Primal Reversion
- Primal redirects here. For the Pokémon from Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness and Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, see Primal Dialga.
Primal Reversion (Japanese: ゲンシカイキ Primal Regression) is an ancient transformation introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire that affects only the Legendary Pokémon Kyogre and Groudon. Primal Reversion was been absent from the core series since Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! until it made a reappearance in the Mega Dimension DLC of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Primal Reversion has also appeared in spin-off games such as Pokémon GO and Masters EX.
Terminology
- Main article: Terminology of Primal Reversion
Primal Reversion uses the same English name but a different Japanese name to refer specifically to the transformed version of a Pokémon: Primal Reversion (Japanese: ゲンシカイキのすがた Primal Regression's Form). This appears as the name of this form of Kyogre and Groudon in the Pokédex, including in Pokémon HOME.
Pokémon that have undergone Primal Reversion are distinguished by the word "Primal" (starting with a capital letter) in front of their species name: Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon. Each is referred to as their primal form in Generation VI and Pokémon GO, or as primal state from Generation VII onward, written in lowercase (Japanese: 原始の姿 primal form/state).
In the core series games
History
Background
Primal Reversion is Groudon and Kyogre's method of returning to their original, Primal forms. The process is said to restore Kyogre and Groudon's true powers by absorbing the energy of nature. It has been described as an ancient form of Evolution,[1] similar, but unrelated to Mega Evolution, activated through different energy sources.[2] The energy sources to trigger Primal Reversion can be either natural energy or Mega Power. These forms were originally discovered thousands of years ago, during the Hoenn region's primal age, when the Legendary Pokémon were always in this form thanks to the region's natural primal energy.[3] The Draconid people named the transformation after this energy that used to be numerous. They also named their ancient tormentors Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.[4] The Pokémon fought for this energy in constant clashes every 1000 years. Eventually, it got a point they nearly destroyed the world after 20 days of clashes.[5] The transformation was forgotten by history after Mega Rayquaza defeated the two and the natural energy disappeared overtime.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
In the modern day, another occurrence of Primal Reversion was accomplished after Team MagmaOR/Team AquaAS used the Red OrbOR/Blue OrbAS to awaken GroudonOR/KyogreAS. Unable to be controlled, the Legendary Pokémon started creating disastrous weather effects, similar to those from their clash thousands of years ago. They were then attracted to the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City, as it contained crystals filled with the very same primal energy, allowing them to undergo Primal Reversion and regain their original forms. Prior to awakening, the player was given the opposite orb that is used suppress the power of the Pokémon—the Blue Orb for GroudonOR/Red Orb for KyogreAS.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A
Mega Dimension
A Rogue Primal Kyogre and a Rogue Primal Groudon appear in Hyperspace Lumiose as a result of the Mythical Pokémon Darkrai's nightmare power enhanced by the Mega Power leaking from Ange. The Super-ancient Pokémon were manifested within their respective subconscious, Kyogre in Hyperspace Primordial Sea and Groudon in Hyperspace Desolate Land, where they are battled by Team MZ. Their defeat solves as research towards the summoning of a Rayquaza for Ansha. After defeat, Ansha explains the history of Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon's clash in Hoenn. This history appears a story that Diantha told to her, with a French visual.
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Gameplay
In battle
In order to undergo Primal Reversion, Kyogre and Groudon only need to be holding the appropriate colored orb (the Blue Orb for Kyogre and the Red Orb for Groudon). Like Mega Stones, orbs cannot be removed during battle if held by the appropriate Pokémon. Unlike Mega Evolution, however, the player does not need a Key Stone or have to manually trigger Primal Reversion; it will simply happen automatically after Kyogre or Groudon enters a battle and after any entry hazards take effect, but before the activation of weather-changing Abilities.
If a Pokémon that has undergone Primal Reversion faints and then is revived, it will still be in its primal form after revival. In contrast, this does not occur to a Pokémon that has Mega Evolved or undergone Ultra Burst.
