Has Anyone Ever Caught Every Single Pokémon? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is: no one has ever simultaneously caught every single Pokémon that has ever existed across all games, forms, and variations. While individuals have completed impressive feats like catching all available Pokémon in a specific game (like Pokémon Go) or assembling a Living Dex within a single generation, the sheer number and exclusivity of Pokémon across different games and events makes a true “catch ’em all” scenario practically impossible. The task is further complicated by regional variants, event-exclusive Pokémon, shiny variations, and the evolving roster with each new generation. This article dives deep into what it really means to “catch them all” and answers some frequently asked questions on this perpetually trending topic.
What Does “Catching Them All” Really Mean?
The phrase “catch ’em all” is the iconic slogan of the Pokémon franchise. But its meaning has shifted as the Pokémon universe has expanded. Originally, it meant completing the Pokédex within a single game. This generally meant capturing every Pokémon available within that specific title.
However, as more games were released, and the number of Pokémon grew exponentially, the definition became murkier. Does it mean:
- Completing the Pokédex in every game?
- Owning every Pokémon across all games simultaneously?
- Possessing every possible form of every Pokémon, including shiny variations, regional forms, and gender differences?
- Having all Pokémon in one single game at the same time? This is often referred to as a Living Dex.
The sheer scale of the modern Pokémon universe makes the latter definitions incredibly challenging, if not outright impossible, to achieve. Time-limited events, Pokémon availability in specific regions, and transfer restrictions all contribute to this difficulty.
The Illusion of Completion: Past Achievements
While a complete, universal collection remains elusive, there have been noteworthy achievements in the Pokémon community:
- Nick Johnson’s Pokémon Go Feat: Back in 2016, Nick Johnson gained fame as the first person to catch every available Pokémon in Pokémon Go in the United States. However, this was limited to the Pokémon available at that time, excluding region-exclusive and unreleased legendaries.
- Living Dex Completion: Many dedicated players have built Living Dexes. A Living Dex contains at least one of every Pokémon species within a single game. This is a monumental task requiring extensive trading, breeding, and careful planning.
- Shiny Hunting: Some trainers dedicate themselves to collecting shiny Pokémon, which are rare, alternate-colored versions of Pokémon. Gathering a complete Shiny Dex, even within a single game, is a herculean effort.
These accomplishments demonstrate passion and dedication, but fall short of encompassing every Pokémon across all forms and games.
Why a True “Catch ‘Em All” is Unlikely
Several factors make a universal Pokémon collection unlikely:
- Regional Exclusivity: Some Pokémon are only available in specific geographic regions within Pokémon Go or other games. Acquiring these requires travel or trading with someone from that region.
- Event-Exclusive Pokémon: Mythical Pokémon are often distributed through limited-time events. Missing one of these events can make obtaining that Pokémon impossible without trading.
- Version Exclusivity: Main series Pokémon games often have version-exclusive Pokémon. Players must trade between versions to complete their Pokédex.
- Transfer Restrictions: Not all Pokémon can be transferred between games. Certain Pokémon might be stuck in older games or have limitations on where they can be transferred.
- Shiny Locks: Some legendary and mythical Pokémon are “shiny locked,” meaning they cannot be obtained in their shiny form through normal gameplay.
- The Ever-Expanding Roster: With each new generation of games, the number of Pokémon increases, resetting the “catch ’em all” challenge. As of now, there are 1025 Pokémon in total.
- Game mechanics: Not all games follow the same mechanics regarding transferring Pokémon. As such, a universal collection is simply not possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is it possible to catch all Pokémon in Pokémon Go?
Currently, it is theoretically possible to catch all available Pokémon in Pokémon Go, but it requires considerable effort, travel (for regionals), and participation in special events. New Pokémon are constantly being added, so it is an ever-moving target.
2. Has anyone ever caught all 151 Pokémon in the original Pokémon games?
Yes, many players have completed the original Pokédex of 151 Pokémon. However, this usually requires trading, as some Pokémon are version-exclusive (between Red/Blue and Red/Green in Japan). Obtaining Mew is a whole other challenge, often involving glitches.
3. What happens when you catch all 151 Pokémon in the original games?
In the original Pokémon games, if you catch all 151 Pokémon (excluding Mew in some versions), you receive an in-game diploma from GAME FREAK. It’s a symbolic reward, but a significant accomplishment for dedicated trainers.
4. Are any Pokémon impossible to catch?
Some Pokémon are functionally impossible to catch in certain games due to event exclusivity, shiny locks, or regional restrictions. MissingNo is also nearly impossible to catch. It’s the missing Pokémon from the Pokedex. The only way to even encounter this Pokémon is through a 1/10,000 glitch that blurred the Pokémon in Gen 1.
5. Which is the rarest Pokémon?
Rarity varies depending on the game and time period. Generally, Mythical Pokémon distributed through limited-time events are among the rarest. Shiny legendary Pokémon are also highly sought after.
6. What is the hardest legendary Pokémon to catch?
Difficulty varies by game, but Arceus has a reputation for being challenging to obtain, often requiring specific conditions or completion of lengthy storylines.
7. What is a Living Dex?
A Living Dex is a collection of at least one of every Pokémon species, stored within a single game. It requires extensive trading, breeding, and careful organization.
8. Is it possible to transfer Pokémon between all games?
No, it is not possible to transfer Pokémon between all games. Transfer restrictions exist between generations and even within generations, using services like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME.
9. Are Pokémon getting harder to catch in recent games?
Some players have reported that Pokémon seem harder to catch in Pokémon Go and other games. This could be due to increased difficulty settings, modified catch rates, or simply confirmation bias.
10. Does Mew evolve into Mewtwo?
No, Mew does not evolve into Mewtwo. Mewtwo is a clone of Mew created in a lab. They are separate species.
11. How rare is a 100% IV Pokémon?
The chance of finding a Pokémon with perfect Individual Values (100% IV) varies depending on the game. In Pokémon Go, the chance is approximately 1/4096 in the wild.
12. What is the easiest Pokémon to catch?
Generally, common Pokémon like Magikarp, Caterpie, Weedle, Pidgey, and Rattata are the easiest to catch, with high catch rates and low stats.
13. Who has caught the most legendary Pokémon in the anime?
In the anime, Goh has caught several legendary Pokémon, including Suicune. Other trainers, like Ash and Nurse Joy, have also caught legendaries.
14. What Pokémon is rarer than legendary Pokémon?
Some Pokémon are arguably rarer than legendary Pokémon due to the difficulty or specificity involved in their method of aquisition. Certain conditions need to be met, like having a Family Of Three Maushold or an Antique Polteageist.
15. What are the benefits of playing Pokémon games?
There are many educational benefits from playing Pokémon games. To learn more, check out the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and resources on games and learning.
Conclusion: The True Spirit of the Game
While a literal “catch ’em all” might be unattainable, the spirit of the challenge lives on. Pokémon games are about exploration, collection, strategy, and community. Whether you’re striving to complete a Living Dex, hunt for shiny Pokémon, or simply enjoy the journey with your favorite team, the true goal is to have fun and connect with the rich world of Pokémon. The journey, not the destination, is what truly matters.