Pokemondex
#0589escavalier
#0591amoonguss

foongus

Generation V · #0590 — Mushroom Pokémon

Foongus is a Grass/Poison-type Pokémon introduced in Generation V, bearing the classification of Mushroom Pokémon. As National Pokédex entry #590, this diminutive fungal creature stands merely 0.2 meters (0'08") tall and weighs just 1.0 kilogram (2.2 lbs), making it one of the shortest Grass-type Pokémon in existence. Despite its small stature, Foongus possesses a remarkable defensive strategy centered around its distinctive appearance and toxic spore dispersal. With a base stat total of 294, Foongus allocates its modest capabilities primarily toward Hit Points (69) while maintaining balanced special stats and notably poor Speed (15). The species evolves into the more formidable Amoonguss upon reaching level 39, and it is known for its hidden ability Regenerator, which restores one-third of its maximum HP upon switching out of battle, alongside its standard ability Effect Spore that grants a 30% chance of inflicting paralysis, poison, or sleep on contact with attacking opponents.

Base Stats

HP69
Attack55
Defense45
Sp. Atk55
Sp. Def55
Speed15
Total294
Height

0.2m

Weight

1.0kg

Category

Mushroom Pokémon

Gender

Male 50% / Female 50%

Color

white

Shape

arms

Abilities
Effect Spore

Has a 30% chance of inflcting either paralysis, poison, or sleep on attacking Pokémon on contact.

RegeneratorHidden

Heals for 1/3 max HP upon switching out.

Foongus Biology & Physical Characteristics

Foongus presents a striking biological design that centers on its remarkable resemblance to a Poké Ball, featuring a white, rounded mushroom-like body capped with a distinctive red and white pattern that mimics the iconic capture device. Its physical form includes stubby, digit-less arms, a tiny mouth with characteristically large pink lips, and small, dark pinprick-like eyes that give it an endearing appearance despite its toxic nature. The Pokédex notes an intriguing theory suggesting that the original developer of the modern Poké Ball actually modeled the device after observing Foongus's cap pattern, though this remains unconfirmed speculation. Foongus locomotes through either hopping movements or by turning on its side and rolling across its fungal cap, a peculiar method of traversal that complements its mushroom physiology. Most fascinatingly, the poisonous spores that Foongus releases as a defensive mechanism possess medicinal properties when thoroughly dried, transforming from a weapon into a remedy suitable for treating stomach ailments—a duality that reflects the complex nature of toxins in the natural world.

Pokedex Numbers

national#590
original unova#96
updated unova#161
kalos mountain#53
isle of armor#77
paldea#205
hyperspace#111

Training

EV Yield1 HP
Catch Rate190
Base Happiness70
Base Exp.59
Growth Ratemedium

Breeding

Egg Groupsplant
GenderMale 50% / Female 50%
Egg Cycles20 (5355 steps)

Foongus Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups

Foongus maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, allowing trainers equal opportunity to breed either variant without concerning themselves with genetic predisposition toward particular sexes. The species belongs to the Plant Egg Group, a classification shared with various grass-type and plant-like Pokémon, meaning it can breed with other members of this egg group to produce Foongus offspring. Breeding Foongus requires 20 egg cycles to hatch, translating approximately to 4,884–5,140 steps of gameplay before the egg produces a new Foongus, a relatively standard hatching duration that encourages player engagement without excessive grinding. The species maintains a base Happiness value of 70 in most generations (though this was reduced to 50 in later iterations), indicating moderate friendliness toward trainers who capture it in the wild, which gradually increases through positive interactions and care. Foongus does not have any notably gender-specific characteristics in appearance or battle capability, with males and females presenting identical visual designs and base statistics, making gender selection purely a matter of trainer preference or breeding strategy when pursuing particular movesets or abilities through egg moves and nature manipulation.

