Version-exclusive Pokémon

Version-exclusive Pokémon, also known as game-exclusive Pokémon, are that are only found in one or two games within a particular set, to encourage trading between players. For example, between , appears only in Ruby, while appears only in Sapphire. Therefore, a player with Sapphire would not be able to obtain Mawile in-game and could trade with a player of Ruby to obtain one, and vice versa. Version-exclusive Pokémon usually complement each other in design, type, and location in the wild.
It is typical for several evolutionary lines of Pokémon that are version-exclusive between the of a set to be obtainable in the upper versions, while some lines that are obtainable in each of the original versions will be unobtainable in the upper versions. For example, the , , and lines were obtainable in both , but unobtainable in .
==In the core series games==
Below is a list of Pokémon exclusive to games. The games are separated by generation as well as by regional Pokédex, meaning that for example, are grouped together separately from and from . Any Pokémon that appears in only some of the games in a group will be listed.
===Generation I===
Listed below under the "Blue" header is the Pokémon distribution in the Japanese Pokémon Blue. This is not the same as the ; the Pokémon distribution in the Western Pokémon Blue is the same as that of the .
===Generation II===
, , , and are available in the opposite paired version in Japan than they are internationally, with the first two in the Japanese and Korean and the latter two in the Japanese and Korean . This list reflects the international version of the games.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Silver, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Gold; however, and can be obtained in the other version as prizes from the Goldenrod Game Corner.
* can only be obtained in normal gameplay in the Virtual Console rerelease of Pokémon Crystal, and is exclusive to a Japanese event in the original Game Boy Color release.
===Generation III===
========
* Mixing records with a player of a different game allows mass outbreaks to be transferred between the two games. This allows for swarms to be transferred from Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire to Pokémon Emerald, and and swarms to be transferred from Pokémon Emerald to Pokémon Sapphire.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Emerald, but can be encountered in the wild in all three versions, and can evolve into Mightyena.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Sapphire and Emerald, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon Ruby, but both and can be encountered in the wild all three versions, and can evolve into Banette and Dusclops respectively.
* If the player obtains an event item, the Eon Ticket, they can encounter whichever of and they could not encounter in their game.
* In Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, is always in its Normal Forme; in Pokémon Emerald, Deoxys is always in its Speed Forme. However, Deoxys cannot be obtained in any of these games during normal gameplay.
===== (National Pokédex)=====
The following are only found in , once the National Pokédex is obtained: 
* Most of these Pokémon are found in the upgraded in Pokémon Emerald; , , and are found in other locations exclusive to Pokémon Emerald.
* While the Johto first partner Pokémon are obtainable exclusively (out of all Generation III core series titles) in Emerald, it requires the completion of the Hoenn Pokédex, which is not possible without trading with other games.
========
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon FireRed, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon LeafGreen. However, wild , , and can be encountered and evolved in both games.
* In Pokémon FireRed, is always in its Attack Forme; in Pokémon LeafGreen, Deoxys is always in its Defense Forme. However, Deoxys cannot be obtained in either game during normal gameplay.
===Generation IV===
========
* and cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in any game.
** Additionally, in Platinum only one of these fossils can be obtained depending on the Trainer ID number. An odd ID number will give fossils to revive Cranidos, while an even ID number will give fossils to revive Shieldon.
* Although wild and appear in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl in Dual-slot mode with FireRed and LeafGreen respectively, wild and appear in Pokémon Platinum without a second cartridge, and can be bred to obtain Elekid and Magby.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Diamond and Platinum, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon Pearl and Platinum, but both and can be encountered in the wild in both Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and can evolve into and respectively.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Diamond and Pearl respectively, but they can be obtained in Pokémon Platinum by and respectively.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Diamond and Platinum, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Pearl and Platinum, but Wurmple can be encountered in the wild in both Pokémon Diamond and Pearl and can evolve into either Silcoon or Cascoon, which can then evolve into Beautifly or Dustox respectively.
