Regions

Regions are an organized areas of the Pokémon world known from previous games about Pokémon such as games from core series. In Pokémon GO there are currently nine regions referred, which are Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar and Hisui.

Kanto
The Pokémon known from Kanto region were the base Pokémon released in Pokémon GO, but not all Pokémon of this region were released at one time.

History

 * Most of the Pokémon from Kanto were released with the game release.
 * November, 2016 – Ditto was released disguised as other Pokémon.
 * July, 2017 – Articuno was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2017 with the release of Raid Battles for the first time.
 * July, 2017 – Moltres was released in Raid Battles for the first time.
 * August, 2017 – Zapdos was released in Raid Battles for the first time.
 * August, 2017 – Mewtwo was released as a Raid Boss at the start of Pokémon GO Stadium.
 * March, 2018 – Mew was released at the start of A Mythical Discovery.

Johto
Johto is the second region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO. The Pokémon from this region were firstly released in December 2016 as Baby Pokémon available to hatch from Pokémon Eggs.

History

 * December, 2016 – Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby were released as Pokémon available only to hatch from Pokémon Eggs. Togetic, as the evolution of Togepi, was also released.
 * February, 2017 – over 80 Pokémon from this region became available to catch in the wild and hatch from eggs.
 * July, 2017 – Lugia was released as the Legendary Raid Boss for the first time and were available to catch only after defeating it.
 * August, 2017 – Legendary Beasts were released as Legendary Raid Bosses for the first time and were available to catch only after defeating them. All three of these Pokémon were exclusive to following regions:
 * Raikou – battled throughout the Americas
 * Entei – battled throughout Europe and Africa
 * Suicune – battled throughout the Asia-Pacific region
 * September, all three of Legendary Beasts moved to different locations and are available until October in following regions:
 * Raikou – battled throughout the Asia-Pacific region
 * Entei – battled throughout the Americas
 * Suicune – battled throughout Europe and Africa
 * October, all three of Legendary Beasts moved for last time to different locations and were available until November in following regions:
 * Raikou - Europe and Africa
 * Entei - Asia-Pacific region
 * Suicune - the Americas.
 * November, 2017 – Ho-Oh was released as the Legendary Raid Boss for the first time and were available to catch only after defeating it.
 * December, 2017 – Delibird was announced to be released along with 20 Ice and Water-type Pokémon from Hoenn.
 * It was released a day later, on December, 2017, at the start of Holiday 2017.
 * July, 2018 – Celebi was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2018 for attendees only.
 * August, 2018 – Celebi became available worldwide as the reward for completing A Ripple in Time.
 * February, 2019 – Smeargle was released along with the release of GO Snapshot.

Hoenn
Hoenn is the third region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO.

Selected non-legendary Pokémon from this region were mostly released in 5 waves:
 * 1) In October 2017 as a part of Halloween 2017 – 5 Ghost-type Pokémon.
 * 2) In December 2017 as main release of Hoenn-region Pokémon – 50 selected Pokémon.
 * 3) In late December 2017, more Pokémon of this region were made available – 20 aquatic themed, mainly Water and Ice-type Pokémon.
 * 4) In January 2018, yet more were made available – 23 desert themed, mainly Ground and Rock-type Pokémon.
 * 5) In February 2018, more selected, sky themed, mainly Flying and Dragon-type Pokémon.

Currently there is a one Pokémon that is yet to be released &mdash; Kecleon.

