Event Pokémon are Pokémon that are distributed during events. Before the advent of Wi-Fi in Generation IV, these special Pokémon were usually given out by direct trade at Nintendo promotional events or sometimes found in bonus material such as discs. The majority of these events were held in Japan, with few making it to other countries. From 2009, Pokémon and Key Items needed to access Event Pokémon could be delivered by Wi-Fi; this made it much easier for players around the globe to get their hands on rare Pokémon. In Generation V, this has extended to the Dream World.
Event Pokémon have a special OT and ID number indicating their authenticity and usually a special promotional Ribbon from Generation III onward. In Generation IV, most event Pokémon are distributed in Cherish Balls, special Poké Balls that exist solely for event distribution. Event Pokémon are usually desired because they are hard or impossible to find in the games, holding a rare item, and/or know at least one special move that would otherwise be impossible to have via leveling up, TMs, HMs, move tutors, or even breeding.
Generation I[]
- Mew
- Nintendo events, historically through a direct trade
- Given out in October 2010 via Wi-Fi. (America)
- Ash's Pikachu
- Given out in 2011 via Toys R Us at L50 holding a Light Ball. (America)
Generation II[]
- Shiny Suicune
- Given out by Gamestop on January 31 through February 6, 2011. (America)
- Given out in late February 2011 via Wi-Fi. (America)
- Shiny Entei
- Given out by Gamestop on January 17 through January 23, 2011. (America)
- Given out in mid February 2011 via Wi-Fi. (America)
- Shiny Raikou
- Given out by Gamestop on January 3 through January 9, 2011. (America)
- Given out in early February 2011 via Wi-Fi. (America)
- Spikey Eared Pichu
- Obtained by completing an event for Diamond Pearl and Platinum in which the player receive Shiny Pichu, then sending it to HeartGold & SoulSilver and putting it in the party, and visiting Celebi's Shrine in Ilex Forest, a cutscene plays afterwards the Special Pichu joins the party, it is level 30 and is female, however it cannot be traded nor evolved
Generation III[]
Available on wi-fi at various times during 2010 depending on location. Given out at Gamestop (USA) between February 27 and March 13, 2010. It was at level 5 and knew the moves Wish, Confusion, Rest, and Draco Meteor. It also had a classic ribbon. If traded into HeartGold or SoulSilver, the special Pokéwalker course, Edge of Night Sky, becomes available.
Generation IV[]
Generation V[]
- Victini (Wi-fi)
Until the 27th of April 2011, the Liberty Pass was distributed to Black and White games via Mystery Gift. The pass allowed access to Liberty Garden, where Victini could be found occupying the basement of the lighthouse.
- Zorua (In-game)
When Celebi is transferred over from the Generation IV games, the player will be able to find two characters in one of Castelia City's gates. When the player talks to the character with Celebi in their party, Celebi will pop out of its Poké Ball and Zorua will change from its illusion. The trainer for Zorua will give the player it as a gift due to how well they played together. It is at level 10 and it knows the moves Leer, Scratch, Pursuit and Fake Tears.
- Zoroark (In-game)
When The Player transfers a shiny Raikou, Entei or Suicune to Black and White, and go to Lostlorn Forest, The Player will find a Pokémon matching one of the beasts that they didn't transfer over. If The Player sent over Raikou, The Player will see Entei. If they sent over Entei they'll see Suicune and send over Suicune and they'll see Raikou. When they attack, The Player will see that it is in fact a Zoroark. This is the only way the player can capture Zoroark. It is at level 25 and it knows the moves Fury Swipes, Faint Attack, Scary Face and Taunt.
- Eevee Evolution (Online)
From March 28 - May 5, 2011, completing the minigame "Play to Befriend a Pokémon" on the Pokémon Fun Zone unlocked an Eevee evolution of The Player's choice for rhwm to befriend in the Dream World at a later date. The evolution was released on the Global Link site on May 19, with the promotion set to end on July 19. However, a large number of players were unable to receive their Pokémon due to bugs.
- Kanto Starters (Merchandise/online)
Japan only. On September 10, 2010, a book called Pokémon Peer was released. This book, containing interviews and features from the various game developers, also contains a unique password. These passwords, once entered into the Global Link, will give access to the Kanto Starters who have abilities that differ from normal.
- Secret Egg (Direct trade (USA), Wi-fi (Japan))
Japan and USA only. These eggs contain a game counterpart of either Ash's Pidove, Cilan's Pansage or Iris' Axew. These were distributed through wifi in Japan, but were only available through direct trade in American Toys 'R' Us stores from April 27- May 31.
- Mewtwo (Mystery Gift, USA.)
To celebrate the one year anniversary on February 12, 2012, Game Freak put out a Mewtwo lv 70 knowing Psystrike, Shadow Ball, Aura Sphere, and Electro Ball.
- Rayquaza Wifi (Japan)
There is a wifi event for a Shiny Rayquaza. This Rayquaza has to do with the new Pokémon game in Japan, a crossover between Nobunaga's Ambition and Pokemon(known as Pokemon+Nobunaga's Ambition in Japan and Pokemon Conquest outside Japan)
- Zoroark (Outside game Event)
This Zoroark was available in Toys R' Us stores across the US From September 18 to 25 of 2011. The most notable aspect of this Zoroark is it's caught with a Cherish Ball and knows the move: Snarl(a special move that a Zoroark can't usually learn.).
Generation VI[]
- Torchic (Wi-fi)
This Torchic could be obtained via wi-fi from to . It had a special ability and was holding Blazikenite, the only known way to get that Mega Stone. But with Pokémon Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire having a way to obtain it through normal gameplay, it is possible to obtain it in-game.
- Diancie (Serial Code)
Given out at Gamestop (USA) between October 27 to November 16, 2014. It is at level 50 and knows the moves Diamond Storm, Reflect, Return, and Moonblast. It also had a wishing ribbon. If the player trades it into Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire it will activate an event to get her Mega Stone: Diancite.
Generation VII[]
- Shiny Tapu Koko
This exclusive Pokémon was available via Mystery Gift for Sun and Moon During early August (giveaway via Internet) and October 4th-6th (tournament participation reward).
- Pikachu (Cap) aka Ash's Pikachu
This Pikachu will wear a hat Ash wore in any of the season's and containing a moveset of when Ash's Pikachu had in that region and the player will get Pikashunium Z which power's up Thunderbolt to 10,000,000 Volt Thunderbolt respectively (note the player can only have 1).
Marshadow was given out via serial codes at game stores. Once the player received it from the mailman, they will get the Marshadium Z that power's up Spectral Thief to Soul-Stealing 7-Star Strike respectively
Generation VIII[]
- Melmetal
- Melmetal will be sent through mystery gift to the player in Pokémon HOME when they deposit any Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
- Shiny Zeraora
- A shiny Zeraora was gifted to commemorate the 1,000,000 Zeraora defeated in the Zeraora Max Raid event, all people qualified to get a shiny Zeraora until June 28.