* The legendary giants, 's , and are exclusive to Pokémon Platinum, but each requires an event item or Pokémon to be encountered.
========
* , , , and cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in either game.
* If the player obtains an event item, the Enigma Stone, they can encounter whichever of and they could not encounter in their game.
* While wild are exclusive to SoulSilver, either version could obtain it from the Pokéwalker via a Japanese-only event course, .
* While wild are exclusive to HeartGold, either version could obtain it from the Pokéwalker via a Japanese-only event course, .
===Generation V===
========
* While is holding a Drive, the light on its cannon . The Burn and Shock Drives are exclusive to Pokémon Black, while the Douse and Chill Drives are exclusive to Pokémon White.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Black, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon White. However, there is an in-game trade in Nacrene City where the player can trade whichever of Cottonee or Petilil they can encounter in the wild for the other, which can then be evolved into Whimsicott or Lilligant respectively.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Black, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon White. However, Illumise can with or any male Pokémon in the or to produce Eggs that have a 50% chance of hatching into Volbeat, while Volbeat can breed with Ditto to produce Eggs that have a 50% chance of hatching into Illumise.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Black, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon White, but can be encountered in the wild in both games and can evolve into either Huntail or Gorebyss.
* , , and are exclusive to Pokémon White, while , , and are exclusive to Pokémon Black; however, these Pokémon were also available in the Pokémon Dream World.
=====White Forest=====
The following evolutionary lines can only be found in White Forest, which is exclusive to :
* These Pokémon's fully evolved forms can be battled in Trainer battles in Black City, which is exclusive to , but as these are Trainer battles the Pokémon cannot be caught. Furthermore, each game needs to connect with other players in order to increase the number of Pokémon they have. Only the unevolved forms appear in White Forest.
* , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , and were also obtainable from the Pokémon Dream World.
========
* While is holding a Drive, the light on its cannon . The Burn and Shock Drives are exclusive to Pokémon Black 2, while the Douse and Chill Drives are exclusive to Pokémon White 2.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Black 2, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon White 2. However, there is an in-game trade on where the player can trade whichever of Cottonee or Petilil they can encounter in the wild for the other, which can then be evolved into Whimsicott or Lilligant respectively.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Black 2, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon White 2. However, Illumise can with or any male Pokémon in the or to produce Eggs that have a 50% chance of hatching into Volbeat, while Volbeat can breed with Ditto to produce Eggs that have a 50% chance of hatching into Illumise.
* In the grass on and in Lostlorn Forest, wild only appear in Pokémon White 2 and wild only appear in Pokémon Black 2; however, in Lostlorn Forest's Hidden Grotto (which is not tracked by the Pokédex), both can appear in either version.
* Wild and can only be found randomly in Hidden Grottos, and only while playing specific, version-exclusive Funfest Missions. However, if one player starts such a mission, other nearby players regardless of version will be able to join the mission, whereupon they may find the Pokémon and catch it in their own game.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Black 2, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon White 2, but can be encountered in the wild in both games and can evolve into either Huntail or Gorebyss.
* In Pokémon Black 2, Benga gives the player a , which cannot otherwise be obtained in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (outside of Poké Transfer); in Pokémon White 2, he gives the player a Shiny Dratini, but Dratini can be encountered in the wild in both games.
* Using the Key System, the player can encounter in Pokémon Black 2 by transferring the key from Pokémon White 2, and can encounter in Pokémon White 2 by transferring the key from Pokémon Black 2. Regice and Registeel cannot otherwise be encountered in either game.
===Generation VI===
========
* For some version-exclusive Pokémon in these games that have Mega Evolutions (, , , and ), each game can obtain the Mega Stones for the Pokémon that appear in the opposite game, but not the ones for Pokémon exclusive to that game. Meanwhile, Mega Stones for and can be obtained in their respective games.
* , , , and , cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in either game.
