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Pokémon hunter

2026-06-10T13:23:51Z

Anomani: /* Notable hunters */

{{search|criminals who hunt and sell Pokémon|the type of Trainer in the [[Generation III]] [[side series]] games|Hunter (Trainer class)}}
----
[[File:Masked Marauder Dark Ball.png|thumb|250px|The Iron-Masked Marauder in ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]'']]
A '''Pokémon hunter''', also known as a '''Pokémon poacher''' (Japanese: '''ポケモンハンター''' ''Pokémon hunter''), is typically a [[Human|person]] who captures [[wild Pokémon]], sometimes many of the same [[Pokémon (species)|species]] at a time, to sell for profit. They often use exceptionally powerful Pokémon. Some Pokémon hunters also attempt to steal Pokémon from their {{pkmn|Trainer}}s.

For a list of Pokémon hunters, see [[:Category:Pokémon hunters]].

==In the games==
In the {{pkmn|games}}, people who steal Pokémon are often referred to as '''Pokémon thieves'''. Relatedly, in the [[core series]], if the player attempts to [[Caught Pokémon|catch]] a Pokémon belonging to another {{pkmn|Trainer}}, a message will appear, typically stating the phrase "Don't be a thief". This phrase is referenced by [[Looker]] in {{game|Platinum}}. This is also [[List of cross-canon references|referenced in the animated series]] in the {{aniseries|JN}} episode ''[[JN059|When a House is Not a Home!]]'', where [[Goh]]'s [[Rotom Phone]] says the phrase when he attempts to catch a {{TP|Goh|Grookey}} that's already owned by [[Rocket Prize Master|someone else]]. In the [[side series]], [[Team Snagem]] is a gang of Pokémon thieves that steal Pokémon from their Trainers using the [[Snag Machine]].

[[Lorelei]] also refers to '''poachers''' in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}}.

'''Hunters''' are occasionally referenced in [[Pokédex entry|Pokédex entries]], although this is typically in reference to people hunting [[wild Pokémon]] in order [[Pokémon predation#Humans eating Pokémon|to eat them]], rather than poaching Pokémon for profit. However, exceptions apply, such as {{p|Persian}} being hunted for the valuable jewel embedded in its forehead.

==In animation==
[[File:J anime.png|thumb|250px|[[J|Pokémon Hunter J]] in {{aniseries|DP}}]]
===''Pokémon the Series''===
[[Team Rocket]] was the first major organization shown in the {{pkmn|animated series}} to steal Pokémon for profit. The first major hunter to appear in a movie, the [[Iron-Masked Marauder]], was also a member of Team Rocket. As the main antagonist of ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]'', he planned to use a sinister [[Poké Ball]], called the [[Dark Ball]], to [[Caught Pokémon|capture]] and control {{OBP|Celebi|M04}}.

[[J|Pokémon Hunter J]] was the first recurring Pokémon hunter in the series. She traveled through the [[Sinnoh]] [[region]] with her {{TP|J|henchmen}}, stealing Pokémon on behalf of her clients, who often gave large sums of money in exchange. Like the Iron-Masked Marauder, she often used underhanded tactics and devious {{DL|J|gadgets}} to achieve her goals.

Pokémon hunters tend to be far more dangerous than other villains in the series, as they typically have no qualms about having their Pokémon attack humans directly or using [[Weaponry in the Pokémon world|guns and other weapons]] to attack their target. This is most often shown by Hunter J, who in ''[[DP072|Pokémon Ranger and the Kidnapped Riolu! Part 2]]'' seemed to try to [[Death in the Pokémon world|kill]] Ash repeatedly. Similarly, the Pokémon hunter [[Rico]] had his Pokémon attack [[Jessie]] and [[James]] in ''[[AG006|A Poached Ego!]]''.

====Notable hunters====
* [[Dirk]]
* [[Iron-Masked Marauder]]
* [[J|Hunter J]]
* [[Rico]]
* [[Dolan]]
* [[Pokémon hunter (JN146)]]

===''The Power of Us''===
In ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]'', a movie which takes place in [[I Choose You! trilogy|a separate continuity]] from {{aniseries|PTS}}, [[Pokémon hunters (M21)|a pair of hunters]] appear as minor antagonists.

===''Pokémon Horizons: The Series''===
[[Pokémon hunters (HZ035)|A group of hunters]] appeared in ''[[HZ035|The Wild Pair, Friede and Cap!]]''.

==In the manga==
[[File:Bird Keeper Adventures.png|thumb|150px|A hunter in [[Pokémon Adventures]]]]
===Pokémon Adventures===
A Pokémon poacher who was also a [[Bird Keeper]] appeared in ''[[PS137|Really Raikou & Entirely Entei (Part 1)]]'', later arrested by [[Falkner]] for trespassing a protected zone and rampant hunting of Pokémon.

===Movie adaptations===
====Celebi: a Timeless Encounter====
[[Pokémon poacher (M04)|A Pokémon poacher]] and the [[Iron-Masked Marauder]] appeared in {{ma|Celebi: a Timeless Encounter}}, serving similar roles to their appearance in ''[[M04|Celebi: The Voice of the Forest]]''.

====Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us: Zeraora's Story====
[[Pokémon hunters (M21)|A trio of Pokémon hunters]] served as antagonists in [[Pokémon the Movie: The Power of Us: Zeraora's Story]], serving the same role as in ''[[M21|The Power of Us]]''.

=====Pokémon=====
{| style="float:left; width:50%"
|-
| {{InactivePoké|Pokémon poacher|Scyther|123Scyther.png|bug|flying|link=no}}
| {{InactivePoké|Pokémon poacher|Houndoom|229Houndoom.png|dark|fire|link=no}}
|}
{{-}}

===Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire===
[[File:Pokémon hunter PMRS.png|thumb|200px|A hunter in [[Pokémon Pocket Monsters]]]]
{{PPM|Red}} and his Pokémon encountered a hunter in ''[[PMRS32|A Visitor From Outer Space?!]]''.

====Pokémon====
{{TrainerPoké
|width=74
|trainer=Pokémon hunter
|pkmn=Swampert
|type1=Water
|type2=Ground
|img=Swampert Water Gun PMRS.png
|epnum=PMRS32
|epname=A Visitor From Outer Space?!
|desc={{p|Swampert}} is the hunter's only known Pokémon.

Swampert's known moves are {{m|Brick Break}}, {{m|Tackle}}, and {{m|Water Gun}}.}}

==In other languages==
{{Langtable|color={{black color light}}|bordercolor={{black color}}
|ca=Caçador Pokémon
|zh_yue=小精靈獵人 ''{{tt|Síujīnglìhng Lihpyàhn|Pokémon Hunter}}''
|zh_cmn=宝可梦猎人 ''{{tt|Pokémon Lièrén|Pokémon Hunter}}'' {{tt|*|Mainland China}} 神奇寶貝獵人 ''{{tt|Shénqí Bǎobèi Lièrén|Pokémon Hunter}}'' {{tt|*|Taiwan}}
|es=Cazador Pokémon
|fi=Pokémon-salametsästäjä
|fr_eu=Chasseuse de Pokémon
|it=Bracconiere Pokémon
|no=Pokémon jeger
|pl=Kłusownik Pokémonów
|pt_br=Caçador de Pokémon ([[M19]]) Caçador Pokémon
|sv=Pokémon jägare Pokémontjuvskytt{{tt|*|EP002}}
|th=โปเกมอนฮันเตอร์ ''Pokémon hunter''
|ru=Охотник за покемонами ''Ohotnik za pokemonami''
}}

==Related articles==
{{Anime Trainer classes|black}}

[[Category:Animated series Trainer classes]]
[[Category:Pokémon hunters|*]]

[[es:Cazador Pokémon]]
[[it:Bracconiere Pokémon]]
[[ja:ポケモンハンター]]
[[zh:寶可夢獵人]]

Team Plasma

2026-06-04T19:13:59Z

Anomani:

{{redirect|Plasma|the Plasma Pokémon|Rotom (Pokémon)}}
{{samename|Trainer class|Team Plasma (Trainer class)}}
{{Team Infobox
|teamname=Team Plasma
|jpteamname=プラズマ団
|tmteamname=Plasma Gang
|logo=Plasma-logo.png
|image=Black 2 White 2 Team Plasma Grunts.png
|size=200px
|caption=Artwork of Team Plasma Grunts from Black 2 and White 2
|leader=[[Ghetsis]], [[N]]{{sup/5|BW}}, [[Colress]]{{sup/5|B2W2}}
|region=[[Unova]]
|admins=[[Seven Sages]], [[Zinzolin]], [[Shadow Triad]]
|targets=[[Dark Stone]]{{sup/5|B}}/[[Light Stone]]{{sup/5|W}}, {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|B}}/{{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|W}}, [[Dreamyard]], [[Nacrene City]], [[Liberty Garden]], [[Cold Storage]], [[Chargestone Cave]], [[Dragonspiral Tower]], [[Relic Castle]], {{un|Pokémon League}}, {{p|Kyurem}}, [[DNA Splicers]], [[Opelucid City]], [[Giant Chasm]] {{an|White Ruins}} ({{aniseries|PTS}})
|hideout={{un|Pokémon League}} ([[N's Castle]]){{sup/5|BW}}, [[Plasma Frigate]]{{sup/5|B2W2}}, {{rt|17|Unova}} ([[P2 Laboratory]])
|border color={{black color dark}}
|epnum=BW112
|epname=Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot!
|psnum=PS466
|psname=An Odd Speech
|background color={{white color light}}
|lightened color=999999
}}

'''Team Plasma''' (Japanese: '''{{j|プラズマ{{ruby|団|だん}}}}''' ''Plasma-dan'', literally ''Plasma Gang'') is the [[villainous team]] with their organization based in the [[Unova]] region. Team Plasma's original goal was to "liberate" all Pokémon from their Trainers, by either manipulating the Trainer to release their Pokémon, or by theft. [[Ghetsis]], Team Plasma's true leader, exploited the group in an attempt to rule Unova as the only one with Pokémon.