Held Items

Tiny Mushroom
black50%
Tiny Mushroom
white50%
Tiny Mushroom
black 250%
Tiny Mushroom
white 250%
Tiny Mushroom
x50%
Tiny Mushroom
y50%
Tiny Mushroom
omega ruby50%
Tiny Mushroom
alpha sapphire50%
Tiny Mushroom
sun50%
Tiny Mushroom
moon50%
Tiny Mushroom
ultra sun50%
Tiny Mushroom
ultra moon50%
Big Mushroom
black5%
Big Mushroom
white5%
Big Mushroom
black 25%
Big Mushroom
white 25%
Big Mushroom
x5%
Big Mushroom
y5%
Big Mushroom
omega ruby5%
Big Mushroom
alpha sapphire5%
Big Mushroom
sun5%
Big Mushroom
moon5%
Big Mushroom
ultra sun5%
Big Mushroom
ultra moon5%
Balm Mushroom
black1%
Balm Mushroom
white1%
Balm Mushroom
black 21%
Balm Mushroom
white 21%

Sprites

foongus Front
Front
foongus Back
Back
foongus Shiny Front
Shiny Front
foongus Shiny Back
Shiny Back
foongus Home
Home
foongus Home Shiny
Home Shiny
foongus Showdown
Showdown
foongus Showdown Shiny
Showdown Shiny

Held Items

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

tiny-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade two for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 250 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 500 Pokédollars.

Cost: 500

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

big-mushroom

loot

Fire Red and Leaf Green: Trade for prior Level-up moves. Sell for 2500 Pokédollars, or to Hungry Maid for 5000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 5000

balm-mushroom

loot

Sell to Hungry Maid for 25000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 15000

balm-mushroom

loot

Sell to Hungry Maid for 25000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 15000

balm-mushroom

loot

Sell to Hungry Maid for 25000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 15000

balm-mushroom

loot

Sell to Hungry Maid for 25000 Pokédollars.

Cost: 15000

TMs & HMs

tm04

gold silver

tm04

crystal

tm05

lets go pikachu lets go eevee

tm06

yellow

tm06

gold silver

tm06

red blue

tm06

crystal

tm06

emerald

tm06

firered leafgreen

tm06

diamond pearl

tm06

platinum

tm06

ruby sapphire

tm06

colosseum

tm06

black 2 white 2

tm06

xd

tm06

black white

tm06

heartgold soulsilver

tm06

omega ruby alpha sapphire

tm06

ultra sun ultra moon

tm06

sun moon

+425 more TMs/HMs

Foongus Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms

Foongus undergoes a straightforward evolutionary transformation into Amoonguss upon reaching level 39, a developmental milestone that represents a natural progression in the Mushroom Pokémon's life cycle. The evolution dramatically enhances Foongus's capabilities, with Amoonguss receiving substantial increases across most statistical categories, particularly in Attack, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, though HP actually decreases slightly. While Foongus maintains the same Grass/Poison typing, its evolved form gains greater offensive potential and improved survivability through enhanced defensive stats, making Amoonguss significantly more viable in competitive battling scenarios. The evolution retains both ability options—Effect Spore and the hidden ability Regenerator—ensuring that trainers who have invested in specific ability configurations can maintain their battle strategies post-evolution. Foongus does not possess any Mega Evolution, Gigantamax form, or Terastallization variant exclusive to this unevolved stage, though its evolution into Amoonguss provides the primary avenue for powering up this mushroom-based lineage.

Where to Find

unova route 6

unova

blackLv. 27-27 (10% chance)
blackLv. 29-29 (4% chance)
blackLv. 29-29 (1% chance)

+23 more

unova route 10

unova

blackLv. 33-33 (5% chance)
blackLv. 34-34 (4% chance)
blackLv. 35-35 (1% chance)

+13 more

unova route 7

unova

blackLv. 33-33 (1% chance)
blackLv. 33-33 (4% chance)
blackLv. 31-31 (5% chance)

+21 more

kalos route 15

kalos

xLv. 35-35 (10% chance)
xLv. 34-34 (10% chance)
xLv. 34-34 (10% chance)

+5 more

kalos route 16

kalos

xLv. 36-36 (10% chance)
xLv. 34-34 (10% chance)
xLv. 36-36 (10% chance)

+5 more

Foongus Behaviour and Natural Habitat

Foongus exhibits a sophisticated predatory behavior pattern that exploits visual deception as its primary hunting and defense mechanism. By displaying its Poké Ball-patterned cap, it actively lures both people and other Pokémon into close proximity, a strategy that proves devastatingly effective given the iconic recognition of the Poké Ball in Pokémon culture. Once potential threats or prey approach within striking distance, Foongus releases clouds of poisonous spores designed to repel attackers and provide an escape opportunity. This aggressive defensive strategy reflects an otherwise docile creature that prefers to avoid direct confrontation, instead relying on chemical and visual deception. The species shows a marked preference for damp environments, particularly areas surrounding trees where moisture levels remain elevated and conditions favor fungal growth. Foongus inhabits grassy regions throughout various regions, with documented populations in locations ranging from the Unova region in Black and White versions to the diverse ecosystems of more recent generations, always favoring areas where humidity and vegetation provide ideal living conditions for this moisture-dependent organism.

