The Pokémon franchise has captivated fans worldwide for over two decades, spawning countless games, TV shows, movies, and more. Alongside the excitement, many myths and rumors have circulated in the Pokémon community, some true, others pure fantasy. Whether you’re a veteran Trainer or a newcomer, it’s fun to explore these popular myths and learn what’s real and what’s just game folklore.
In this article, we’ll uncover the **top ten myths in Pokémon games**, debunking the most persistent legends that have left fans wondering.
—
## 1. **Mew Is Hidden Under the Truck in Cerulean City**
One of the most famous Pokémon myths claims that you can find the elusive Mew hiding beneath the truck parked in Cerulean City’s Pokémon Center area in the original games (Red, Blue, and Yellow). Despite players repeatedly checking, Mew was never actually there—it was just a rumor started by early game explorers.
—
## 2. **MissingNo. Can Permanently Corrupt Your Game**
MissingNo., the infamous glitch Pokémon found through a special exploit in Pokémon Red and Blue, causes graphical glitches and inventory duplication. Many believed it could permanently corrupt saved files. In reality, MissingNo. can cause temporary glitches but doesn’t permanently damage your game save.
—
## 3. **Shiny Pokémon Are More Powerful**
Shiny Pokémon, distinguished by their alternate coloration, are incredibly rare and highly sought after. However, their appearance has no effect on stats or battle performance—it’s purely cosmetic.
—
## 4. **There’s a Secret Pokémon Called “Giratina Origin Form” in All Games**
While Giratina’s Origin Form exists in some Pokémon games, it’s not universally accessible everywhere and usually requires specific conditions or items to unlock. Some players mistakenly think it’s always available, leading to confusion.
—
## 5. **You Can Evolve Certain Pokémon Only at Night**
Several Pokémon evolve only during specific times (day or night) or under unique conditions. This is true for species like Eevee (into Umbreon or Espeon) and Sneasel (into Weavile). So, this myth is actually *fact*!
—
## 6. **Ash’s Pikachu Is Stronger Because It Refuses to Evolve**
Ash’s Pikachu famously refuses to evolve into Raichu, leading many fans to speculate that this is why it’s so powerful and unique. In the games, refusing to evolve has no impact on strength or stats, but the story angle makes Pikachu special in the anime.
—
## 7. **You Can Catch Legendary Pokémon Multiple Times**
In most mainline Pokémon games, Legendary Pokémon are unique and can only be caught once per save file. Some players believe you can farm them infinitely, but this is typically false unless exploiting glitches or using external tools.
—
## 8. **There’s a Ghost in Lavender Town**
The eerie Lavender Town theme and spooky atmosphere inspired a creepy urban legend about a “Lavender Town Syndrome” causing health issues or ghost sightings. This is entirely a fan-made myth with no basis in the games.
—
## 9. **You Can Obtain Mew Through Special In-Game Events Only**
While Mew was originally only obtainable via Nintendo events or glitches, newer games and remakes have occasionally included legitimate in-game methods to obtain Mew. However, early players often believed events were the *only* way.
—
## 10. **Pokémon with Higher Friendship Stats Are More Powerful**
Friendship (or happiness) affects certain evolutions and some in-battle moves, but higher friendship doesn’t increase overall stats like attack or defense. It mainly influences specific gameplay elements, not raw power.
—
# Final Thoughts
Pokémon myths add an exciting layer of mystery and nostalgia to the games, encouraging fans to explore, experiment, and share stories. While many myths are debunked, some contain kernels of truth, and all contribute to the rich culture surrounding the Pokémon world.
Whether you’re chasing shiny Pokémon, uncovering hidden secrets, or battling legendaries, knowing what’s real helps you play smarter—and have even more fun.
—