Two years after Team Plasma's defeat, the group returned lead, now by the scientist [[Colress]], with a new goal to rule Unova by freezing it using {{p|Kyurem}}. A small group from the original Team Plasma was still loyal to [[N]], and took it upon themselves to take care of weakened Pokémon in the wild.

==In the core series games==
===Pokémon Black and White===
{{spoilers}}
[[File:Black White Team Plasma Grunts.png|thumb|250px|left|Artwork of Team Plasma Grunts from Black and White]]
Team Plasma is met early in the games. [[Ghetsis]] appears in [[Accumula Town]] where he is holding a rally trying to get people to join Team Plasma's cause. Following this rally the {{player}} will be approached and battled by a person named [[N]]. After this, the player will next come across two {{tc|Team Plasma Grunt}}s at the [[Dreamyard]], in [[Striaton City]], who are trying to capture a {{p|Munna}} in order to get some [[Dream Mist]] to spread their message in people's dreams. After defeating them here they will steal a young girl's Pokémon and hide in the [[Wellspring Cave]], located in [[Unova Route 3|Route 3]]. The player will team up with [[Cheren]] and save the Pokémon.

In [[Nacrene City]], the player will run into N at the entrance of the [[Nacrene Gym]], which also doubles as the city's museum. N will challenge the player to a Pokémon battle and leave after being defeated, allowing the player to proceed inside the museum and challenge [[Lenora]]. Right after the player obtains the [[Basic Badge]], Team Plasma will attack the museum and steal a [[Dragon Skull]], part of an exhibit. The player will team up with [[Burgh]] to chase Team Plasma into [[Pinwheel Forest]] where they will defeat the grunts, causing [[Gorm]] to return the skull, which the player then immediately gives to [[Lenora]]. The next encounter is in [[Castelia City]] where they have stolen [[Bianca]]'s Munna. After confronting them, they will give Munna back.

After entering [[Nimbasa City]], the player will find two grunts harassing an old man. After defeating them, they will run off into the city's amusement park. The player will follow the grunts and encounter [[N]], who takes them to the Ferris wheel. During the ride, N will reveal that he is the leader of Team Plasma. The two will then battle after getting off the ride.

The next encounter will be in [[Driftveil City]], where Gym Leader [[Clay]] tells the player and [[Cheren]] they will be able to challenge the Gym if they catch Team Plasma in the [[Cold Storage]]. Zinzolin and a group of grunts will be found in the deepest part of said building, and Clay will take them into custody. Later, Ghetsis retrieves the restrained Team Plasma members, subtly threatening Clay as a means of negotiation.

Later, as the player journeys through the [[Chargestone Cave]], in [[Unova Route 6|Route 6]], they encounter [[N]], who tells them they are to be tested by [[Team Plasma]]. The [[Shadow Triad]] are encountered for the first time, and they work as a guide through Team Plasma's trial. Near the cave's exit, N challenges the player to another battle.

N is then briefly encountered outside the [[Mistralton Gym]], on his own, where he tests the friendship between the player and their current lead Pokémon. Cheren and the player will encounter some Team Plasma Grunts near [[Twist Mountain|Twist Mountain's]] exit, where they will be told that Team Plasma have found what they were looking for and that they are headed to [[Dragonspiral Tower]] in [[Icirrus City]]. However, they cannot be encountered before defeating [[Brycen]] at the [[Icirrus Gym]]. At the tower, N reawakens {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|W}} or {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|B}}. He challenges the player to revive the opposite legendary dragon and battle him at the [[Pokémon League (Unova)|Pokémon League]] and leaves. [[Alder]] arrives at the spot and advises everyone to go to the [[Relic Castle]] at the [[Desert Resort]]. After descending, Alder, Cheren, and the player find [[Ghetsis]] who tells them it is pointless to continue resisting them and leaves. Right after exiting the Relic Castle, [[Professor Juniper]] tells the player to go immediately to [[Nacrene City]], where they will receive the [[Dark Stone]]{{sup/5|W}}/[[Light Stone]]{{sup/5|B}}. Ghetsis will then confront the player on the [[Tubeline Bridge]] and tell them that even though they have the Light/Dark Stone Team Plasma will achieve its goal. Soon after the player will witness Ghetsis giving another speech in [[Opelucid City]].

