Grimer

Grimer is a Poison-type Pokémon in the Pokémon franchise. It is known for its sludgy and amorphous appearance, resembling a mass of toxic sludge or pollution. Grimer evolves into Muk starting at level 38. It has appeared in various Pokémon games, animated series, and other related media.

Grimer Pokémon oozing through a polluted section of the forest
National Pokedex No: 0088
Type:
Category: Sludge Pokémon
Height: 0.9 m (2′11″)
Weight : 30.0 kg (66.1 lbs)
Gender: 50% ♂, 50% ♀
Abilities/Hidden abilities:
Stench or Sticky Hold/Poison Touch

Biology

Physical Characteristics

Grimer is known for its distinctive and unappealing physical characteristics. Here are the details of Grimer’s physical features.

 

Grimer’s body lacks a defined shape, appearing as a blob or mass of sludge. Its amorphous structure allows it to adapt to various environments. The entire body of Grimer is composed of toxic sludge, giving it a dark and murky appearance. The sludge may have a corrosive and harmful nature.

 

Grimer is typically dark purple or black, resembling polluted and contaminated substances. Its coloration reflects its Poison-type attributes. Grimer lacks visible limbs or appendages. Instead, it moves by slithering or oozing along the ground with its sludgy body.

 

Grimer has distinct, glowing yellow eyes that pierce through the darkness of its sludgy body. These eyes suggest a level of awareness and malevolence.

 

Grimer emits a foul and unpleasant odor, which adds to its overall unappealing nature. The odor may serve as a defensive mechanism against potential threats. Grimer may release toxic substances into its surroundings, contributing to the polluted and hazardous environments it is often associated with. In areas with high levels of pollution, Grimer may thrive and grow. Its presence is often an indicator of environmental degradation.

 

Grimer is known for its distinctive cry, which may sound like a combination of squelching and gurgling noises, further emphasizing its sludgy and liquid nature.

Alolan form

Alolan Grimer exhibits distinct physical characteristics and behaviors compared to its Kantonian counterpart. It has a unique coloration, featuring a dark blue body with bright yellow and green accents. This color scheme sets it apart from the standard Grimer’s dark purple appearance.

 

It’s body is covered in a slimy, icy residue, reflecting its adaptation to the cold and snowy environments of the Alola region. This icy coating contrasts with the toxic sludge found on the Kantonian one. Alolan Grimer retains the amorphous, blob-like structure of the standard Grimer but has distinctive facial features with a toothy grin. Alolan Grimer has greenish eyes, adding to its unique appearance.

Alolan Form Grimer Pokémon sludging through a polluted forest area

Grimer’s physical characteristics portray a Pokémon deeply connected to pollution and toxicity. Its appearance and behavior align with its Poison-type classification, making it a unique and often unsettling species within the Pokémon world.

Behaviour

While specific details about Grimer’s behavior are not extensively outlined in Pokémon lore, certain traits can be inferred based on its Poison-type nature and its association with pollution. Here are some behavioral aspects of Grimer.

 

Grimer is known to be more active during the night. Its nocturnal behavior might be linked to its dark and polluted habitats. Grimer thrives in polluted areas, and its behavior is closely tied to the presence of toxins and contaminants. It may actively seek out and inhabit locations with high levels of pollution.

 

Grimer’s foul odor and toxic composition may serve as defensive mechanisms. When threatened, it could release noxious substances to deter predators or potential foes.  Grimer may exhibit territorial behavior, especially in polluted areas that it considers its habitat. It could defend its territory against intruders, including other Pokémon.

 

Grimer lacks visible limbs, and its movement is characterized by slithering or oozing along the ground. Its method of locomotion is adapted to its amorphous and sludgy body structure. While specific details about Grimer’s diet are not well-defined, it is likely that it consumes pollutants and contaminated substances as a source of nourishment.

 

Grimer’s social behavior is not explicitly described, but it might interact with others of its kind in polluted environments. The presence of multiple Grimer in an area could suggest some level of social organization. Grimer might show sensitivity to changes in its environment, particularly those related to pollution levels. It could adapt or relocate in response to alterations in its habitat.

 

Trainers who capture or encounter Grimer may need to take precautions due to its toxic nature. Training and bonding with Grimer might require careful handling and understanding of its unique characteristics.

 

Alolan Grimer has adapted to the colder climate of the Alola region. Its icy residue may serve as a protective layer against the harsh conditions.

 

While Grimer’s behavior is not extensively explored in official Pokémon lore, these inferred traits provide a glimpse into how its Poison-type attributes and pollution adaptation may influence its actions in the Pokémon world.

