Introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver was the new concept of Pokémon (Unown) with different forms. This has now spread to a wide variety of Pokémon that look different depending on their location, the item they are holding, or a condition.
 
To find out the different forms of each Pokémon, and how to get them, read on! For your convenience, you can use the quick links below for easier browsing.

Cherrim Back to Top
 
Cherrim is like Castform, in that its form changes with weather. However, it only has two forms; the normal form, and the form that appears during sunlight. This makes sense because Cherrim, after all, is a flower.
 

The Normal Form is what Cherrim is usually found in. Cherrim can be found by evolving Cherubi, which can be found on Honey Trees. Cherrim remains in this form in all weather unless it is sunny. So when you first evolve your Cherubi into Cherrim, it will have a normal form.

The Blooming Form is stronger in Attack and Special Attack. Cherrim can change to this form when the weather becomes sunny. However, Cherrim is more susceptible to fire attacks because sunny weather increases the power of Fire types, one of Cherrim's weaknesses.

Shellos and Gastrodon Back to Top
 
Much like a certain breed (or two) of squirrels in the western United States, Shellos and Gastrodon have "evolved" into two different "breeds" because of their separation by Mt. Coronet. However, even though the two forms look different, they still can breed with each other.
 

The East Sea form can be found in routes east of Mt. Coronet. Although no different than its other form, Shellos and Gastrodon cannot switch between forms. When Shellos evolves into Gastrodon, it will still be the East Sea form.

The West Sea form can be found in routes west of Mt. Coronet. Although no different than its other form, Shellos and Gastrodon cannot switch between forms. When Shellos evolves into Gastrodon, it will still be the West Sea form.

Rotom Back to Top
 
Rotom is the newest addition to the ever-growing list of Pokémon with forms. However, in order to access the secret room where Rotom can change forms, you must have a Secret Key that can be gotten through Mystery Gift. Use this key to unlock a new room in the Eternal Galactic Building or Silph Co. by talking to a wall. If you have a Rotom with you, you can talk to any one of the appliances and change Rotom's form!
 

The Normal Form can be found in the room with a television in the Old Chateau, located in Eterna Forest. Just talk to the television and it will appear. However, because Rotom can only be found in this location, remember to save before battling Rotom!

The Heat Form can be received by going to the secret room in the Eterna Galactic Building and talking to the oven. Rotom becomes the Fire type when in this form. When Rotom is in the Heat Form, it can learn a special move, Overheat, that other forms cannot learn.

The Wash Form can be received by going to the secret room in the Eterna Galactic Building and talking to the washing machine. Rotom becomes the Water type when in this form. When Rotom is in the Wash Form, it can learn a special move, Hydro Pump.

The Frost Form can be received by going to the secret room in the Eterna Galactic Building and talking to the refrigerator. Rotom becomes the Ice type when in this form. When Rotom is in the Frost Form, it can learn a special move, Blizzard.

The Fan Form can be received by going to the secret room in the Eterna Galactic Building and talking to the fan. Rotom becomes the Flying type when in this form. When Rotom is in the Spin Form, it can learn a special move, Air Slash, that other forms cannot learn.

The Mow Form can be received by going to the secret room in the Eterna Galactic Building and talking to the lawn mower. Rotom becomes the Grass type when in this form. When Rotom is in the Cut Form, it can learn a special move, Leaf Storm.
 

Note that you can only have one of each form of Rotom, because once Rotom changes form using an appliance, that machine disappears! While Rotom may seem like a one-time Pokémon, you can actually breed it with Ditto for more Rotoms. That way you can have as many Rotoms as you want!

Giratina Back to Top
 
Giratina, the renegade Pokémon that appears in a reverse world. While in this reverse world (Distortion World), Giratina changes form into its Origin Forme. Giratina is special in that it can only be in its Origin Forme in the Distortion World, unless it is holding a Griseous Orb.
 

The Altered Forme can be found in the Turnback Cave in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl. All Giratina revert to this form when they appear in or are traded to Pokémon Diamond or Pearl. Giratina is stronger in Defense and Special Defense in this form.

The Origin Forme can be found in the Distortion World in Pokémon Platinum. Giratina can change into this form while it is in the Distortion World, or while it is holding the item Griseous Orb. Giratina is stronger in Attack and Special Attack in this form.

 
The Griseous Orb can be found in Turnback Cave (located off Route 214) only in Platinum. Enter the cave using Rock Climb, and proceed through the randomly-generated cave until you reach the central room with a portal. Enter the portal, which leads back to the Distortion World, and there you will find the Griseous Orb.

Shaymin Back to Top
 
Shaymin, another one of the new forms that Pokémon Platinum introduced to the world. Unfortunately though, Shaymin can only be found through an event, and its new Sky Forme can only be received if you have a Shaymin from the 11th Movie or Toys R Us.
 

The Land Forme can only be found in the Flower Paradise, located past Route 224. This route can only be unlocked when you received the item Oak's Letter from a Nintendo event. The Land Forme has medium stats, and is not stronger in any one category.

The Sky Forme can be received by having the key item Gracidea Flower. However, only event Shaymins can turn into a Sky Forme. The Sky Forme is stronger in Speed, Special Attack, and Attack, but it is weaker in Defense and Special Defense than its Land Forme is.

 
To get the Gracidea Flower, visit Floaroma Town with the event Shaymin in your party, and talk to a blonde woman during the daytime hours. She will then give you the Gracidea Flower, and when attached, Shaymin will change form! 

Arceus Back to Top
 
Arceus has the most forms out of all the Pokémon in the game, and this is rightfully so, because Arceus is the god of all Pokémon. It comes in 18 forms, one for each type, and 17 are of the forms are obtainable. Arceus can change its form by holding one of the special plates found in Sinnoh. However, the eighteenth Arceus (the ??? type) does not have a plate of its own, and therefore cannot be obtained. To return Arceus to its Normal form, simply remove whatever plate it was holding.
 

The plates that Arceus uses are scattered all over Sinnoh as well as the Underground. Many can be found using the Pokétch item finder, also known as the Dowsing App. Those that have set locations are listed below.