After defeating the [[Elite Four]], the player will head to the Champion's room where they will see N after he has defeated Alder. N will then reveal his castle, which rises out of the ground and attaches to the {{un|Pokémon League}} building. The player then chases N into the castle where the [[Seven Sages]] try to stop them. The Unova [[Gym Leader]]s, except the [[Striaton Gym]] Leaders, then appear to keep the sages busy while the player searches the castle. One of the [[Shadow Triad]] will guide the player around [[N's Castle]], where the player can find N's room, and [[Anthea and Concordia|N's foster sisters]], who will provide some information regarding N, and heal the player's team. Outside the throne room, [[Ghetsis]] will challenge the player to face N, confident that the player will not be recognized by the legendary dragon. After N confronts the player, the [[Dark Stone]]{{sup/5|W}}/[[Light Stone]]{{sup/5|B}} reacts to the environment and {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|W}} or {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|B}} reawakens. The player will have to capture the dragon and have it join their party. If the player's team is full, the game will give the option to send one of their Pokémon to the PC. The player and N will then have one final battle, with the player proving victorious. Ghetsis will arrive and violently lash out at N. He reveals his true goal, and decides he will still use N as the king of Team Plasma. Since the player now knows the truth, Ghetsis will try to silence them, starting a Pokémon battle. Alder and Cheren arrive at the room and witness the events, and when Ghetsis is defeated, it is them who escort them outside the room. N accepts his beliefs were misguided and confesses he had been doubting ever since he met the player back in [[Accumula Town]]. He will then bid farewell and fly away on {{p|Reshiram}}{{sup/5|W}} or {{p|Zekrom}}{{sup/5|B}}.

After the credits roll, [[Looker]] will appear at the player's house and request their help in finding and capturing the other [[Seven Sages|Sages]] of Team Plasma. Each one of them will tell some back story on Team Plasma before being arrested. The Shadow Triad will also appear at [[Marvelous Bridge]] where they will give the player the [[Adamant Orb|Adamant]], [[Lustrous Orb|Lustrous]], and [[Griseous Orb]]s. They also reveal that they rescued Ghetsis from being arrested and he has now fled.

Before the sage [[Ryoku]] is arrested at [[Relic Castle]], he says that he was planning to catch the Pokémon {{p|Volcarona}} and give it to Ghetsis, but no one knows his and N's whereabouts, and that no one even knows if they are really parent and child. Once all the sages are arrested, [[Looker]] says that he heard N was seen in a distant land with a Dragon Pokémon.

Some Team Plasma Grunts will also appear during the [[Liberty Pass]] event where they will take over [[Liberty Garden]] and try to capture {{p|Victini}}.

{{p|Genesect}} was going to be revived from a [[Fossil]] and powered up by Team Plasma to create the most powerful Pokémon ever, but the project was abandoned because [[N]] felt that any Pokémon modified by science had lost its pureness. However, one scientist kept working on it, annoyed that N denied his talent. This scientist reconstructed Genesect and powered up the gun on its back.

As a part of [[Ghetsis]]'s plan, Team Plasma had set up a laboratory in [[N's Castle]] which was used to attack and break the security around [[Amanita]]'s [[Pokémon Storage System]] and gain master access to it with the intention of releasing every Pokémon that was stored there. Team Plasma had everything ready to begin releasing Pokémon, but this plan would only be carried out on N's command; since N, Ghetsis, and Team Plasma were ultimately defeated by the player, the plan was never executed.

===Pokémon Black 2 and White 2===
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Team Plasma is broken into two different forces. One force remains loyal to N and, seeking atonement, dedicates itself to the protection of Pokémon that were separated from their {{pkmn|Trainer}}s; the other is loyal to Ghetsis and serves a new purpose: to take over Unova.

The new Team Plasma first appears at [[Floccesy Ranch]] where they try to steal a {{p|Herdier}}, but they are stopped. They are found again in [[Virbank City]], where they attempt to steal the player and [[Hugh]]'s Pokémon. After fending them off, Hugh believes they have retreated to Castelia City, where they are found in [[Castelia Sewers]]. [[Colress]] appears in the sewers, where he mentions he is researching how to draw out the most strength from Pokémon. After defeating [[Burgh]] at the [[Castelia Gym]], Colress will use a special machine to clear the {{p|Crustle}} blocking off {{rt|4|Unova}}.

In [[Nimbasa City]], Team Plasma is confronted by Hugh who demands answers from them about a Pokémon kidnapping in [[Aspertia City]]. After competing in the [[Pokémon World Tournament]], the player, Hugh, and [[Cheren]] confront Team Plasma on their [[Plasma Frigate|ship]] which has docked at the PWT. There [[Zinzolin]] appears and reveals they have a new plan to take over the Unova region before telling the Shadow Triad to remove the trio from the ship. After winning at the [[Mistralton Gym]], [[Professor Juniper]] sends the player to [[Opelucid City]] to find out more information about the Legendary Dragon Pokémon from [[Drayden]]. On the way, the player and Hugh encounter Zinzolin in [[Lacunosa Town]] where they battle him and a grunt in a tag battle.

Following the player's victory at the [[Opelucid Gym]], Team Plasma begin their operation by covering Opelucid City and nearby routes with ice in search of Drayden's [[DNA Splicers]]. They are quickly defeated and retreat to the [[Seaside Cave]], although Opelucid City remains frozen for some time. After winning at the [[Humilau Gym]], the player heads to {{rt|22|Unova}} where Colress gives them his device to make the Crustle roadblocks disappear. Upon making it past the Crustle, the player defeats the Team Plasma members inside the Plasma Frigate, but once again is removed from the ship by the Shadow Triad and watches the ship fly off.