Pokedex Entries

black

It lures people in with its Poké Ball pattern, then releases poison spores. Why it resembles a Poké Ball is unknown.

black 2white 2

It lures Pokémon with its pattern that looks just like a Poké Ball then releases poison spores.

white

For some reason, this Pokémon resembles a Poké Ball. They release poison spores to repel those who try to catch them.

x

It lures people in with its Poké Ball pattern, then releases poison spores. Why it resembles a Poké Ball is unknown.

y

It lures Pokémon with its pattern that looks just like a Poké Ball, then releases poison spores.

omega ruby

It lures people in with its Poké Ball pattern, then releases poison spores. Why it resembles a Poké Ball is unknown.

alpha sapphire

It lures Pokémon with its pattern that looks just like a Poké Ball, then releases poison spores.

sword

No one knows what the Poké Ball–like pattern on Foongus means or why Foongus has it.

shield

The spores released from this Pokémon’s hands are highly poisonous, but when thoroughly dried, the spores can be used as stomach medicine.

Foongus Name Origin & Design Inspiration

The name Foongus derives from a clever phonetic blend combining "fungus" with "foo," creating a whimsical nomenclature that perfectly encapsulates the creature's fungal nature while maintaining the distinctive sound profile characteristic of Generation V Pokémon naming conventions. The Japanese designation Tamagetake (タマゲタケ) literally translates to "ball mushroom" or "decoy mushroom," with "tama" meaning ball and "getake" referring to mushroom, a direct reference to both its spherical appearance and deceptive Poké Ball-mimicking coloration. The design itself draws obvious inspiration from real-world mushroom species, particularly those with distinctive red and white coloration patterns found in various fungal ecosystems, combined with the overlay of Poké Ball aesthetics that create an instantly recognizable visual identity. The evolutionary line's design philosophy emphasizes biological adaptation and evolutionary refinement, with Foongus representing the deceptive base strategy and Amoonguss embodying the perfected predatory organism. This naming and design philosophy creates a cohesive narrative where the smallest and most defensively-oriented stage of the mushroom evolution gradually becomes more aggressive and formidable, reflecting the Pokémon series' emphasis on growth and development through evolution.

Learnable Moves

Foongus can learn 56 moves:

Move
Type
Cat.
Power
Acc.
PP
absorbgrass
Special
2010025
after younormal
Status
15
astonishghost
Physical
3010015
attractnormal
Status
10015
bidenormal
Physical
10
body slamnormal
Physical
8510015
bullet seedgrass
Physical
2510030
clear smogpoison
Special
5015
confidenormal
Status
20
defense curlnormal
Status
40
double teamnormal
Status
15
endurenormal
Status
10
energy ballgrass
Special
9010010
facadenormal
Physical
7010020
feint attackdark
Physical
6020
flashnormal
Status
10020
foul playdark
Physical
9510015
frustrationnormal
Physical
10020
gastro acidpoison
Status
10010
giga draingrass
Special
7510010
grass knotgrass
Special
10020
grassy terraingrass
Status
10
growthnormal
Status
20
hidden powernormal
Special
6010015
ingraingrass
Status
20
leaf stormgrass
Special
130905
magical leafgrass
Special
6020
mega draingrass
Special
4010015
nature powernormal
Status
20
paybackdark
Physical
5010010
poison powderpoison
Status
7535
pollen puffbug
Special
9010015
protectnormal
Status
10
rage powderbug
Status
20
rain dancewater
Status
5
restpsychic
Status
5
returnnormal
Physical
10020
rolloutrock
Physical
309020
roundnormal
Special
6010015
secret powernormal
Physical
7010020
seed bombgrass
Physical
8010015
sleep talknormal
Status
10
sludge bombpoison
Special
9010010
snorenormal
Special
5010015
solar beamgrass
Special
12010010
sporegrass
Status
10015
stun sporegrass
Status
7530
substitutenormal
Status
10
sunny dayfire
Status
5
swaggernormal
Status
8515
sweet scentnormal
Status
10020
synthesisgrass
Status
5
tera blastnormal
Special
8010010
toxicpoison
Status
9010
venoshockpoison
Special
6510010
worry seedgrass
Status
10010