* While single encounters for wild and on are version-exclusive, they can still be found in a Horde Encounter in both games.
* While single encounters for wild and on are version-exclusive, they can still be found in a Horde Encounter in both games.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon X, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon Y, but can be encountered in the wild in both games and can evolve into either Huntail or Gorebyss.
* Some otherwise-exclusive Pokémon on this list - , , , , , , , , , , and - can be found in either game in the Friend Safari with certain 3DS friend codes registered. Interestingly, this list includes more of Pokémon Y's exclusives than X's.
========
* , , , , , and cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in either game.
* While single encounters for wild and on are version-exclusive, they can still be found in a Horde Encounter in both games. Consequently, they can also be encountered as single encounters by forcing them to appear as using the DexNav's search function.
* If the player obtains an event item, the Eon Ticket, they can encounter whichever of and they could not encounter in their game.
===Generation VII===
========
* , , , and cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in either game.
* While 's Evolution into or is version-exclusive, both of these Lycanroc forms can be found in the in both games.
========
* While 's Evolution into or is version-exclusive, both of these Lycanroc forms can be found in the in both games.
=====Totem-sized Pokémon=====
The player can obtain unique Totem-sized Pokémon from Samson Oak at Heahea Beach by collecting Totem Stickers. With the exception of , these Pokémon are version-exclusive.
========
* The version-exclusive the player starts with cannot be traded to other games.
* While the player can receive a single in Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and a single in Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! as a gift Pokémon, they cannot be encountered in the wild in those respective games.
* While other version-exclusive Pokémon aren't available during normal gameplay, they can be transferred through the GO Park.
===Generation VIII===
========
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, in both games, they can be found in Max Raid Battles, and , and can be caught and evolved.
* Wild male is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Indeedee is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained in either game through .
* Wild male is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild female Meowstic is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, both genders can be obtained by evolving of the appropriate gender.
* Wild is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, there is an in-game trade on Circhester where the player can trade a to obtain Throh/Sawk.
* Wild is exclusive to Pokémon Sword, while wild is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. However, and can be obtained in both versions, enabling players to collect both if they trade with another player in order to evolve them. Alternatively, if the Expansion Pass is purchased, then wild Escavalier and Accelgor can be found in both versions.
* and are exclusive to Sword and Shield, respectively, in the base game. However, the opposite version can be obtained if the Expansion Pass is purchased.
=====The Isle of Armor=====
=====The Crown Tundra=====
* Players can obtain legendaries that cannot be found in their game by joining other players' Dynamax Adventures. Once encountered, the player unlocks its path.
=====Gigantamax Raid exclusive=====
These raids are exclusive to their particular game, but players from either game can be recruited to participate. Additionally, if the player has purchased the Pokémon Sword Expansion Pass or the Pokémon Shield Expansion Pass, they can obtain any Gigantamax Pokémon by feeding their Pokémon , regardless of which version they are playing.
* Although the appearance of Gigantamax doesn't change with its , wild Gigantamax Alcremie have been made exclusive to specific games through the Wild Area News with Salted Cream and Ruby Swirl Alcremie originally exclusive to Pokémon Sword and Caramel Swirl and Rainbow Swirl Alcremie originally exclusive to Pokémon Shield. Later events released with the Gigantamax Factor in this way, allowing players to evolve them into Alcremie of any form.
* Although the appearance of Gigantamax doesn't change with its , wild Gigantamax Toxtricity have been made exclusive to specific games through the Wild Area News with Amped Form Toxtricity exclusive to raids in Pokémon Sword while Low Key Form Toxtricity exclusive to raids in Pokémon Shield.
========
* and cannot be encountered in the wild; instead, they must be revived from a fossil. The fossils themselves are version-exclusive, but they can be traded between games as held items, technically allowing each fossil Pokémon to be obtained in either game.
* While the , , , and line are not version-exclusive like in Diamond and Pearl because they are all available in Grand Underground on both versions, they retain the version-exclusive encounter locations from the original games on surface Sinnoh.
