Voltorb
Voltorb is an Electric-type Pokémon known for its spherical appearance, resembling a Poké Ball. It has the ability to explode, causing damage.
| National Pokedex No: 0100 |
| Type: |
| Category: Ball Pokémon |
| Height: 0.5 m (1′08″) |
| Weight : 10.4 kg (22.9 lbs) |
| Gender: Genderless |
| Abilities/Hidden abilities:
Soundproof or Static/Aftermath |
Biology
Physical Characteristics
Voltorb is characterized by its perfectly spherical body. Its top half is vivid red, resembling the upper part of a standard Poké Ball, while the lower half is white, imitating the lower section of a Poké Ball. Voltorb features a bold horizontal black band encircling its body, mimicking the central band on a Poké Ball.
Unlike many Pokémon, Voltorb lacks visible facial features, limbs, or appendages, contributing to its minimalistic design. Voltorb maintains a standard size for its species, fitting the proportions of a typical Poké Ball. The surface of Voltorb is smooth, enhancing its resemblance to a Poké Ball.
In some depictions, Voltorb’s eyes glow red, adding a subtle yet distinctive feature to its appearance. The design of Voltorb is infamous for its deceptive similarity to Poké Balls, often leading trainers to unexpected encounters.
Hisuian form
In Hisui, Hisuian Voltorb, a regional variant, mirrors Apricorn-made Poké Balls, featuring a grainy, woodlike texture, glossy surface, and an unexplored, pitch-black interior filled with seeds.
Sporting a unique red wooden unibrow, its existence predates Poké Ball invention, linked to Hisui’s legend of an ancestral Electrode companion.
Understanding Voltorb’s physical traits provides insight into its iconic design and the evolutionary adaptation that allows it to mimic items commonly found in the Pokémon world.
Behaviour
Voltorb is known for its aggressive behavior, especially when provoked or threatened. In extreme situations, Voltorb resorts to using powerful self-destructive moves, making it a hazard to those who encounter it.
Voltorb moves by rolling, utilizing its spherical shape to navigate various terrains swiftly. Its rolling motion allows it to surprise unsuspecting trainers or Pokémon, emphasizing its deceptive nature.
Voltorb is an Electric-type Pokémon, capable of generating and discharging electrical energy. Its behavior may change when charged with electricity, becoming more energetic and potentially aggressive.
Voltorb often camouflages itself by mimicking the appearance of a Poké Ball, luring trainers who mistake it for an item. It uses this mimicry as a strategic advantage, waiting for unsuspecting prey to approach before revealing its true nature.
Voltorb is commonly found near power plants, cities, or other locations with electrical infrastructure. Its presence in urban areas suggests a certain level of adaptation to human-influenced environments. In the wild, Voltorb may exhibit random rolling movements, making it challenging for trainers to predict their locations.
Wild Voltorb can be either aggressive or avoidant, influenced by factors such as territory and energy levels.
Hisuian Voltorb can store and release electric currents from its belly, displaying a friendly and excitable temperament. They tend to cluster around people, becoming a nuisance during discharge. Hisuian Voltorb emits a hearty laugh during discharge, and stories tell of temporarily plugging their holes to prevent unwanted discharges in settlements.
Understanding Voltorb’s behavior is crucial for trainers, as its explosive tendencies and mimicry skills pose unique challenges during encounters. Trainers must exercise caution and be prepared for unexpected situations when dealing with Voltorb.
Evolution
Voltorb is the initial form in the evolutionary line.Voltorb evolves into Electrode through a process triggered by gaining appropriate level and experience points in battles or through other methods. It is usually level 30.
Voltorb undergoes a transformative process resulting in its evolved state, Electrode. Electrode exhibits distinct visual alterations compared to Voltorb, reflecting its evolved status. Electrode typically gains increased stats, capabilities, or additional traits compared to its pre-evolved form.
Voltorb accumulates experience points through battles or other experiences. Once Voltorb reaches a specified level, it evolves into Electrode. In Pokémon games, trainers can facilitate the evolution of Voltorb by leveling it up through battles. Evolution is often a player-controlled action, requiring engagement in battles or fulfilling specific conditions.
Voltorb and Electrode represent a continuous evolutionary line within the Pokémon species. Electrode retains certain traits from Voltorb while incorporating distinctive features.
Trainers often incorporate Voltorb into their teams with the anticipation of achieving the more powerful Electrode through strategic leveling. The evolution from Voltorb to Electrode symbolizes growth and progression in the Pokémon’s life cycle.
Hisuian Voltorb evolves into Hisuian Electrode using Leaf Stone. A Leaf Stone is an evolutionary item in the Pokémon series that is used to evolve certain Grass-type Pokémon. When a Pokémon is exposed to a Leaf Stone, it triggers a specific evolution into another form. It’s important to note that not all Grass-type Pokémon evolve with a Leaf Stone, and each Pokémon species has its unique set of evolution requirements. Both, Hisuian Voltorb and Hisuian Electrode are dual type Electric–Grass Pokémon.