History

 * October, 2017 – Five Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon, Sableye, Shuppet, Banette, Duskull and Dusclops, were released at the start of Halloween 2017.
 * December, 2017 – 50 selected Pokémon from the Hoenn region were announced to become available to catch in the wild and hatch from eggs later that week along with Weather game feature.
 * They were made available to catch in wild and hatch from eggs on December, 2017, along with Mawile and Absol introduced as Raid Bosses.
 * This release might be called the "main release" of this-region Pokémon, as it brings  to the gameplay  the most of them.
 * December, 2017 – Groudon was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * December, 2017 – 20 Water- and Ice-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region were announced to catch in wild and they were released a day later on December.
 * January, 2018 – Kyogre was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * January, 2018 – 23 mostly Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region were announced and were released to catch in wild later the same day.
 * February, 2018 – 19 mostly Flying- and Dragon-type Pokémon from the Hoenn region were announced to catch in wild and they were released a day later on February.
 * February, 2018 – Rayquaza was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * April, 2018 – Latios was released to be defeated and captured across the Americas and Africa for the first time; until it switched with is counterpart Latias, which is now available in Europe and Asia.
 * May, 2018 – Latias was available to be defeated and captured across the Americas and Africa for the first time; while is counterpart Latios is available in Europe and Asia.
 * June, 2018 – Regice was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * July, 2018 – Registeel was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * August, 2018 – the 8th pattern variant of Spinda was released as a reward for Field Research tasks.
 * September, 2018 – the 3rd pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * October, 2018 – the 1st pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * November, 2018 – the 7th pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * December, 2018 – the 6th pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * January, 2019 – the 5th pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * March, 2019 – the 2nd pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * May, 2019 – the 4th pattern variant of Spinda was released.
 * August, 2018 – Regirock was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * October, 2018 – Deoxys was released to be battled exclusively in EX Raid Battles.
 * December, 2018 – Attack Forme Deoxys was released to be battled exclusively in EX Raid Battles.
 * March, 2019 – Defense Forme Deoxys was released to be battled exclusively in EX Raid Battles.
 * July, 2019 – Speed Forme Deoxys was released to be battled exclusively in EX Raid Battles.
 * November, 2018 – Nincada, Ninjask, Shedinja were exclusively released with the Bug-type Pokémon themed Research tasks. Nincada became reward for regular Field Research tasks, while Shedinja could be rewarded from Field Research Breakthrough.
 * February, 2019 – Clamperl was released at the start of Clamperl Limited Research.
 * June, 2019 – Jirachi was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2019 Chicago for attendees only.
 * August, 2019 – Jirachi became available worldwide as the reward for completing A Thousand-Year Slumber.

Sinnoh
Sinnoh is the fourth region in Pokédex and the fifth region in release order available in Pokémon GO. Pokémon originally discovered in this region are released in waves. The release in waves is similar to Hoenn-region Pokémon release however there are no particular type-themes of these waves.

Currently there are 104 out of 107 Pokémon species from Sinnoh region released to the game. The unreleased Pokémon from this region are: Phione, Manaphy and Arceus.

History

 * October, 2018 – Release of Sinnoh-region Pokémon was officially announced.
 * October, 2018 – 26 selected Pokémon were released to the gameplay. Including:
 * Turtwig, Chimchar, Piplup, Starly, Bidoof, Kricketot and Buneary were released in the wild.
 * Shinx and Riolu were released in Eggs.
 * Carnivine was reported to appear exclusively in Southern areas of the.
 * Chatot was reported to appear exclusively in countries of Southern Hemisphere.
 * Pachirisu was reported to appear exclusively in North-Arctic countries (, Northern ).
 * October, 2018 – 6 select Ghost- and Dark-type Pokémon were released at the start of Halloween 2018. Including:
 * Drifloon, Stunky and Skuntank were released to the wild, with Drifblim available from evolution.
 * Spiritomb was made available from event-exclusive Special Research task series &mdash; A Spooky Message.
 * Altered Forme Giratina was released as Legendary Raid Boss for the first time.
 * November, 2018 – Budew, Buizel, and Floatzel were released, but not Roserade.
 * November, 2018 – 11 selected Pokémon, that are evolved forms of previously available in game Pokémon from other regions, were released to the game. These Pokémon were: Roserade, Mismagius, Honchkrow, Weavile, Rhyperior, Electivire, Magmortar, Togekiss, Gliscor, Porygon-Z and Dusknoir were released into gameplay with the release of the Sinnoh Stone.
 * November, 2018 – Cresselia was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * December, 2018 – 14 Pokémon were released at the start of Holiday 2018. Including:
 * Families of Bronzor, Skorupi, Croagunk, Finneon and Snover were released in wild.
 * Chingling, Munchlax and Mantyke were released in Eggs.
 * Heatran was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * January, 2019 – Palkia was available to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * January, 2019 – 15 Pokémon were released, including:
 * Families of Combee, Glameow and Fossil Pokémon – Cranidos and Shieldon were released.
 * Bonsly was made available to be hatched from eggs and was the first Baby Pokémon in the game to require Buddy distance walked in order to evolve it.
 * 6 selected Pokémon, that are evolved forms of previously available in game Pokémon from other regions, were released to the game. These Pokémon were: Ambipom, Lickilicky, Tangrowth, Yanmega, Gallade and Froslass.
 * February, 2019 – Happiny was released from Eggs at the start of Valentine's Day 2019.
 * February, 2019 – Mamoswine was released on a day prior to February Community Day that featured Swinub.
 * March, 2019 – Dialga was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * April, 2019 – Origin Forme Giratina was released to be defeated and caught in Raid Battle for the first time.
 * April, 2019 – The Lake Guardians Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf were released to be the first Legendary Pokémon to be released in wild.
 * May, 2019 – 16 Pokémon were released, including:
 * Families of Burmy, Cherubi, Shellos, Gible and Hippopotas were released.
 * Magnezone, Leafeon, Glaceon and Probopass were released via evolution with the release of advanced Lure Modules.
 * September, 2019 – Mime Jr. was released from Eggs in Europe at the start of World Tourism Day.
 * October, 2019 – Darkrai was released in Raid Battle at the start of Halloween 2019.
 * November, 2019 – Regigigas was released as the reward for completing A Colossal Discovery.
 * July, 2020 – Wash Rotom was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2020 for ticket holders only.
 * June, 2022 – Shaymin was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 for ticket holders only.
 * July, 2022 – Mow Rotom and Sky Forme Shaymin were released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin for ticket holders only.

