All 17 Masked Pokemon Go Critters, Identified

This article identifies all 17 masked Pokémon that appear in Pokémon GO, answering the question of which critters hide behind those disguises. You will get the complete list, the context of why they wear masks, and tips for recognizing them in the wild. The 17 masked Pokémon are: Cubone, Marowak, Alolan Marowak, Kecleon, Shuppet, Banette, Duskull, Dusclops, Dusknoir, Sableye, Yamask, Cofagrigus, Litwick, Lampent, Chandelure, Pumpkaboo, and Gourgeist.

Why Do These Pokémon Wear Masks?

The concept of masked Pokémon in Pokémon GO ties into the game’s Halloween events and the general lore of Ghost-type Pokémon. Many of these creatures are Ghost-types, and their masks are not just accessories but part of their biology or backstory. For example, Cubone wears the skull of its deceased mother, a tragic detail from the main series games. In Pokémon GO, these masks are often highlighted during special research tasks or as costumed variants during events, though the base forms always have their masks as a permanent feature.

The Complete List of 17 Masked Pokémon

Here is the full list of the 17 masked Pokémon you can encounter in Pokémon GO, along with their types and notable features:

• Cubone (Ground) – Wears its mother’s skull; often found in desert biomes.
• Marowak (Ground) – Cubone’s evolution, still wearing the skull.
• Alolan Marowak (Fire/Ghost) – A regional variant with a bone weapon and a darker mask.
• Kecleon (Normal) – Has a zigzag pattern on its head that resembles a mask; appears on PokéStops during special events.
• Shuppet (Ghost) – A small puppet-like Pokémon with a zipper mouth and a mask-like face.
• Banette (Ghost) – Shuppet’s evolution, a discarded doll with a mask-like face.
• Duskull (Ghost) – Wears a mask that covers its single eye; it is said to be the mask of a spirit.
• Dusclops (Ghost) – Duskull’s evolution, with a bandaged mask.
• Dusknoir (Ghost) – Dusclops’s evolution, with a mouth-like mask on its belly.
• Sableye (Dark/Ghost) – Has gemstone eyes and a mask-like pattern on its face.
• Yamask (Ghost) – Carries a mask that is actually its original human face from a past life.
• Cofagrigus (Ghost) – Yamask’s evolution, a sarcophagus with a mask-like face.
• Litwick (Ghost/Fire) – A candle Pokémon with a mask-like face that glows.
• Lampent (Ghost/Fire) – Litwick’s evolution, a lamp with a mask-like face.
• Chandelure (Ghost/Fire) – Lampent’s evolution, a chandelier with a mask-like face.
• Pumpkaboo (Ghost/Grass) – A pumpkin Pokémon with a mask-like face.
• Gourgeist (Ghost/Grass) – Pumpkaboo’s evolution, with a mask-like face and large hands.

How to Identify Masked Pokémon in the Wild

Identifying these Pokémon in Pokémon GO is usually straightforward because their masks are always visible in their models and on the catch screen. However, some are rarer or only appear during specific events. For example, Kecleon is only visible on PokéStops when you spin them, and it appears as a silhouette. Duskull and its evolutions are common during Halloween events. To identify them:

• Look for the mask as a distinct feature – it is often the most prominent part of the design.
• Check the type icons – Ghost-types are dark and often have a purple hue.
• Use the Pokédex entry – each entry describes the mask’s origin.
• During events, costumed variants may have additional masks or hats, but the base mask remains.

Common Mistakes When Guessing Masked Pokémon

A common mistake is confusing Pokémon that wear masks with those that have natural patterns that look like masks. For instance, Kecleon’s zigzag head pattern is often mistaken for a mask, but it is not a removable item. Another mistake is assuming all Ghost-types have masks – many do not, like Gastly or Misdreavus. Also, Alolan Marowak is often forgotten because it is a regional variant, but it is still a masked Pokémon. Finally, some players think that costumed Pokémon (like those wearing Halloween hats) are the only masked ones, but the base forms already have masks.

Why Masks Matter in Pokémon Lore

Masks in Pokémon lore often symbolize loss, protection, or a connection to the spirit world. Cubone’s mask is a poignant symbol of grief, while Yamask’s mask is a literal remnant of its human past. In Pokémon GO, these masks are not just cosmetic; they are part of the Pokémon’s identity and are used in special research tasks, such as “Take a snapshot of a Ghost-type Pokémon.” Understanding the lore adds depth to the game and helps players appreciate the design choices.

How to Catch Masked Pokémon Effectively

To catch these Pokémon, you need to know their habitats and behaviors:

• Cubone and Marowak – Found in desert and mountainous areas; use ground-type lures.
• Ghost-types – Appear more frequently at night and during Halloween events; use incense at night.
• Kecleon – Only appears on PokéStops after spinning; you must tap it to initiate an encounter.
• Pumpkaboo and Gourgeist – Appear in parks and residential areas; use grass-type lures.

Using berries and ultra balls increases your catch rate, especially for evolved forms like Chandelure or Dusknoir, which have low catch rates.

Costumed vs. Base Masked Pokémon

During events, Pokémon GO often releases costumed variants that wear additional items, such as Halloween hats or scarves. These are different from the base masked Pokémon. For example, a costumed Pikachu wearing a Halloween hat is not a masked Pokémon – it is a costumed one. The 17 masked Pokémon listed above are the ones whose masks are part of their permanent design, not temporary event costumes. This distinction is important for collectors who want to complete their Pokédex without missing out on event-exclusive variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are all Ghost-type Pokémon masked?

No, not all Ghost-types have masks. For example, Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Misdreavus, and Drifloon do not have masks. The masked ones are specific to certain evolutionary lines, like Duskull and Yamask.

Can you remove the mask from a Pokémon?

No, the masks are part of the Pokémon’s design and cannot be removed. In the main series games, Cubone’s skull is always there, and Yamask’s mask is its face. There is no mechanic to remove them.

Why does Cubone wear a skull?

According to Pokémon lore, Cubone wears the skull of its deceased mother. This is a tragic backstory that has been consistent since the original games. In Pokémon GO, this is referenced in its Pokédex entry.

Is Kecleon really a masked Pokémon?

Kecleon is often included in lists of masked Pokémon because of its head pattern that resembles a mask, but it is not a true mask in the same sense as Cubone’s skull. However, it is commonly counted among them due to its appearance.

Do costumed Pokémon count as masked?

No, costumed Pokémon wear temporary event items like hats or scarves, which are different from the permanent masks of the 17 listed. Costumed variants are separate entries in the Pokédex.

Are there any other masked Pokémon not on this list?

Some players argue that Pokémon like Riolu (with its mask-like face) or Lucario (with its head spikes) could be considered masked, but they are not traditionally classified as such. The 17 listed are the ones commonly recognized in the Pokémon community.

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