They track it down to the [[Giant Chasm]] where once again they must fight their way through the ship. Upon the defeat of Zinzolin and the new boss Colress, Ghetsis reveals himself as the true mastermind behind Team Plasma. He again reveals that he never intended to liberate Pokémon two years ago; it was just a ploy to get N to follow his plans. After defeating the Shadow Triad, the player gives chase to Ghetsis and finds him in the deepest part of the Giant Chasm, where he summons {{p|Kyurem}}. Ghetsis orders Kyurem to attack the player, but the attack is stopped at last minute by N who arrives to save them. Ghetsis is not surprised by this, who then uses the stolen DNA Splicers to merge Kyurem with N's Dragon. The player then takes on the new Dragon as well as Ghetsis and puts an end to his plans once and for all. Colress then disbands Team Plasma for good, taking the Plasma Frigate and docking it outside the P2 Laboratory where he continues his research.

There is also a group of former Team Plasma members, still loyal to N, who reside in the house just above [[Driftveil Gym]] with [[Rood]], [[Anthea and Concordia|Anthea, and Concordia]]. Ashamed of their past deeds, they have vowed to make amends by returning the Pokémon taken from their Trainers, as well as caring for the Pokémon whose Trainers they couldn't find. They openly welcome the {{player}} and Hugh into their cause to help stop Ghetsis and take care of the abandoned Pokémon. As such, Rood gives the player [[N's Zorua]], deeming them a caring Trainer. They also confront the new Team Plasma at the Giant Chasm and help hold them off so the player can enter the Plasma Frigate. The player can also find [[N's Pokémon]] in various locations after witnessing a [[Memory Link]].

On {{OBP|Victory Road|Black 2 and White 2}}, {{tc|Backpacker}} Mae mentions that she was a {{tc|Team Plasma Grunt}}, and that she battled {{ga|Hilbert}}/{{ga|Hilda}}.

==In the spin-off games==
===Pokémon Masters EX===
{{mas|N}}, {{mas|Ghetsis}}, {{mas|Colress}} and the [[Shadow Triad]] appear in [[Pokémon Masters EX]].

Team Plasma serves as secondary antagonistic force during the [[villain arc]].

{{PairDex/h}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Zekrom|trainerimg=N|0644|Zekrom|pokemonlink=Tao trio (Adventures)#Zekrom|Electric|Dragon|Physical Strike|exrole=Field|6|Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Sigilyph|trainerimg=N|0561|Sigilyph|gender=male|Psychic|Rock|Tech|4EX|Trainer Lodge Friendship Level 100}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Archeops|trainerimg=N|0567|Archeops|gender=male|Rock|Steel|Sprint|6|Training Ticket Exchange}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Landorus (Incarnate Forme)|trainerimg=N|0645|Landorus|gender=male|form={{Form|Forces of Nature|Incarnate Forme}}|buddy=yes|Ground|Ice|Field|exrole=Support|6|Variety Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Reshiram|trainerimg=N Anniversary 2021|sygna=Anniversary 2021|0643|Reshiram|master=yes|Fire|Dragon|Tech|exrole=Special Strike|6|Master Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Zoroark|trainerimg=N Summer 2022|sygna=Summer 2022|0571|Zoroark|gender=male|Dark|Fighting|Special Strike|6|Seasonal Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Kyurem (Black Kyurem)|trainerimg=N Sygna|0646B|sygna=[[Sygna suit|Sygna Suit]]|Kyurem|buddy=yes|form={{Form|Kyurem|Black Kyurem}}|Ice|Fairy|Tech|exrole=Physical Strike|6|Poké Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|112|N|trainerlink=N (Masters)#Zoroark (Arc Suit)|trainerimg=N Arc|sygna=[[Arc suit|Arc Suit]]|0571|Zoroark|gender=male|buddy=yes|arc=yes|Dark|Fighting|Multi|exrole=Tech|6|Arc Suit Fair Sync Pair Scout}}
{{PairDex|124|Ghetsis|trainerlink=Ghetsis (Masters)#Kyurem|trainerimg=Ghetsis|0646|Kyurem|pokemonlink=Tao trio (Adventures)#Kyurem|Ice|Steel|Tech|exrole=Support|6|Legendary Adventures ''Father or Foe''}}
{{PairDex|160|Colress|trainerlink=Colress (Masters)#Klinklang|trainerimg=Colress|0601|Klinklang|Steel|Ground|Tech|6|Sync Pair Scout}}
|}

==In animation==
[[File:Team Plasma anime.png|thumb|250px|Team Plasma Grunts in {{aniseries|BW}}]]
===''Pokémon the Series''===
===={{aniseries|BW}}====
Before Team Plasma's proper debut in the series, {{an|Giovanni}} mentioned a secret organization operating in the [[Unova]] region and wanted to draw them out.