Foongus Competitive Battle Guide

In competitive Pokémon battling, Foongus occupies an extremely niche position due to its exceptionally poor Speed stat of 15, which ranks among the slowest Pokémon in the entire National Pokédex, making it nearly unviable in conventional offensive strategies. However, its access to the hidden ability Regenerator provides substantial defensive utility, allowing Foongus to pivot in and out of battle while recovering one-third of its maximum health, a capability that grants it viability as a defensive pivot or support Pokémon in specific team compositions. The standard ability Effect Spore offers additional defensive value through its 30% chance to inflict paralysis, poison, or sleep on physical attackers, incentivizing opponents to avoid direct contact and potentially disrupting their team composition. Foongus's modest offensive statistics (both Attack and Special Attack at 55) severely limit its damage output, though it can learn supportive moves like Stun Spore, Spore, and various healing options that capitalize on its defensive profile rather than offensive potential. Most serious competitive players recommend evolving Foongus into Amoonguss as quickly as possible, since the evolution provides substantially improved statistics and effectiveness while maintaining access to the same abilities and strategic foundations, making the unevolved form primarily useful only in limited metagames or casual play where speed restrictions provide equalizing advantages.

Commonly Asked Questions About Foongus

What type is Foongus?

Foongus is a grass and poison type Pokemon.

What does Foongus evolve into?

Foongus evolves into amoonguss.

What are Foongus's weaknesses?

Foongus is weak to flying, fire, psychic and ice type moves.

Where can I find Foongus?

Foongus can be found in unova route 6 (unova), unova route 10 (unova) and unova route 7 (unova) and 2 other locations.

Foongus Cultural Impact & Franchise History

Foongus represents a fascinating intersection point between Pokémon's internal world-building and real-world biology, introducing a creature that challenges conventional expectations by mimicking the very mechanism through which trainers capture Pokémon. This meta-textual design choice has resonated with the Pokémon community, spawning considerable discussion and fan theories about the intentional relationship between Foongus and the Poké Ball itself, particularly the Pokédex suggestion that the device's creator may have been inspired by observing this Mushroom Pokémon. The species gained particular prominence in discussions about Pokémon design philosophy and creative naming conventions, with the phonetic cleverness of "Foongus" becoming emblematic of Generation V's wordplay-heavy approach to nomenclature. In competitive and casual gaming circles, Foongus has maintained a modest following as a quirky option for players seeking unconventional team compositions, though it never achieved the mainstream popularity of more powerful or visually striking Pokémon. The creature's appearance in various animated adaptations and trading card game releases has provided consistent exposure, though primarily as a minor character rather than a featured protagonist, maintaining its identity as a specialized creature for dedicated trainers rather than a universal favorite.

Where to Find Foongus in Every Pokémon Game

Foongus was first introduced in Generation V and has enjoyed consistent availability across subsequent generations with varying regional Pokédex placement and encounter rates. In Black and White, Foongus appears as Pokédex entry #096 in the Unova region, while Black 2 and White 2 reassign it to entry #161, reflecting the expanded Pokédex structure of those sequels with slightly different encounter mechanics and availability patterns. The species remains accessible in X and Y as entry #0053 (Mountain Kalos), Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire with its standard availability, and subsequent generations including Sword and Shield, Scarlet and Violet, and Legends: Z-A. Foongus maintains a respectable capture rate of 190 (approximately 35.2% with a standard Poké Ball at full health), making it relatively straightforward to capture once encountered, with base experience yield of 59 providing modest training contributions. The species is compatible with all modern Pokémon transfer systems, allowing players to migrate Foongus from earlier generations into contemporary titles, ensuring that trainers interested in this diminutive fungal species can reliably acquire one regardless of which games comprise their collection, though its poor competitive viability and limited cultural prominence mean it is rarely a top priority for trainers seeking specific Pokémon.