- For the series, see Pokémon (series).

Artwork of several Pokémon in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series
Pokémon, short for Pocket Monsters, are the powerful animal-inspired creatures at the focus of the Pokémon franchise. In the Pokémon world, humans use Pokémon for various purposes, most notably training them in battle and treating them as pets and companions. They are also found in outer space and other dimensions.
When weakened, Pokémon can be caught in Poké Balls.
There are over a thousand known official Pokémon species. New Pokémon are introduced in each generation of the franchise, and players are encouraged to collect Pokémon with the slogan "Gotta catch 'em all!" (Japanese: ポケモン
Properties[]
Pokémon come in 18 official types, most of which are based on classical elements and broad taxonomic classifications. Each species has one or two types. Pokémon learn physical, special, and status moves for battle, which are a common demonstration of their supernatural abilities. Moves have one type each, which interact with the target's type(s) to determine the effectiveness of damaging moves, in a system widely compared to rock-paper-scissors.
Pokémon stats include HP, physical and special attack and defense, and speed. Each move has a PP stat that represents how many times it can be used. If all of a Pokémon's PP are depleted, it can use the move Struggle as a last resort. Items and healers, most commonly Pokémon Center nurses, can replenish these stats. Pokémon also have a happiness stat which is influenced by various means.
Especially in the videogames, each Pokémon has a level that reflects its experience in battle. This determines its strength and current maximum stats. They range from Lv.1 to Lv.100. When a Pokémon levels up, its stats increase, and it may learn new moves or evolve (a process similar to real-world metamorphosis). A Lv.100 Pokémon can no longer gain experience, level up, or evolve by leveling up.
List of Pokémon[]
- Main articles: Pokémon/Canon Species, Pokémon/Fanon Species
Classifications[]
Legendary, Mythical, and pseudo-legendary Pokémon[]
Legendary Pokémon refers to rare and especially powerful Pokémon that are often told of in historical legends, hence the name. Many Legendary Pokémon have relevance to the stories of the games, and are depicted on the boxart.
Mythical Pokémon are Legendary Pokémon that are so rare that some doubt their existence. Nearly all Mythical Pokémon are only available through real-world promotional events.
Pseudo-Legendary Pokémon is an unofficial term for doubly evolved Pokémon with a base stat total of 600. They are not considered Legendary Pokémon, but are often more powerful than other Pokémon. They are often used by Elite Four members and Champions.
PokéGods[]
The term "PokéGods", mainly used before Pokémon Gold Version and Pokémon Silver Version, referred to rumored Pokémon that could allegedly be obtained in Generation I. Most were said to be extremely powerful to the point of having godlike power, hence the name. Some PokéGods were official Pokémon who were difficult to encounter or unattainable at the time, likely legitimizing the rumors. Several others were fan ideas for evolutions of known Pokémon.
For instance, Mew was considered a PokéGod. Its inclusion was initially a secret, even to Nintendo. Mew was only officially distributed through real-world promotional events, and likely accidentally discovered through glitches or hacking in the meantime, giving rumors time to spread. Marill was misnamed "Pikablu" and thought to be an evolution of Raichu. Similar situations apply to many of the Gen II Pokémon; information and translations were scarce, and many spreading the rumors did not realize that they were new Pokémon announcements that only applied to upcoming games and media.
A PokéGod that outlasted this rumor period is Mewthree, a presumed relative of Mew and Mewtwo. PokéGods, whether as a general concept or as the specific rumored species, have also been explored in some fan works. The term is used to refer to the Legendary Pokémon Arceus, Mew, Ho-Oh, and Darkrai in The Story of The Legends, and to the glitch Pokémon MissingNo. in Pokemon Quest: Alolan Paradise.
Other Appearances[]
Power Paintbrush Adventures[]
In Power Paintbrush Adventures, Pokemon are a race of partially feral creatures who flock KirbiMiroir's World. Such creatures must be fought and defeated in battle in order to transform them to their rawest state, which can then be used to summon the Pokemon in battle. Those who can call upon Pokemon in battle are called 'Summoners'.
A Summoner cannot be dubbed for such a title unless they complete their pilgrimage, which consists of slaying a wild Behemoth, praying to the Goddess of Lightning and then completing the task she gives you. If one was to either have failed their pilgrimage or not complete it by Age 11, they will be completely stripped of their life, as will any Pokemon they have met along the way.
When summoned in battle, a Pokemon can use one of up to three special attacks or "moves". Once they have made 1-3 moves, they will exit battle and must be summoned again.