Voltorb (Pokémon)

← #099: Kingler

Pokémon

#101: Electrode →

Voltorb ビリリダマ Biriridama #100
Art by Ken Sugimori from FireRed and LeafGreen
Type Electric ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Ball Pokémon
Abilities Soundproof or Static Static Blue-Striped ----- Aftermath Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #100 Johto #121 Hoenn #084 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-079 Almia R-076 Oblivia R-113 N-156
Height 1'08" Imperial 0.5 m Metric 1'08"/0.5 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 22.9 lbs. Imperial 10.4 kg Metric 22.9 lbs./10.4 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Red	Catch rate 190 (24.8%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown Gender unknown
Breeding Mineral group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 0 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 1 Base Exp.: 103 Battle Exp.: 1031*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation I Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Voltorb (Japanese: ビリリダマ Biriridama) is an Electric-type Pokémon.

It evolves into Electrode starting at level 30.

Biology

Physiology

Voltorb are spherical Pokémon with no arms or legs. They look like a Poké Ball with a face, minus the button; their top half is red, while their bottom half is white. They were first seen in the plant where modern Poké Balls were invented. Voltorb and their evolution, Electrode, could be forms of energy, but it is unknown where that energy came from or how it created them. Because of the similarities with the Poké Ball, it has been suggested that Voltorb are artificial Pokémon, created with some form of human involvement.

Gender differences

Voltorb is a genderless species.

Special abilities

If agitated, Voltorb may explode. They can also wield powerful Electric-type moves.

Behavior

Voltorb are easily agitated, and are known to self-destruct due to anger.

Habitat

File:Urban.gif

Urban Pokémon

Voltorb are generally found in power plants and other areas with electric fields, and due to their volatile temper and habit of exploding out of anger are generally considered pests. They are also found on farms guarding the crops and fruit there, and are usually painted the same color as the fruits they guard. It is common in Kanto, Johto and Hoenn, but has been seen in Sinnoh from time to time.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Voltorb in the anime

Major appearances

Voltorb first appeared in The Ninja Poké-Showdown. Koga kept a bunch of these in his Gym as booby traps.

Voltorb also appeared in So Near, Yet So Farfetch'd. Team Rocket received them from the Backpack-switching thief, thinking they were Poké Balls with rare Pokémon in 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 him to quit his crime spree, but a single Voltorb sent them blasting off.

A sole Voltorb lived amongst the Electrode in The Underground Round Up. Although Misty was terrified of it, the Electric-type befriended her Togepi, and the Baby Pokémon was sad when it had to leave.

Wattson used a Voltorb in his Gym Battle with Ash in Watt's with Wattson?. It was easily defeated by Ash's Pikachu, which had gotten super-charged during an incident at the Mauville Gym.

Minor appearances

Ash is shown to have a clock that is shaped like a Voltorb in Pokémon - I Choose You!. The clock can open up across the middle, showing the time and making a Pidgey pops out of it.

In Ditto's Mysterious Mansion, Voltorb comes on stage in Duplica's flashback as her Ditto tries to transform into one.

In A Chansey Operation, a Voltorb was stuck in a Weepinbell's mouth which Misty and Jessie had to pull out from.

A Voltorb made an appearance in The Breeding Center Secret.

Multiple Voltorb were among the Pokémon seen at Professor Oak's Laboratory in Showdown at the Po-ké Corral.

Voltorb also appeared in Pallet Party Panic, at a party among other Pokémon.

A Voltorb belonging to an unnamed Trainer, was brought to the Pokémon Center in The Lost Lapras.

A Voltorb was among the Pokémon controlled by Cassidy and Butch in Pikachu Re-Volts.

Voltorb also appeared in The Power of One.

A Voltorb also appeared in Celebi: Voice of the Forest and Pokémon Heroes.

Several Voltorb were among the Electric Pokémon that were lured by the "Miracle Crystal" that Attila and Hun were using in The Legend of Thunder!.

Voltorb is one of the Electric-type Pokémon that was seen in the lake with crystal in As Clear As Crystal.

A Voltorb was used by one of the students of the Pokémon Trainer's School in Gonna Rule The School!.

A Voltorb made a small appearance in Pearls are a Spoink's Best Friend. Spoink mistook it for a pearl.

Multiple Voltorb appeared in Destiny Deoxys.

