Keldeo’s Resolute Form is finally available in Pokémon GO, and trainers can now transform the standard form into its battle-ready variant for the first time. While the option appears simple on the surface, it’s tied to the Stories of Transformation Special Research and has a few conditions that can prevent the button from showing up.
What You Need Before You Can Change Keldeo’s Form
Keldeo’s form change is unlocked through the Seasonal Special Research line. The transform button will not appear until certain progress checkpoints are reached.
1. Reach Page 8 of the “Stories of Transformation” Special Research
The form-change option is designed to unlock when you reach Page 8 of the “Stories of Transformation” Special Research. In some cases the button may appear earlier due to event-configuration rollout timing, but Page 8 is the intended unlock point for changing Keldeo into its Resolute Form.
2. Restart Your Game After Advancing
Even after reaching Page 8, many trainers only saw the form-change button after restarting Pokémon GO. Restarting forces the game to load updated event configuration files.
3. Make Sure Keldeo Is NOT Your Buddy
If Keldeo is currently set as your buddy, the form-change option may not appear.
Players reported that removing Keldeo as your buddy and then restarting the app fixed the issue.
4. Have the Required Candy
You need 50 Keldeo Candy to perform the form change.
You can get the candies from:
- Completing the Seasonal Special Research
- Walking Keldeo as your buddy
- Using Rare Candy
Step-by-Step: How to Change Keldeo to Resolute Form
Follow these steps to make the transformation appear and work correctly:
Step 1 — Progress to Page 8 of the Special Research
The form change is linked to the final research steps. Without reaching Page 8, the game will not unlock the button reliably.
Step 2 — Remove Keldeo as Your Buddy
If Keldeo is currently your buddy:
- Open your Buddy screen.
- Swap to a different Pokémon.
- Return to the main menu.
This fixes an issue where form change is blocked while Keldeo is in the buddy slot.
Step 3 — Restart the App
A simple restart refreshes game assets and triggers the form-change button to appear for many players.
Step 4 — Open Keldeo’s Pokémon Page
Once eligible:
- Open Keldeo in your Pokémon storage.
- Tap the Change Form button (if available).
- Spend 50 Keldeo Candy to transform.
Step 5 — Keldeo Learns Sacred Sword Automatically
After changing into Resolute Form, Keldeo learns Sacred Sword, a strong Fighting-type Charged Attack.
If Sacred Sword is removed by a Charged TM, you can teach it again during eligible events or via Elite Charged TM depending on future updates.
Why Some Players Still Don’t See the Form Change Option
Even after meeting all requirements, some trainers experience missing buttons. Based on reports:
- Still on Page 7 or Earlier: Some players can see the silhouette early, but the actual button only activates on Page 8.
- Buddy Candy Tasks Are Bugged: A few trainers walked long distances without receiving Buddy Candies, preventing progress to Page 8. Giving Keldeo a Poffin helped trigger candy for some players.
- Older Keldeo vs Newer Keldeo: There are reports that 2022 Keldeo can change form instantly, while 2025 Keldeo may not show the option until the research is completed. This may be tied to version flags or event rollout differences.
- Server Configuration Rollout: Some accounts received the form-change option earlier due to staggered updates.
What Happens After the Transformation?
Once changed into Resolute Form:
1. Keldeo Permanently Changes Appearance: It takes on its taller, blade-focused design.
2. Gains Sacred Sword: This Charged Attack gives it a strong Fighting-type presence:
- Trainer Battles: 70 damage
- Raids & Gyms: 120 damage
3. You Can Switch Back Later: You can return to the original form by spending another 50 Keldeo Candy—unless limited by future event rules.
Can Shiny Keldeo Change Form Too?
Yes, but Shiny Keldeo comes from Masterwork Research, which requires purchasing a ticket.
Once obtained, it can also change form using the same candy cost.
Some players are wondering whether they should save their candy for Shiny Keldeo before transforming their normal one—this is entirely optional and depends on your resource priorities.
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