Voltorb (Japanese: ビリリダマ Biriridama) is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I.
It evolves into Electrode starting at level 30.
In Hisui, Voltorb has a dual-type Electric/Grass regional form. It evolves into Hisuian Electrode when exposed to a Leaf Stone.
Biology
Voltorb is a spherical Pokémon that resembles a Poké Ball with eyes and minus the button. The top half is red, while the bottom half is white. Because of its resemblance to Poké Balls, it is thought that it was created when one was exposed to an energy pulse.
This is supported by the fact that its components do not occur naturally. Voltorb is generally found in power plants and other areas with electric fields where it feeds. It was first discovered in the plant where modern Poké Balls were invented. It has a volatile temperament and will explode if agitated or bumped by the slightest contact. Due to being constantly mistaken as a Poké Ball, Voltorb has reportedly zapped many humans as a result.
Forms
Voltorb has a regional form: Hisuian Voltorb.
Hisuian Voltorb, like their modern counterparts, resemble the Poké Balls of the time period (made from Apricorns), having the same wood grain pattern and a hole on top, from which it discharges all of its stored electricity while lacking the latch. On the inside, they contain numerous seeds, but it has been impossible to examine their interior due it being pitch-black. Hisuian Voltorb has a distinctive red wooden unibrow.
Unlike Kantonian Voltorb, they have friendly and excitable temperaments, which leads them to cluster around people, causing them to be a nuisance when they discharge. It is known to let out a great, uproarious laugh whenever it discharges. Hisuian Voltorb can store electric currents in its belly. There are stories of people temporarily plugging the holes of Hisuian Voltorb to prevent them from discharging before removing them from their settlements.[1] Despite the resemblance to Poké Balls however they have existed since at least the time of the ancient hero long before Poké Balls were invented.
Evolution
Voltorb evolves into Electrode.
Hisuian Voltorb evolves into Hisuian Electrode.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
In the anime
Main series
Shiny Voltorb in the anime
Major appearances
In The Ninja Poké-Showdown, Koga keeps multiple Voltorb in his Gym as booby traps for intruders. They were later targeted in one of Team Rocket's schemes.
In So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd, Keith used multiple Voltorb for a scheme. Team Rocket received them, thinking they were Poké Balls with rare Pokémon hidden inside them, as well as their Arbok, Lickitung, and Weezing. When Team Rocket found out they were not, the Voltorb started to explode in their balloon. They dumped most of the Voltorb on the thief, prompting Keith to quit his crime spree, but a single Voltorb sent them blasting off.
In The Underground Round Up, a Voltorb lived amongst Electrode. Although Misty was terrified of it, the Electric-type befriended her Togepi, and the baby Pokémon was sad when it had to leave.
In Love, Pokémon Style, three Voltorb were rolling down a hill before they were caught by Ash's Kingler. However, they shocked and injured it in the process, leaving it too hurt to battle.
In Watt's with Wattson?, Wattson used a Voltorb in his Gym battle with Ash. It was easily defeated by Pikachu, who had become super-charged during an incident at the Mauville Gym. Multiple wild Voltorb also appeared later on in the episode.
In Bucking the Treasure Trend, multiple Voltorb attacked Ash, his friends, and Buck as they searched for Dandelion Island's treasure.
In the Hoopa's Surprise Ring Adventures short Ball Pickup, a Voltorb was thrown at Ash as part of a prank by Hoopa, but it then attacks the both of them, as well as Pikachu and Hawlucha, with Self-Destruct.
A Shiny Voltorb appeared in Mad About Blue!, where it was caught by Goh.
Minor appearances
In Duplica's flashback in Ditto's Mysterious Mansion, a Voltorb came onstage as her Ditto tried to transform into one.
In Pokémon Fashion Flash, a painted Voltorb was on Scissor Street.
In A Chansey Operation, a Voltorb was stuck in a Weepinbell's mouth, and Misty and Jessie had to pull it out.
A Voltorb appeared as an image in the dubbed version of The Ultimate Test.
A Voltorb appeared in The Breeding Center Secret.
In Showdown at the Po-ké Corral, multiple Voltorb were living at Professor Oak's Laboratory.
In Pikachu's Vacation, a Voltorb was at the Pokémon Theme Park.
In Pallet Party Panic, a Voltorb attended the party in Pallet Town.
In The Lost Lapras, a Trainer's Voltorb was brought to the Pokémon Center.
In Pikachu Re-Volts, a Voltorb was controlled by Cassidy and Butch at Mandarin Island North via their Drowzee.
In The Power of One, a Voltorb sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.
A wild Voltorb appeared in Pikachu's Rescue Adventure.
In Tricks of the Trade, a Voltorb was at the Pokémon Swap Meet in Palmpona.
