Throughout its history, thePokemonfranchise has made alterations to different monsters. A few have stood out over the years, with fan favorites like Crystal Onyx from the Orange Island arc of the anime as well as others like Ash-Greninja in both animated media as well asPokemonvideo games. When looking over all Pokemon released over the past 25 years, fans will realize that more Pokemon have received alternative forms than they might have realized.
Some of these forms are simple, but each of them offers something more to the Pokemon in question. While some are exclusive to certain media or are simple visual alterations, others provide changes to stats as well. Many of the most notable forms appear in recentPokemonhistory alongside Mega Evolutions and Dynamax monsters, the latter debuting inPokemon Sword and Shield.
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Mega Evolutions
Mega Evolutions first appeared inPokemon XandY. This new form of evolutions was limited to battles, and while Mega Evolutions provided significant visual and stat changes to their recipients, they were balanced by requiring those Pokemon to hold a corresponding Mega Stone. The mechanic itself was somewhat divisive for fans, but the visuals of many Mega Evolution Pokemon showed the possibilities of building upon classic designs.
Since the introduction of Mega Evolutions,Pokemonhas introduced other forms as well. Dynamax and regional forms are the most recent to appear in a game butPokemon Legends: Arceuswill also be introducing Noble Pokemonthat may be viewed as a form once the game releases.
Dynamax Pokemon
Dynamax and Gigantamax Pokemon are exclusive to the Galar region, and were a major mechanic inthe eighth generation ofPokemongames, including both theIsle of ArmorandCrown Tundraexpansions. While similar to Mega Evolutions, the changes provided to Dynamax Pokemon last only three turns in battle and can be applied to every monster if the conditions are right.
Gigantamax Pokemon are closer to Pokemon with Mega Evolutions, but operate the same way as Dynamax Pokemon. The key difference between the two is that Gigantamax Pokemon experience significant visual changes just as Pokemon who Mega Evolve, and they receive a unique G-Max Move. However, there are 32 Gigantamax Pokemon, fewer than the 48Mega Evolutions in thePokemonseries.
Regional Variants
Another notable form archetype is regional variants. There aren’t many regional Pokemon, but each new game adds a couple more. WhilePokemon Brilliant DiamondandShining Pearlhaven’t introduced new ones, bothPokemon SwordandShieldas well as the upcomingPokemon Legends: Arceushave regional Pokemon following up on the mechanic being introduced inPokemon SunandMoon. These variants might feature new typings or new evolutions based on the original Pokemon.
This allows for new interpretations of fan favorites, as well as unique transplants in new regions. Regional forms have provided a fun way to explore what-if situations in thePokemonfranchise based on how a Pokemon might adapt to a different ecosystem, which develops new lore as well. This was explored withPokemon in Generation 7like Alolan Vulpix and Alolan Marowak.
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Pokemon with Alternate Aesthetics
Along with significant battle-focused forms like Dynamax, Mega Evolutions, and regional variants, there are many Pokemon that go through simple visual changes depending on how they’re encountered. For event-specific Pokemon, this can mean exclusive aesthetics, while certain other Pokemon might change depending on the time of day or weather.
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Pokemon Forms that Affect Their Stats
On top of all the aesthetic changes listed above, there are also Pokemon forms that change their stats. This gives each Pokemon a distinct advantage in battle, which changes how players might use them on a team. For some Pokemon, it can completely change how they’re played and affect overall team composition for competitive matches.
While forms were rare early on, they’ve grown in popularity and many fans look forward to seeing how new and classic Pokemon might change. This could be through additions likeVoltorb’s new regional form inPokemon Legends: Arceus, or seeing more diversity in a species like with Toxtricity. Other great alternatives could result in forms changing mechanics in future generations, just as Mega Evolutions and Dynamax have done forPokemonin the past.
