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 ten named regions, which are Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, Sinnoh, Unova, Kalos, Alola, Galar, Hisui and Paldea, and an additional Unknown region. Regions are used to categorize Pokémon species in the Pokédex. Also, some Pokémon species can have different forms due to being from different regions. Some Pokémon are called Cross-region Pokémon, because member of the same Pokémon family are from different regions. There are medals for registering different Pokémon species for each region.

Kanto
There are 151 Pokémon species from Kanto region. They are the the base Pokémon released in Pokémon GO, but not all Pokémon of this region were released at one time:


 * July, 2016 - Main release of Kanto-region along with the game launch. Kanto Bronze Kanto Bronze.png, Silver Kanto Silver.png and Gold Kanto Gold.png medals became achievable for the first time.
 * November, 2016 – Ditto was released disguised as other Pokémon.
 * July, 2017 – Articuno was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2017 along with Raid Battles for the first time.
 * July, 2017 – Moltres was released as a Raid Boss.
 * August, 2017 – Zapdos was released as a Raid Boss.
 * August, 2017 – Mewtwo was released as a Raid Boss at the start of Pokémon GO Stadium.
 * March, 2018 - Mew was released through A Mythical Discovery Special Research. All Kanto-region Pokémon species were released, becoming the first region to be possible to complete the Pokédex.
 * November, 2020 – Along with the GO Beyond update, Kanto Platinum Kanto Platinum.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * February, 2021 - All Shiny forms of Kanto-region Pokémon were released.

Johto
There are 100 Pokémon species from Johto region. It is the second region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO.


 * December, 2016 - Release of Baby Pokémon Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby. Togetic, as the evolution of Togepi, was also released. Johto Bronze Johto Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * February, 2017 – Main release. 84 Pokémon species including 26 forms of Unown were released, one for each letter of the alphabet. Johto Silver Johto Silver.png and Gold Johto Gold.png medals became achievable for the first time.
 * July, 2017 – Lugia was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2017 along with Raid Battles for the first time.
 * August, 2017 – Raikou, Entei and Suicune were released as Raid Bosses. They were exclusive to following regions in the first month: Raikou could be battled throughout the Americas. Entei could be battled throughout Europe and Africa. Suicune could be battled throughout the Asia-Pacific region.
 * November, 2017 – Ho-Oh was released as a Raid Boss.
 * December, 2017 – Delibird was released at the start of Holiday 2017.
 * June, 2018 - Exclamation mark Unown was released at the start of E3 2018.
 * Question mark Unown and Celebi were released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2018.
 * February, 2019 – Smeargle was released along with GO Snapshot. All Johto-region Pokémon species were released, becoming the second region to be possible to complete the Pokédex.
 * November, 2020 – Along with the GO Beyond update, Johto Platinum Johto Platinum.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * February, 2022 - All Shiny forms of Johto-region Pokémon were released.

Hoenn
There are 135 Pokémon species from Hoenn region. It is the third region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO.


 * October, 2017 – Release of Hoenn-region Halloween-themed Pokémon at the start of Halloween 2017. Hoenn Bronze Hoenn Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * December, 2017 – Main release of Hoenn-region. Hoenn Silver Hoenn Silver.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * December, 2017 – Groudon was released as a Raid Boss.
 * December, 2017 – Release of Hoenn-region Aquatic-themed Pokémon at the start of Holiday 2017.
 * January, 2018 – Kyogre was released as a Raid Boss.
 * January, 2018 – Release of Hoenn-region Desert-themed Pokémon. Hoenn Gold Hoenn Gold.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * February, 2018 – Release of Hoenn-region Sky-themed Pokémon including 4 forms of Castform at the start of Hoenn Celebration 2018. Rayquaza was released as a Raid Boss.
 * April, 2018 – Latias and Latios were released as Raid Bosses.
 * June, 2018 – Regice was released as a Raid Boss.
 * July, 2018 – Registeel was released as a Raid Boss.
 * August, 2018 – Spinda pattern 8 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * September, 2018 – Spinda pattern 3 of was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * October, 2018 – Spinda pattern 1 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * November, 2018 – Spinda pattern 7 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * December, 2018 – Spinda pattern 6 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * January, 2019 – Spinda pattern 5 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * February, 2019 – Spinda pattern 9 was released at the start of Valentine's Day 2019.
 * March, 2019 – Spinda pattern 2 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * May, 2019 – Spinda pattern 4 was released along with the change of Field Research.
 * August, 2018 – Regirock was released as a Raid Boss.
 * October, 2018 – Deoxys was released as a Raid Boss in EX Raid Battle.
 * December, 2018 – Deoxys Attack Forme was released as a Raid Boss in EX Raid Battle.
 * March, 2019 – Deoxys Defense Forme was released as a Raid Boss in EX Raid Battle.
 * July, 2019 – Deoxys Speed Forme was released as a Raid Boss on EX Raid Battle.
 * November, 2018 – Nincada family was released in Field Research and Research Breakthrough.
 * February, 2019 – Clamperl was released at the start of the Clamperl Limited Research.
 * June, 2019 – Jirachi was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2019 Chicago.
 * January, 2023 – Kecleon was released after January 2023 Community Day. Hoenn Platinum Hoenn Platinum.png medal became achievable for the first time. All Hoenn-region Pokémon species were released, becoming the third region to be possible to complete the Pokédex.
 * February, 2023 - All Shiny forms of Hoenn-region Pokémon were released.