In a Rotation Battle, Kyogre or Groudon will only undergo Primal Reversion if it is sent out in the primary position; the Primal Reversion will not activate if the Pokémon is sent out in a secondary position at the start of the battle and then rotated to the primary position. Also, unlike Mega Evolution and Ultra Burst, there is no limit to the number of times a Primal Reversion may be performed per battle.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Kyogre and Groudon will be fought in the format of a Rogue Mega Evolution, having two phases instead, their second being their Primal Reversion. Pokémon who have reverted to their primal state in these battles will have an effect on the arena that replicates the effects of their Abilities, Primordial Sea and Desolate Land. Defeating them in the main story will grant the player the Blue and Red Orbs. Outside of these boss battles, Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon lack these Ability simulations, allowing them to be hit by Fire- and Water-Type attacks respectively, as if they were any other Pokémon. Unlike Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion will not drain Mega Power upon activation, and Plus Moves must be activated manually. Kyogre and Groudon will primal revert automatically upon entering a battle with either a wild Pokémon or Trainer-owned Pokémon, regardless of who initiates. They will remain in this primal state until the battle has ended, even if recalled back into their Poké Ball.
Outside of battle
In Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, if Kyogre or Groudon is holding the appropriate orb for Primal Reversion when it is entered into a Pokémon Contest Spectacular, it will automatically appear in its primal form for the entirety of the show. However, this has no effect on the Pokémon's performance.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Kyogre and Groudon can only revert to a primal state if they enter a battle with another Pokémon. However, they will remain in this primal state until they are withdrawn back into their Poké Ball, allowing these forms to interact with out-of-battle objects, and perform stealth attacks on opposing Pokémon.
Pokémon capable of Primal Reversion
| Pokémon | Before Primal Reversion | After Primal Reversion | Orb | Availability | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Image | Type | Ability | Image | Type | Ability | |||
| Kyogre | 
|
Water | Drizzle | 
|
Water | Primordial Sea |  Blue Orb |
ORAS SMUSUM MD |
| Groudon | 
|
Ground | Drought | 
|
Ground Fire | Desolate Land |  Red Orb |
ORAS SMUSUM MD |
Base stat comparison
Similar to Mega Evolution, Primal Reversion increases a Pokémon's base stat total by 100.
| Pokémon | HP | Atk | Def | Sp. Atk | Sp. Def | Spd | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 |
100 | 100 | 90 | 150 | 140 | 90 | 670 |
 |
100 | 150 | 90 | 180 | 160 | 90 | 770 |
 |
100 | 150 | 140 | 100 | 90 | 90 | 670 |
 |
100 | 180 | 160 | 150 | 90 | 90 | 770 |
Gallery
 
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| Icons from Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire | Icons from Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon |
In the spin-off games
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon
Kyogre and Groudon undergo Primal Reversion during the entirety of their boss fights in Ocean Tempest and Magma Chamber, respectively. However, after recruiting them, there is no method for Kyogre or Groudon to undergo Primal Reversion, not even after attaching an Awakening Emera to their Looplet, which normally enables Mega Evolution for other Pokémon species.
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX
After the credits roll, Kyogre and Groudon undergo Primal Reversion during the second phase of their boss fights in Stormy Sea and Magma Cavern, respectively. Unlike in Super Mystery Dungeon, Kyogre and Groudon can undergo Primal Reversion after recruiting them by consuming an Empowerment Seed, which also gives them the Awakened state. They revert to their regular forms when inflicted with a status condition or after leaving the dungeon.
Pokémon GO
- Main article: Mega Evolution (GO)
Primal Reversion was introduced in Pokémon GO on February 18, 2023. Rather than using the Red Orb or Blue Orb, an eligible Pokémon instead consumes Primal Energy to undergo a temporary Primal Reversion. Primal Reversion is functionally similar to Mega Evolution. The only differences are the types affected by the 1.3× power boost given to allies in raids (Primal Groudon affects the Grass, Fire and Ground types, while Primal Kyogre affects the Electric, Water and Bug types) and that the damage bonuses are active whenever the Primal Pokémon is in the party, not only when it is on the field. A player can only have one active Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion at a time.