In summary, the evolution from Voltorb to Electrode is a fundamental aspect of the Pokémon’s life cycle, representing growth and enhanced capabilities. Trainers play a crucial role in facilitating this evolution through battles and other experiences.
Appearances
Anime Main Appearances
In ”The Ninja Poké-Showdown”, Koga strategically places Voltorb in his Gym as defensive measures. Team Rocket, attempting to exploit Voltorb in a scheme, mistakenly believes they contain rare Pokémon (”So Near, Yet So Farfetch’d”). The scheme backfires as the Voltorb explode, leading to chaos and Team Rocket’s defeat. Keith, the mastermind behind the scheme, decides to end his criminal activities after a single Voltorb causes their retreat.
Various Voltorb also appeared in the following episodes:
- ”The Underground Round Up” (Voltorb coexisted with Electrode. Despite Misty’s initial fear, the Electric-type befriended her Togepi, creating a bond that saddened Togepi when it had to part ways.)
- ”Love, Pokémon Style” (Three Voltorb rolled down a hill, caught by Ash‘s Kingler. However, they shocked and injured Kingler, rendering it unable to battle.)
- ”Watt’s with Wattson?” (Wattson utilized a Voltorb in his Gym battle against Ash. Pikachu, super-charged from a Mauville Gym incident, easily defeated it. Multiple wild Voltorb also featured later in the episode.)
- ”Bucking the Treasure Trend” (Numerous Voltorb attacked Ash, his friends, and Buck during their search for Dandelion Island’s treasure.)
- ”Hoopa’s Surprise Ring Adventures short Ball Pickup” (Voltorb, thrown as a prank by Hoopa, attacked Ash, Pikachu, Hawlucha, and itself with Self-Destruct.
- ”Mad About Blue!” (A Shiny Voltorb was caught by Goh.)
Anime Minor Appearances
In various Pokémon episodes and movies, Voltorb made appearances, from ”Ditto’s Mysterious Mansion” to its role in ”Pikachu’s Rescue Adventure”. Instances include encounters in themed parks (”Pikachu’s Vacation”), parties (”Pallet Party Panic”), many differente places such as Scissor Street (”Pokémon Fashion Flash”), Mandarin Island North (”Pikachu Re-Volts”), Palmpona (”Tricks of the Trade”) and even being mistaken for a pearl by Spoink (”Pearls are a Spoink’s Best Friend”).
Nicolette’s trained Voltorb attacked intruders in ”May’s Egg-Cellent Adventure”. Notable appearances include its involvement in a crystal-induced event in ”As Clear As Crystal” and the explosive watermelon disguise in ”Arceus and the Jewel of Life”. Laxton also owns a helpful Voltorb on his farm in ”How Are You Gonna Keep ‘Em Off of the Farm?”.
Multiple Voltorb appeared in the following episodes:
- ”Showdown at the Po-ké Corral” (living at the Laboratory of Professor Oak)
- ”The Legend of Thunder!” (seen enticed by Attila and Hun’s “Miracle Crystal)
- ”Destiny Deoxys”
- ”The Future Is Now, Thanks to Determination!” (seven of them)
- ”A Crackling Raid Battle!” (four of them)
A Voltorb owned by Coordinator was seen in the episode ”Deceit and Assist”.
A Trainer’s Voltorb appeared in the episodes:
- ”The Lost Lapras” (Pokémon Center)
- ”Wired for Battle!” (as an image on Shingo’s laptop)
- ”You’re a Star, Larvitar!” (two of them)
Manga Appearances
Pocket Monsters DP
A Voltorb was seen in the the sixteenth chapter of the Pocket Monsters DP manga, PMDP16.
Pocket Monsters HGSS
A Voltorb owned by Trainer appeared in PMHGSS11, and another one in the PMHGSS18.
Pokémon Adventures
Voltorb first appeared in “Danger: High Voltorb” where Red mistakenly touched it, thinking it was a Poké Ball on the S.S. Anne, resulting in a shocking surprise. Lt. Surge’s multiple Voltorb featured in “Go for the Golbat” aiding in shocking Red and serving as projectiles. In “The Coming of Slowpoke (Eventually)” Ken from the Team Rocket Elite Trio battled with a Voltorb and its evolved form, Electrode, against Yellow.
Wattson’s Voltorb featured in ”New Mauville’s Power Plant”. Other instances include encounters in “Encountering Elekid”, a Guitarist’s ownership in “Clobbering Claydol”, Jet’s use in the Pokéathlon in “Out-Odding Oddish” and participation in a Prism Tower blackout in “Pangoro Poses a Problem”.
Pokémon Gold & Silver: The Golden Boys
Voltorb was seen in this manga in the episodes ”Let’s Go! The Journey Towards The Championship”, ”Let’s Aim For The Goal!”(multiple owned by Firebreather Takeo) and ”The New Pokémon Is Hatched!!”.
