Gen 5 Pokémon are the 156 new Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Black and White, bringing the total number of Pokémon from 493 to 649. Generation 5 introduced the Unova region and memorable Pokémon such as Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Zorua, Zoroark, Axew, Chandelure, Volcarona, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, and Genesect.
Generation 5 was also one of the most distinctive generations in the series because Pokémon Black and White initially focused almost entirely on the new Pokémon introduced in this generation. The games also introduced seasonal changes, Triple Battles, Rotation Battles, new battle mechanics, and a storyline that explored questions about the relationship between people and Pokémon.
On this page, you can browse the complete 156 Pokémon introduced in Generation 5 using the interactive Pokémon directory. Search for a specific species, browse the full Unova roster, filter Pokémon by type, and explore the available categories.
What Are Gen 5 Pokémon?
Gen 5 Pokémon refers to the fifth generation of Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Black and Pokémon White, followed by the expanded Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2. Generation 5 added 156 new Pokémon, making it the largest single-generation addition to the National Pokédex at the time. The new species are numbered from #494 Victini through #649 Genesect.
The generation takes place primarily in the Unova region, which was designed with a different visual and cultural inspiration compared with the regions featured in earlier games. Unova contains large cities, bridges, forests, deserts, mountains, caves, and coastal areas.
Pokémon Black and White were released for the Nintendo DS in Japan in September 2010, followed by international releases in 2011. Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 were released later as direct sequels rather than simply enhanced versions of the original games.
One of the most unusual decisions in the original Gen 5 games was limiting the player's access to older Pokémon during the main story. Before completing the main storyline, the Unova Pokédex primarily featured the newly introduced Gen 5 species. This gave players a different experience because they had to build their initial teams from Pokémon they had never encountered in previous generations. Data for Unova species is maintained in databases like PokéAPI.
Generation 5 also introduced several Pokémon that became especially popular, including Zoroark, Chandelure, Volcarona, Hydreigon, Haxorus, and the Legendary Pokémon Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem.
How Many Pokémon Are in Gen 5?
There are exactly 156 new Pokémon in Generation 5, starting with Victini (#494) and ending with Genesect (#649) in National Pokédex order.
Before Generation 5, the National Pokédex contained 493 Pokémon. Adding 156 new species increased the total to 649 Pokémon.
Victini is #494 and is the first Pokémon in the Gen 5 National Pokédex range. Genesect is #649 and is the final Pokémon introduced in Generation 5.
The 156 new species include starter Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, completely new evolution families, and Pokémon with unique abilities and battle characteristics.
📊 Unova Pokédex Range Progression:
- • #494: Victini (#494), the Mythical Victory Pokémon positioned before the starters.
- • #495–#503: Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott and their final evolutions (Serperior, Emboar, Samurott).
- • #504–#571: Unova mainstays including Lillipup, Excadrill (#530), Darmanitan (#555), Krookodile (#553), and Zoroark (#571).
- • #572–#637: Chandelure (#609), Haxorus (#612), Hydreigon (#635), and Volcarona (#637).
- • #638–#649: Swords of Justice (Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion), Forces of Nature (Tornadus, Thundurus, Landorus), Tao Trio (Reshiram #643, Zekrom #644, Kyurem #646), and Mythicals (Keldeo #647, Meloetta #648, Genesect #649).
Explore This Gen 5 Pokémon List
The interactive directory on this page brings the Generation 5 Pokémon together in one place. Instead of searching through separate pages, you can browse the complete Unova roster and use the available controls to find particular Pokémon.
Browse All 156 Pokémon
The complete directory covers the 156 Pokémon introduced in Gen 5, from Victini (#494) through Genesect (#649). Browsing the list can help you check National Pokédex numbers, revisit Pokémon from the Unova region, or find species you remember from Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, or White 2.
Search for a Specific Pokémon
If you already know which Pokémon you want to find, the search feature can take you directly to it. You can search for Pokémon such as Zoroark, Chandelure, Haxorus, Volcarona, Hydreigon, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, or Genesect.
Filter Pokémon by Type
You can narrow the directory using the available type filters. Generation 5 includes many memorable combinations such as Fire/Fighting, Ghost/Fire, Bug/Fire, Dark/Dragon, and Electric/Flying. The Fairy type was not available in original Gen 5 games.
Explore Pokémon Categories
The interactive directory can also help you browse specific groups such as starter Pokémon, Legendary Pokémon, and Mythical Pokémon where those categories are available.
Gen 5 Pokémon Starters
Generation 5 introduced three starter Pokémon: Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott.
- Snivy (#495): Grass-type Pokémon that evolves into Servine (#496) and then Serperior (#497). Its final evolution has a long, snake-like body focusing on speed and special techniques.
- Tepig (#498): Fire-type Pokémon that evolves into Pignite (#499) and then Emboar (#500). Its final evolution becomes a Fire/Fighting-type Pokémon.
- Oshawott (#501): Water-type Pokémon that evolves into Dewott (#502) and then Samurott (#503). Its evolution family is based around an otter-like design and sword-like shell imagery.