In Wired for Battle!, the image of a Trainer's Voltorb came up in Shingo's laptop.
In Pikachu & Pichu, a Voltorb was seen in Big Town.
In The Fortune Hunters, a Voltorb was stolen by Butch and Cassidy.
In The Legend of Thunder!, multiple Voltorb were lured by Attila and Hun's "Miracle Crystal".
In As Clear As Crystal, a Voltorb was affected by a crystal that gave a lake the ability to heal Electric-type Pokémon.
A Voltorb appeared in the opening intro of Celebi: The Voice of the Forest, which was reused for Pokémon Heroes: Latios & Latias.
Two Voltorb appeared in You're a Star, Larvitar!, both under the ownership of a Trainer.
In Gonna Rule The School!, the Pokémon Trainers' School lent a Voltorb to the underage students for use in lessons.
In Pearls are a Spoink's Best Friend, a Spoink mistook a Voltorb for a pearl.
Multiple Voltorb appeared in Destiny Deoxys.
A Coordinator's Voltorb appeared in Deceit and Assist.
In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, Nicolette owns two Voltorb, which she trained to attack anyone who enters her property. As such, they attacked May.
In the ending credits of Arceus and the Jewel of Life, a Voltorb disguised as a watermelon exploded when Jessie and James picked it up after falling for its disguise.
A Voltorb appeared in A Campus Reunion!.
In The Future Is Now, Thanks to Determination!, seven Voltorb were among the Electric-type Pokémon being controlled by Team Rocket.
A Voltorb appeared in Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel.
A Voltorb appeared in I Choose You!.
A Voltorb appeared in Ash's dream in Currying Favor and Flavor!.
Four Voltorb appeared in A Crackling Raid Battle!.
In How Are You Gonna Keep 'Em Off of the Farm?, Laxton owns a Voltorb that helps him around his farm.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
|
Source
|
Entry
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| JN052
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Voltorb
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Goh's Rotom Phone
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Voltorb, the Ball Pokémon. An Electric type. Voltorb appears in places where electricity is generated, and it resembles a Poké Ball.
|
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Pokémon Origins
In File 3: Giovanni, two Voltorb appeared, with one under the ownership of a Trainer being defeated by Red's Charmeleon in a battle, and a wild Voltorb at Silph Co., trapped with multiple other Pokémon that were later freed by Red.
In the manga
Pocket Monsters DP
A Voltorb appeared in PMDP16.
Pocket Monsters HGSS
A Trainer's Voltorb appeared in PMHGSS11.
A Voltorb appeared in PMHGSS18.
Pokémon Adventures
Voltorb debuted in Danger: High Voltorb, where Red tried to touch one aboard the S.S. Anne, thinking that it was only a Poké Ball, but wound up being zapped by it.
Multiple Voltorb appeared in Go for the Golbat, under the ownership of Lt. Surge. They were used in conjunction with multiple Electrode to shock Red and as projectiles.
In The Coming of Slowpoke (Eventually), Ken of the Team Rocket Elite Trio used a Voltorb along with its evolved form, Electrode, to battle against Yellow.
Wattson's Voltorb was only seen in Plugging Past Electrike I, inside the Power Plant located in New Mauville.
A Voltorb appeared in Encountering Elekid.
A Voltorb appeared in Clobbering Claydol, under the ownership of a Guitarist.
Jet owns a Voltorb that he uses in the Pokéathlon Speed Course in Out-Odding Oddish.
Multiple Voltorb were among the Electric-type Pokémon that charged the Prism Tower during a blackout in Pangoro Poses a Problem.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
A Voltorb appeared in the intro of Let's Go! The Journey Towards The Championship.
Multiple Voltorb appeared in Let's Aim For The Goal!, under the ownership of Firebreather Takeo.
A Voltorb appeared in The New Pokémon Is Hatched!!.
Pokémon Gotta Catch 'Em All
A Voltorb appeared in The Raining Crystal Ball.
A Voltorb appeared in The Challenge at Celadon University!.
A Voltorb appeared in GDZ23.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Lt. Surge's Voltorb battled Clefairy and evolved in the same match in Great Success in the Mountains or the Seas!?.
A Voltorb appeared in Regain the Deserted Power Plant!.
Green caught a Voltorb, as seen in Good Luck at the Big Pokémon Athletic Meet!.
A Voltorb appeared in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Baseball Tournament!, where it was one of the Pokémon that took part in a baseball match.
Blaine has multiple Voltorb, as seen in Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Quiz Battle!!. They were used in the first part of the Pokémon Quiz Battle.
Giovanni sent out a Voltorb to prevent Red from interfering with his plans to create Mewtwo in Bring Down the Strongest Pokémon!!. He was revealed to own additional Voltorb in Seize the Dream of One Million Yen!!.
