As of 2021, Pokemon has existed for twenty-five years following the 1996 launch of the Game Boy titles in Japan. In that span, Game Freak has introduced eight generations of Pokemon from all walks of life. Their inspirations include animals, plant life, and even inanimate objects like a literal bag of garbage. There are almost a thousand critters out there to catch, which is a daunting task. 

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That’s why some players have decided not to become Pokemon Masters, but specific types of trainers instead. For example, a player could dedicate themselves to all types of dog, or turtle Pokemon. Could a dedicated player becomes a mushroom trainer? How many such Pokemon are there? Let’s find out.

8 Paras, A Bug Growing Parasitic Mushrooms

In Gen 1, Paras became the first mushroom creature introduced in the Pokemon universe. It is categorized as a Bug/Grass type, which makes sense since it does mostly resemble a bug. However, its past is pretty dark if one reads into it. For example, its Pokedex entry from Pokemon Ruby states that the mushrooms on its back are parasitic, drawing nutrients from the host.

Though the parasite aspect is grim, the entry also states that these mushrooms have medicinal properties. Fans can see this in episode 41, of the anime, "The Problem with Paras."

7 Parasect, Taken Over By Parasites

Paras’ evolved form has become more mushroom than. The Pokedex entries discuss how the parasites fully take over the host (sounds like The Last of Us). Parasites aside, there are actually two Pokedex entries worth discussing for two other reasons. 

Its entry in Pokemon FireRed states that its spores are used as herbal medicine in China – it’s interesting to see an entry mention a real-world location. Meanwhile, Pokemon Sun states that Parasect fights over territory with Shiinotic. Not many Pokedex entries explore rival Pokemon battles, although it is also not unheard of. 

6 Shroomish, A Strange Little Spore

Mushrooms were skipped in the next generation of games, but returned in the third via Pokemon Ruby/Sapphire. Sadly, Game Freak's next fungal Pokemon was a bit disappointing.

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A pure Grass-type, Shroomish sort of looks more like a spore than a mushroom. It doesn’t look particularly crazy and or cute. Additionally, its various Pokedex entries don’t have anything truly fun to discuss other than it loving compost as food. However, its evolved form is worth investing time into in the games. 

5 Breloom, The Mushroom That Packs A Punch

Breloom is the evolved form of Shroomish, and an intensely more interesting Pokemon to discuss. First of all, it is now classified as a Grass/Fighting type. Despite how tiny those arms look, like they’re from a T-Rex, they actually stretch out.

Its Pokemon Ruby Pokedex entry demonstrates just how strong this creature is, saying that its fighting "puts boxers to shame.” That should go without saying; it is a magical monster after all. How and why such powerful Pokemon obey the commands of humans is one of the most bizarre things about the series. 

4 Foongus, Adorable But Strangely Designed

Another generation was skipped before a new crop of mushroom creatures appeared via Pokemon Black/White. Foongus sort of looks like a traditional mushroom, like one Mario might eat for fire power. The only exceptions are its piglike face and the Pokeball insignia on its top.  

Even the Pokemon Black Pokedex has no idea what this Grass/Posion type is thinking, stating that it is unknown why this species resembles a Pokeball.

3 Amoonguss, Ineffectively Camouflaged

This is the evolved form of Foongus, though that's obvious from its design. The only real addition is the bigger size and arms, which also look like Pokeballs now.

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Pokemon White’s Pokedex claims that Foongus shows off its Pokeball designs to attract prey, but this doesn't often work. This also seems like an obvious statement – what Pokemon wants to be captured anyway? If this Pokemon wants to attract others, it should be using whatever the anti-Pokeball design would be. 

2 Morelull, Equal Parts Cute & Creepy

The last set of mushroom critters were introduced in Pokemon Sun/Moon on 3DS. Morelull is a Grass/Fairy type. It’s a bit unsettling to look at, appearing to be some sort of skull with mushrooms growing off of it.

The Pokemon Sword entry claims that forest-dwelling Pokemon eat the caps on Morelull’s head, which regrow overnight. The big question is, does that hurt Morelull? Either way, it is a bit creepy. At least it isn't as horrifying as Farfetch'd Pokedex entries, which discuss it going extinct because people are catching it to eat.

1 Shiinotic, Sweet But Slightly Menacing

The evolved form of Morelull looks a bit like the skeleton or withered body of Toad from the Mario franchise. It also appears to have a mushroom hat and diaper.

Shiinotic also resembles a typical alien that one would category as a Gray, which is the more likely inspiration for this Pokemon. It looks haunting, like something out of a ghost story. Just imagine these Pokemon and Parasect fighting each other before trying to go to sleep, and prepare for the nightmares.

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