N°0201 · Generation 2
Unown
This Pokémon is shaped like an ancient written character. No one knows whether ancient writing appeared before Unown or the other way around. Research is ongoing, but no results have been announced.
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Characteristics
- Height:
- 0.50
- Weight:
- 5.00
Base stats
Total: 336Combat strengths and weaknesses
Damage multiplier taken by Unown depending on the attacking move's type. ×2 and ×4 are the attacks to avoid.
Resistances - weak attacks
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Evolutions
Sprites & artwork
Base sprites
Dream World
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Detailed information
Overview of Unown
Unown is a Psychic-type Pokémon that appeared in the second generation, known for its unique concept based on letters and symbols. Its English name is Unown and its Japanese name is Annown, which immediately underlines its connection to the alphabet and mysterious shapes. Unown occupies a very particular place in the Pokédex, as it resembles no other classic Pokémon and does not follow the usual conventions for battle or evolution.
Concept and Forms of Unown
The main feature of Unown lies in its forms. There are 28 different forms corresponding to the 26 letters of the Latin alphabet, as well as the exclamation mark and question mark symbols. Each form is considered its own Unown, which leads players to collect them as a complete set rather than as a single Pokémon to train. In games, these forms are often associated with puzzles, ancient ruins and symbolically significant locations.
Unown and the Ruins
Unown is inseparable from ruins, notably the Ruins of Alph in the Johto region. These locations play an important role in the games, as they serve as the primary encounter point for Unown. The wall inscriptions, puzzle mechanisms and coded messages reinforce the Pokémon's mysterious nature and its connection to ancient knowledge.
Stats and Battle Usefulness
From a strategic standpoint, Unown is not designed for competitive play. Its stats are weak and very unbalanced, making it ineffective against the majority of opponents. Its Special Attack stat is decent for a base Pokémon, but its HP, Defense and Speed remain very limited. This makes it primarily a symbolic choice rather than a genuine team asset.
Main Ability and Move
Unown is famous for having only a single move in the majority of main-series games. That move is Hidden Power, whose type and power vary according to the Pokémon's internal values. This mechanic reinforces Unown's enigmatic nature but severely limits its versatility in battle. For players focused on optimization, Unown serves more as a mechanical example than as an effective fighter.
Unown in Games and the Pokémon World
Across the games, Unown often appears as a narrative element rather than a simple wild creature. It is sometimes linked to parallel dimensions, to reality itself or to invisible forces that influence the world. Certain versions suggest that Unown is capable of altering the environment or creating illusions, reinforcing its image as a spirit-like and mysterious Pokémon.
Presence in the Pokédex and the Latest Generation
In the Pokédex, Unown is described as an ancient Pokémon associated with a forgotten script and a language that few people understand. Its presence in the latest generation remains rare and often contextual, which sustains its value as a curiosity. Players mostly seek to catch it to complete the Pokédex or to collect all of its forms.
Unown and the Trading Card Game
In the trading card game, Unown also holds a special place. Unown Pokémon cards are often sought for their aesthetic, their symbols and their originality rather than for raw power. Certain editions feature effects linked to drawing cards, knowledge or special mechanics, reflecting Unown's enigmatic role in the Pokémon universe well.