N debuted in ''[[BW109|New Places... Familiar Faces!]]'' followed by [[Colress]], [[Ghetsis]] and the grunts from Black 2 and White 2 in ''[[BW112|Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot!]]''. [[Anthea and Concordia]] also appeared in ''[[BW117|Team Plasma's Pokémon Manipulation!]]'', and the [[Seven Sages]] appeared in a flashback in ''[[BW118|Secrets From Out of the Fog!]]''.

Team Plasma had a role in ''[[M16|Genesect and the Legend Awakened]]'', where multiple grunts were seen overseeing the awakening of the newly revived [[Genesect Army]]. However, they only had control of the Genesect for a short time before the five Paleozoic Pokémon rebelled and violently escaped.

In ''[[BW120|Ash and N: A Clash of Ideals!]]'', Team Plasma attacked the {{an|White Ruins}} in order to steal the [[Light Stone]] discovered by [[Cedric Juniper]]. After successfully obtaining the stone, Ghetsis performed a ritual that resurrected {{p|Reshiram}} from the stone. Using Colress's Pokémon Control Device, Ghetsis then took control of Reshiram, but with the support of [[Ash's Pikachu]], Reshiram was able to fight back against its controllers and destroy the control machine. Ghetsis, Colress, and the Plasma Grunts present were subsequently arrested by the [[International Police]], thus bringing down the organization.

Unlike other teams, Team Plasma has named grunts in {{aniseries|PTS}}. [[Aldith]] and [[Barret]] are two grunts who answered directly to Colress and Ghetsis and acted as commanders toward other, unnamed grunts. Two others, [[Schwarz and Weiss]], have been seen conducting specific operations and may be of similar rank.

=====Postponed episodes=====
{{outdated|section}}
{{bulbanews|Airing of two-part Rocket-dan VS Plasma-dan episode to be moved}}
Team Plasma, in their incarnation from the original Black and White games, was initially set to debut in {{OBP|BW023|unaired}} and {{OBP|BW024|unaired}} in a confrontation with [[Team Rocket]] over the [[Meteonite]]. They intended to use the Meteonite's ability to influence Pokémon into leaving their Trainers. In May 2023, the scripts for these episodes surfaced in the public,<ref>https://bulbagarden.net/threads/bw023-bw024-unaired-scripts-found.297127/</ref> revealing that Ghetsis was intended to debut during the latter of the two episodes. N was also mentioned, being referred to as "the hero" of Team Plasma.

These episodes were postponed indefinitely due to the {{wp|2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami|Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami}} and the {{wp|Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster}}. With the events depicted in ''[[BW112|Team Plasma's Pokémon Power Plot!]]'', the episodes have been retconned out of [[Canon|continuity]] altogether. It is unknown if they will ever air in any form.

===Pokémon Generations===
[[File:Team Plasma Grunts PG13.png|thumb|left|250px|Team Plasma Grunts in [[Pokémon Generations]]]]
[[File:Team Plasma Grunts PG14.png|thumb|250px|Black 2 and White 2 Team Plasma Grunts in Pokémon Generations]]
Team Plasma first appeared in ''[[PG13|The Uprising]]''. The [[Seven Sages]] (except [[Ghetsis]]) and multiple {{tc|Team Plasma Grunt|Grunts}} appeared at the {{un|Pokémon League}} after [[N's Castle]] rose from the ground and surrounded the League. The team was faced by the [[Gym Leader]]s from [[Unova]], who arrived to stop them.

Team Plasma reappeared in ''[[PG14|The Frozen World]]'', this time assuming its role from {{B2W2}}. The team attacked [[Opelucid City]] and froze the city using {{p|Kyurem}}, allowing [[Zinzolin]] to steal the [[DNA Splicers]] from [[Drayden]].

In ''[[PG15|The King Returns]]'', Ghetsis was seen in [[Giant Chasm]], where he ordered Kyurem to continue freezing Unova. He was confronted by [[N]] and {{p|Reshiram}}, but managed to fuse Reshiram with Kyurem using the DNA Splicers, creating {{DL|List of Pokémon with form differences|Kyurem|White Kyurem}}. At the end of the episode, {{ga|Hilbert}} arrived with his {{p|Zekrom}} to put a stop to Team Plasma's plans.
{{-}}

==In the manga==
[[File:Team Plasma Grunt Adventures.png|thumb|left|250px|Team Plasma Grunts in Pokémon Adventures]]
[[File:Team Plasma Grunt B2W2 Adventures.png|thumb|200px|Team Plasma Grunts in the {{MangaArc|Black 2 & White 2}}]]
===Pokémon Adventures===
===={{MangaArc|Black & White}}====
Team Plasma was first seen in ''[[PS466|An Odd Speech]]'', where they were attempting to build a stage for [[Ghetsis]]'s speech on the place {{adv|Black}} and {{adv|White}} were sleeping that night. The next day, Ghetsis gave a speech to the citizens of [[Accumula Town]], urging them to liberate their Pokémon, which some of the listeners actually did. It was later revealed that Black's {{p|Galvantula}}, [[Tula]], used to belong to another Trainer until Team Plasma convinced the Trainer to release him, some time after when Black fought {{adv|N}}.