A Voltorb appeared in Clefairy's Christmas Present?!.
A Voltorb appeared in Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious? as one of the participants of a curry cooking competition.
A Voltorb appeared in The Thrill of a Perfect Score, Big Rampage at the Amusement Park!.
A Voltorb appeared in Let's Celebrate the New Year!!.
Two Voltorb appeared in Panic on the Luxury Liner?!.
A Voltorb appeared in Stop the Missile!!.
A Voltorb appeared in Pikachu's Birthday Party.
A Voltorb appeared in Pokémon Snowball Fight.
A Voltorb appeared in Take me to the Dragon Palace!.
A Voltorb appeared in The Food Battle.
A Voltorb appeared in Red's fantasy in The Great Helper!!.
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire
A Voltorb appeared in I Won't Let You Lead!!.
A Voltorb appeared in Let's Try To Be Idols!!.
A Voltorb appeared in Extra Heavyweight Battle.
A Voltorb appeared in A Visitor From Outer Space?!.
A Voltorb appeared in Clefairy's Golf Debut!.
In the TCG
- Main article: Voltorb (TCG)
In the TFG
One Voltorb figure has been released.
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Pinball: Three Voltorb appear on the Red Table and give the player points when hit. When Catch'em Mode is activated, they also reveal the silhouette of the Pokémon attempting to be captured upon being hit.
- Pokémon: Magikarp Jump: A Voltorb may appear as part of the "Is It Treasure?" event, where it will explode (and thereby force the player's Magikarp to retire).
Pokédex entries
| Generation I
|
|
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Kanto
#100
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| Red(JPN)
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(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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| Green
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| Red(ENG)
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Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, they have zapped many people.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
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It is said to camouflage itself as a Poké Ball. It will self-destruct with very little stimulus.
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| Stadium
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Usually found in power plants. In some instances, they have been seen drawing power from the trolleys of electric trains.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#120
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| Gold
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It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode.
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| Silver
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It was discovered when Poké Balls were introduced. It is said that there is some connection.
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| Crystal
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During the study of this Pokémon, it was discovered that its components are not found in nature.
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| Stadium 2
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It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode.
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| Generation III
|
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Hoenn
#084
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Kanto
#100
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| Ruby
|
Voltorb was first sighted at a company that manufactures Poké Balls. The link between that sighting and the fact that this Pokémon looks very similar to a Poké Ball remains a mystery.
|
| Sapphire
|
Voltorb is extremely sensitive - it explodes at the slightest of shocks. It is rumored that it was first created when a Poké Ball was exposed to a powerful pulse of energy.
|
| Emerald
|
It bears an uncanny and unexplained resemblance to a Poké Ball. Because it explodes at the slightest shock, even veteran trainers treat it with caution.
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| FireRed
|
A life-form whose identity is unknown. It is said to screech or suddenly selfdestruct.
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| LeafGreen
|
Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people.
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| Generation IV
|
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#121
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| Diamond
|
It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch.
|
| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
|
It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode.
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| SoulSilver
|
It was discovered when Poké Balls were introduced. It is said that there is some connection.
|
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| Generation V
|
|
|
Unova
#—
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| Black
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It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch.
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| White
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| Black 2
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It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on contact.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
Mountain #072
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Hoenn
#087
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| X
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It was discovered when Poké Balls were introduced. It is said that there is some connection.
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| Y
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Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people.
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| Omega Ruby
|
Voltorb was first sighted at a company that manufactures Poké Balls. The link between that sighting and the fact that this Pokémon looks very similar to a Poké Ball remains a mystery.
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| Alpha Sapphire
|
Voltorb is extremely sensitive - it explodes at the slightest of shocks. It is rumored that it was first created when a Poké Ball was exposed to a powerful pulse of energy.
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| Generation VIII
|
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Galar
#—
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Sinnoh
#—
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Hisui
#192
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| This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Sword and Shield.
|
| Brilliant Diamond
|
It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch.
|
| Shining Pearl
|
| Hisuian Voltorb
|
| Legends: Arceus
|
An enigmatic Pokémon that happens to bear a resemblance to a Poké Ball. When excited, it discharges the electric current it has stored in its belly, then lets out a great, uproarious laugh.
|
|
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| Generation IX
|
|
Paldea
#207
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Kitakami
#—
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|
Blueberry
#—
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| Scarlet
|
It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode.
|
| Violet
|
It's usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people.
|
|
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Game locations
In side games
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| Generation II
|
|
| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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In events
Held items
Voltorb
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear.