Pokémon Masters EX
Certain Pokémon in sync pairs can undergo Primal Reversion via their passive skills in Pokémon Masters EX.
| Trainer | Before Primal Reversion | After Primal Reversion | Passive skill changes |
|---|---|---|---|
 May (Champion) |
 Kyogre 
|
 Primal Kyogre
|
Blue Power Awakening → Primordial Ocean of Myths |
 Brendan (Champion) |
 Groudon
|
 Primal Groudon
|
Red Power Awakening → Desolate Land of Myths |
In animation
Pokémon the Series
Pokémon the Series: XY
Groudon and Kyogre appeared and underwent Primal Reversion in the Mega Evolution Special III, to try and take possession of an incredible source of power at the coast of Rustboro City, the Giant Rock. After battling each other, Alain, and Steven, a Mega Rayquaza appeared defeated the two, forcing both back into their regular forms.
A Primal Groudon and a Primal Kyogre also appeared in Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, where they were summoned and controlled by Hoopa Unbound along with the Pokémon of myth and Kyurem to battle Ash, Pikachu, Hoopa Confined, a Shiny Rayquaza, and an Eon duo in Dahara City.
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer
Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre appeared fighting each other in the Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer.
Pokémon Generations
In The Vision, Courtney had a vision where Groudon was awakened by her fellow Team Magma members and underwet Primal Reversion before attacking them all, but this did not deter her from her team's plans for long.
In The Cavern, Kyogre was awakened by Archie and underwent Primal Reversion with the Blue Orb in Seafloor Cavern, despite Shelly's insistence not to. It left the cavern and proceeded to spread heavy rain across Hoenn and then attack Team Aqua.
Pokémon Evolutions
In The Wish, Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre appeared battling and being calmed by Mega Rayquaza in a flashback as Zinnia told the story of the Draconid people to May.
In the manga
Pokémon Adventures
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc
In Groudon Returns, Archie and Maxie used the Red and Blue Orbs to Primal Reverse Groudon and Kyogre in order to help save the world from the giant meteoroid headed for the planet.
Let's Play the Pokémon Card Game XY!
Pokémon Omega Ruby Crimson Passion and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Indigo Wisdom
Movie adaptations
In the TCG
from Primal Clash
from Primal ClashPrimal Reversion was brought into the Trading Card Game with the release of Primal Clash (Gaia Volcano • Tidal Storm in Japan). Primal Reversion is an extension of the Mega Evolution Pokémon mechanics. As such, Primal Reversion Pokémon only evolve from the long-standing Pokémon-EX and are Pokémon-EX themselves. The only Primal Reversion Pokémon are the Primal Kyogre-EX and Primal Groudon-EX cards from Primal Clash and Ancient Origins. Each Primal Reversion Pokémon features an Ancient Trait. The Ancient Origins prints feature the Shiny versions of the Pokémon and replace the original Ancient Traits with θ Max, but are otherwise identical to the Primal Clash cards.
