One of the first Mythical Pokemon with different forms, Hoopa first debuted in Pokemon X & Y and has since made its way to Pokemon GO.
While most forms in Pokemon GO are almost treated like a separate species (examples include Castform, Cherrim, Rotom, and Giratina), a new form-change mechanic has been introduced into the game. This feature allows some Pokemon to switch between forms whenever the player wants. So far (at the time of writing), this mechanic can only be used by Furfrou and Hoopa.
Here's how to switch Hoopa between its Confined and Unbound forms.
How to Catch Hoopa
Unfortunately, anyone who didn't log in during the Season of Mischief cannot, at the moment, obtain Hoopa. It can only be caught by progressing through the Misunderstood Mischief Special Research that was activated by logging in during that time period. Hoopa will surely be released again in the future, but as of now, this is the only way to obtain it.
Anyone who did manage to snag the Misunderstood Mischief quests can catch Hoopa in its Confined form by finishing Step 3 of the questline.
This Special Research is always available once obtained, so there's no time limit on completing it. By completing the Special Research by a certain time in the Season of Mischief (or by buying a ticket), players could unlock a new questline called Mischief Unbound. Completing the second step of that questline allows Hoopa to change forms on that player's account.
Changing Hoopa's Form
It's actually very easy to switch Hoopa's form in Pokemon GO. Players need to ensure that they've finished the second step of the Mischief Unbound Special Research, which unlocks the form change mechanic for Hoopa.
Simply open up Hoopa's page, then scroll down to where the "EVOLVE" and "POWER UP" buttons are. There should be a button here titled "CHANGE FORM."
There is a cost to changing forms, though. Here's what's needed:
- Hoopa Confined ➡ Hoopa Unbound = 50 Hoopa Candy + 50,000 Stardust
- Hoopa Unbound ➡ Hoopa Confined = 10 Hoopa Candy + 2,000 Stardust
That's all there is to it! Hoopa's form can be switched as much as desired, but it will cost the Candy and Stardust every time.
Pokemon GO is available on mobile devices.