The Complete Guide to Counting Pokémon Including Mega and Alola Forms

Counting the number of Pokémon in the franchise can be a complex task due to the numerous forms and regional variants. This article aims to provide a detailed and accurate count, including both Mega Evolutions and Alola Forms. Let's break down the numbers and clear up any confusion.

Current Count of Pokémon

As of August 2023, there are 1015 Pokémon recognized in the Pokémon franchise. Here's a breakdown of this total:

The Original Pokémon

The original 151 Pokémon from Generation I account for a significant portion of the total count. These are the foundational characters that launched the franchise.

Subsequent Generations

Pokémon from subsequent generations up to Generation IX contribute significantly to the overall count. Each generation introduces new Pokémon, expanding the franchise's universe.

Variants and Forms

The true complexity of the Pokémon count comes from the various forms, including Mega Evolutions and Alola Forms. Both of these represent unique transformations and variations of the Pokémon species.

Counting Forms

When counting each unique form, such as Mega Evolutions and Alola Forms, the total number of Pokémon increases. For example, each Alolan form and Mega Evolution is considered a distinct form but not a separate species.

Mega Evolutions

Mega Evolutions are powerful transformations that change a Pokémon's stats and abilities. There are 48 such transformations in the franchise, resulting in a significant increase in the count of Pokémon.

Alola Forms

Alola Forms are unique regional variations of Pokémon found in Alola. There are 18 such forms, contributing to the total count.

Different Notations

Various publications and sources provide different counts of Pokémon. This can lead to confusion. Let's clarify the different counts:

872 Pokémon (as of US/UM)

This total includes 806 Pokedex entries, 18 Alolan forms, and 48 Mega Evolutions.

867 Pokémon (including additional forms)

When including additional forms like Castform and Rotom’s forms, the total rises to 867. If you include special forms such as Spiky-eared Pichu and 5 Cosplay Pikachu, the count increases further.

1033 Pokémon (including Spiky-eared Pichu, Cosplay Pikachu, new Pikachu forms, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre)

Adding in new Pikachu forms introduced in Sun and Moon, Primal Groudon, and Primal Kyogre, the total is 1033 Pokémon.

1035 Pokémon (including Dusk Form Lycanroc and "I Choose You" Pikachu)

Adding the Dusk Form Lycanroc and "I Choose You" Pikachu, the final count comes to 1035.

1042 Pokémon (including Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings of Necrozma, Ultra Necrozma, Blacephalon, Stakataka, and Poipole)

With the inclusion of Dusk Mane and Dawn Wings of Necrozma, Ultra Necrozma, Blacephalon, Stakataka, and Poipole, the total reaches 1042.

Why Does the Count Vary?

The varying counts are due to different definitions of what should be counted as a unique form. Some consider evolves, regional variants, and special forms as separate from the parent species. Others stick to the Pokedex entries, limiting the count to the original 151 Pokémon from Generation I plus the new generations.

Conclusion

Counting Pokémon, particularly when including Mega Evolutions and Alola Forms, can be a nuanced task. While the core 1015 Pokémon keep the franchise alive, the various forms and regional variants create a diverse and expansive universe. Understanding the different counts provides a clearer picture of the Pokémon world's complexity and richness.