If you have ever wondered how many Pokémon exist, you are not alone. From the original 151 creatures to the latest discoveries, the franchise has introduced hundreds of unique species, each with its own abilities, types, evolutions, and characteristics.
As of October 2026, the National Pokédex lists 1,025 species, numbered from Bulbasaur (#0001) to Pecharunt (#1025). If you also include the three starter creatures revealed for the upcoming games Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves, the total number of known and revealed species reaches 1,028. These starters were announced on Pokémon Day, 27 February 2026, ahead of the games’ planned 2027 release.
Source: Official Pokémon Day 2026 announcement.
The distinction between these figures is important. The 1,025 total represents the established National Pokédex entries, whereas 1,028 includes three newly revealed starters that do not yet have official National Pokédex numbers.
In this guide, we explore the current species count, the number introduced in each generation, and the differences between individual species, regional forms, Mega Evolutions, and other variants.
How Many Pokémon Are There in Total?
The answer depends on what you include in your calculation.
- 1,025 species: The numbered National Pokédex entries covering Generations I through IX.
- 1,028 revealed creatures: The established species plus the three newly announced starters for the upcoming games.
- More than 1,028 forms and variants: The overall number increases when alternate forms, regional variants, Mega Evolutions, and other transformations are considered separately.
For most fans, collectors, and video game enthusiasts, 1,025 is the standard answer when asking how many species appear in the National Pokédex. The broader figure of 1,028 is useful when discussing the latest public reveals.
How Many Pokémon Are There in Each Generation?
New creatures are introduced through successive generations of video games. Each generation typically features a new region, fresh adventures, and additional species to discover.
The following table breaks down the nine generations represented in the current National Pokédex.
| Generation | Region | New Species | Cumulative Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation I | Kanto | 151 | 151 |
| Generation II | Johto | 100 | 251 |
| Generation III | Hoenn | 135 | 386 |
| Generation IV | Sinnoh | 107 | 493 |
| Generation V | Unova | 156 | 649 |
| Generation VI | Kalos | 72 | 721 |
| Generation VII | Alola | 88 | 809 |
| Generation VIII | Galar and Hisui | 96 | 905 |
| Generation IX | Paldea | 120 | 1,025 |
Note: These figures follow the standard National Pokédex species count. The three newly revealed starters for the upcoming generation are not included in the 1,025 numbered entries.
Generation V introduced the largest number of new species in a single generation, with 156 additions. In contrast, Generation VI added 72, making it the smallest generation by this measure.
These numbers demonstrate how the franchise has expanded since the original games launched in Japan in 1996.
What Was the First Generation?
The first generation introduced 151 species in the Kanto region through the original Red and Green games in Japan, followed by Blue and the international releases.
Some of the most recognisable characters from this generation include:
- Pikachu
- Charizard
- Bulbasaur
- Squirtle
- Mewtwo
- Mew
- Gengar
- Eevee
- Snorlax
- Dragonite
These classic creatures remain popular because of their long history across video games, the animated series, merchandise, and the Trading Card Game.
Pikachu has become one of the franchise’s most recognisable mascots, while Charizard, Mewtwo, and other original-generation favourites continue to attract attention from collectors.
What Is the Newest Pokémon?
The latest numbered entry in the National Pokédex is Pecharunt (#1025), a Poison- and Ghost-type Mythical species introduced through the downloadable content for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet.
Pecharunt is associated with The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion and is known for its Poison Puppeteer Ability.
However, the three starters revealed for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves in February 2026 are more recent public reveals. This means the answer to “How many species have been revealed?” can differ from the official National Pokédex total.
The upcoming games are planned for worldwide release in 2027, according to the supplied announcement. Until the new creatures receive official Pokédex entries, they should be distinguished from the established numbered species.
Are Mega Evolutions and Regional Forms Counted Separately?
No. Under the standard National Pokédex system, most alternate forms do not receive a separate species number.
A creature may have a regional form, Mega Evolution, or special transformation. These variations can affect its appearance, abilities, typing, or battle characteristics without representing an entirely new species.
Here are the main types of variants to understand.
1. Regional Forms
Regional forms are variations of existing species that have adapted to different environments.
Examples include Alolan Raichu, Galarian Ponyta, Hisuian Growlithe, and Paldean Wooper.
Although their appearances and characteristics may differ from their original counterparts, they are generally recorded under their existing species entries rather than counted as entirely new species.