Hisuian Voltorb
Stats
Base stats
Voltorb
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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40
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100 - 147
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190 - 284
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30
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31 - 90
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58 - 174
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50
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49 - 112
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94 - 218
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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55
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54 - 117
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103 - 229
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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Total: 330
|
Other Pokémon with this total
|
- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 55.
|
Hisuian Voltorb
Hisuian Voltorb has the same base stats as Kantonian Voltorb. Due to the different way stats are calculated in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, exact minimum and maximum stats are not shown in this table.
Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Voltorb
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Hisuian Voltorb
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
Voltorb
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Voltorb
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Hisuian Voltorb
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Voltorb
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Voltorb
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Voltorb
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Hisuian Voltorb
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Voltorb
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Voltorb
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Voltorb
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Voltorb
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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Hisuian Voltorb
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Voltorb
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Voltorb
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Voltorb
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Side game data
Voltorb
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Pokémon Ranger
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
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Field move:
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(Recharge ×1)
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| Loops: 5
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Min. exp.: 7
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Max. exp.: 7
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Browser entry R-079
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| Using the electricity secreted within its body, Voltorb can recharge your styler.
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Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
(present)
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Field move:
(present)
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(Electrify ×1)
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Poké Assist:
(past)
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Field move:
(past)
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(Electrify ×1)
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| Browser entry R-113/N-156
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| It causes explosions around itself.
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.67 seconds
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Base HP: 45
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| Base Attack: 69
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Base Defense: 49
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Base Speed: 70
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Hisuian Voltorb
Evolution data
Voltorb
Hisuian Voltorb
Sprites
Trivia
Origin
Voltorb seems to be based upon the concept of a living Poké Ball, and is often mistaken for one. As such, its design is likely inspired by gashapon capsules, which often consists of a white half and a vibrant colored half. The idea of Voltorb and Electrode being mistaken for the standard Poké Balls that represent items is similar to a mimic, a monster archetype commonly found in RPGs. Its Shiny coloration is possibly based on a Great Ball.
Voltorb may also be based on a ball lightning, as hinted by its spherical shape, type, and explosive behavior. Given its tendency to explode and shape, it also shares similarities with common depictions of bombs. It may also be based on tsukumogami, where items acquire a spirit and come to life on their 100th birthday, which might be referenced by Voltorb's National Pokédex number, which is 100.
The expression on both Voltorb and Electrode may be a personification of the positive and negative charges associated with electric charge. For their Kantonian forms, Voltorb has a negative angry look, where Electrode has a positive happy look. The polarity of these expressions, or charges, are reversed for their Hisuian forms.
Hisuian Voltorb and its Grass typing may be based on the fact that Poké Balls were originally made from Apricorns, which may be based on Japanese chestnut or acorns. It may also be based on traditional Japanese fireworks: they are spherical in shape, with shells made of papier-mâché, charges inside that are often made with rice husks, and a hole where the fuse goes. The fact that it has numerous seeds inside its body may also be inspired by a seed ball (also known as a seed bomb), which are made by rolling various seeds with clay, forming a ball. The seed ball is then planted or thrown into the ground where vegetation is sparse, so that the seeds will germinate and grow. Hisuian Voltorb's Shiny coloration may be based on an Ultra Ball or a Heavy Ball.
Name origin
Voltorb may be a combination of volt and orb.
Biriridama may be a combination of ビリビリ biribiri (sound of electric shock) and 玉 tama (sphere).
In other languages
| Language
|
Title
|
Meaning
|
 Japanese
|
ビリリダマ Biriridama
|
From ビリビリ biribiri and 玉 tama
|
 French
|
Voltorbe
|
Similar to English name
|
 Spanish
|
Voltorb
|
Same as English name
|
 German
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Voltobal
|
From Volt and Ball
|
 Italian
|
Voltorb
|
Same as English name
|
 Korean
|
찌리리공 Zzililigong
|
From 찌릿찌릿 jjiritjjirit and 공 gong
|
 Mandarin Chinese
|
霹靂電球 / 霹雳电球 Pīlìdiànqiú*
雷電球 / 雷电球 Léidiànqiú*
|
From 霹靂 / 霹雳 pīlì, 電 / 电 diàn, and 球 qiú
From 雷電 / 雷电 léidiàn and 球 qiú
|
 Cantonese Chinese
|
霹靂電球 Pīklīkdihnkàuh*
霹靂蛋 Pīklīkdaahn*
|
From 霹靂 pīklīk, 電 dihn, and 球 kàuh
From 霹靂 pīklīk and 蛋 daahn
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| More languages
|
 Hindi
|
वोल्टॉर्ब Voltorb
|
Transcription of English name
|
 Russian
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Волторб Voltorb
|
Transcription of English name
|
 Thai
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บิริริดามา Biriridama
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Transcription of Japanese name
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Related articles
References
External links
|
This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
|
Berry (100%)
Magnet (100%)
For other sprites and images, please see Voltorb images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