Unova
Unova is the fifth region in Pokédex and the sixth region in release order available in Pokémon GO. It was first mentioned in the blog post of Ultra Bonus Event 2019. Pokémon originally discovered in this region are released in waves.

Currently there are 151 out of 156 Pokémon species from Unova region released to the game. These are unreleased Pokémon from Unova region:
 * Zorua and Zoroark
 * Larvesta and Volcarona
 * Keldeo

History

 * September, 2019 – 46 selected Pokémon were released to the gameplay. Including:
 * Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Patrat, Lillipup, Purrloin, Pidove, Blitzle, Drilbur, Foongus, Ferroseed, Litwick, Golett and Deino were released in wild and Eggs.
 * Klink was introduced to Eggs and Raid Battles.
 * Pansage, Pansear, Panpour, Heatmor and Durant were made to be region-exclusive.
 * October, 2019 – Yamask was released at the start of Halloween 2019.
 * November, 2019 – Cobalion was released in Raid Battles.
 * November, 2019 – Terrakion was released in Raid Battles.
 * December, 2019 – Virizion was released in Raid Battles.
 * December, 2019 – Cubchoo and Cryogonal were released at the start of Holiday 2019.
 * January, 2020 – 34 selected Pokémon were released to the gameplay. Including:
 * Roggenrola, Tympole, Venipede, Dwebble, Tirtouga, Archen, Trubbish, Karrablast, Joltik, Axew and Shelmet were released in wild and Eggs.
 * Timburr was released to Eggs and Raid Battles.
 * Throh, Sawk, Basculin, Maractus and Sigilyph were made to be region-exclusive.
 * January, 2020 – Darumaka and Standard Mode Darmanitan were released at the start of Lunar New Year 2020.
 * January, 2020 – Scraggy was released via GO Battle League.
 * February, 2020 – Woobat was released at the start of Woobat Limited Research.
 * February, 2020 – Minccino was released at the start of Minccino Limited Research.
 * February, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Tornadus was released in Raid Battles.
 * February, 2020 – Audino and Alomomola were released at the start of Valentine's Day 2020.
 * March, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Thundurus was released in Raid Battles.
 * March, 2020 – Rufflet was released via GO Battle League Season 1.
 * March, 2020 – Genesect was released as the reward for completing A Drive to Investigate.
 * March, 2020 – Gothita and Solosis were released at the start of Psychic Spectacular 2020.
 * March, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Landorus was released in Raid Battles.
 * April, 2020 – Stunfisk was released at the start of Tricky Pokémon 2020.
 * May, 2020 – Reshiram was released in Raid Battles.
 * June, 2020 – Zekrom was released in Raid Battles.
 * July, 2020 – Ducklett was released at the start of 4th Anniversary.
 * July, 2020 – Kyurem was released in Raid Battles.
 * July, 2020 – Petilil was released at the start of Summer Event.
 * July, 2020 – Victini was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2020 for ticket holders only.
 * August, 2020 – Elgyem was released at the start of Enigma Week.
 * August, 2020 – Sewaddle, Cottonee, Emolga and Bouffalant were released at the start of Unova Week.
 * September, 2020 – Victini became available worldwide as the reward for completing Investigate a Mysterious Energy.
 * October, 2020 – Autumn Deerling was released at the start of The Seasons Change.
 * October, 2020 – Sandile, Pawniard and Vullaby were released from 12-km Eggs.
 * December, 2020 – Summer and Winter Deerling were released at the start of Season of Celebration.
 * December, 2020 – Vanillite was released at the start of Holiday 2020.
 * January, 2021 – Frillish was released at the start of the second half of GO Battle League Season 6.
 * February, 2021 – Munna was released at the start of Valentine's Day 2021.
 * March, 2021 – Tynamo was released at the start of Charge Up.
 * May, 2021 – Mienfoo was released at the start of the GO Battle League Season 8.
 * July, 2021 – Meloetta was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2021 for ticket holders only.
 * September, 2021 – Meloetta became available worldwide as the reward for completing Finding Your Voice.
 * December, 2021 – Druddigon was released at the start of Dragonspiral Descent.

