List of Pokémon by shape
This is a list of Pokémon by their shape (Japanese: 形 shape) according to the Pokédex. This listing is available as a search method in the Pokédex from Pokémon Diamond and Pearl to Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, as well as in Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME. The concept has also been referred to in-game as body style in Generation IV, form in Generation IV and V, and body shape in Pokémon HOME.
List of shapes
The games divide Pokémon into the following 14 categories based on their shape. Although the games only use symbols to define each group, they have unused Japanese names in the internal data of Pokédex 3D and Pokédex 3D Pro; the English titles below are simply fan-created descriptions. For each category, its index numbers and the sprites used to represent it in each game are displayed in the table below.
The groups have been officially ordered in three distinct ways: one used in the internal data of the Generation IV games, one used in the Pokédex in Generation IV and V (laid out in three columns of fiveDPPt, three rows of fiveHGSS, or a single columnBWB2W2), and the current ordering used in both the internal data since Generation V and the Pokédex since Generation VI.
| Index no. | Pokédex icon | Japanese name | Description | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| IV | IV/V | V+ | IV | V | VI-VII | HOME | ||
| 12 | 0 | 0 | 
|
|
|
|
丸型 Round shape |
Pokémon consisting of only a head |
| 9 | 2 | 1 | 
|
|
|
|
脚型 Legs shape |
Pokémon consisting of a head and legs |
| 11 | 10 | 2 | 
|
|
|
|
魚型 Fish shape |
Pokémon with fins |
| 6 | 9 | 3 | 
|
|
|
|
昆虫型 Insect shape |
Pokémon with an insectoid body |
| 0 | 7 | 4 | 
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|
四足型 Four-legged shape |
Pokémon with a quadruped body |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 
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|
|
|
四枚羽型 Four wings shape |
Pokémon with two or more pairs of wings |
| 13 | 8 | 6 | 
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|
|
|
集合型 Gathering shape |
Pokémon consisting of multiple bodies |
| 10 | 3 | 7 | 
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|
|
|
多足型 Multi-leg shape |
Pokémon with tentacles or a multiped body |
| 7 | 6 | 8 | 
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|
|
直立胴型 Upright torso shape |
Pokémon consisting of a head and a base |
| 2 | 11 | 9 | 
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|
|
二足尻尾型 Two legs and tail shape |
Pokémon with a bipedal, tailed form |
| 1 | 13 | 10 | 
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|
二足人型 Two legs and human form shape |
Pokémon with a bipedal, tailless form |
| 5 | 12 | 11 | 
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二枚羽型 Two wings shape |
Pokémon with a single pair of wings |
| 3 | 5 | 12 | 
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腹這脚無型 Belly-crawling no-legs shape |
Pokémon with serpentine bodies |
| 8 | 1 | 13 | 
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腕型 Arm shape |
Pokémon consisting of a head and arms |
Changes
The following Pokémon have had their shape changed in a subsequent game. This occurred for 1 Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White, 11 Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y, and 1 Pokémon in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire.
| Pokémon | Old shape | If unchanged | New shape | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Black and White | ||||
 |
Vespiquen | |
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| Pokémon X and Y | ||||
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Caterpie | |
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Weedle | |||
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Wurmple | |||
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Burmy | |
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|
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Wormadam | |||
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Shellos | |
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|
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Gastrodon | |||
 |
Cresselia | |||
 |
Tornadus (Therian Forme) | |
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|
 |
Thundurus (Therian Forme) | |
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|
 |
Landorus (Therian Forme) | |
|
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| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | ||||
 |
Mega Pinsir | |
N/A | 
|
Prior to December 2023, several Pokémon were listed with different shapes in the mobile version of Pokémon HOME compared to the Nintendo Switch version; the mobile version was subsequently changed to match the Nintendo Switch version.
| Pokémon | Switch | Mobile | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Dipplin | |
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Poltchageist | |
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Sinistcha | ||
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Okidogi | |
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Munkidori | |
|
Form differences
Starting from Generation V, the player can change which form is displayed in the main Pokédex entry for Pokémon with multiple forms. The following Pokémon have forms which differ drastically enough to be listed under different shapes.
