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. Currently, nothing with a Battle-Only Form can be used in Gyms in any way.

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• (Return to top)
• List of Battle-Only Forms
• In the core series games
• Trivia
• In other languages
• Related articles

Contents

List of Battle-Only Forms

Pokémon		Base form		Battle-Only Form		Effect	Release date
#0681	Aegislash		Shield Forme		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. Attack change Defense change Fast Attacks do 0 damage in Shield Forme	July 22, 2025
#0778	Mimikyu		Disguised Form		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. Defense drop	April 1, 2026
#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, Cherrim, Zacian, and Zamazenta all 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 and catching them.

Darmanitan, Meloetta, Greninja, and 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 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.
• Despite Mimikyu having a Battle-Only Form, Mimikyu can't be used in Trainer Battles except against Team GO Rocket.

Related articles

Pokémon forms and variants Permanent Shiny Pokémon (GO · GO list · TCG) • Alternately colored Pokémon (animation) • Gender differences Form differences (GO) • Totem-like Pokémon • Brilliant Pokémon • Alpha Pokémon Form changes and 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 • Convergent species Species-specific Gen I: Pink Butterfree • Arbok variants • Pikachu variants (Surfing • Flying • Cosplay • Cap • Detective • Captain) Black Fog • Crystal Onix • Ditto transformations • Thu-Fi-Zer • Shadow Mewtwo Gen II: Pichu variants (Spiky-eared • Ukulele) • Black Tyranitar • Shadow Lugia Gen III: Meta Groudon • Green-crystal Deoxys Gen IV: Primal Dialga Miscellaneous Giant Pokémon • Partner Pokémon (LGPE) • Fusions (GO) Human–Pokémon transformation • Talking Pokémon Side series original Colo/XD: Shadow Pokémon (Shadow Lugia · list) Spin-off original GO: Shadow Pokémon (list) • Battle-Only Form • Mighty Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Primal Dialga • Rumble: Toy Pokémon (Rusty Pokémon) Pokkén: Shadow Mewtwo • Quest: Pokéxel • New Snap: Illumina phenomenon Detective Pikachu series: Detective Pikachu • Ranger: Guardian Signs: Ukulele Pichu Animation original Pokémon the Series: Pink Butterfree • Captain Pikachu • Crystal Onix • Clone Pokémon Mirage Pokémon • Meta Groudon • Green-crystal Deoxys Manga original Adventures: Thu-Fi-Zer • Electric Tale: Black Fog • Golden Boys: Black Tyranitar TCG original Crystal Pokémon • Dark Pokémon • Light Pokémon δ Delta Species • • • Radiant Pokémon

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