian • Paldean Analogous species: Paradox Pokémon • Ecologically similar Pokémon Species-specific: Arbok variants • Pikachu variants (Surfing • Flying • Cosplay • Cap) • Ditto transformations Miscellaneous: Giant Pokémon • Spiky-eared Pichu • Partner Pokémon (LGPE) Fusions (GO) • Human–Pokémon transformation Side series original: Colo/XD: Shadow Pokémon • Shadow Lugia Spin-off original: GO: Shadow Pokémon (GO) • Battle-Only Form • Mighty Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Primal Dialga • Rumble: Toy Pokémon (Rusty Pokémon) Pokkén: Shadow Mewtwo • Quest: Pokéxel • New Snap: Illumina phenomenon Animation original: Pokémon the Series: Pink Butterfree • Clone Pokémon • Crystal Onix • Mirage Pokémon • Meta Groudon • Green-crystal Deoxys Manga original: Adventures: Thu-Fi-Zer • Electric Tale: Black Fog • Golden Boys: Black Tyranitar

This article is part of Project Sidegames, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on the Pokémon Sidegames.