In May's Egg-Cellent Adventure, two Voltorb attack May as they are trained to do so when anyone steps foot on Nicolette's property.

A Voltorb disguised as a watermelon appeared in the credits of Arceus and the Jewel of Life. It exploded when Jessie and James picked it up after falling for its disguise.

In Bucking the Treasure Trend, several Voltorb attacked Ash and his friends.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP032 Voltorb Ash's Pokédex Voltorb. The identity of this creature is unknown. It has an extreme personality, uses Electric attacks, and at times selfdestructs. Original series entries continue below.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP114 Voltorb Ash's Pokédex Voltorb. This mysterious Pokémon uses strong Electric attacks, and is often found near power plants. Use extreme caution; Voltorb may explode without warning.

In the manga

Lt. Surge's Voltorb, as seen in Pokémon Adventures

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

Voltorb is a Pokémon that looks just like a Poké Ball, even in its height. It debuted in the Red, Green & Blue arc in its own round, Danger: High Voltorb. Here, Red tries to touch one aboard the S.S. Anne thinking that is only a Poké Ball, but is zapped by it.

Wattson's Voltorb was only seen in the Power Plant located in New Mauville.

In the Pokémon Pocket Monsters manga

Lt. Surge's Voltorb battled against Clefairy and evolved in the same match.

Kai Midorikawa caught a Voltorb before participating in the sports meet in Pokémon Sports Meet!!.

Giovanni sends out Voltorb to prevent Isamu from interfering with his plans on creating Mewtwo.

Blaine has many Voltorb that were used in the first part of the Pokémon Quiz Battle.

A Voltorb is seen with Isamu during the curry cooking competition that went on in Curry Showdown! Which is the Most Delicious?.

In the TCG

Main article: Voltorb (TCG)

In the TFG

One Voltorb figure has been released.

• Next Quest: Voltorb

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.

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people. Blue Yellow It is said to camouflage itself as a Poké Ball. It will self-destruct with very little stimulus. Stadium Usually found in power plants. In some instances, they have been seen drawing power from the trolleys of electric trains.
Generation II Gold It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode. Silver It was discovered when Poké Balls were introduced. It is said that there is some connection. Crystal During the study of this Pokémon, it was discovered that its components are not found in nature. Stadium 2 It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode.
Generation III 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. FireRed A life-form whose identity is unknown. It is said to screech or suddenly selfdestruct. LeafGreen Usually found in power plants. Easily mistaken for a Poké Ball, it has zapped many people.
Generation IV Diamond It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold It rolls to move. If the ground is uneven, a sudden jolt from hitting a bump can cause it to explode. SoulSilver It was discovered when Poké Balls were introduced. It is said that there is some connection.
Generation V Black It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 モンスターボールに　そっくり。まちがって　さわると　かんでんしたり　ときには　ばくはつするので　きけん。 White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I Red Blue Common Route 10, Power Plant Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow Uncommon Power Plant
Generation II Gold Silver Many Route 10, Team Rocket HQ, Olivine City Crystal Many Route 10, Team Rocket HQ, Olivine City
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Common New Mauville Emerald Common New Mauville FireRed LeafGreen Common Route 10, Power Plant Colosseum Trade Trade XD One Cave Poké Spot (Shadow)
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Swarm Route 218 Platinum Swarm Route 218 HeartGold SoulSilver Many Route 10, Mahogany Town, Olivine City Pal Park Field Pokéwalker Town Outskirts
Generation V Black White None Poké Transfer Black 2 White 2 None Poké Transfer Dream World Icy Cave
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Channel	Ruins of Truth
Pokémon Pinball	Rock Mountain
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Plains (Ruby Field)
Pokémon Trozei!	Secret Storage 3 Secret Storage 14 Endless Level 7 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Thunderwave Cave (3F-5F) Wish Cave (8F-10F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Concealed Ruins (B1-B15) World Abyss (B1-B15)
Pokémon Ranger	Dusk Factory
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia	Pueltown Cargo Ship
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Wireless Tower Thunder Temple
Pokémon Rumble	Fiery Furnace
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Factory: Sunny Seashore
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure	Haunted Zone

In events

Games	Event	Language	Location	Level	Distribution period
List of Nintendo event Pokémon in Generation II#Voltorb	Gotta Catch 'Em All Station!	United States	2002	5	Never

