Since its release, the Pokemon franchise has been around for nearly 30 years, amassing hundreds of creatures that continue to capture the hearts of Pokemon fans worldwide. While it's no secret for enthusiasts that there are 151 pocket monsters in Generation I, keeping track of how many Pokemon are there can be overwhelming with new generations, regional forms, and special variations constantly being added.
So, how many Pokémon are there in total? Let's find out!
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Total Number of Pokemon
There are originally 151 monsters in Pokédex taking place in the games Pokemon Red, Green, Blue, and Yellow in the Kanto region[1]. But how many Pokémon exist today, including the new generation? The Pokemon Company has officially recognized 1,025 unique species for nine generations, including the most recently introduced three starter Pokémon from Generation IX (Paldea region) such as Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly.
When considering all the Pokémon and their variations, the total number of Pokémon reaches approximately 1,164 Pokémon. This expanded count includes 59 regional variant Pokémon, 48 Mega Evolutions, and 32 Gigantamax Pokémon. The latest number also includes 81 Legendary Pokémon and Mythical Pokémon across all Pokemon generations [2].
Pokemon Breakdown
National Pokedex (as of Generation VIII)
The National Dex now officially contains 1,025 unique Pokémon as of 2025, with Generation IX adding 120 new Pokémon to the roster. Here's how many Pokemon each generation has contributed to the total count across all mainline games:
Generation I (Kanto): 151 Pokémon
Generation II (Johto): 100 new Pokémon (total: 251)
Generation III (Hoenn): 135 new Pokémon (total: 386)
Generation IV (Sinnoh): 107 new Pokémon (total: 493)
Generation V (Unova): 156 new Pokémon (total: 649)
Generation VI (Kalos): 72 new Pokémon (total: 721)
Generation VII (Alola): 88 new Pokémon (total: 809)
Generation VIII (Galar): 96 new Pokémon (total: 905)
Generation IX (Paldea): 120 new Pokémon (total: 1,025)
Read: When is Pokemon Day?
Pokedex (With Forms)
There are various forms of Pokémon, differing in appearance, statistics, type combinations, and availability. Regional variants represent Pokémon species that have adapted to specific environments, resulting in altered appearances and abilities:
Alolan Forms: 19 regional variants introduced in Sun and Moon
Galarian Forms: 20 regional variants from Sword and Shield
Hisuian Forms: 17 regional forms from Pokémon Arceus (Legends: Arceus)
Paldean Forms: 3 regional variants from Scarlet and Violet
Other alternate forms include Unown with 28 different letter and symbol variations, Spinda with unique spot patterns, Deoxys with four distinct forms, including the Sunshine Form, and Alcremie with over 60 different flavors and decorations obtainable through pre-evolution methods. Gender differences also create additional visual variations for many Pokémon.
In total, there are approximately 400 Pokédex entries when including all forms and variations.
Special Categories
Special Pokémon categories include those that cannot be easily encountered in regular gameplay. Special Pokemon are referred to as those with QR codes that you cannot check in the Rotom Pokedex, including:
Legendary Pokémon: Powerful, unique creatures often tied to regional lore, including lake guardians
Mythical Pokémon: Extremely rare creatures typically distributed through special events
Ultra Beasts: Extradimensional creatures introduced in Generation VII
Paradox Pokémon: Ancient and futuristic forms like Slither Wing Sandy shocks, introduced in Generation IX
In total, there are approximately 81 legendary Pokemon and Mythical Pokémon across all Pokémon generations.
“Video games foster the mindset that allows creativity to grow.” -Nolan Bushnell, American Businessman
By Game
Base Game
When the sequel games were released, the total number of Pokemon in the Galar region Pokedex raised to 400. The base game comes with 319 older Pokemon, and 81 was released for Gen VIII. The entire game also features the most Galarian forms, with a total of 13, including Meowth, Zigzagoon, Rapidash, and Darmanitan.
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Sword & Shield (Generation VIII)
The Dexit controversy is a movement that limits the total number of Pokemon in the Galar region, drawing criticism from fans of the Pokémon games Sword and Shield. These releases introduced two rounds of older generations Pokemon. Also, eight more Pokemon are introduced in special events and two-game extensions. But what's the proper way to watch Pokemon in order?
Isle of Armor
In the Isle of Armor Pokémon game, old and new Pokemon are introduced, including Zarude, Urshifu, and Kubfu, reaching the total count of Gen VIII to 84. Furthermore, Galarian forms are added to the game, including Galarian Slowpoke and Galarian Slowbro. There are 211 monsters in this game, with 102 old Pokemon.
Crown Tundra
In the southern Galar mainland, the Crown Tundra introduced 5 new Pokemon, including Calyrex, Glastrier, Regieleki, Regidrago, and Spectrier. It also reactivated 119 older Pokemon, bringing the total to 540 old generations.
Overall, the Crown Tundra has 210 Pokemon with new Legendaries and Pokemon that are old generation inhabiting Galar and Isle of Armor.
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Side Games
New Pokemon Snap
In the New Pokemon Snap game, the Pokémon availability will vary based on the game stages, and some Pokémon types are unique to each level. For example, the Florio Nature Park has 33 Pokemon in total, and 26 of them are unique to that stage. But overall, there are 234 Pokemon found in this game.