| Base form | Different-shaped form | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pokémon | Shape | Shape | Pokémon | ||
 |
Meowth | |
|
Meowth (Galarian Form) | 
|
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Meowth (Alolan Form) | ||||
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Slowbro | |
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Mega Slowbro | 
|
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Slowbro (Galarian Form) | ||||
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Pinsir | |
|
Mega Pinsir |
|
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Chimecho | |
|
Mega Chimecho | 
|
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Darkrai | |
|
Mega Darkrai | 
|
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Palkia | |
|
Palkia (Origin Forme) | 
|
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Giratina (Altered Forme) | |
|
Giratina (Origin Forme) | 
|
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Lilligant | |
|
Lilligant (Hisuian Form) | 
|
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Tornadus (Incarnate Forme) | |
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Tornadus (Therian Forme) |
|
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Thundurus (Incarnate Forme) | |
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Thundurus (Therian Forme) |
|
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Landorus (Incarnate Forme) | |
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Landorus (Therian Forme) |
|
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Malamar | |
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Mega Malamar | 
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Zygarde (50% Forme) | |
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Zygarde (10% Forme) | 
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Zygarde (Complete Forme) | 
| |||
| Mega Zygarde | 
| ||||
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Hoopa (Hoopa Confined) | |
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Hoopa (Hoopa Unbound) | 
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Lycanroc (Midday Form) | |
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Lycanroc (Midnight Form) | 
|
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Lycanroc (Dusk Form) | ||||
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Wishiwashi (Solo Form) | |
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Wishiwashi (School Form) | 
|
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Golisopod | |
|
Mega Golisopod | 
|
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Necrozma | |
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Necrozma (Dusk Mane) | 
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Necrozma (Dawn Wings) | 
| |||
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Necrozma (Ultra Necrozma) | 
| |||
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Eternatus | |
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Eternatus (Eternamax) | 
|
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Calyrex | |
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Calyrex (Ice Rider) | 
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| Calyrex (Shadow Rider) | 
| ||||
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Ursaluna | |
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Ursaluna (Bloodmoon) | 
|
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Enamorus (Incarnate Forme) | |
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Enamorus (Therian Forme) | 
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Tatsugiri (Curly Form) | |
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Mega Tatsugiri (Curly Form) | 
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Tatsugiri (Droopy Form) | Mega Tatsugiri (Droopy Form) | 
| ||
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Tatsugiri (Stretchy Form) | Mega Tatsugiri (Stretchy Form) | 
| ||
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Gimmighoul (Chest Form) | |
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Gimmighoul (Roaming Form) | 
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Terapagos (Normal Form) | |
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Terapagos (Terastal Form) | 
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| Terapagos (Stellar Form) | 
| ||||
List of Pokémon by shape
Pokémon consisting of only a head
This is the simplest body shape a Pokémon can take. This body shape is the basis from which all other body shapes stem from. Pokémon within this group tend to have enormous faces in proportion to the rest of their bodies. If the Pokémon has what appears to be a torso (such as the Misdreavus line or Meltan) or pronounced limbs (such as Cosmog or the various tea Pokémon) they are typically non-corporeal and/or amorphous in nature. Pokémon in this group are generally based on either non-living objects, plants, or invertebrates encased within a shell or cocoon. Tadbulb appears to be the only one based on a vertebrate, although it heavily resembles a light bulb. The majority of these Pokémon locomote via floating, however some roll, bounce, or slide along the ground.
Pokémon consisting of a head and legs
This body shape appears to add legs and/or feet to a base body (
, 
, or 
). Legs are one of the first forms a limb could take; they are used to propel the body primarily, but can be used to attack secondarily. Pokémon within this group tend to be very mobile compared to , or can at least move without awkward bounciness or jerkiness when walking or running.
Pokémon with fins
This body shape appears to add fins to a base body (, , or ). Fins are limbs that are used to propel the body in liquids. There is no distinction between fins—pectoral fins, pelvic fins, dorsal fins, etc.—meaning this classification can be seen as a bodily distortion of 
, 
, or 
. Pokémon within this group tend to be based on piscine, cetacean, or pinniped creatures.
Pokémon with an insectoid body
This body shape appears to add legs and/or feet to 
, in addition to other details. Pokémon within this group tend to have 6-8 legs, segmented bodies, or both. The majority of Pokémon in this group are seemingly based on arthropods. Pokémon not based on arthropods appear to qualify for this group if there is no clear divide between their head and the rest of their body, such as Lotad and Corsola. With the exceptions of Vikavolt and Cutiefly, insectoid Pokémon appear to not fall under this classification if they have functional wings.
Pokémon with a quadruped body
This body shape appears to add legs and/or feet to , for a total of four legs. This body shape is one of the most common forms a Pokémon will come in. The vast majority of Pokémon in this category appear to be based on tetrapods.
(Combat Breed)
(Blaze Breed)
(Aqua Breed)
Standard Mode
Zen Mode
Pokémon with two or more pairs of wings
This body shape appears to add wings to . These extra limbs are usually used to accelerate flight and add more sharp, dynamic, and precise movement to the XYZ axis. These wings are often used to perform elaborate airborne dances for communication, to more proficiently hunt, or to avoid others. Pokémon can fall under this group even if their wings are no longer functional for flight upon evolving, as seen with Scizor and Kleavor. Insectoid Pokémon with wings appear to be grouped into this category regardless of wing count, as Ribombee and Frosmoth fall under this classification despite having only a single pair of wings. Crobat and Ultra Necrozma appear to be the only Pokémon in this category not based on insects.
