Wobbuffet (Pokémon)

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This article is about the species. For a specific instance of this species, see Wobbuffet (disambiguation).

Wobbuffet ソーナンス Sonans #202
Art by Ken Sugimori from HeartGold and SoulSilver
Type Psychic ' Unknown Unknown Blue-Striped Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown Unknown	Category Patient Pokémon
Abilities Shadow Tag ----- Blue-Striped ----- Telepathy Hidden Ability
Exp. at Lv. 100 1,000,000
Regional Pokédex numbers Kanto #— Johto #108 Hoenn #161 Sinnoh — Unova Not in any regional Pokédex
Regional Browser numbers Fiore R-170 Almia R— Oblivia R-104 N-189
Height 4'03" Imperial 1.3 m Metric 4'03"/1.3 m Red-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m Blue-Striped 0'0"/0.0 m
Weight 62.8 lbs. Imperial 28.5 kg Metric 62.8 lbs./28.5 kg Red-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg Blue-Striped 0.0 lbs./0.0 kg
Dex color Blue	Catch rate 45 (5.9%)
Body style Blue-Striped	Footprint      Blue-Striped
Gender ratio Gender unknown Unknown 50% male, 50% female
Breeding Amorphous group 21 cycles (5355 minimum steps)
EV yield HP 2 Atk 0 Def 0 Sp.Atk 0 Sp.Def 0 Speed 0 Base Exp.: 177 Battle Exp.: 1771*
External links On Smogon Pokédex: Generation II Generation III Generation IV Generation V Generation VI Generation VII Generation VIII Generation IX Artwork on Bulbagarden Archives

Wobbuffet (Japanese: ソーナンス Sonans) is a Template:Type2 Pokémon.

It evolves from Wynaut starting at level 15.

Biology

Physiology

Wobbuffet is a tall, cyan-colored blob-like creature with a black tail that has two eye-spots on it. Wobbuffet has flipper-like arms and a crooked expression on its face, as opposed to the perpetual smile that its un-evolved form has. Its face, as with Wynaut, is an east Asian emote. It also walks on four legs at its base.

Gender differences

Female Wobbuffet appear to be wearing lipstick.

Special abilities

Wobbuffet seems to be highly skilled at countering enemy attacks, but not much else. It is also greatly tolerant of enemy attacks and can endure more attacks than most other Pokémon. If it is knocked out, it is capable of taking the attacker down with it, although it will usually only attempt this if its tail is attacked. It also has the curious ability to stop its opponent from escaping, which is helpful when attempting to catch roaming Pokémon in the games.

Behavior

Wobbuffet are typically stoic Pokémon, but hates light and shock. In a battle, Wobbuffet never make the first move. Their preferred style of battling mainly consists of counterattacks, depending entirely on how harshly they are damaged by their foes. It will inflate its body in order to do so. Wobbuffet are very protective of their tails, to the point where one will suddenly turn uncharacteristically aggressive if its tail is targeted by an enemy. If a Wobbuffet takes an attack on its tail, it will not attempt a counterattack, instead opting to use Destiny Bond. When two or more Wobbuffet meet, they tend to turn competitive in some kind of play and will often try to test each others' endurance. These tests of endurance can include a competition to see who can go the longest without eating, which their trainers should be wary about.

Habitat

File:Cave.gif

Cave Pokémon

Owing mainly to their overprotective nature where their pitch-black tails are concerned, as well as their hatred of light, Wobbuffet live in dark places, usually caves, in order to keep their tails perpetually hidden. Some can be found near bodies of water, namely lakes Acuity, Valor, and Verity in the Sinnoh region. Since these lakes are surrounded by dense forests and Wobbuffet that live near these lakes can only be lured into appearing before trainers by the Poké Radar, it can be implied that Wobbuffet will also live in forests, provided that they are dense and dark enough to hide their tails.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Wobbuffet in the anime

Major appearances

Jessie's Wobbuffet

Main article: Jessie's Wobbuffet

Jessie has a Wobbuffet that frequently emerges from its Poké Ball to shout its name or cause what Jessie considers to be trouble. It has appeared in almost every episode since she accidentally traded her Lickitung for it in Tricks of the Trade. She rarely uses Wobbuffet in battle, but when she does, the results are generally good. On the other hand, Jessie's few attempts at using Wobbuffet in contests have all had negative results. It was left at Team Rocket's headquarters prior to Jessie and James' departure to the Unova region.