Held items

Game		Held Item(s)
Red*	Blue*	Berry (100%)
Yellow*
Pokémon XD		Magnet (100%)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 40		100 - 147	190 - 284
Attack: 30		31 - 90	58 - 174
Defense: 50		49 - 112	94 - 218
Sp. Atk: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Sp. Def: 55		54 - 117	103 - 229
Speed: 100		94 - 167	184 - 328
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.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 5/5 ★★★★★	Power 1/2 ★☆
Skill 3/3 ★★★	Stamina 1/2 ★☆
Jump 4/5 ★★★★☆	Total 14/17 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:

Damaged normally by: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Weak to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Immune to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Resistant to: Normal 1× Fighting 1× Flying ½× Poison 1× Ground 2× Rock 1× Bug 1× Ghost 1× Steel ½× Fire 1× Water 1× Grass 1× Electric ½× Psychic 1× Ice 1× Dragon 1× Dark 1× None

Learnset

By leveling up

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Charge Electric Status 0000— ——% 20 055 Tackle Normal Physical 05050 100100% 35 088 SonicBoom Normal Special 0000— 09090% 20 1212 Spark Electric Physical 06565 100100% 20 1515 Rollout Rock Physical 03030 09090% 20 1919 Screech Normal Status 0000— 08585% 40 2222 Charge Beam Electric Special 05050 09090% 10 2626 Light Screen Psychic Status 0000— ——% 30 2929 Electro Ball Electric Special 0000— 100100% 10 3333 Selfdestruct Normal Physical 200200 100100% 5 3636 Swift Normal Special 06060 ——% 20 4040 Magnet Rise Electric Status 0000— ——% 10 4343 Gyro Ball Steel Physical 0000— 100100% 5 4747 Explosion Normal Physical 250250 100100% 5 5050 Mirror Coat Psychic Special 0000— 100100% 20

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

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	TM06	Toxic	Poison	Status	0000—	090}}90%	10
	TM10	Hidden Power	Normal	Special	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM12	Taunt	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM16	Light Screen	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	30
	TM17	Protect	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM18	Rain Dance	Water	Status	0000—	—}}—%	5
	TM21	Frustration	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM24	Thunderbolt	Electric	Special	09595	100}}100%	15
	TM25	Thunder	Electric	Special	120120	070}}70%	10
	TM27	Return	Normal	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM32	Double Team	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	15
	TM41	Torment	Dark	Status	0000—	100}}100%	15
	TM42	Facade	Normal	Physical	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM44	Rest	Psychic	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM46	Thief	Dark	Physical	04040	100}}100%	10
	TM48	Round	Normal	Special	06060	100}}100%	15
	TM57	Charge Beam	Electric	Special	05050	090}}90%	10
	TM64	Explosion	Normal	Physical	250250	100}}100%	5
	TM70	Flash	Normal	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM72	Volt Switch	Electric	Special	07070	100}}100%	20
	TM73	Thunder Wave	Electric	Status	0000—	100}}100%	20
	TM74	Gyro Ball	Steel	Physical	0000—	100}}100%	5
	TM87	Swagger	Normal	Status	0000—	090}}90%	15
	TM90	Substitute	Normal	Status	0000—	—}}—%	10
	TM93	Wild Charge	Electric	Physical	09090	100}}100%	15
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 TM moves from other generations

By breeding

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Father	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding.
Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Voltorb in Generation V Moves marked with a double dagger (‡) can only be bred from a Pokémon who learned the move in an earlier generation. Moves marked with a superscript game abbreviation can only be bred onto Voltorb in that game. 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

By tutoring

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Game				Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by tutoring.
A black abbreviation in a colored box indicates that Voltorb can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Voltorb cannot be tutored the move in that game 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 Move Tutor moves from other generations

Dream World-only moves

Generation V Other generations: I - II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Dream World	Natural Gift	Normal	Physical	—	100%	15
Dream World	Signal Beam	Bug	Special	75	100%	15
A superscript level indicates that Voltorb can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level 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 event moves from other generations

Special moves

Shadow moves	<span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 19+	Purified moves
Shadow Rush	File:Box xd 100.png	Refresh	Normal
Shadow Panic		Mirror Coat	Psychic
--		Spark	Electric
--		Swift	Normal

TCG-only moves

Move	Card
ThunderShock	Voltorb (Vending S2) Voltorb (Aquapolis 64) Voltorb (EX FireRed & LeafGreen 85) Voltorb (Stormfront SH3)