Evolution

Grimer evolves into Muk in the Pokémon series. Here are the details surrounding the evolution of Grimer.

Grimer Pokémon oozing through a polluted section of the forest
Grimer
(Unevolved)
Muk Pokémon sludge body encompassing a forest clearing
Muk
(First Evolution)

Grimer evolves through leveling up. At level 38, Grimer undergoes a transformation into Muk. To trigger the evolution, Grimer needs to reach or surpass level 38 in the Pokémon games. Once it achieves this level, the evolution into Muk occurs.

 

Grimer’s evolution into Muk is consistent across various Pokémon game versions where both Pokémon are available. This includes the main series games from the first generation (Red, Blue, Green) to the most recent ones. Upon evolution, Grimer undergoes significant physical changes to become Muk. Muk is larger and has a more complex and varied appearance compared to Grimer’s amorphous and simple form.

 

Muk’s coloration typically includes shades of purple, though specific hues may vary slightly between game versions. The transition from Grimer to Muk involves a shift in color and an increase in size. Muk gains additional features, such as a larger mouth and distinct facial features. Muk’s overall appearance is more detailed and defined compared to the simpler form of Grimer.

 

The evolutionary process signifies Grimer’s growth and adaptation to its environment. Muk is often associated with pollution and toxic waste, reflecting its evolved state from the sludgy Grimer. Upon evolving into Muk, the Pokémon typically gains access to more powerful moves and abilities. Muk’s movepool may include Poison-type attacks, emphasizing its Poison-type classification.

 

Trainers often seek to evolve Grimer into Muk to enhance their team’s capabilities. Muk’s evolved form is known for its durability and offensive potential in battles. Unlike some Pokémon that evolve using evolutionary stones, Grimer evolves through leveling up, making its evolution a gradual and natural process.

 

In the Alola region, Grimer has an Alolan variant with unique characteristics. Alolan Grimer evolves into Alolan Muk, showcasing regional variations in the evolution line.

 

Understanding the evolution of Grimer into Muk provides insights into its growth, adaptation, and the progression of its capabilities as a Poison-type Pokémon in the Pokémon world.

Appearances

Anime Main Appearances

Goh’s Grimer

 

In the episode “Dreams Are Made of These!” of Pokémon Journeys: The Series, Goh successfully captured a Grimer during the Pokémon Orienteering competition. This Grimer has continued to make subsequent appearances in the series.

 

Other appearences include:

 

  • ”Pokémon Scent-sation!” (Erika, Celadon City Gym Leader, shared a flashback of encountering a Grimer as a child, saved by a Gloom.)
  • ”Sparks Fly for Magnemite” (Ash faced Grimer causing a power outage. He later caught a Muk to resolve the issue.)
  • ”In Camping It Up!” (Dawn temporarily trained a Grimer at Pokémon Summer Academy, overcoming its low self-esteem and teaching it the Counter Shield tactic, leading to a battle with Conway’s Venonat.)

Anime Minor Appearances

Grimer makes appearances in many episodes throughout the Pokémon world.

 

Controlled by Cassidy and Butch in ”Pikachu Re-Volts”, a Grimer featured in Mandarin Island North. Additionally, a Grimer appeared in ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure” credits, and in ”The ”Joy of Water Pokémon” in a flashback, four Grimer resided in Lake Lucid. Other appearances include ”Ghoul Daze!” and ”I Choose You!”. Alolan Grimer made its debut under Tupp’s ownership in ”Turning Heads and Training Hard!”.

 

A Coordinator’s Grimer appeared in the episode May, We Harley Drew’d Ya!”.

 

A Trainer’s Grimer appeared also in the following epsodes:

 

  • ”Saved by the Beldum” (participated in the Ever Grande Conference)
  • ”A Little Rocket R & R!” (captured by the Matori Matrix but was later liberated by Ash and his friends)
  • ”Trade, Borrow, and Steal!”
  • ”Solitary and Menacing!”
  • ”Restore and Renew!”

Manga Appearances

Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl

 

One Grimer appeared in the first chapter of the Pocket Monsters Diamond & Pearl manga, PDP01 and another one in the twenty-fifth chapter of this manga, PDP25.

 

Pocket Monsters DP

 

A Grimer appeared in the twenty-forth chapter of the Pocket Monsters DP manga, PMDP24.