2. Mega Evolutions
Mega Evolution temporarily transforms certain creatures during battle. This process changes their appearance and may also affect their abilities or types.
Mega Charizard X, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Lucario are familiar examples.
These transformations do not add separate base species to the standard National Pokédex total.
3. Gigantamax Forms
Gigantamax is a special transformation featured in Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield. Eligible creatures become enormous, acquire distinctive appearances, and gain access to special G-Max Moves.
Gigantamax Pikachu and Gigantamax Charizard are examples of this mechanic. Their transformed appearances do not increase the standard species count.
4. Other Forms and Variants
Some species have multiple appearances because of differences in gender, environment, battle mechanics, or other characteristics.
Examples include the different forms of Rotom, regional variations of Meowth, and the numerous forms associated with certain Legendary and Mythical creatures.
Consequently, counting every form separately produces a much higher figure than counting unique species. There is no single universally accepted total for every form and transformation unless the counting rules are clearly defined.
How Many Types Are There?
The main-series games currently feature 18 elemental types. These determine battle strengths, weaknesses, resistances, and immunities.
The complete list is:
Normal, Fire, Water, Electric, Grass, Ice, Fighting, Poison, Ground, Flying, Psychic, Bug, Rock, Ghost, Dragon, Dark, Steel, and Fairy.
Each species has one or two types, depending on its characteristics and form. For example, Pikachu is an Electric-type creature, while Charizard combines Fire and Flying types.
Understanding these classifications is useful for players building competitive teams, completing their games, or exploring the strategic side of battles.
How Many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon Are There?
Legendary and Mythical creatures are special classifications that often play important roles in game stories, regional history, and limited-time events.
Legendary examples include Mewtwo, Lugia, Rayquaza, Dialga, and Koraidon. These powerful creatures are frequently associated with major storylines, unusual abilities, or important regional legends.
Mythical examples include Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Victini, and Pecharunt. Historically, these species have often been associated with special distributions, events, or limited-access encounter methods.
These categories should not be added to the overall species total separately. Both Legendary and Mythical entries are already included in the National Pokédex count.
Their special classifications do not create additional species.
Why Does the Number Keep Increasing?
The franchise continues to introduce new creatures through successive generations of video games and related releases.
Each new generation may bring:
- New species and evolution lines.
- Fresh regions and environments to explore.
- New battle mechanics and transformations.
- Additional Legendary and Mythical characters.
- Regional forms of familiar favourites.
The expansion also creates new opportunities for collectors. New characters can appear in trading card sets, figures, plush toys, video games, and other merchandise.
For Trading Card Game enthusiasts, however, the number of species is very different from the number of available cards. A single character can feature across numerous releases, with different artwork, rarities, promotional editions, special illustrations, and alternate versions.
That is why completing a collection of every species and completing a trading card collection are two very different challenges.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How many Pokémon are there in 2026?
The National Pokédex contains 1,025 numbered species as of October 2026, based on the figures used in this guide. Including the three starters revealed for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves brings the known and revealed count to 1,028.
Is the total 1,025 or 1,028?
Both figures refer to different counting methods. The 1,025 figure represents established National Pokédex entries. The 1,028 figure also includes three newly revealed starters that do not yet have official National Pokédex numbers.
Who is Pokémon number 1025?
Pecharunt is entry #1025 in the National Pokédex. It is a Mythical creature with Poison and Ghost typing.
How many were there originally?
The first generation introduced 151 species in the Kanto region.
Which generation introduced the most new species?
Generation V introduced 156 new species, the highest number of any single generation.
Are Mega Evolutions counted as new species?
No. Mega Evolutions are special transformations of existing creatures and are not counted as separate base species in the standard National Pokédex.
Are more Pokémon coming in 2027?
The upcoming Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves games are planned for release in 2027. Three starters were revealed in February 2026, with further details expected through official announcements.
Final Verdict: How Many Pokémon Exist Today?
As of October 2026, the standard answer is 1,025 species in the numbered National Pokédex. Including the three newly revealed starters for Pokémon Winds and Pokémon Waves brings the total number of known and revealed creatures to 1,028.
The distinction matters because the official Pokédex count, newly revealed species, and alternate forms measure different things.
From the original 151 inhabitants of Kanto to the latest announcements for the next generation, the franchise continues to expand. Whether you enjoy the video games, animated series, or trading cards, there are always new discoveries to explore.