Pokemon GO
Many fans still play Pokémon Go, a popular mobile game that is played worldwide. And due to the fans' demands, the latest generation of Pokemon was added to the game despite not finishing Generation V, Generation VI, and Generation VII. Generation I to II Pokémon are all in the game, including familiar species like Staryu and Starmie, and Generation IV are missing Mythical Pokémon and Rotom forms.
Check out our list of Alola Pokémon here.
Pokemon Masters
In the Pokémon Masters side game, you have to recruit a Sync Pair that trains a specific Pokémon. As the game starts, you play with Pikachu and Sync Pair Misty and Starmie, and Brock and Onix are recruited. There are over 200 Sync Pairs you can recruit in this game, featuring many Pokémon from various generations.
Read: Pokemon & Digimon Compared
Cafe Mix Jump
The Cafe Mix Jump is not like a traditional Pokemon game. Instead, you have to make friends with Pokemon before they ask to join your staff. This game features Pokemon in varying outfits, with 60 Pokemon you can recruit as your staff, and 2 Pokemon are non-recruitable, including Timburr and Pelipper.
Mystery Dungeon
There are 418 Pokemon available, including first to third generations and 45 Mega versions. Furthermore, the Mystery Dungeon features Primal Riversion and the unexpected appearance of Lucario and Riolu. Unlike other Pokémon games, this game is played by recruiting Pokémon to join your team that you will meet in dungeons. Game mechanics allow for unique strategies with Shellder, Cloyster, Gastly, and other evolution lines.
Pokemon Unite
The Pokemon Unite is the newest game in the online world, featuring playable monsters with varying roles and styles. It comes with 29 characters, starting with just the base stats, and evolves when the Pokémon levels up in a match. However, Pikachu is an exception, and only other characters will evolve, such as Charizard, Venusaur, Garchomp, and Dragonite. So, who's the greatest Pokemon player ever?
Mega Evolutions and Gigantamax Forms
Mega Evolutions: 48 different Mega Evolution forms across 46 species, introduced in Generation VI. These temporary transformations boost stats and sometimes change typing during battle, providing strategic advantages in competitive play. Notable examples include Mega Charizard and Mega Mewtwo.
Gigantamax Forms: 32 special Gigantamax forms that not only increase size but also change appearance and provide access to exclusive G-Max moves, offering unique battle mechanics beyond standard Dynamaxing.
Pokemon Game Variations Across Nintendo Systems
The Pokémon introduced across different Nintendo systems have varied significantly. Games on the Nintendo DS, such as Pokémon Black, featured unique mechanics, while later games on the Nintendo Switch introduced new species and forms. From Pokémon Gold's Gen VII additions to Pokémon Ruby's Gen VI contributions, each system brought new elements to the franchise.
Some games featured partner Pokémon, such as partner Pikachu and partner Eevee, while others introduced evolution chains, including Caterpie, Metapod, Butterfree, and Totodile, as well as Croconaw. Even Ultra Sun contributed additional forms, with some featuring aqua breed and blaze breed variations.
Future Additions
With Pokémon Legends: Z-A announced for late 2025, fans can expect new Pokémon and potentially new Mega Evolutions to be introduced, which will likely increase the total count beyond 1,025 species. The Pokémon universe continues to expand with upcoming releases and special events, with Pokémon Scarlet receiving updates alongside Scarlet-Violet expansions.
Shiny Pokémon & Additional Variants
Shiny Pokémon represent alternate color variations of existing species, with each of the 1,025 species having a shiny variant. These rare color variations are not considered separate entries in the National Dex but are highly sought after by collectors.
FAQs
How many Gen 1 Pokémon are there?
There are 151 Gen 1 Pokemon in total. The first Pokémon was #001 Bulbasaur and ended with #151 Mew.
How many to-be-released Pokemon are there?
The Pokémon universe revealed the release of new games, Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. But what shocked fans the most is the upcoming ninth generation of Pokémon to be released in 2022. It was unclear how many Pokemon are set to be released, but the trailer featured the starter Pokémon for Generation IX. Additionally, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is set to release in 2025 and may introduce new creatures and Mega Evolutions, potentially increasing the official count further.
What counts as a separate Pokemon?
Only distinct species introduced receive unique National Pokédex numbers. Regional forms, Mega Evolutions, and Gigantamax forms are considered variations of existing species rather than separate entries in the National Pokédex.
In Summary
Whether you're a fan of Pokémon anime, games, or collecting, the ever-expanding roster of species offers endless opportunities for discovery and collection. From the original 151 creatures to today's count of 1,025 unique species — and over 1,164 when including all forms and variations — the Pokémon world continues to grow and capture our imaginations.
At Toynk, we're passionate about bringing you the latest and greatest Pokémon merchandise to celebrate your fandom. From classic Generation I favorites to the newest discoveries in the Paldea region, we have collectibles, plush toys, and lifestyle products for every type of trainer.
Also, if you’re looking for Pokemon toys, check our website out!
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References:
- https://screenrant.com/pokemon-how-many-2020-2021-national-pokedex-full/
- https://www.cbr.com/pokemon-questions-answers-facts-trivia/