Sinnoh
There are 107 Pokémon species from Sinnoh region. It 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.

The unreleased Pokémon from this region currently are: Phione, Manaphy and Arceus.


 * October, 2018 – Release of Sinnoh-region Pokémon was officially announced.
 * October, 2018 – Main release of Sinnoh region. Sinnoh Bronze Sinnoh Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * October, 2018 – Spiritomb was released through A Spooky Message Special Research. Giratina was released on Halloween 2018. Stunky were released. Sinnoh Silver Sinnoh Silver.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * November, 2018 – Budew and Buizel were released.
 * November, 2018 – Cross-generation release of Sinnoh region at the start of Hatchathon 2018.
 * November, 2018 – Cresselia was released as a Raid Boss.
 * December, 2018 – Heatran was released as a Raid Boss. Several Sinnoh-region Pokémon were released at the start of Holiday 2018.
 * January, 2019 – Palkia was released as a Raid Boss.
 * January, 2019 – More Sinnoh Region Pokémon became available, 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 at the start of Valentine's Day 2019.
 * February, 2019 – Mamoswine was released at the start of the fourteenth Community Day.
 * March, 2019 – Dialga was released as a Raid Boss. Sinnoh Gold Sinnoh Gold.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * April, 2019 – Origin Giratina was released as a Raid Boss.
 * April, 2019 – The Lake Guardians Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf were released in wild.
 * May, 2019 – Several Sinnoh-region Pokémon were released, along with new Lure Modules as an evolution method.
 * September, 2019 – Mime Jr. was released at the start of World Tourism Day.
 * October, 2019 – Darkrai was released at the start of Halloween 2019.
 * November, 2019 – Regigigas was released through A Colossal Discovery Special Research.
 * July, 2020 – Wash Rotom was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2020.
 * June, 2022 – Land Forme Shaymin was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022.
 * July, 2022 – Mow Rotom and Sky Forme Shaymin were released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2022 Berlin.

Unova
There are 156 Pokémon species from Unova region. It 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.