Kalos
Kalos is the sixth region in Pokédex and the eighth region in release order available in Pokémon GO. It was first mentioned with GO Beyond on November, 2020. Pokémon originally discovered in this region are released in waves.

History

 * November, 2020 – Espurr was released in raids.
 * December, 2020 – 19 selected Pokémon were released to the gameplay. Including:
 * Chespin, Fennekin, Froakie, Bunnelby, Fletchling, Litleo and Noibat were made available in wild and Eggs.
 * Klefki was made to be region-exclusive to France.
 * April, 2021 – Skrelp and Clauncher was released at the start of Rivals' Week.
 * April, 2021 – Binacle was released at the start of Sustainability Week 2021.
 * May, 2021 – Spritzee, Swirlix, Goomy and Xerneas were released at the start of the first part of Luminous Legends X.
 * May, 2021 – Pancham was released at the start of the second part of Luminous Legends X.
 * May, 2021 – Yveltal was released at the start of the first part of Luminous Legends Y.
 * May, 2021 – Sylveon was released at the start of the second part of Luminous Legends Y.
 * September, 2021 – Hoopa Confined was released at the start of Hoopa's Arrival.
 * September, 2021 – Inkay was released at the start of Psychic Spectacular 2021.
 * September, 2021 – Furfrou was released at the start of Fashion Week 2021.
 * October, 2021 – Phantump and Pumpkaboo were released at the start of the second part of Halloween 2021.
 * November, 2021 – Dedenne was released at the start of Festival of Lights.
 * November, 2021 – Hoopa Unbound was released at the start of Mischief Unbound.
 * December, 2021 – Bergmite was released at the start of Holiday 2021.
 * January, 2022 – Helioptile was released at the start of Power Plant.
 * February, 2022 – All forms of Flabébé were released at the start of Valentine's Day 2022.
 * June, 2022 – Tyrunt and Amaura were released at the start of Adventure Week 2022.

Alola
Alola is the seventh region in Pokédex and the fourth region in release order available in Pokémon GO. Until the Season of Alola, only Alolan forms of Kanto-region Pokémon were available. New Pokémon species from that region was since available.

History

 * May, 2018 - The release of Alolan forms of Kanto-region Pokémon was announced to be released in game.
 * May, 2018 - Alolan Exeggutor was released.
 * June, 2018 - Alolan variants of Vulpix, Sandshrew, Meowth, Grimer and their evolutionary lines were released to hatch from 7-km Eggs.
 * June, 2018 - Without prior announcement, Alolan Rattata was released to be caught in the wild.
 * July, 2018 - Alolan variants of Geodude, Diglett and their evolutionary lines were released to catch in the wild at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2018.
 * They were added to 7-km Eggs hatchlings pool after the event has ended.
 * July, 2018 - Alolan variants of Raichu and Marowak were released to be defeated and caught exclusively in Raid Battles.
 * March, 2022 – 21 selected Pokémon were released with the beginning of Welcome to Alola. Including:
 * Rowlet, Litten, Popplio, Pikipek, Yungoos and Jangmo-o were released in wild and Eggs.
 * Rockruff and Tapu Koko were released in Raid Battles.
 * Comfey was made to be region-exclusive to Hawaii.
 * March, 2022 – All forms of Oricorio were released at the start of Festival of Colors 2022.
 * March, 2022 – Fomantis and Tapu Lele were released at the start of Lush Jungle.
 * April, 2022 – Salandit was released at the start of All-Hands Rocket Retreat.
 * April, 2022 – Tapu Bulu was released at the start of Spring into Spring 2022.
 * April, 2022 – Oranguru was released at the start of Sustainability Week 2022.
 * April, 2022 – Stufful was released at the start of April 2022 Community Day.
 * May, 2022 – Tapu Fini was released.
 * May, 2022 – Dewpider was released at the start of Water Festival 2022.
 * June, 2022 – Nihilego was released at the start of Day 2 of Pokémon GO Fest 2022.
 * June, 2022 – Wimpod was released at the start of Pokémon TCG Crossover Event.
 * July, 2022 – Pheromosa was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin.
 * July, 2022 – Buzzwole was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Seattle.
 * August, 2022 – Xurkitree was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Sapporo.
 * August, 2022 – Grubbin was released at the start of Bug Out 2022.
 * September, 2022 – Cosmog was released at the start of Season of Light.
 * As of release, Cosmog cannot be evolved into Cosmoem.
 * September, 2022 – Celesteela and Kartana were released.
 * September, 2022 – Togedemaru was released at the start of Test Your Mettle.