Some time after this, three grunts harassed [[Musha]] at the [[Dreamyard]] and were also behind the artifact robbery of the Nacrene Museum. It is also revealed what Team Plasma is after in order to achieve their ultimate goal: a {{p|Zekrom|Legendary Dragon-type Pokémon}} who would help their leader to unite the minds of the people in Unova as one and liberate Pokémon. They kidnapped {{adv|Bianca}}'s {{p|Litwick}}, together with several other Pokémon and held them in their stronghold in [[Castelia City]]. Later, they also attempted to capture {{p|Victini}} at [[Liberty Garden]]. [[Ryoku]] also sought to capture {{p|Volcarona}} of [[Relic Castle]]. In [[Nimbasa City]], N trapped White in a Ferris wheel car and announced himself as the king of Team Plasma.

Several Team Plasma operations throughout this chapter were conducted by the [[Shadow Triad]]; in particular, their kidnapping of the Unova [[Gym Leader]]s at the same time that they set their sights on stealing the [[Dark Stone]]. At the end of the arc, several Team Plasma Grunts escaped.

===={{MangaArc|Black 2 & White 2}}====
One of the Team Plasma Grunts who escaped, {{adv|Whitley}}, became a [[Pokédex holder]] by this chapter, which was set two years after the previous arc. By that time, Team Plasma reemerged as a new force led by [[Colress]], who designed the Grunts' new attire.

Their main goal now was to freeze Unova by acquiring Kyurem, which they had succeeded at the [[Pokémon World Tournament]]. By enhancing its power with the Plasma Frigate, they managed to freeze over 70% of Unova and even had Kyurem fuse with Zekrom. However, their control of Kyurem was short-lived once the white Team Plasma succeeded in disabling the [[Colress Machine]]. With the help of the Unova Pokédex holders, all the members of Team Plasma were arrested at the Giant Chasm.

==In the TCG==
{{main|Team Plasma (TCG)}}
Team Plasma started being featured in the [[Pokémon Trading Card Game]] during the {{TCG|Noble Victories}} expansion, in which the first member to be featured was {{TCG ID|Noble Victories|N|92}}. Team Plasma was featured through the {{TCG|Plasma Storm}} to {{TCG|Legendary Treasures}} expansion as a {{TCG|Team Plasma|classification of cards}}, which certain effects of cards directly interacted with them.

This is a listing of cards that does not include their own classification.

{{cardlist/header|Team Plasma's Pokémon|Darkness|char=yes}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM-P Promo|Pretend Grunt Pikachu|14}}|type=Lightning|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=014/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|SM-P Promo|Pretend Boss Pikachu|195}} '''Team Plasma'''|type=Lightning|jpset=SM-P Promotional cards|jpnum=195/SM-P}}
{{cardlist/div|Other related cards|Darkness}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Noble Victories|N|92}}|type=Supporter|enset=Noble Victories|expanded=yes|enrarity=Uncommon|ennum=92/101|jpset=Red Collection|jprarity=U|jpnum=066/066|enset2=Noble Victories|enrarity2=Rare Ultra|ennum2=101/101|jpset2=Red Collection|jprarity2=SR|jpnum2=071/066|enset3=Dark Explorers|enrarity3=Uncommon|ennum3=96/108|jpset3=Reshiram-EX Battle Strength Deck|jpnum3=016/018|jpset4=Zekrom-EX Battle Strength Deck|jpnum4=016/018|jpset5=Master Deck Build Box EX|jpnum5=041/046|enset6=BW Black Star Promos|ennum6=BW100|jpset6=BW-P Promotional cards|jpnum6=180/BW-P|jpset7=BW-P Promotional cards|jpnum7=218/BW-P|enset8=Fates Collide|enrarity8=Uncommon|ennum8=105/124|jpset8=Awakening Psychic King|jprarity8=U|jpnum8=076/078|jpset9=Zygarde-EX Perfect Battle Deck|jpnum9=014/019|enset10=Yellow A Alternate cards|ennum10=105a/124|jpset10=The Best of XY|jpnum10=180/171}}
{{cardlist/entry|cardname={{TCG ID|Cosmic Eclipse|N's Resolve|200}}|type=Supporter|expanded=yes|enset=Cosmic Eclipse|enrarity=Uncommon|ennum=200/236|jpset=Dream League|jprarity=U|jpnum=045/049|enset2=Cosmic Eclipse|enrarity2=Rare Ultra|ennum2=232/236|jpset2=Dream League|jprarity2=SR|jpnum2=066/049}}
{{cardlist/footer|Darkness}}