 * September, 2019 – Main release of Unova Region at the start of A Unova Unveiling. Unova Bronze Unova Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * October, 2019 – Yamask was released at the start of Halloween 2019.
 * November, 2019 – Cobalion was released as a Raid Boss.
 * November, 2019 – Terrakion was released as a Raid Boss, Unova Silver Unova Silver.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * December, 2019 – Virizion was released as a Raid Boss.
 * December, 2019 – Cubchoo and Cryogonal were released at the start of Holiday 2019.
 * January, 2020 – Several Unova-region Pokémon were released along with the release of Trade Evolution. 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 along with the release of GO Battle League.
 * February, 2020 – Woobat was released along with the change of Research Breakthrough.
 * February, 2020 – Minccino was released at the start of Minccino Limited Research.
 * February, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Tornadus was released as a Raid Boss.
 * February, 2020 – Audino and Alomomola were released at the start of Valentine's Day 2020.
 * March, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Thundurus was released as a Raid Boss. Unova Gold Unova Gold.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * March, 2020 – Rufflet was released via GO Battle League Season 1.
 * March, 2020 – Genesect was released through A Drive to Investigate.
 * January, 2021 – Genesect Burn Drive was released at the start of Unova Celebration Event.
 * January, 2021 – Genesect Shock Drive was released as a Raid Boss.
 * August, 2022 - GenesectChill Drive was released at the start of Bug Out 2022.
 * March, 2020 – Gothita and Solosis were released at the start of Psychic Spectacular 2020.
 * March, 2020 – Incarnate Forme Landorus was released as a Raid Boss.
 * April, 2020 – Stunfisk was released at the start of Tricky Pokémon 2020.
 * May, 2020 – Reshiram was released as a Raid Boss.
 * June, 2020 – Zekrom was released as a Raid Boss.
 * July, 2020 – Ducklett was released at the start of 4th Anniversary.
 * July, 2020 – Kyurem was released as a Raid Boss.
 * July, 2020 – Petilil was released at the start of Summer Event.
 * July, 2020 – Victini was released of the second day of Pokémon GO Fest 2020.
 * 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.
 * October, 2020 – Autumn Deerling was released at the start of The Seasons Change.
 * October, 2020 – Sandile, Pawniard and Vullaby were released at the start of The Seasons Change: Part 2.
 * 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 – Male Frillish was released at the start of second half of GO Battle League Season 6
 * February, 2021 – Munna was released at the start of Valentine's Day 2021.
 * March, 2021 – Spring Deerling and female Frillish were released.
 * March, 2021 – Therian Thundurus and Tynamo were released at the start of Charge Up.
 * March, 2021 – Therian Tornadus was released as a Raid Boss.
 * April, 2021 – Therian Landorus was released at the start of Rivals' Week
 * May, 2021 – Mienfoo was released at the start of GO Battle League Season 8.
 * July, 2021 – Meloetta was released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2021.
 * December, 2021 – Druddigon was released at the start of Dragonspiral Descent.
 * October, 2022 – Zorua was released.
 * December, 2022 – Keldeo was released through Something Extraordinary Special Research.
 * May, 2023 – Larvesta was released at the start of An Instinctive Hero. Unova Platinum Unova Platinum.png medal became achievable for the first time. All Unova-region Pokémon species were released, becoming the fourth region to be possible to complete the Pokédex.

Kalos
There are 72 Pokémon species from Kalos region. It 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.


 * November, 2020 – Espurr was released along with the GO Beyond update.
 * December, 2020 – Several Kalos-region Pokémon were released at the start of Kalos Launch Event. Kalos Bronze Kalos Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.. 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. Kalos Silver Kalos Silver.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * 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 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 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 (all trims but Heart) 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 2021.
 * November, 2021 – Hoopa Unbound was released at the start of Mischief Unbound.
 * December, 2021 – Bergmite was released at the start of Holiday 2021. Kalos Gold Kalos Gold.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * January, 2022 – Helioptile was released at the start of Power Plant.
 * February, 2022 – All forms of Flabébé and Heart Trim Furfrou were released at the start of Valentine's Day 2022.
 * June, 2022 – Tyrunt and Amaura were released at the start of Adventure Week 2022.
 * December, 2022 – Scatterbug, Spewpa and all forms of Vivillon except Fancy and Poké Ball patterns were released along with Postcard Book update.
 * March, 2023 – Hawlucha was released at the start of Season 10: Rising Heroes.
 * June, 2023 - Carbink was released through Timed Research: In the Rough.

Alola
There are 86 Pokémon species from Alola region. It 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.