Galar
Galar is the eighth region in Pokédex and the seventh region in release order available in Pokémon GO. Along with Alola, there are also a few new Pokémon species being added to the gameplay due to some regional forms having exclusive evolutions that the original forms do not have.

History

 * November, 2019 - Galarian Weezing was released to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield.
 * June, 2020 - Galarian forms of Meowth, Zigzagoon, Linoone, Darumaka, Darmanitan and Stunfisk were released to the game along with their respective evolutions – Perrserker and Obstagoon.
 * June, 2020 - Galarian form of Farfetch'd was released to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass: The Isle of Armor, but its evolution was not available.
 * October, 2020 - Galarian form of Ponyta and Sirfetch'd were released to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield Expansion Pass: The Crown Tundra.
 * October, 2020 - Galarian form of Yamask and its evolution Runerigus were released at the start of Halloween 2020.
 * December, 2020 - Galarian form of Mr. Mime and its evolution Mr. Rime were released with the release of the Tap... Tap... Tappity-Tap... Special Research.
 * June, 2021 - Galarian form of Slowpoke and Slowbro were released at the start of A Very Slow Discovery.
 * August, 2021 - Skwovet, Wooloo, Falinks and Zacian were released at the start of Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield.
 * August, 2021 - Zamazenta was released in the middle of Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield.
 * October, 2021 - Zarude was released at the start of Secrets of the Jungle Event 2021.
 * October, 2021 - Galarian form of Slowking was released at the start of the first part of Halloween 2021.
 * July, 2022 - Galarian form of Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres were released with the release of Daily Adventure Incense.

Hisui
Hisui is the ninth region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO. It was first mentioned with Hisuian Voltorb Release on January, 2022. Both new Pokémon species and Hisuian forms of Pokémon from previous regions are currently released.

History

 * January, 2022 – Hisuian Voltorb was released at the start of Hisuian Voltorb Release.
 * February, 2022 – Hisuian Electrode was released at the start of GO Tour Poké Ball Prep Rally.
 * July, 2022 – Hisuian Growlithe, Qwilfish, Sneasel, and the first Hisuian Pokémon Sneasler and Overqwil were released at the start of Hisuian Discoveries.
 * July, 2022 – Hisuian Braviary was released at the start of Hisuian Discoveries Raid Day.

Trivia

 * Another term used in Pokémon GO players community to describe Pokémon groups from each region is Generations. This term was adopted by community but it is not correct in context of Pokémon GO game as the game itself does not neither belong to nor have generations as a result of being under ongoing development.
 * This term was not officially referred in the game nor by its publishers on official social-media and information channels.
 * However, in game data some game features such as Pokédex and correlated medals are referred with  term (short for generation).
 * Therefore Kanto is Generation I, Johto is Generation II, Hoenn is Generation III and so on.
 * Arguably, some fan information sites such as Bulbapedia or Serebii.net state that Pokémon GO would belong to either Generation VII or Generation VIII, but these are not any official statements.
 * More about generations is available here.
 * Common thing for Pokémon, that were not available with main release of Kanto- and Johto-region Pokémon, is that those Pokémon were either legendary or mythical or have certain, special moves like Ditto, Delibird or Smeargle.
 * Although, Pokémon from Hoenn region and any later ones did not have their one main release as they were released in smaller groups.
 * Pokémon species from Hoenn region were added to game the code with game update 0.71.0.
 * On December, 2017 in Apple Watch Store, Pokémon GO banner with Starter Pokémon from Hoenn region appeared- spoiling official announcement about release of Hoenn-region Pokémon that happened next day.
 * Release of fifty Pokémon from Hoenn region and Weather feature had trailer with similar cinematic style as trailer for release of Legendary Pokémon in raid battles and new gyms system and trailer of the game itself.
 * Teaser trailer and release trailer of Sinnoh-region Pokémon also had similar cinematic style.