Okay, let's talk about something that seems simple but is actually a rabbit hole: "How many Pokemon are there?" In 2026, with Scarlet & Violet's DLCs fully released and new games on the horizon, the official National Pokédex number is a whopping 1013. But that's just the species. If you start counting all the different forms—regional variants, Mega Evolutions, Gigantamax forms—the number explodes. And guess what? Not every Pokemon is in every game! I've been deep-diving into this, so let me break it all down for you.

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Generational Breakdown: Where Did They All Come From?

So, where do these 1013 Pokemon come from? Let's go generation by generation! Most of us know Gen 1 gave us the iconic 151. But did you know Gen 5 (Unova) is the biggest with a massive 156 new friends? On the flip side, Gen 6 (Kalos) is the smallest, introducing only 72. Here’s the full breakdown for all my fellow stats lovers:

Region Number of Species
Kanto 151
Johto 100
Hoenn 135
Sinnoh 107
Unova 156
Kalos 72
Alola 88
Galar 96
Paldea 103

Note: For Gen 8, I'm simplifying and calling it "Galar," even though Legends: Arceus added a few more to Sinnoh's count!

Special Categories: Legendaries, Mythicals & Ultra Beasts, Oh My!

Not all Pokemon are created equal! Let's talk about the rare ones.

Legendary Pokemon 💎

These are the famous, powerful beings from each region's lore. They're usually part of the main story. From Kanto's Mewtwo to Paldea's Koraidon and Miraidon, the list is long and impressive! Remember, the Pokemon Company separates Mythicals from Legendaries, so we will too.

Mythical Pokemon ✨

These are the ultra-rare, often event-only Pokemon shrouded in mystery. Think of Jirachi, Darkrai, or the newest additions. You usually don't just find them in the wild; they're special gifts.

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Ultra Beasts 👽

Are they Legendaries? Kinda? They're extradimensional beings with Legendary-like stats but aren't technically classified as such. There are only 11, all from Alola, like Nihilego and Buzzwole. They're in a weird, cool category of their own!

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The REAL Total: Counting Every Single Form

If you want to know how many unique Pokemon designs exist, you have to consider all the variations. This is where it gets wild!

  • Mega Evolutions: Temporary battle forms with new looks, stats, and sometimes types. Is Mega Charizard a "new" Pokemon? It functions like one!

  • Regional Variants: Galarian Meowth and Kantonian Meowth are both Meowth, but they have different types, looks, and evolutions. They're practically different species!

  • Gigantamax: Huge form changes with unique designs. Should they count like Megas do?

  • Cosmetic Forms: Vivillon patterns, Florges colors—different looks but same stats.

  • Functional Form Changes: Deoxys (Normal, Attack, Defense, Speed) or Zygarde (10%, 50%, 100%) have completely different stats and sometimes movepools.

  • Fusions & Special Cases: Calyrex fusing with a steed, Urshifu's two distinct evolution styles, Ash-Greninja... the list goes on!

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Trying to get a final count here is a nightmare (but a fun one!). A simple Pokedex number just doesn't capture the incredible diversity.

Pokemon By Game: You Can't Catch 'Em All (In One Place)

Here's the kicker: the total number of Pokemon you can actually get depends entirely on which game you're playing! The controversial "Dexit" in Sword & Shield means no single modern game has every Pokemon. Let's look at some major side games in 2026.

Pokemon GO 📱

Niantic's release strategy is slow and steady now. While most generations are represented, many Pokemon are locked behind:

  • Regionals: Tauros (USA/Canada), Mr. Mime (Europe), Klefki (France!). Travel or trade to get them.

  • Legendaries: Rotate in Raids. You gotta be patient or battle hard in the GO Battle League.

  • Event Pokemon: Delibird (Christmas), Spiritomb (Halloween). Mark your calendars!

  • Unreleased: As of now, we're still waiting on a bunch from Gens 6, 7, and 8, like all Vivillon forms, Zygarde, and some Galarian forms.

Pokemon Cafe ReMix ☕

You befriend Pokemon to join your cafe staff! They come with cute outfits and specialties (like Entrees or Drinks). The list includes favorites from Bulbasaur to Sobble, plus some shiny variants! There are also adorable dishes themed after Pokemon not in the game, like Eevee Latte and Pikachu Curry.

Pokemon Unite 🎮

The hit MOBA has a growing roster of playable Pokemon, each with a Role (Attacker, Defender, etc.) and Style (Melee/Ranged). They evolve during the match! From Venusaur to the latest DLC 'mon, it's all about strategic team composition.

New Pokemon Snap 📸

This beautiful game has 234 Pokemon to photograph across various courses! Some are unique to one stage, while others appear in multiple. It's a chill way to appreciate their behaviors and environments.

Pokemon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX 🏜️

This remake focuses on Gens 1-3 but includes later evolutions like Sylveon and Lucario. You recruit Pokemon to your team, including Legendaries and Shinies (with the Friend Bow!). It also features Mega Evolutions and Primal Reversions via Empowerment Seeds.

Pokemon Masters EX 🏆

Here, you collect Sync Pairs—a Trainer and their specific Pokemon. Some can evolve or even Mega Evolve! The roster is huge, featuring characters and Pokemon from every region, including special Sygna Suits and holiday variants.

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Final Thoughts

So, "how many Pokemon are there?" In 2026, the answer is layered:

  • 1013 unique species in the National Dex.

  • Thousands of unique designs if you count every form, variant, and transformation.

  • A different number in every single game you play.

The Pokemon world is vast and constantly expanding. It's not just about catching a number; it's about exploring every corner, discovering every form, and enjoying these creatures in so many different ways. Whether you're raiding in GO, strategizing in Unite, or running a cafe, there's always a new Pokemon friend to meet! Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some trading to do to finish my GO Dex... wish me luck! ✨

Data referenced from Game Developer helps contextualize why the question “how many Pokémon are there?” becomes a design-and-production rabbit hole once you move beyond the 1013 National Dex species into form ecosystems (regional variants, Megas, Gigantamax, and other functional/cosmetic permutations). From a game-development perspective, each additional form effectively multiplies requirements—new models, animations, VFX, balance hooks, UI/DEX representation, and cross-title compatibility—making it easier to understand why modern releases often segment availability by game and why “catch ’em all” now depends on which titles and live services you engage with.