A New Beginning in Unova
One of the biggest differences between Generation 5 and earlier generations was how Pokémon Black and White handled the Pokédex. During the main story of the original games, players primarily encounter the new Pokémon introduced in Generation 5 rather than having access to familiar Pokémon from previous generations.
This created a feeling similar to starting the Pokémon series again with an entirely new collection of species, encouraging player discovery on The Official Pokémon Website.
Unova and the Pokémon World
Unlike earlier Pokémon regions inspired by Japan, Unova was inspired by the New York metropolitan area. Important locations include Castelia City, Nuvema Town, Accumula Town, Striaton City, Nimbasa City, Driftveil City, Mistralton City, Icirrus City, Opelucid City, Pinwheel Forest, Desert Resort, Chargestone Cave, and Giant Chasm.
Seasons in Generation 5
Generation 5 introduced a real-time season system (Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter) that dynamically changes route appearances, accessible paths, and Pokémon encounter rates throughout the Unova region.
Pokémon Abilities and Hidden Abilities
Generation 5 introduced Hidden Abilities as an important additional mechanic alongside standard Abilities, unlocking rare competitive battle traits through special distributions and the Pokémon Dream World.
Triple Battles and Rotation Battles
Generation 5 expanded multi-Pokémon battle mechanics with two innovative formats: Triple Battles (three active Pokémon with tactical positioning) and Rotation Battles (three active Pokémon with single-turn rotation mechanics).
Legendary & Mythical Pokémon in Gen 5
Generation 5 introduced several Legendary and Mythical Pokémon central to Unova's lore:
- Reshiram (#643): Dragon/Fire Legendary Pokémon associated with truth (Pokémon Black mascot).
- Zekrom (#644): Dragon/Electric Legendary Pokémon associated with ideals (Pokémon White mascot).
- Kyurem (#646): Dragon/Ice Legendary Pokémon associated with the original dragon (Black 2 / White 2 mascot).
- Swords of Justice: Cobalion (#638), Terrakion (#639), Virizion (#640), and Mythical Keldeo (#647).
- Forces of Nature: Tornadus (#641), Thundurus (#642), and Landorus (#645).
- Mythicals: Victini (#494), Meloetta (#648 Aria/Pirouette Formes), and Genesect (#649 Bug/Steel).
Popular Gen 5 Pokémon
Popular Unova species include Zoroark (#571), Chandelure (#609), Haxorus (#612), Volcarona (#637), Hydreigon (#635), Krookodile (#553), Excadrill (#530), Darmanitan (#555), Ferrothorn (#598), and Galvantula (#596).
Explore the Complete Gen 5 Pokémon Roster
Generation 5 introduced 156 new Pokémon, taking the National Pokédex from 493 to 649 Pokémon. The generation brought players to the Unova region and introduced Pokémon such as Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Zoroark, Chandelure, Volcarona, Haxorus, Hydreigon, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, and Genesect.
It also introduced seasonal changes, Hidden Abilities, Triple Battles, Rotation Battles, and a different approach to storytelling through the conflict surrounding Team Plasma, N, truth, and ideals.
Use the interactive directory above to browse all 156 Gen 5 Pokémon, search for individual species, filter Pokémon by type, and explore the available categories.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Pokémon are in Gen 5?
Generation 5 introduced 156 new Pokémon, from Victini (#494) through Genesect (#649). These Pokémon increased the National Pokédex from 493 entries to 649.
What are the Gen 5 starter Pokémon?
The three Gen 5 starter Pokémon are Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott. They are Grass, Fire, and Water types respectively.
What region is Gen 5 Pokémon based in?
Generation 5 is primarily set in the Unova region. The region contains large cities, forests, deserts, mountains, caves, bridges, coastal areas, and other environments.
What Pokémon were introduced in Gen 5?
Generation 5 introduced 156 Pokémon, including Snivy, Tepig, Oshawott, Zorua, Zoroark, Axew, Haxorus, Chandelure, Volcarona, Hydreigon, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Meloetta, and Genesect.
Did Gen 5 introduce any new Pokémon types?
No. Generation 5 did not introduce a new Pokémon type. It continued using the 17 types available since Generation 2. The Fairy type was introduced later in Generation 6.
What Legendary Pokémon are in Gen 5?
Generation 5 introduced Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion, Tornadus, Thundurus, Reshiram, Zekrom, Landorus, and Kyurem as Legendary Pokémon.
What Mythical Pokémon are in Gen 5?
The Mythical Pokémon introduced in Generation 5 are Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, and Genesect.
What is the first Pokémon in Gen 5?
Victini (#494) is the first Pokémon in the Generation 5 National Pokédex range.
What is the last Pokémon in Gen 5?
Genesect (#649) is the final Pokémon introduced in Generation 5 and occupies the last position in the original Gen 5 National Pokédex range.
What is the strongest Gen 5 Pokémon?
There is no single strongest Gen 5 Pokémon for every battle situation because performance depends on stats, moves, Abilities, items, and the battle format. Among the non-Legendary Pokémon introduced in this generation, Hydreigon, Volcarona, Haxorus, and Excadrill are notable for their strong battle capabilities. Legendary Pokémon such as Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem are also exceptionally powerful.