Pokémon Gotta Catch ‘Em All
In this mnaga Boltorb appeared in the episodes ”The Raining Crystal Ball”, ”The Challenge at Celadon University!” and GDZ23.
Pokémon Pocket Monsters
Lt. Surge’s Voltorb evolved during a battle in “Great Success in the Mountains or the Seas!?”. Green caught one, seen in “Good Luck at the Big Pokémon Athletic Meet!”. Blaine and Giovanni also possessed multiple Voltorb, used in various competitions and to prevent interference in plans (”Fierce Competition at the Pokémon Quiz Battle!!” and ”Bring Down the Strongest Pokémon!!”).
Voltorb also featured in various episodes, participating in events like a curry cooking competition (”Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious?”) and Red’s fantasy in “The Great Helper!!”. The other appearences were in the ”The Thrill of a Perfect Score, Big Rampage at the Amusement Park!”, ”Let’s Celebrate the New Year!!”, ”Panic on the Luxury Liner?!”, ”Stop the Missile!!”, ”Pikachu’s Birthday Party”, ”Pokémon Snowball Fight”, ”Take me to the Dragon Palace!” and ”The Food Battle”.
Pokémon Ruby-Sapphire
In this manga Voltorb appeared in the episodes ”I Won’t Let You Lead!!”, ”Let’s Try To Be Idols!!”, ”Extra Heavyweight Battle”, ”A Visitor From Outer Space?!” and ”Clefairy’s Golf Debut!”.
Game data
Stats
Location
| Game version | Location |
|---|---|
| Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue | Route 10, Power Plant |
| Pokémon Yellow | Power Plant |
| Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver | Route 10, Olivine City, Team Rocket HQ |
| Pokémon Crystal | Route 10, Olivine City, Team Rocket HQ |
| Pokémon Ruby and Pokémon Sapphire | New Mauville |
| Pokémon FireRed and Pokémon LeafGreen | Route 10, Power Plant |
| Pokémon Emerald | New Mauville |
| Pokémon Colosseum | Trade |
| Pokémon XD | Cave Poké Spot |
| Pokémon Diamond and Pokémon Pearl | Route 218 |
| Pokémon Platinum | Route 218 |
| Pokémon HeartGold and Pokémon SoulSilver | Route 10, Olivine City, Team Rocket HQ |
| Pokémon Black and Pokémon White | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon Black 2 and Pokémon White 2 | Poké Transfer |
| Pokémon X and Pokémon Y | Breed Electrode |
| Pokémon Omega Ruby and Pokémon Alpha Sapphire | Route 110, New Mauville |
| Pokémon Sun and Pokémon Moon | Trade |
| Pokémon Ultra Sun and Pokémon Ultra Moon | Breed Electrode |
| Pokémon: Let's Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let's Go, Eevee! | Power Plant |
| Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield | Unobtainable |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Pokémon Shining Pearl | Route 218, Spacious Cave, Dazzling Cave, Stargleam Cavern |
| Legends Arceus | Celestica Ruins, Sacred Plaza |
| Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet | East Province (Area Three), West Province (Area Three) |
Voltorb's origin name
English: The English name “Voltorb” is a combination of two words: “volt” (referring to electrical potential) and “orb” (indicating a spherical shape). The name suggests a Pokémon characterized by its spherical form and electrical attributes.
Japanese: In Japanese, Voltorb is known as “ビリリダマ” (Biriridama). The Japanese name combines “ビリリ” (Biriri), signifying an electric buzzing sound, and “ダマ” (Dama), referring to a sphere or ball.
French: In French, Voltorb retains its English name. The name is not translated, maintaining the English roots to maintain consistency.
German: The German name for Voltorb is “Voltobal.” It combines “Volt” and “Ball,” similar to the English name, emphasizing the electric and spherical aspects.
Spanish: In Spanish, Voltorb is called “Voltorb.” The name is not translated, following the English nomenclature.
Italian: In Italian, Voltorb retains its English name. Similar to French and Spanish, the Italian version maintains the original English name.
Korean: The Korean name for Voltorb is “찌리리공” (Jjiririgong). It combines “찌리리” (Jjiriri), representing an electric buzzing sound, and “공” (Gong), meaning ball or sphere.
Chinese (Simplified): In Simplified Chinese, Voltorb is known as “霹雳球” (Pīlìqiú). “霹雳” (Pīlì) conveys the concept of lightning or a sudden electric sound, and “球” (Qiú) means ball.
Chinese (Traditional): In Traditional Chinese, Voltorb is “霹靂球” (Pīlìqiú). Similar to Simplified Chinese, the name incorporates “霹靂” (Pīlì), denoting lightning, and “球” (Qiú), indicating a ball.
Understanding Voltorb’s origin name in different languages provides insights into how its electric and spherical characteristics are conveyed linguistically across cultures.