 

Pokémon Adventures

 

In “Go for the Golbat” Koga uses a Grimer as a ninja outfit to smother Blue, hindering his movements. Professor Oak envisions a Grimer in “A Flaaffy Kerfuffle”. Janine deploys a Grimer against Falkner in “Notorious Noctowl”, utilizing Minimize. In “The Last Battle XIII”, a Grimer participates in a fight in Ilex Forest. Team Galactic Grunts use Grimer in “Cleaning Up Grimer”. Platinum rents a Grimer in Battle Factory challenges. Grimer features in “Mr. Perfect” and PS604.

 

Alolan Grimer debuts in “The Decision and the Tournament of Six” and evolves into Muk in “The Party Crasher”. Moon’s Alolan Grimer appears in “Guzma the Destroyer” and “Unleashing the Incredible Z-Move”.

 

Pokémon Pocket Monsters

 

In “Save The Chansey!,” Koga utilized Grimer to prevent Red from reaching a group of Chansey. Grimer made a subsequent appearance in “A Challenge to the Elite Four!”. Another Grimer featured in “Clefairy Evolves… At Last?!”.

Game data

Stats

Health Points 80%
Attack 80%
Defense 50%
Special Attack 50%
Special Defense 50%
Speed 25%

Location

Game versionLocation
Pokémon Red and Pokémon BluePokémon Mansion
Pokémon YellowPower Plant, Pokémon Mansion
Pokémon Gold and Pokémon SilverRoutes 16, 17, and 18, Celadon City
Pokémon CrystalRoutes 16, 17, and 18, Celadon City
Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon SapphireFiery Path
Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreenPokémon Mansion, Celadon City
Pokémon EmeraldFiery Path
Pokémon ColosseumTrade
Pokémon XDPhenac Stadium
Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon PearlRoute 212 (Poké Radar)
Pokémon PlatinumRoute 212 (Poké Radar)
Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilverRoutes 16, 17 and 18, Celadon City, Safari Zone
Pokémon Black and Pokémon WhiteTrade
Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2Castelia Sewers
Pokémon X and Pokémon YBreed Muk
Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha SapphireFiery Path
Pokémon Sun and Pokémon MoonTrainers' School, Hau'oli City, Malie City (Alolan Form)
Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form)Trade
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra MoonTrainers' School, Hau'oli City, Malie City (Alolan Form)
Pokémon Bank (Kantonian Form)Seafoam Islands
Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu!Pokémon Mansion, Power Plant (Kantonian Form)
Trade (Alolan Form)Route 226 and 230, Fountainspring Cave, Whiteout Cave, Icy Cave, Glacial Cavern
Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee!Trade
Pokémon Sword and Pokémon ShieldUnobtainable
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining PearlRoute 212, Swampy Cave, Dazzling Cave, Stargleam Cavern, Bogsunk Cavern
Legends ArceusUnobtainable
Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon VioletEast Province (Area Two), West Province (Area Two)

Grimer's origin name

Grimer’s name remains consistent across various languages, generally reflecting its unappealing and sludgy nature.

 

English: Grimer – The English name “Grimer” is derived from the word “grime,” which means dirt, filth, or a slimy substance. It accurately describes Grimer’s appearance and Poison-type characteristics.

 

Japanese: ベトベトン (Betobeton) – In Japanese, Grimer is known as “Betobeton,” which is a combination of “beto,” representing sludge or muck, and “beton,” meaning concrete. This emphasizes Grimer’s polluted and urban habitat.

 

German: Sleima – The German name for Grimer is “Sleima,” a variation of the English word “slime,” highlighting its slimy composition.

 

French: Tadmorv – In French, Grimer is called “Tadmorv,” a term that combines “tadpole” (têtard) and “morve” (mucus). This reflects its slimy and amphibian-like appearance.

 

Spanish: Grimer – The Spanish name for Grimer is the same as in English, maintaining the association with grime and filth.

 

Italian: Grimer – In Italian, Grimer retains its English name, maintaining consistency across languages.

 

Korean: 슬리머 (Seullimeo) – In Korean, Grimer is known as “Seullimeo,” a phonetic adaptation of its English name.

 

Chinese (Simplified): 臭泥 (Chòuní) – In Simplified Chinese, Grimer is called “Chòuní,” which translates to “Smelly Mud.”

 

Chinese (Traditional): 臭泥 (Chòuní) – The Traditional Chinese name for Grimer is the same as Simplified Chinese, meaning “Smelly Mud.”

 

These names highlight Grimer’s association with filth, muck, and slimy substances, capturing its unclean and polluted characteristics. The variations in translations across languages showcase the creativity in maintaining the essence of Grimer’s name while adapting it to linguistic nuances.