Other

Wobbu-Palooza featured a town in which everyone owned a Wobbuffet, including the local Officer Jenny.

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry EP146 Wobbuffet Ash's Pokédex Wobbuffet, the Patient Pokémon. Wobbuffet like to live in dark areas so they can keep their pitch black tail concealed. EP146 Wobbuffet James's Book Wobbuffet, the Patient Pokémon. Is unable to initiate attacks.

In the manga

Pokémon Adventures

Wobbuffet first appeared in Absolutely Azumarill (Volume 11) under the ownership of Crystal's mother.

In the TCG

Main article: Wobbuffet (TCG)

Other appearances

Wobbuffet in Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Super Smash Bros. Melee/Brawl

When released from a Poké Ball, Wobbuffet will stand on the stage in one place. Anyone attacking or running into it will be damaged by its Counter, apart from the player who threw the Poké Ball, who will only be knocked back.

Wobbuffet is also a Poké Float in Melee. It appears on its side and never fully reveals itself. When it first appears, it will quickly return off-screen but will then come back and remain to allow for fighting to take place on top of it.

Melee trophy information

A Patient Pokémon, Wobbuffet lives in darkness to hide its mismatched black tail. Even for a stoic Pokémon, this creature is a testament to self-control; it will not actively attack an opponent. Its Counter and Mirror Coat moves are solely used for reflecting attacks directly back at its antagonist.

Brawl trophy information

"A Patient Pokémon. A nocturnal, cave-dwelling creature, Wobbuffet is calm and collected, but it will fight back viciously if its black tail is attacked--this hints at something secretive about its tail. If Wobbuffet is put into battle, the opponent cannot run away or switch. Females have lipsticklike markings around their mouths."

Game data

NPC appearances

• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team: Wobbuffet and Wynaut send the player on a mission into the Uproar Forest. As thanks for completing it, they help to remodel the rescue base. Notably, the Wobbuffet is the only Pokémon in the entire game that doesn't speak in a way the player can understand; it only says its own name. However, this may be an oversight by the translators, since in Explorers of Sky (as mentioned below) it does not speak this way.
• Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Sky: Wobbuffet (confirmed to be female by its lipstick) once again joins Wynaut, only this time, they're running a shop in the Spinda Cafe, called the Recycle Shop. Unlike the first game, it no longer says its name, and instead says "That's right!"

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I Red {{{redbluedex}}} Blue Yellow {{{yellowdex}}} Stadium {{{stadiumdex}}}
Generation II Gold It hates light and shock. If attacked, it inflates its body to pump up its counterstrike. Silver To keep its pitch-black tail hidden, it lives quietly in the darkness. It is never first to attack. Crystal In order to conceal its black tail, it lives in a dark cave and only moves about at night. Stadium 2 It hates light and shock. If attacked, it inflates its body to pump up its counterstrike.
Generation III Ruby If two or more Wobbuffet meet, they will turn competitive and try to outdo the other's endurance. However, they may try to see which one can endure the longest without food. Trainers need to beware of this habit. Sapphire Wobbuffet does nothing but endure attacks - it won't attack on its own. However, it won't endure an attack on its tail. When that happens, the Pokémon will try to take the foe with it using Destiny Bond. Emerald Usually docile, a Wobbuffet strikes back ferociously if its black tail is attacked. It makes its lair in caves where it waits for nightfall. FireRed To keep its pitch-black tail hidden, it lives quietly in the darkness. It is never first to attack. LeafGreen It hates light and shock. If attacked, it inflates its body to pump up its counterstrike.
Generation IV Diamond It desperately tries to keep its black tail hidden. It is said to be proof the tail hides a secret. Pearl {{{pearldex}}} Platinum {{{platinumdex}}} HeartGold It hates light and shock. If attacked, it inflates its body to pump up its counterstrike. SoulSilver To keep its pitch-black tail hidden, it lives quietly in the darkness. It is never first to attack.
Generation V Black It desperately tries to keep its black tail hidden. It is said to be proof the tail hides a secret. White {{{whitedex}}} Black 2 {{{black2dex}}} White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI X Unknown Y Unknown

Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation II.
Generation I Red Blue None Trade Blue (Japan) None Trade Yellow None Trade
Generation II Gold Silver Uncommon Dark Cave Crystal Unlimited Dark Cave, Goldenrod Game Corner
Generation III Ruby Sapphire Few Safari Zone Emerald Few Safari Zone FireRed LeafGreen Rare Cerulean Cave, Ruin Valley Colosseum None Trade XD None Trade
Generation IV Diamond Pearl Rare Lake Verity, Lake Acuity, Lake Valor (Poké Radar) Platinum Rare Lake Verity, Lake Valor (Poké Radar) HeartGold SoulSilver Rare Cerulean Cave, Dark Cave (Blackthorn side), Safari Zone Pal Park Field Pokéwalker Noisy Forest
Generation V Black White None Evolve Wynaut Black 2 White 2 None Trade Dream World Spooky Manor
Generation VI X Y None Trade

In side games

Game	Location
Pokémon Channel	Upgrade binder; Quiz Wobbuffet
Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire	Safari Zone (Ruby Field)
Pokémon Trozei!	Endless Level 12 Endless Level 16 Forever Level 61 Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red/Blue Rescue Team	Evolve from Wynaut
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time/Darkness	Marine Resort (B1-B19)
Pokémon Ranger	Panula Cave
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs	Mt. Latolato Dark Temple
Pokémon Rumble Blast	Cave: Echo Valley (post ending)

Stats

Base stats

Stat		Range
		At Lv. 50	At Lv. 100
HP: 190		250 - 297	490 - 584
Attack: 33		34 - 93	63 - 181
Defense: 58		56 - 121	108 - 236
Sp. Atk: 33		34 - 93	63 - 181
Sp. Def: 58		56 - 121	108 - 236
Speed: 33		34 - 93	63 - 181
Total: 405	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.

Pokéathlon stats

Speed 1/2 ★☆	Power 3/4 ★★★☆
Skill 3/5 ★★★☆☆	Stamina 5/5 ★★★★★
Jump 2/3 ★★☆	Total 14/19 ★★☆

Type effectiveness

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

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

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

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

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

Learnset

By leveling up

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

Level   Move   Type   Cat.   Pwr.   Acc.   PP  00Start Counter Fighting Physical 0000— 100100% 20 00Start Mirror Coat Psychic Special 0000— 100100% 20 00Start Safeguard Normal Status 0000— ——% 25 00Start Destiny Bond Ghost Status 0000— ——% 5

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations

By TM/HM

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
TM		Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
This Pokémon learns no moves by TM.
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet 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 Wobbuffet 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 Wobbuffet in that game. Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet 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 Wobbuffet can be tutored the move in that game A colored abbreviation in a white box indicates that Wobbuffet cannot be tutored the move in that game Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

By a prior evolution

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Stage	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
	Splash	Normal	Status	—	—%	40
	Charm	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations

Dream World-only moves

Generation V Other generations: II - III - IV - VI - VII - VIII - IX
Event	Move	Type	Cat.	Pwr.	Acc.	PP
Dream World	Charm	Normal	Status	—	100%	20
Dream World	Encore	Normal	Status	—	100%	5
A superscript level indicates that Wobbuffet can learn this move normally in Generation V at that level Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Wobbuffet Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Wobbuffet Click on the generation numbers at the top to see event moves from other generations

Side game data

Pokémon Pinball  N/A  Not available		Pokémon Pinball RS     Acquisition: Catch		Pokémon Trozei!    Rarity: Rare
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team Body size: 1 Recruit rate: Evolve Friend Area: Echo Cave Phrases 51%-100% HP I'm very shy. Please don't come up to me from behind. 26%-50% HP I think I'm in trouble. My health is down by half. 1%-25% HP I'm sorry...I can hardly wobble... Level up My level went up! 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 My level went up!
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon Explorers of Time, Explorers of Darkness, and Explorers of Sky Body size: 1 Recruit rate: -12% IQ group: E
Pokémon Ranger Group:  Psychic  Poké Assist: ( Psychic ) Field move: None Loops: 8 Min. exp.: 55 Max. exp.: 69 Browser entry   When a Capture Line is drawn, Wobbuffet tenses up and inflates itself instantly.
Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia Group:  Normal  Poké Assist: None Field move: None Browser entry   This Pokémon does not have a browser entry.
Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs Group: Poké Assist: Field move:  Psychic  ( Psychic ) Past ( Normal ) (Teleport ×-) Past (Electrify ×1) Browser entry   It attacks by launching strange rings that make Pokémon Stopped.
Pokémon Rumble N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed			Pokémon Rumble Blast N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed N/A Not Available Defense Speed
PokéPark Wii: Pikachu's Adventure PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
PokéPark 2: Wonders Beyond Strong: {{{Park2strong}}} Weak: {{{Park2weak}}} PokéPark Pad entry: This Pokémon has no PokéPark Pad entry.
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