 * May, 2018 - The release of Alolan forms of Kanto-region Pokémon was announced to be released in game.
 * May, 2018 - Alolan Exeggutor was released at the start of the Alolan Exeggutor Event.
 * June, 2018 - Alolan forms of Sandshrew, Vulpix, Meowth, and Grimer were released along with the Friends mechanic.
 * June, 2018 - Alolan Rattata was released in the wild.
 * July, 2018 - Alolan forms of Diglett and Geodude were released at the start of Pokémon GO Fest 2018.
 * July, 2018 - Alolan forms of Raichu and Marowak were released as Raid Bosses.
 * March, 2022 – 21 selected Pokémon were released with the beginning of Welcome to Alola. Alola Bronze Alola Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time. 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. Alola Silver Alola Silver.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * 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 as a Raid Boss.
 * May, 2022 – Dewpider was released at the start of Water Festival 2022.
 * June, 2022 – Nihilego was released at the start of the second day 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.
 * October, 2022 – Cosmoem was released at the start of Evolving Stars. Alola Gold Alola Gold.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * November, 2022 – Solgaleo and Lunala were released at the start of Astral Eclipse.
 * September, 2022 – Celesteela and Kartana were released.
 * September, 2022 – Togedemaru was released at the start of Test Your Mettle.
 * September, 2022 – Mareanie was released at the start of Fashion Week 2022.
 * October, 2022 – Morelull was released at the start of Festival of Lights 2022.
 * November, 2022 – Guzzlord was released.
 * December, 2022 – Crabrawler was released at the start of Mythic Blade.
 * March, 2023 – Bruxish was released at the start of Festival of Colors 2023.
 * April, 2023 – Cutiefly was released at the start of Spring into Spring 2023.
 * April, 2023 – Bounsweet was released at the start of Sustainability Week 2023.
 * June, 2023 – Sandygast was released at the start of Water Festival: Beach Week.

Galar
There are 89 Pokémon species from Galar region. It 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.


 * November, 2019 - Galarian Weezing was released to celebrate the release of Pokémon Sword and Shield on Galarian Weezing Event.
 * June, 2020 - Galarian Meowth, Zigzagoon, Darumaka, and Stunfisk were released at the start of Throwback Challenge Champion 2020.
 * June, 2020 - GGalarian Farfetch'd was released at the start of Galarian Farfetch'd Event, but its evolution was not available.
 * October, 2020 - Galarian Ponyta and Sirfetch'd were released at the start of The Crown Tundra Event.
 * October, 2020 - Galarian form of Yamask and its evolution Runerigus were released at the start of Halloween 2020.
 * December, 2020 - Galarian Mr. Mime was released through Tap... Tap... Tappity-Tap... Special Research.
 * June, 2021 - Galarian Slowpoke and Slowbro were released at the start of A Very Slow Discovery.
 * August, 2021 - Skwovet, Wooloo, Falinks, Zacian, were released at the start of Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield. Galar Bronze Galar Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * August, 2021 - Zamazenta was released at the start of later part 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 Slowking was released at the start of Halloween 2021.
 * July, 2022 - Galarian Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres were released with the release of Daily Adventure Incense.
 * March, 2023 - Regidrago was released as a Raid Boss.
 * April, 2023 - Regieleki was released as a Raid Boss.

Hisui
There are 7 Pokémon species from Hisui region. It 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.


 * 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. Hisui Bronze Hisui Bronze.png medal became achievable for the first time.
 * July, 2022 – Hisuian Braviary was released at the start of Hisuian Discoveries Raid Day.
 * November, 2022 – Ursaluna was released at the start of November 2022 Community Day. Hisui Silver Hisui Silver.png medal became available for the first time.
 * December, 2022 – Hisuian Avalugg was released at the start of Hisuian Avalugg Raid Day.
 * May, 2023 – Kleavor was released at the start of Kleavor Raid Day.

Paldea
There are at least 2 Pokémon species from Hisui region. It is the tenth region from which Pokémon are available in Pokémon GO. It was first mentioned by Jacq after Community Day Classic: Dreaming of Dratini in a call to Professor Willow. Some PokéStops turned golden and Gimmighoul Coins could be obtained from them. A mysterious Pokémon, Gimmighoul, started to follow the Trainer after they started to collect Gimmighoul Coins.


 * February, 2023 – Roaming Form Gimmighoul and Gholdengo were released.

Unknown
Meltan family is currently categorized as Unknown region at the end of the Pokédex. Since it first appeared outside of the core series in Pokémon GO, its meta-location would be the real world emulate by Pokémon GO.


 * September, 2018 - Meltan was released along with Mystery Box in preparation for the release of Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Let's Go Eevee.

Trivia

 * Another term used in Pokémon GO players community to describe Pokémon groups from each region is Generations as in the core series. 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.
 * 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.