How many Pokemon does Ash have? Does Ash really ‘catch ‘em all’? We checked. He didn’t. Ash has 77 unique Pokemon in total. We think his intention was never really to catch ‘em all!
Ash Ketchum, the ever-optimistic protagonist of the Pokemon anime, has embarked on a seemingly endless journey to become a Pokemon Master. A key element of his ambition is to "catch them all," meaning collecting every Pokemon species.
But how many Pokemon has Ash actually caught and owned throughout his travels? This question is surprisingly complex to answer, but we can delve into the details and explore the fascinating evolution of Ash's Pokemon collection.
How Many Pokemon Does Ash Have?
According to meticulous fan calculations, Ash has owned a total of 77 unique Pokemon species across all his adventures.
However, this number comes with caveats. Some of these Pokemon were released or traded away, while others were only temporarily owned and not considered part of his main team.
| Category | Number of Pokemon | Notable Examples |
| Currently with Ash | Approximately 30 | Pikachu, Infernape, Dragonite, Gengar, Lucario, Dracovish, Sirfetch'd |
| Released or traded away | Approximately 20 | Butterfree, Charizard, Greninja, Sceptile, Pidgeot, Kingler |
| Temporarily owned | A handful | Articuno, Latios, Melmetal, Naganadel, Bewear |
| Total Unique Pokemon Owned | 77 |
Breaking Down The Numbers Of Pokemon Ash Owns
- Currently with Ash
Approximately 30 Pokemon, including his iconic Pikachu, Infernape, and Dragonite. This core team represents the Pokemon Ash has chosen to dedicate the most time and effort to, forging deep bonds that transcend mere ownership.
Each member plays a vital role in Ash's journey, offering unique strengths and abilities that complement each other flawlessly.
Related: Here's a list Full Pokemon Complete Watch Order Guide
- Released or traded away
Around 20 Pokemon, including iconic companions like Butterfree, Charizard, and Greninja. While the decision to trade or release a Pokemon like Greninja is often difficult, Ash understands that it is sometimes necessary for their individual growth and happiness.
Releasing Butterfree allowed it to find its mate and start a family while trading Charizard to a skilled trainer like Drake enabled it to reach its full potential in competitive battling. These releases, though bittersweet, demonstrate Ash's maturity and selflessness.
A handful of Pokemon caught specifically for battles or contests, not included in the 77.
Although these Pokemon may not be permanent members of Ash's team, they still play a significant role in his development as a trainer.
Battling with legendary Pokemon like Articuno and Latios provides him with invaluable experience and insights into the world of Pokemon, pushing him to constantly improve his skills.
Furthermore, caring for and battling with these powerful creatures fosters a sense of responsibility and respect that will benefit him throughout his journey.
| Region | Name | Current Status |
| Kanto | Bulbasaur | Released |
| Kanto | Charmander | Evolved into Charizard and traded to Drake |
| Kanto | Squirtle | Released |
| Kanto | Pidgey | Evolved into Pidgeotto and released |
| Kanto | Caterpie | Evolved into Metapod and then Butterfree and released |
| Kanto | Weedle | Evolved into Kakuna and then Beedrill and released |
| Kanto | Pikachu | Currently with Ash |
| Kanto | Nidoran (Female) | Traded to Professor Oak |
| Kanto | Oddish | Evolved into Gloom and then Bellossom and released |
| Kanto | Pidgeotto | Evolved from Pidgey and released |
| Kanto | Butterfree | Evolved from Caterpie and released |
| Kanto | Beedrill | Evolved from Weedle and released |
| Kanto | Ekans | Released |
| Kanto | Krabby | Evolved into Kingler and traded to Tracey Sketchit |
| Kanto | Abra | Evolved into Kadabra and traded to Mr. Mime |
| Kanto | Haunter | Evolved from Gastly and traded to Sabrina |
| Kanto | Snorlax | Released |
| Kanto | Lapras | Released |
| Kanto | Tauros (30) | Caught in Safari Zone and later released |
| Johto | Cyndaquil | Released |
| Johto | Totodile | Released |
| Johto | Chikorita | Evolved into Bayleef and released |
| Johto | Sentret | Released |
| Johto | Heracross | Released |
| Johto | Noctowl | Released |
| Johto | Phanpy | Traded to Professor Elm |
| Johto | Sneasel | Evolved into Weavile and released |
| Johto | Sudowoodo | Traded to Professor Oak |
| Johto | Bayleef | Evolved from Chikorita and released |
| Hoenn | Treecko | Released |
| Hoenn | Torchic | Released |
| Hoenn | Mudkip | Released |
| Hoenn | Taillow | Evolved into Swellow and released |
| Hoenn | Shroomish | Evolved into Breloom and released |
| Hoenn | Corphish | Evolved into Crawdaunt and released |
| Hoenn | Makuhita | Evolved into Hariyama and released |
| Hoenn | Torkoal | Released |
| Hoenn | Grovyle | Evolved from Treecko and released |
| Hoenn | Sceptile | Evolved from Grovyle and released |
| Sinnoh | Turtwig | Released |
| Sinnoh | Chimchar | Evolved into Monferno and Infernape and currently with Ash |
| Sinnoh | Piplup | Released |
| Sinnoh | Starly | Evolved into Staravia and Staraptor and released |
| Sinnoh | Buneary | Evolved into Lopunny and released |
| Sinnoh | Buizel | Evolved into Floatzel and currently with Ash |
| Sinnoh | Gible | Evolved into Gabite and Garchomp and released |
| Sinnoh | Munchlax | Evolved into Snorlax and currently with Ash |
| Sinnoh | Gliscor | Evolved from Gligar and currently with Ash |
| Sinnoh | Torterra | Evolved from Turtwig and released |
| Sinnoh | Infernape | Evolved from Chimchar and currently with Ash |
| Sinnoh | Staraptor | Evolved from Starly and released |
| Unova | Oshawott | Evolved into Dewott and Samurott and released |
| Unova | Snivy | Evolved into Servine and Serperior and released |
| Unova | Tepig | Evolved into Pignite and Emboar and released |
| Unova | Pidove | Evolved into Tranquill and Unfezant and released |
| Unova | Sewaddle | Evolved into Swadloon and Leavanny and currently with Ash |
| Unova | Pansage | Evolved into Simisage and released |
| Unova | Scraggy | Evolved into Scrafty and currently with Ash |
| Unova | Krookodile | Evolved from Krokorok and currently with Ash |
| Unova | Leavanny | Evolved from Sewaddle and currently with Ash |
| Kalos | Chespin | Evolved into Quilladin and Chesnaught and released |
| Kalos | Fennekin | Evolved into Braixen and Delphox and released |
| Kalos | Froakie | Evolved into Frogadier and Greninja and released |
| Kalos | Bunnelby | Evolved into Diggersby and released |
| Kalos | Fletchling | Evolved into Fletchinder and Talonflame and currently with Ash |
| Kalos | Hawlucha | Currently with Ash |
| Kalos | Noibat | Evolved into Noivern and released |
| Kalos | Greninja | Evolved from Froakie and released |
| Kalos | Talonflame | Evolved from Fletchling and currently with Ash |
| Alola | Rowlet | Evolved into Dartrix and Decidueye and currently with Ash |
| Alola | Litten | Evolved into Torracat and Incineroar and released |
| Alola | Popplio | Evolved into Brionne and Primarina and released |
| Alola | Pikipek | Evolved into Trumbeak and Toucannon and released |
| Alola | Grubbin | Evolved into Charjabug and Vikavolt and released |
| Alola | Rockruff | Evolved into Lycanroc (Midday Form) and currently with Ash |
| Alola | Mimikyu | Currently with Ash |
| Alola | Bewear | Temporarily owned |
| Alola | Drampa | Temporarily owned |
| Alola | Naganadel | Temporarily owned |
| Alola | Melmetal | Currently with Ash |
| Alola | Lycanroc (Midday Form) | Evolved from Rockruff and currently with Ash |
Beyond the Numbers: The Impact of Every Pokemon
It's important to remember that the number of Pokemon Ash owns only tells part of the story.
Each Pokemon he encounters, regardless of how long he keeps it, leaves a lasting impact on him.
From the mischievous Bulbasaur who taught him about patience to the determined Greninja who mirrored his own unwavering spirit, each Pokemon has contributed to Ash's personal growth and his understanding of the Pokemon world.
The memories he forms and the lessons he learns from each pokemon, whether it's a temporary companion or a lifelong partner, stay with him long after they part ways.
Evolution of a Team: From Kanto to the World
Ash's team composition has undergone a remarkable evolution over the course of his journey. As he ventured from region to region, encountering new environments and challenges, his team adapted to reflect these changes.
In Kanto, his team consisted primarily of Kanto-native Pokemon like Bulbasaur, Squirtle, and Pidgeot. However, as he explored Johto, Hoenn, and beyond, his team incorporated diverse species like Cyndaquil, Sceptile, and Glalie.
This evolution demonstrates Ash's adaptability and willingness to embrace new experiences. He actively seeks to learn about different Pokemon types, strengths, and teamwork dynamics, constantly refining his team composition to maximize its potential.
- Rela
Unbreakable Bonds: The Heart of Ash's Journey
While the strategic value of each Pokemon is undeniable, it's the emotional bonds Ash forms with them that truly define his journey.
The joy of overcoming challenges together, the comfort of companionship, and the shared experiences of growth foster an unbreakable connection between him and his Pokemon.
Whether it's the unwavering loyalty of Pikachu, the playful camaraderie of Bulbasaur, or the fierce determination of Charizard, each Pokemon holds a special place in Ash's heart.
These bonds teach him valuable lessons about empathy, responsibility, and the importance of nurturing relationships.
He learns to understand their individual personalities, needs, and motivations, allowing him to connect with them on a deeper level. It is this profound understanding and respect that allows Ash to unlock the true potential of his Pokemon and achieve remarkable feats together.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Ash's Pokemon Collection
With Ash's journey still unfolding, the future of his Pokemon collection remains an open book. He may encounter new Pokemon that capture his heart and add them to his team.
He may release or trade additional Pokemon as he encounters new challenges and opportunities. He may even form temporary bonds with unique creatures that further enhance his understanding of the Pokemon world.
What is Ash's rarest Pokémon?
Ash's rarest Pokemon is arguably his shiny Noctowl. Shiny Pokemon have a rare 1 in 4096 chance of appearing, making them incredibly valuable and sought-after. While Ash has briefly owned other legendary and mythical Pokemon, none are technically considered his own, making Noctowl his most unique and precious capture.
Who was Ash’s first Pokemon?
The first ever Pokemon Ash Ketchum received was Pikachu. Ash, who dreamt of being a Pokemon Master, was supposed to get his first Pokemon by Professor Oak. Since Ash arrived late, he was given Pikachu who was the only Pokemon left. Pikachu was an untamed Pokemon who disliked Ash initially but eventually developed a strong bond with him.
How many Pokemon does Ash release?
Ash Ketchum has traveled to several regions which are home to exotic Pokemon and he has caught quite a large number of Pokemon and also traveled with them. Ash has released 6 Pokemon and they are Butterfree, Pidgeot, Lapras, Greninja, Goodra, and Naganadel.
Does Ash catch all 150 Pokemon?
Ash Ketchum’s dream of becoming a Pokemon Master finally became true when he caught all 150 Pokemon. After two decades in Pokemon The Series: Sun and Moon, Ash finally caught 'em all in the 139th episode.
Why does Ash have 30 Tauros?
Since Ash wanted to become a Pokemon Master, he attempted to catch as many Pokemon as possible. Ash had a different kind of Pokeballs called Safari Balls which when he threw attracted many Tauros Pokemon and that’s how he caught 30 of them.
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