Baby form Wynaut  Psychic

Level 15 → ← Breed holding Lax Incense

First Evolution Wobbuffet  Psychic

Sprites

Gen	Game
I	Red	Blue	Yellow		Red (Ja)	Green	Back
	This Pokémon did not appear during Generation I.
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 Wobbuffet images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

• Its Japanese name ソーナンス Sonans, when paired with the Japanese name of its pre-evolution, Wynaut, ソーナノ Sohnano, makes for a potential perpetual conversation of "that's the way it is" followed by "really?", and so on, as seen in Camp Pikachu.
• Wobbuffet has the highest base HP of all Template:Type2 Pokémon, the only stat among the Pokémon of this type that is not dominated by a Forme of Deoxys.
• Some believe that Wobbuffet's tail is actually its "shadow".
• Wobbuffet is one of fourteen Pokémon that one can collect foreign Pokédex entries for in Pokémon Diamond and Pearl.
• It is one of five evolution families to learn both Counter and Mirror Coat. The others are Deoxys in Defense Forme (via leveling up), Shellos and Mudkip (both via breeding), and Squirtle (via breeding and move tutoring in Pokémon Emerald).
• If the opponent does not attack Wobbuffet, Wobbuffet cannot harm the opponent except with Struggle (itself unusable unless Wobbuffet has run out of moves).
  • It is also the only fully evolved Pokémon that can't learn any TMs.
• Wobbuffet is banned from many unofficial tournaments, due to its special moveset and ability, Shadow Tag, making it somewhat difficult to counter.
• Before Generation IV, Wobbuffet could not damage a Template:Type2 Pokémon (without the use of Struggle) which used an attack of its own type. This is because Dark-types were immune to Wobbuffet's Mirror Coat which was its only attacking option against their attacks, which were all special attacks until Generation IV.
  • The same is true for Template:Type2, who were immune to Wobbuffet's Counter.
• Wobbuffet is the only Pokémon not from Generation I that can be found in Cerulean Cave without the use of a sound.
• Although noted for its ability to endure attacks, Wobbuffet cannot learn Bide. However, it has been shown to be capable of using this move in the anime.
• In Generation III, if two Wobbuffet with Leftovers are facing each other in a single battle, the battle will become endless as all of Wobbuffet's moves do not directly damage the opponent, and the player cannot switch to their other Pokémon due to Shadow Tag. Even if the Wobbuffet use Struggle, the damage will be healed quickly by Leftovers.

Origin

Wobbuffet may be based on the late Japanese comedian 林家三平 Sanpei Hayashiya, who was famous for repeatedly touching his hand to his forehead while saying one of his trademark lines, そうなんす、奥さん sō nansu, okusan, "That's the way it is, ma'am." In addition, its form and available moves may be based on a punching bag; that is, when it is hit, it bounces back. Alternatively, it may be based on the concept of Karma as it can only cause damage if it is attacked first, and Karma being an aspect of religion explains its Psychic typing. Wobbuffet may also be based on an Okiagari-koboshi doll, a Japanese traditional doll with squinted eyes that stands back upright when pushed over.

Name origin

Wobbuffet's name is a combination of wobble and buffet, meaning to strike repeatedly, both references to its punching-bag shape. Sonans is homophonous with the interjection そうなんす sō na-n-su, which roughly means "that's the way it is." Its Japanese name is played off by its pre-evolution, Wynaut, whose Japanese name of ソーナノ is nearly homophonous with the phrase "そうなの", meaning "really?". Other languages' names for the Pokémon in this family, due to the fact that they were introduced in different generations, do not feature this pun.

In other languages

Language Name Name Origin French Qulbutoke A play on Culbuto (the French trademarked name for Weebles) and the expression OK. German Woingenau Corrupted version of "Wohin genau?" Korean 마자용 Majayong A play on 맞아요 majayo. Chinese (Mandarin) 果然翁 Guǒránwēng 果然 means really, indeed, as expected or if indeed. 翁 is derived from 不倒翁 bùdǎowēng. Indonesian Sonansu (anime only) Same as its Japanese name.

External links

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Pokémon

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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.