The fourth generation multiplied forms: the same Pokémon can change color depending on which side of Mt. Coronet it lives on, change its cloak depending on the terrain, change appearance with the weather, or transform with an item. Here are all of Sinnoh’s forms and how to get them.

A form doesn’t change the species: the Pokédex counts a single Shellos and a single Burmy. But some forms change the Pokémon’s types, stats or moves, like Rotom, Giratina or Shaymin.

Diamond and Pearl also introduce differences between males and females: many Pokémon have a detail that sets them apart, such as the heart-shaped tail of a female Pikachu or the shorter crest of a female Shinx.

🌊Shellos and Gastrodon: east or west

Mt. Coronet splits Sinnoh in two. In the west live the pink Shellos and Gastrodon, known as the West Sea ones; in the east, the blue and green ones, from the East Sea. Their form depends only on where you catch them, and a Shellos keeps its color when it evolves.

🧥Burmy and Wormadam: three cloaks

Burmy wears a cloak made from its surroundings: Plant Cloak after a battle in grass, Sandy Cloak in a cave or on sand, Trash Cloak in a building. Its cloak changes after every battle. A female that evolves into Wormadam permanently keeps the cloak she was wearing, and with it a dual type: Bug and Grass, Bug and Ground, or Bug and Steel. A male becomes Mothim, with no cloak.

🌸Cherrim: overcast or sunshine

Cherrim keeps its petals closed in overcast weather. Under intense sunlight (Sunny Day or the Drought ability), it opens them, and its Flower Gift ability strengthens its team.

📺Rotom (Platinum)

In Platinum, Rotom can take possession of five household appliances: Heat (oven), Wash (washing machine), Frost (refrigerator), Fan (electric fan) and Mow (lawn mower). Each form has its own stats and a special move of the appliance’s type; in the fourth generation, Rotom remains Electric and Ghost, whatever its form. The appliances are found in a secret room in the Team Galactic Building in Eterna City, opened by the Secret Key, an item distributed at an event.

🐉Giratina, Shaymin and Arceus

  • Giratina: Altered Forme, more defensive, in the real world; Origin Forme, more offensive, in the Distortion World or when holding the Griseous Orb (Platinum).
  • Shaymin: Land Forme, Grass; Sky Forme, Grass and Flying, in Platinum thanks to the Gracidea, during the day. It reverts to its Land Forme at night or if it’s frozen.
  • Arceus: its type changes depending on the Plate it holds, among the seventeen types. See the sixteen Plates.

🔤The 28 Unown

The Solaceon Ruins are home to the Unown, each in the shape of a letter. All 26 letters can be caught in the ruins, with some only appearing as you encounter others. Once you’ve caught all 26, the Maniac Tunnel on Route 214 welcomes the ! and ? forms.

For event Pokémon and their forms, see our Premium guide Events and Distributions.