| Related cards Cards listed with a blue background are only legal to use in the current Expanded format. Cards listed with a green background are legal to use in both the current Standard and Expanded formats. | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Card | Type | English Expansion |
Rarity | # | Japanese Expansion |
Rarity | # |
| Primal Kyogre
|
|
Primal Clash | 
|
55/160 | Tidal Storm | 
|
032/070 |
| Primal Clash | 
|
149/160 | Tidal Storm | 
|
073/070 | ||
| Primal Kyogre
|
|
Ancient Origins |
|
96/98 | 
|
093/081 | |
| Primal Groudon
|
|
Primal Clash |
|
86/160 | Gaia Volcano |
|
040/070 |
| Primal Clash |
|
151/160 | Gaia Volcano |
|
074/070 | ||
| Primal Groudon
|
|
Ancient Origins |
|
97/98 |
|
094/081 | |
In other languages
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese | 回復原始 Huífù Yuánshǐ | |
| Czech | Primární reverze | |
| Dutch | Oerterugkeer | |
| French | Primo-Résurgence | |
| German | Protomorphose | |
| Hindi | प्राइमल रिवर्ज़न Primal Reversion | |
| Indonesian | Reversi Prima Reversi Primal | |
| Italian | Archeorisveglio | |
| Korean | 원시회귀 Wonsi Hoegwi | |
| Malaysian | Pembalikan Primal | |
| Polish | Pierwotna regresja | |
| Portuguese | Brazil | Reversão Primitiva |
| Portugal | Reversão Primordial | |
| Russian | Первобытное Восстановление Pervobytnoye Vosstanovleniye* Прото-Превращение Proto-Prevrashcheniye* | |
| Spanish | Regresión Primigenia | |
| Thai | คืนสู่ต้นกำเนิด Khuen su Ton Kamnoet | |
| Turkish | Kadim Dönüşüm | |
| Vietnamese | Tiến hóa tận cùng Nguyên Thủy Hồi quy Nguyên thủy Phục hóa | |
Primal Kyogre
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese | 原始蓋歐卡 Yuánshǐ Gàiōukǎ | |
| French | Primo-Kyogre | |
| German | Proto-Kyogre | |
| Hindi | प्राइमल कायोगर Primal Kyogre प्राइम कायोगर Prime Kyogre* | |
| Indonesian | Kyogre Primal | |
| Italian | ArcheoKyogre | |
| Korean | 원시가이오가 Wonsi Kyogre | |
| Malaysian | Kyogre Primal | |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Kyogre Primitivo | |
| Russian | Прото Кайогр Proto Kaiogr* Древний Кайогр Drevny Kaiogr* | |
| Spanish | Kyogre Primigenio | |
| Thai | ไคออกาต้นกำเนิด Kyogre Ton Kamnoet | |
| Turkish | Kadim Kyogre | |
| Vietnamese | Kaioga Nguyên Thủy | |
Primal Groudon
| Language | Title | |
|---|---|---|
| Mandarin Chinese | 原始固拉多 Yuánshǐ Gùlādūo | |
| French | Primo-Groudon | |
| German | Proto-Groudon | |
| Hindi | प्राइमल ग्राउडॉन Primal Groudon प्राइम ग्राउडॉन Prime Groudon* | |
| Indonesian | Groudon Primal | |
| Italian | ArcheoGroudon | |
| Korean | 원시그란돈 Wonsi Groudon | |
| Malaysian | Groudon Primal | |
| Brazilian Portuguese | Groudon Primitivo | |
| Russian | Прото Граудон Proto Graudon* Древний Граудон Drevny Graudon* | |
| Spanish | Groudon Primigenio | |
| Thai | กราดอนต้นกำเนิด Groudon Ton Kamnoet | |
| Turkish | Kadim Groudon | |
| Vietnamese | Groudon Nguyên Thủy | |
Reference
- ↑ Weather Institute employee: "Primal Reversion is a possible form of Evolution, like and yet not like Mega Evolution... Or so it has been theorized. But it has never been achieved by any Pokémon other than the super-ancient Legendary Pokémon, and so it has been largely forgotten as a method of Evolution." (Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
- ↑ : "PROJECT AZOTH File No. 1 The goal of Project AZOTH is to return the world—return everything—to the beginning. In order to further the project, we must proceed with research on Groudon'sOR/Kyogre'sAS Primal Reversion. Primal Reversion is a potential of Pokémon Evolution, a potential different from Mega Evolution. Mega Evolution is made possible by the energy of people and Pokémon. Primal Reversion is made possible by natural energy. In Primal Reversion, GroudonOR/KyogreAS absorbs natural energy into its body, thereby increasing its power dramatically. Both states significantly enhance Pokémon's power: the difference lies in the source of the required energy." (Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
- ↑ Zinnia: "Thousands of years ago, in the primal age long lost, the world was overflowing with natural energy. Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre fought over that energy in endless, furious clashes." (Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire)
- ↑ Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
- ↑ The Legends of Hoenn Continue | Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire
