Primal redirects here. For thePokémon fromPokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness andPokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky, seePrimal Dialga.

Primal Reversion (Japanese:ゲンシカイキPrimal Regression) is an ancienttransformation introduced inPokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire that affects only theLegendary PokémonKyogre andGroudon. Primal Reversion was been absent from thecore series sincePokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Let's Go, Eevee! until it made a reappearance in theMega DimensionDLC ofPokémon Legends: Z-A. Primal Reversion has also appeared inspin-off games such asPokémon GO andMasters EX.

Terminology

Main article:Terminology of Primal Reversion

Primal Reversion uses the same English name but a different Japanese name to refer specifically to the transformed version of a Pokémon:Primal Reversion (Japanese:ゲンシカイキのすがたPrimal Regression's Form). This appears as the name of this form of Kyogre and Groudon in thePokédex, including inPokémon HOME.

Pokémon that have undergone Primal Reversion are distinguished by the word "Primal" (starting with a capital letter) in front of their species name:Primal Kyogre andPrimal Groudon. Each is referred to as theirprimal form inGeneration VI andPokémon GO, or asprimal state fromGeneration VII onward, written in lowercase (Japanese:原始(げんし)の姿(すがた)primal form/state).

In the core series games

History

Background

Spoiler warning: this article may contain major plot or ending details.

Primal Reversion isGroudon andKyogre's method of returning to their original, Primal forms. The process is said to restore Kyogre and Groudon's true powers by absorbing the energy of nature. It has been described as an ancient form ofEvolution,^[1] similar, but unrelated toMega Evolution, activated through different energy sources.^[2] The energy sources to trigger Primal Reversion can be either natural energy orMega Power. These forms were originally discovered thousands of years ago, during theHoennregion's primal age, when theLegendary Pokémon were always in this form thanks to the region's natural primal energy.^[3] TheDraconid people named the transformation after this energy that used to be numerous. They also named their ancient tormentors Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre.^[4] The Pokémon fought for this energy in constant clashes every 1000 years. Eventually, it got a point they nearly destroyed theworld after 20 days of clashes.^[5] The transformation was forgotten by history afterMegaRayquaza defeated the two and the natural energy disappeared overtime.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

In the modern day, another occurrence of Primal Reversion was accomplished afterTeam Magma^OR/Team Aqua^AS used theRed Orb^OR/Blue Orb^AS to awaken Groudon^OR/Kyogre^AS. Unable to be controlled, the Legendary Pokémon started creating disastrous weather effects, similar to those from their clash thousands of years ago. They were then attracted to theCave of Origin inSootopolis City, as it contained crystals filled with the very same primal energy, allowing them to undergo Primal Reversion and regain their original forms. Prior to awakening, theplayer was given the opposite orb that is used suppress the power of the Pokémon—theBlue Orb for Groudon^OR/Red Orb for Kyogre^AS.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A

Mega Dimension

ARogue Primal Kyogre and a Rogue Primal Groudon appear inHyperspace Lumiose as a result of theMythical PokémonDarkrai's nightmare power enhanced by theMega Power leaking fromAnge. TheSuper-ancient Pokémon were manifested within their respective subconscious, Kyogre inHyperspace Primordial Sea and Groudon inHyperspace Desolate Land, where they are battled byTeam MZ. Their defeat solves as research towards the summoning of aRayquaza forAnsha. After defeat, Ansha explains the history of Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon's clash in Hoenn. This history appears a story thatDiantha told to her, with a French visual.

	Spoilers end here.

Gameplay

In battle

In order to undergo Primal Reversion,Kyogre andGroudon only need to be holding the appropriatecolored orb (theBlue Orb for Kyogre and theRed Orb for Groudon). LikeMega Stones, orbs cannot be removed during battle if held by the appropriate Pokémon. UnlikeMega Evolution, however, the player does not need aKey Stone or have to manually trigger Primal Reversion; it will simply happen automatically after Kyogre or Groudon enters a battle and after anyentry hazards take effect, but before the activation ofweather-changingAbilities.

If a Pokémon that has undergone Primal Reversion faints and then isrevived, it will still be in its primal form after revival. In contrast, this does not occur to a Pokémon that has Mega Evolved or undergoneUltra Burst.

In aRotation Battle, Kyogre or Groudon will only undergo Primal Reversion if it is sent out in the primary position; the Primal Reversion will not activate if the Pokémon is sent out in a secondary position at the start of the battle and then rotated to the primary position. Also, unlike Mega Evolution and Ultra Burst, there is no limit to the number of times a Primal Reversion may be performed per battle.

InPokémon Legends: Z-A, Kyogre and Groudon will be fought in the format of aRogue Mega Evolution, having two phases instead, their second being their Primal Reversion. Pokémon who have reverted to their primal state in these battles will have an effect on the arena that replicates the effects of theirAbilities,Primordial Sea andDesolate Land. Defeating them in the main story will grant theplayer theBlue andRed Orbs. Outside of theseboss battles, Primal Kyogre and Primal Groudon lack these Ability simulations, allowing them to be hit by Fire- and Water-Type attacks respectively, as if they were any other Pokémon. UnlikeMega Evolution, Primal Reversion will not drainMega Power upon activation, andPlus Moves must be activated manually. Kyogre and Groudon will primal revert automatically upon entering a battle with either a wild Pokémon or Trainer-owned Pokémon, regardless of who initiates. They will remain in this primal state until the battle has ended, even if recalled back into theirPoké Ball.

Outside of battle

InPokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, if Kyogre or Groudon is holding the appropriate orb for Primal Reversion when it is entered into aPokémon Contest Spectacular, it will automatically appear in its primal form for the entirety of the show. However, this has no effect on thePokémon's performance.

InPokémon Legends: Z-A, Kyogre and Groudon can only revert to a primal state if they enter a battle with another Pokémon. However, they will remain in this primal state until they are withdrawn back into their Poké Ball, allowing these forms to interact with out-of-battle objects, and perform stealth attacks on opposing Pokémon.

Pokémon capable of Primal Reversion

Pokémon	Before Primal Reversion			After Primal Reversion			Orb	Availability
	Image	Type	Ability	Image	Type	Ability
Kyogre		Water	Drizzle		Water	Primordial Sea	Blue Orb	ORAS SMUSUM MD
Groudon		Ground	Drought		Ground  Fire	Desolate Land	Red Orb	ORAS SMUSUM MD

Base stat comparison

Similar toMega Evolution, Primal Reversion increases aPokémon's base stat total by 100.

Pokémon	HP	Atk	Def	Sp. Atk	Sp. Def	Spd	Total
Kyogre	100	100	90	150	140	90	670
Primal Kyogre	100	150	90	180	160	90	770
Groudon	100	150	140	100	90	90	670
Primal Groudon	100	180	160	150	90	90	770

Gallery

Icons fromPokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire	Icons fromPokémon Sun, Moon,Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon

In the spin-off games

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series

Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon

Kyogre and Groudon undergo Primal Reversion during the entirety of their boss fights inOcean Tempest andMagma Chamber, respectively. However, after recruiting them, there is no method for Kyogre or Groudon to undergo Primal Reversion, not even after attaching an AwakeningEmera to theirLooplet, which normally enablesMega Evolution for other Pokémon species.

Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX

After the credits roll, Kyogre and Groudon undergo Primal Reversion during the second phase of their boss fights inStormy Sea andMagma Cavern, respectively. Unlike in Super Mystery Dungeon, Kyogre and Groudon can undergo Primal Reversion after recruiting them by consuming anEmpowerment Seed, which also gives them the Awakened state. They revert to their regular forms when inflicted with astatus condition or after leaving the dungeon.

Pokémon GO

Main article:Mega Evolution (GO)

Primal Reversion was introduced in Pokémon GO on February 18, 2023. Rather than using theRed Orb orBlue Orb, an eligible Pokémon instead consumes Primal Energy to undergo a temporary Primal Reversion. Primal Reversion is functionally similar to Mega Evolution. The only differences are thetypes affected by the 1.3× power boost given to allies in raids (PrimalGroudon affects theGrass,Fire andGround types, while PrimalKyogre affects theElectric,Water andBug types) and that the damage bonuses are active whenever the PrimalPokémon is in theparty, not only when it is on the field. A player can only have one active Mega Evolution or Primal Reversion at a time.

Pokémon Masters EX

Certain Pokémon insync pairs can undergo Primal Reversion via their passiveskills in Pokémon Masters EX.

Trainer	Before Primal Reversion	After Primal Reversion	Passive skill changes
May (Champion)	Kyogre	PrimalKyogre	Blue Power Awakening → Primordial Ocean of Myths
Brendan (Champion)	Groudon	PrimalGroudon	Red Power Awakening → Desolate Land of Myths

In animation

Pokémon the Series

Pokémon the Series: XY

Groudon andKyogre appeared and underwent Primal Reversion in theMega Evolution Special III, to try and take possession of an incredible source of power at the coast ofRustboro City, theGiant Rock. After battling each other,Alain, andSteven, aMegaRayquaza appeared defeated the two, forcing both back into their regular forms.

A Primal Groudon and a Primal Kyogre also appeared inHoopa and the Clash of Ages, where they were summoned and controlled byHoopa Unbound along with thePokémon of myth andKyurem to battleAsh,Pikachu, Hoopa Confined, aShiny Rayquaza, and anEon duo inDahara City.

Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer

PrimalGroudon and PrimalKyogre appeared fighting each other in thePokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Animated Trailer.

Pokémon Generations

InThe Vision,Courtney had a vision where Groudon was awakened by her fellowTeam Magma members and underwet Primal Reversion before attacking them all, but this did not deter her from her team's plans for long.

InThe Cavern, Kyogre was awakened byArchie and underwent Primal Reversion with theBlue Orb inSeafloor Cavern, despiteShelly's insistence not to. It left the cavern and proceeded to spread heavy rain acrossHoenn and then attackTeam Aqua.

Pokémon Evolutions

InThe Wish, Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre appeared battling and being calmed byMegaRayquaza in a flashback asZinnia told the story of theDraconid people toMay.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire arc

InGroudon Returns,Archie andMaxie used theRed andBlue Orbs to Primal ReverseGroudon andKyogre in order to help save theworld from thegiant meteoroid headed for the planet.

Let's Play the Pokémon Card Game XY!

This section is astub. You canhelp Bulbapedia byexpanding it.

Pokémon Omega Ruby Crimson Passion and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire Indigo Wisdom

This section is astub. You canhelp Bulbapedia byexpanding it.

Movie adaptations

This section is astub. You canhelp Bulbapedia byexpanding it.

In the TCG

Primal Reversion was brought into the Trading Card Game with the release ofPrimal Clash (Gaia Volcano •Tidal Storm in Japan). Primal Reversion is an extension of theMega Evolution Pokémon mechanics. As such, Primal Reversion Pokémon only evolve from the long-standingPokémon-EX and are Pokémon-EX themselves. The only Primal Reversion Pokémon are thePrimal Kyogre-EX andPrimal Groudon-EX cards from Primal Clash andAncient Origins. Each Primal Reversion Pokémon features anAncient Trait. The Ancient Origins prints feature theShiny versions of the Pokémon and replace the original Ancient Traits with θ Max, but are otherwise identical to the Primal Clash cards.

Related cards Cards listed with ablue background are only legal to use in the currentExpanded format. Cards listed with agreen background are legal to use in both the currentStandard andExpanded formats.
Card	Type	English Expansion	Rarity	#	Japanese Expansion	Rarity	#
Primal Kyogre		Primal Clash		55/160	Tidal Storm		032/070
		Primal Clash		149/160	Tidal Storm		073/070
Primal Kyogre		Ancient Origins		96/98			093/081
Primal Groudon		Primal Clash		86/160	Gaia Volcano		040/070
		Primal Clash		151/160	Gaia Volcano		074/070
Primal Groudon		Ancient Origins		97/98			094/081

In other languages

Reference

Related articles

• Myths and legends involving Legendary and Mythical Pokémon

Pokémonforms andvariants Permanent Shiny Pokémon (GO ·GO list ·TCG) •Alternately colored Pokémon (animation) •Gender differences Form differences (GO) •Totem-like Pokémon •Brilliant Pokémon •Alpha Pokémon Form changes and transformations Mega Evolution (Shuffle ·Masters ·GO) •Primal Reversion (GO) •Bond Phenomenon Ultra Burst •Dynamax (GO) •Gigantamax (GO) •Eternamax •Terastal phenomenon Groups Totem Pokémon •Noble Pokémon •Titan Pokémon Regional forms Alolan •Galarian •Hisuian •Paldean Analogous species Paradox Pokémon •Convergent species Species-specific Arbok variants •Pikachu variants (Surfing ·Flying ·Cosplay ·Cap) Ditto transformations •Eevee variants Miscellaneous Giant Pokémon •Spiky-eared Pichu •Partner Pokémon (LGPE) Fusions (GO) •Human–Pokémon transformation •Talking Pokémon Side series original Colo/XD:Shadow Pokémon (Shadow Lugia ·list) Spin-off original GO:Shadow Pokémon (list) •Battle-Only Form •Mighty Pokémon Mystery Dungeon:Primal Dialga •Rumble:Toy Pokémon (Rusty Pokémon) Pokkén:Shadow Mewtwo •Quest:Pokéxel •New Snap:Illumina phenomenon Animation original Pokémon the Series:Pink Butterfree •Clone Pokémon •Crystal Onix Mirage Pokémon •Meta Groudon •Green-crystal Deoxys Manga original Adventures:Thu-Fi-Zer •Electric Tale:Black Fog •Golden Boys:Black Tyranitar TCG original Crystal Pokémon •Dark Pokémon •Light Pokémon δ Delta Species • • •Radiant Pokémon

• Articles with section stubs
• Variant Pokémon
• Game mechanics
• Pokémon world