* Wild are exclusive to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, while wild are exclusive to Pokémon Shining Pearl, but both and can be encountered in the wild in both Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and can evolve into and respectively.
* Wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, while wild and are exclusive to Pokémon Shining Pearl, but Wurmple can be encountered in the wild in both Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and can evolve into either Silcoon or Cascoon, which can then evolve into Beautifly or Dustox respectively.
===Generation IX===
========
* While and 's Evolution items can only be obtained in one game (namely, the Auspicious Armor in Scarlet and the Malicious Armor in Violet), both can be obtained via 5★ or 6★ Tera Raid Battles in either version.
* While and are exclusive to Violet in the base game, Scarlet players can obtain them if they purchase the "The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero" DLC.
=====The Teal Mask=====
=====The Indigo Disk=====
* Every Legendary Pokémon can be encountered in both versions, though being able to find the opposite-version ones requires doing Blueberry Quests with other players.
==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series===
As trading is not possible between these games, the listed Pokémon will appear in the wild only after a rescue mission involving the Pokémon is completed. This requires a Wonder Mail Code from the alternate version, in which the Pokémon is normally found.
Because Red Rescue Team was not released in South Korea, the Korean version of Blue Rescue Team has every Pokémon available by default.
====Red and Blue Rescue Team====
* , while only available in Blue Rescue Team (without a Wonder Mail mission), is also available via evolving in Red Rescue Team.
====Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky====
* All version-exclusive Pokémon in Time or Darkness can be unlocked in the other game through Wonder Mail, except and . The only way to obtain Mewtwo and Celebi in the opposite version was through a Wi-fi exclusive downloadable mission. This mission is unique in that it does not have a Wonder Mail code, but it can be shared through local communication.
* Giratina Origin form and both Shaymin forms cannot be unlocked in Time and Darkness.
* and will only appear after graduating from the guild in Explorers of Sky, due to Riolu being a first Pokémon in that game.
====Keep Going! Blazing, Let's Go! Stormy, and Go For It! Light Adventure Squad!====
==In animation==
The fourteenth movie released in two different versions: White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram. Much like the games, there are Pokémon that are exclusive to each movie.
===Pokémon The Movie: White—Victini and Zekrom and Black—Victini and Reshiram===
* Ash's Tranquill appears in both White and Black; however, in White, wild Tranquill also appear in the intro.
* appears in both White and Black, but under different circumstances. In Black, wild Blitzle appear in the intro; while in White, one appears under the ownership of Luisa.
* appears in both White and Black, under the ownership of Juanita. However, it is in Black.
* appears in both White and Black, under the ownership of Carlita. However, it is Shiny in White.
==Trivia==
* Due to the large number of wild Pokémon that can only be caught in White Forest, which is an area that is exclusive to Pokémon White, Pokémon White has the largest number of version-exclusive Pokémon in the core series to date.
* In , most version-exclusive Pokémon in the Generation III core series games can be caught using the with that game in the GBA slot.
** All evolutionary lines that can only be encountered via the dongle method in Diamond and Pearl other than and are version-exclusive Pokémon in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. Conversely, all cases of non-Legendary version-exclusive Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl that are not in Diamond and Pearl are from lines that can only be encountered via the dongle method in the latter.
* All seven Pokémon in the Hoenn Pokédex that are missing in are obtainable in , allowing it to be completed in Emerald by trading with only one other game instead of with both .
==In other languages==
==Related articles==
* List of Pokémon by availability
* Version-exclusive moves
* Mutually exclusive Pokémon
Category:Game mechanics
Category:Lists of Pokémon
de:Editionsspezifische Pokémon
es:Lista de Pokémon exclusivos de cada videojuego
fr:Pokémon exclusif
it:Pokémon esclusivi in base alla versione
ja:バージョン限定ポケモン
zh:版本限定宝可梦