The seemingly endless number of Pokemon available to catch spans across all nine generations, including popular starters and rare Legendaries and Mythicals. If you’re curious about the total count of Pokemon, here’s everything you need to know.
The National Pokedex can expand by over a hundred Pokemon with the arrival of each new generation, such as Scarlet & Violet. Additionally, DLC or mid-generation releases like Pokemon Legends Arceus often introduce even more creatures to the mix.
We will continue to update this page with any new game releases, but for the time being, this is all the necessary information.
How many Pokemon are there?
The ranks of Pokemon have swelled with each new generation
Currently, there are 1025 Pokemon in the Pokedex. This number does not encompass the 48 Mega Evolutions, 33 Gigantamax forms, or 57 regional variants, which brings the total number of existing Pokemon to 1163 if included.
As of now, the most recent addition of new Pokemon was in the Indigo Disk DLC for Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, which is part of Gen 9. The upcoming Pokemon Legends Z-A, set to be released in 2025, is expected to bring a new wave of Pokemon, potentially featuring exclusive forms from the Kalos region.
Generation 1 (1996-1999)
The games that started it all
The original Pokemon Red & Blue included a total of 151 Pokemon, which were loved by fans and marked the beginning of the franchise.
Despite there being 151 Pokemon in the Gen 1 games, it was not possible to obtain the final one without attending a special event. This was because Mew, the first Mythical Pokemon, required additional effort to capture.
Despite not introducing any new Pokemon, Pokemon Yellow did feature a distinctive Pikachu variant. Additionally, the game made obtaining the starter Pokemon a simpler task.
The iconic status of the Pokemon from this generation is undeniable, with standout characters such as Pikachu, Eevee, Magikarp, the Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle lines, the Legendary Birds, Mewtwo, and Mew.
Generation 2 (1999-2001)
Generation 2 introduced new types to balance things out
There were 100 new Pokemon in Pokemon Gold & Silver. In addition, the game brought in the Dark and Steel-types, which helped balance out the dominance of Psychic-types from the previous generation.
Despite not introducing any new Pokemon, Pokemon Crystal did offer some additions, such as an easier way to obtain Suicine and the option to play as a female protagonist, which was a first for the series.
The prominent Pokemon of this era consist of Steelix, Scizor, Ho-Oh, Lugia, Espeon, Umbreon, Celebi, and the Legendary Beasts. However, the Legendary Beasts are not as beloved as their counterparts due to their difficult roaming mechanics, which made catching them a formidable challenge.
Generation 3 (2002-2005)
Gen 3 was a huge step forward in visual quality
Pokemon Ruby & Sapphire expanded the series by introducing 135 new Pokemon. Along with these additions, the games also brought in Double Battles and weather mechanics, which remain essential components of competitive battles. This generation also marked the debut of the Pokemon Ability mechanic, significantly changing the way individual creatures operate.
During this generation, there was also Pokemon Emerald, which primarily focused on enhancing and polishing the existing games instead of introducing new content.
Regrettably, the third generation games did not have the ability to work with the earlier versions. Nevertheless, this issue was resolved when Pokemon FireRed & LeafGreen were launched, allowing Kanto & Johto Pokemon to be transferred to the later generations.
Some of the most well-known Pokemon from this era are Mudkip, Latios, Latias, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Deoxys, Altaria, Salamence, Metagross, and the trio of Regis.
Generation 4 (2006-2010)
Gen 4 introduced the true creators of the Pokemon universe
The addition of 107 new Pokemon to the series was made possible by Pokemon Diamond & Pearl. These games also marked the debut of the Physical/Special split, 3D backgrounds, and Wi-Fi connectivity, providing players with the opportunity to interact with others from all around the globe.
With the release of Pokemon HeartGold & SoulSilver, the Johto Pokemon, once forgotten, made a triumphant return that is widely hailed by fans as one of the best entries in the series and even among the greatest RPGs ever made.
Some of the most significant Pokemon featured in this particular generation were Bidoof, Garchomp, Lucario, Dialga, Palkia, Darkrai, and Shaymin. These were also the games that first introduced Arceus, the deity responsible for creating the entire Pokemon universe, who later became a prominent figure in the Gen 8 installments.
Generation 5 (2010-2012)
The Gen 5 games took a narrative step forward for the series
The franchise was introduced to 156 new Pokemon with the release of Pokemon Black & White. Despite not having any major mechanical changes, the Gen 5 games are widely praised for having the best storyline in the series to date, exploring the moral complexities of being a Pokemon trainer.
Pokemon Black 2 and White 2 also included new fusion forms for Kyruem with Zekrom and Reshiram. These games are considered ideal for a Nuzlocke run due to the large selection of Pokemon available in the overworld.
Some of the notable Pokemon introduced in this generation are Victini, Zoroark, Amoonguss, the Swords of Justice, Genesect, the Forces of Nature, and the Tao trio.
Generation 6 (2013-2014)
Pokemon X & Y introduced the mighty Mega Evolutions to the franchise
The franchise saw the addition of 72 new Pokemon with the release of Pokemon X & Y. However, the standout feature of this generation is the Mega Evolution mechanic, which gives Pokemon the ability to evolve a second time during a battle, making them even stronger.
The introduction of the Fairy-type in Pokemon X & Y was crucial in bringing balance to the overwhelming dominance of Dragon-type ‘mons in battle.