Pokémon consisting of multiple bodies
This body shape appears to consist of any body shape previously mentioned, but multiplied in quantity. As such, this body shape will only ever be as simple or as complex as the design of the base body. A Pokémon's body consisting of any body type multiplied can qualify, such as a group of six or a group of three 
. The bodies in this group can either be physically fused to one another or be detached life-forms that operate in tandem with one another. Pokémon appear to not qualify for this group if the different bodies they're comprised of work together to form a more defined body shape which they fall under instead, such as Metang, Stakataka, or Sandy Shocks.
Mega Tatsugiri
Mega Tatsugiri
Mega Tatsugiri
Pokémon with tentacles or a multiped body
This body shape appears to consist of either Pokémon with tentacles instead of traditional legs or any Pokémon with more than two legs whose pairs of legs are not separated by body segments, which would otherwise qualify them for 
. Wimpod and the Sizzlipede line are possibly exceptions due to their more elongated body plan. Pokémon with exactly four typical legs appear to fall under this group if they also have an upright torso with fully functional arms, such as Buzzwole or Mega Golisopod.
Pokémon consisting of a head and a base
This body shape appears to be a direct distortion of ; the head has become more oblong to give off the appearance of a torso. Pokémon within this group tend to have very poorly-optimized limbs, if they have any at all, which can limit their ability to walk or grasp. This category excludes Pokémon with bodies extended from their heads, such as Mismagius, for example, which seem to merely have pronounced "body appendages"—like hair/fur, nails/claws/hooves, feathers, scales, and antlers/horns—or vestigial limbs, meaning other parts are allowed on the body, but only if they have a minimal use, if any use at all. Some Pokémon whose body shape would seemingly qualify for another group fall in this category if the majority of their body is obscured by an object they reside in, such as Burmy or Chest Form Gimmighoul.
Pokémon with a bipedal, tailed form
Alternatively labeled as Pokémon consisting of a head, a base, arms, legs, and a tail, this body shape appears to be a combination of previously stated body shapes (, and ). Because of the collection of unique body parts, this body shape, even at its most basic variation, allows a Pokémon to access the widest range of physically-oriented moves by using the full capabilities of their body. Most Pokémon with this shape are reptilian or mammalian in appearance. This is the most common body shape for first partner Pokémon, with nearly half of them and over half of their Evolved forms being classified in this group.
Pokémon with a bipedal, tailless form
Alternatively labeled as Pokémon consisting of a head, arms, and legs or Pokémon consisting of a head, a base, arms, and legs, this body shape appears to be a combination of previously listed body shapes (( or ), and ). Alternatively, this can be seen as a bodily distortion of , given how some organisms evolved from quadrupeds to four-limbed bipeds. Curiously, this body shape does not have a limit as to how many arms can be on a single body. This body shape is one of the most common forms for Pokémon.
Pokémon with a single pair of wings
This body shape appears to add wings to a base body (, , or ). Wings are limbs that are used to propel the body off of the ground, also known as the XY axis, and allow movement in 3D spaces along the XYZ axis. If the limbs branch off from the pectoral area rather than the back, they can alternatively be seen as a distortion of . Pokémon within this group tend to have feathered or membranous wings, but this group also include Pokémon based on coleopterans—also known as the beetle family. Note that although coleopterans have four wings like other insects, but two of those wings are used to form an exoskeleton, while the other two are used for actual flight.
Pokémon with serpentine bodies
Alternatively labeled as Pokémon consisting of a head, a base, and a tail, this body shape appears to be a direct bodily distortion of . The head has become even more oblong to give off the appearance of a slithering body. Pokémon within this group tend to be based on snakes, gastropods, and certain elongated arthropods.
Pokémon consisting of a head and arms
This body shape appears to add arms to a base body (, , or ). Arms are prehensile limbs that are can be used to grab, attack, or propel the body. Pokémon within this group tend to have no legs or vestigial legs; as such, many of them travel by bouncing or floating. Curiously, almost none of the Pokémon in this group use their arms as movement. Many Pokémon in this group appear to be based on supernatural entities. Notably, all of the forces of nature in their Incarnate Formes and all of Alola's guardian deities have this body shape.
In other languages
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Chinese | Cantonese | 外形 Ngoihyìhng |
| Mandarin | 外形 Wàixíng | |
| French | Apparence du corpsHOME (Switch) FormeHOME (mobile) CorpsIV-VII Forme du corpsIV | |
| German | SilhouetteVI+ UmrissV FormIV-V KörperformIV | |
| Italian | Sagoma | |
| Korean | 형태 Hyeongtae | |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Formato | |
| Spanish | FiguraVI+ SiluetaV FormaIV Forma corporalIV | |