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Common
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team File:MDP RT 100.png Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 8.1% Friend Area: Power Plant Phrases 51%-100% HP Careful! Touching me will zap you! 26%-50% HP Whoa, my HP is down to half already? 1%-25% HP I'm frazzled... I don't have enough charge to zap anything. Level up Oh, hey! Leveled up! I feel energized! Partner phrases 51%-100% HP <name>, my HP is between 51% and 100%. 26%-50% HP <name>, my HP is between 26% and 50%. 1%-25% HP <name>, my HP is between 1% and 25%. Level up Oh, hey! Leveled up! I feel energized!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: 6.4% IQ group: C
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: ( Electric ) Field move: (Recharge ×1) Loops: 5 Min. exp.: 7 Max. exp.: 7 Browser entry   Using the electricity secreted within its body, Voltorb can recharge your styler.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Electric  Poké Assist: ( Electric ) Field move: (Electrify ×2) Browser entry   It lets loose bolts of electricity to attack. Beware: It may explode!
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Electric  ( Normal ) Past ( Normal ) (Electrify ×1) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It causes explosions around itself.
Pokémon Rumble Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast Attack ●● Defense ●● Speed ●●●● Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed Attack Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: After hearing about the Haunted Zone, Voltorb just had to check it out. He's a real player at Dusknoir's Speed Slam.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: Weak: PokéPark Pad entry: He regards himself as a bodyguard of the Tech Area. He challenges suspicious Pokémon to a Quiz.
Pokémon Conquest HP: Move: {{{ConquestMove}}} Attack: Ability 1: {{{ConquestAbility1}}} Defense: Ability 2: {{{ConquestAbility2}}} Speed: Ability 3: {{{ConquestAbility3}}} Does not evolve. Range: 0 Perfect Links: {{{ConquestLink}}}

Evolution

Unevolved Voltorb  Electric

Level 30 →

First Evolution Electrode  Electric

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
II	Gold	Silver	Crystal				Back
III	Ruby	Sapphire	Emerald		FireRed	LeafGreen	Back
IV	Diamond	Pearl	Platinum		HeartGold	SoulSilver	Back
V	Black	White	Black 2	White 2			Back

For other sprites and images, please see Voltorb images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Although Voltorb is an Electric-type, it could not learn any Electric attacks via level-up until Generation III.
• Though it is said that Voltorb are often mistaken for Poké Balls, Voltorb is over one foot in height, far larger than any modern Poké Ball.
• In the English and European versions of Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, a game called Voltorb Flip is introduced in place of slot machines. The game is similar to Minesweeper, and largely focuses on flipping over cards to multiply the coins currently earned. Some cards, however, have Voltorb on them which will cause the player to lose coins.
• Voltorb and Electrode exist in Oblivia's past, despite both Pokémon being brought into origin in more recent times. Whether this was an oversight or not is unknown. A similar situation occurs with Porygon-Z.
• Due to their almost identical appearance, Voltorb was often confused with Electrode by the dub voice actors. The same situation happened with Poliwhirl and Poliwrath.

Origin

It seems to be based upon the concept of a living Poké Ball (with its Shiny form possibly being based on a Great Ball). The idea of them being mistaken for the standard Item Balls is similar to "Mimic" monsters found in other RPGs. Given its tendency to explode, it could also be based on a bomb. The design concept may be inheritance from the time when the franchise was known as Capsule Monsters, as early artworks show Poké Balls without the button in the middle.

Name origin

Voltorb is a combination of volt and orb.

Biriridama may be a combination of びりびり biribiri (like an electric shock) and 玉 tama (sphere).

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ビリリダマ Biriridama A combination of びりびり biribiri and 玉 tama. French Voltorbe Similar to English name. Spanish Voltorb Same as English name German Voltobal Likely from volt and ball. Italian Voltorb Same as English name Korean 찌리리공 Jjiririgong From 찌릿찌릿 jjiritjjirit and 공 gong Mandarin Chinese 雷電球 / 雷电球 Léidiànqiú Literally "Thunder and lightning sphere" Cantonese Chinese 霹靂蛋 Pīklīkdaahn From 霹靂 pīklīk and 蛋 daahn

More languages

Notes

← #099: Kingler

Pokémon

#101: Electrode →

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.