This particular era also revisited Hoenn through the release of Pokemon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Although these games did not unveil any new Pokemon, they did include an increased number of Mega Evolutions, along with Primal Reversion forms for select Legendary creatures.
Some of the most notable Pokemon introduced in this generation are Greninja, Aegislash, Sylveon, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, and Hoopa.
Generation 7 (2016-2018)
Pokemon Sun & Moon were the first to feature regional forms for existing Pokemon
Pokemon Sun & Moon brought 81 new additions to the franchise. This count does not include the Alolan variants of familiar Pokemon, which introduced new types and abilities to the classic creatures. This series also introduced Z-Moves, which are formidable attacks that can only be used once during a battle.
Gen 7 also brought about the introduction of the Ultra Beasts, which were extraterrestrial Pokemon from a different realm known for their immense strength in battles.
During this generation, we acquired Pokemon Ultra Sun & Moon, which introduced five new Pokemon to the franchise: Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, Blacephalon, and Zeraora.
During this generation, Pokemon Go became a massive success, leading to the inclusion of new Pokemon in mobile games, such as Meltan and Melmetal.
The Nintendo Switch also saw the release of new remakes, with Pokemon Yellow and Pokemon Go combining to create the Let’s Go games. Players were able to transfer their Meltan and Melmetal Pokemon to these games, marking their first appearance in a mainline Pokemon game.
Prominent Pokemon from this time period include those previously mentioned, in addition to Decidueye, Mimikyu, Cosmog, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, and all of the other Ultra Beasts.
Generation 8 (2019-2022)
Pokemon Sword & Shield brought in the giants through the Dynamax & Gigantamax mechanic
The Pokemon franchise saw an addition of 80 new creatures with the release of Pokemon Sword & Shield, and their expansions contributed an additional 8 Pokemon. This generation also introduced the Dynamax mechanic, allowing Pokemon to temporarily transform into massive beings and receive a significant increase in stats. Some Pokemon also have exclusive Gigantamax forms with special abilities.
Sadly, this era was also infamous for “Dexit,”which entailed the removal of the National Dex, making it impossible to catch all of the Pokémon for the first instance in the series’ history.
These games were also the first to introduce paid DLC in the form of The Isle of Armor and The Crown Tundra. This allowed The Pokemon Company to generate revenue during the mid-generation lull without having to release new games.
Although there were not many new games released during this generation, we were fortunate to receive the highly praised Pokemon Legends: Arceus. This game transported players back to the ancient Sinnoh region and introduced 7 new Pokemon to the series. These new additions were based on ancient versions of existing creatures, and the game also featured a new Force of Nature.
Pokemon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl also existed. However, fans criticized them for being too similar to their source material and for excluding new content such as the Dynamax forms.
Notable Pokemon of this time period include Scorbunny, Wooloo, Sirfetch’d, Dracovish, Dragapult, Zacian, Zamazenta, Urshifu, and Calyrex.
Generation 9 (2023-2025)
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet added fancy hats to all ‘Mons
The addition of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet and their DLC resulted in the addition of 120 Pokemon to the franchise, bringing the total number to 1025 where it currently stands.
The Gen 9 games received significant criticism for their subpar performance and numerous glitches upon release. This generation also implemented Terastilization, a feature that introduced a new Tera Type to Pokemon. While visually appealing, it did not live up to the standards set by previous battle mechanics.
Terapagos, a new addition to the series, has the ability to utilize the Stellar Tera Type in battles. However, this type can only be utilized by this specific Pokemon.
In addition to introducing regional forms, Pokemon Scarlet & Violet also featured Paradox Pokemon, which were alternate versions of existing creatures from either prehistoric or futuristic times. However, their designs were often criticized for being unoriginal and they did not gain the same popularity as regional forms.
Gen 9 is currently in progress and is set to continue with the release of Pokemon Legends Z-A in 2025. This highly anticipated game will take place in the Kalos region from Pokemon X & Y and will reintroduce Mega Evolutions to the series.
Some of the most notable Pokemon are Tinkaton, Palafin, Greavard, Gimmighoul, Ogrepon, Therapagos, and Pecharunt.
How many types are there?
Pokemon Scarlet & Violet added a new type to the series
There are currently a total of 18 distinct types of Pokemon, including the unique Stellar type. These are the current classifications for Pokemon.
- Bug
- Dark
- Dragon
- Electric
- Fairy
- Fighting
- Fire
- Flying
- Ghost
- Grass
- Ground
- Ice
- Normal
- Poison
- Psychic
- Rock
- Steel
- Stellar
- Water
Since Gen 1, all of the types have been available except for Dark and Steel-type, which were introduced in Gen 2, and Fairy-type, which was not introduced until Gen 6. However, a new type, Stellar-type, was added in Gen 9. Currently, this type is only exclusive to Tera Types.
There used to be another type, known as? ???, in the older games. Originally, it was associated with the move Curse, but it was later changed to Ghost-type in Generation 5.
How many Legendary & Mythical Pokemon are there?
Legendary & Mythical Pokemon have become less rare over time
Previously, Legendary and Mythical Pokemon held a special status, but that is no longer true. With the release of Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, the total number of Legendary and Mythical Pokemon in the franchise has increased to 71.
Essentially, Legendary and Mythical Pokemon share similar qualities. The key distinction lies in their acquisition methods, with Legendary Pokemon being obtainable through in-game encounters and Mythical Pokemon requiring external means such as attending live events or downloading them through special events for Pokemon like Mew.
There is nothing more to know about all of the Pokemon.
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