==Trivia==
* Team Plasma's original theme resembles that of the medieval knights.
** Their logo resembles a shield.
** The lettering in their logo resembles the {{wp|Chi Rho}} symbol.
*** The symbol on their shield is made up of the letters ''P'' and ''Z'', possibly from the transliteration of the Japanese for "plasma", ''purazuma'' (プラズマ).
** [[Ghetsis]]'s clothing resembles the {{wp|Battlement|crenelation}} of a fortified position such as a castle.
** Their base is [[N's Castle|a castle]].
** N is known as "king of Team Plasma" or "Lord N", as opposed to the "Boss" title used by other villainous teams.
* Team Plasma's theme in Black 2 and White 2 resembles that of classical pirates.
** There is a mark on the grunts' hats which appears to be a toned-down {{wp|Jolly Roger}}.
** Their base, the [[Plasma Frigate]], is styled after a sailing ship complete with gangplank, posing as such in Castelia City and the Pokémon World Tournament.
** Ghetsis' cane is modeled after the helm of a ship.
** Ghetsis is seen wearing a type of eyepatch, which, in Black 2 and White 2, is darkened to resemble that seen by typical pirates.
** They are now far more open about how malevolent their intentions are; knights are seen as honorable, while pirates are seen as thieving criminals.
** They also bear a resemblance to ninjas, which is reflected in the increased prominence of the [[Shadow Triad]].
* Team Plasma is the only main series villainous team to not have any administrators challenge the player at various points throughout Black and White. In fact, Ghetsis and N are the only non-grunt members to even battle the player. This is no longer the case in Black 2 and White 2.
** It is also encountered the earliest in their own game of all [[villainous team]]s to this date.
* In {{aniseries|PTS}}, Team Plasma debuts later in their respective [[series]] than any other villainous team to date, first appearing in the [[BW112|112th episode]] of {{aniseries|BW}}.
** However, if Team Plasma's [[BW023 (unaired)|original debut]] had aired as planned, this distinction would belong to [[Team Yell]] instead.

==Names==
{| class="roundtable" style="background:#{{white color light}}; border:3px solid #{{black color dark}}"
|-
! style="background:#999999" | Language
! style="background:#999999" | Name
! style="background:#999999" | Origin
|-
| Japanese
| プラズマ団 ''Plasma-dan''
| rowspan="4" | From ''{{wp|Plasma (physics)|plasma}}'', the fourth state of matter consisting of charged particles
|-
| English, French, German, Italian
| Team Plasma
|-
| European Spanish
| Equipo Plasma
|-
| Korean
| 플라스마단 ''Plasma-dan''
|-
| Chinese (Traditional)
| 等離子隊 ''Děnglízǐ Duì'' / ''Dánglèihjí Déui''
| rowspan="2" | From 等離子體 / 等离子体 ''děnglízǐtǐ / dánglèihjí'' (plasma)
|-
| Chinese (Simplified)
| 等离子队 ''Děnglízǐ Duì''
|-
| Chinese (Taiwan)
| 電漿團 ''Diànjiāng Tuán''<ref group=n>[[Pokémon animated series]], [[Pokémon Adventures]]</ref>
| From 電漿 ''diànjiāng'' (plasma)
|-
| Chinese (Hong Kong)
| 等離子團 ''Dánglèihjí Tyùhn''<ref group=n>Pokémon animated series</ref>
| From 等離子體 ''dánglèihjí'' (plasma)
|-
| Finnish
| Plasmaryhmä
| From ''plasma''
|-
| Greek
| Ομάδας Πλάσμα ''Omádas Plásma''
| From πλάσμα ''plásma'' (plasma)
|-
| Indonesian
| Tim Plasma
| rowspan="2" | From ''plasma''
|-
| Malaysian
| Kumpulan Plasma
|-
| Polish
| Zespół Plazma
| From ''plazma'' (plasma)
|-
| Brazilian Portuguese
| Equipe Plasma
| rowspan="2" | From ''plasma''
|-
| European Portuguese
| Equipa Plasma
|-
| Russian
| Команда Плазма ''Komanda Plazma''
| From пла́зма ''plázma'' (plasma)
|-
| Thai
| แก๊งพลาสม่า ''Gang Plasma'' กลุ่มพลาสม่า ''Klum Plasma'' แก๊งค์พลาสม่า ''Gang Plasma''
| From พลาสมา ''phlas-ma'' (plasma)
|-
| Vietnamese
| Nhóm Plasma Băng Plasma
| From ''plasma''
|}
{{-}}

===Notes===
{{reflist|group=n}}

==References==
<references/>

==Related articles==
* {{cat|Episodes focusing on Team Plasma}}
* [[a:Category:Team Plasma|Images on the Bulbagarden Archives]]

{{Team Plasma}}
{{Villainous teams}}
{{Project CharacterDex notice}}

[[Category:Members of Team Plasma|*]]
[[Category:Villain groups|Plasma]]
[[Category:Black and White characters]]
[[Category:Black 2 and White 2 characters]]

[[de:Team Plasma]]
[[es:Equipo Plasma]]
[[fr:Team Plasma]]
[[it:Team Plasma]]
[[ja:プラズマ団]]
[[zh:等离子队]]