Forretress are a large round cocoon like species of Pokémon. They have two steel pinkish plates positioned on the top and bottom of their bodies. The plates cover most of the upper and lower hemispheres of the Forretress which are shaped with uneven grooves. This forms the outermost shell of a Forretress. A gap along the equator of their bodies exposes a second red shell beneath the outer shell. The red shell also has a smaller gap along the equator through which the eyes can be seen. Along with this, 4 tube-like spikes protrude out the 4 corners of the Forretress’s equator. With the exception of the eyes and possibly the spikes, it is unknown what Forretress look like beneath the armour.
Gender differences
None.
Special abilities
Possibly the most frequently implemented ability of Forretress is its ability to freely move without the use of limbs. This is done by spinning, bouncing and likely rolling. It’s also possible that like many Template:Type2 Pokémon, it aids its movements with electromagnetic waves which would also explain its ability to float in the air for quite some time.
In order to use certain attacks such as Rollout and protect itself when in danger, it can retract its spikes and completely close its shell essentially concealing all of the Pokémon’s vulnerabilities.
Forretress are generally peaceful Pokémon and spend most of their time dormant; attached to trees, resting, sleeping or waiting for food. If forced to, they could actively pursue prey or change locations with their buoyant mobility. Being a fully evolved and all around powerful Pokémon, they could easily attack with vicious force if provoked or threatened.
Forretress are renowned for their secrecy and sternness on concealing their entrails. They almost never open their shells and when they do it lasts for no more than a fraction of a second.
Forretress are mostly found attached to trees in large forests as they spend little time moving around while in the wild. Their location is not restricted to forests; however, they can be found in many areas provided there are plenty of trees around.
Forretress is mainly carnivorous and will wait for prey to come close to it. When within reach, Forretress will open its shell up and devour the creature whole at such a speed that it is impossible to see inside the shell if observing. Its diet would most probably consist of smaller bugs or Template:Type2 Pokémon, although it’s not beyond its potential to eat anything organic that will fit in its mouth.
Forretress conceals itself inside its hardened steel shell. The shell is opened when the Pokémon is catching prey, but it does so at such a quick pace that the shell's inside cannot be seen.
Forretress conceals itself inside its hardened steel shell. The shell is opened when the Pokémon is catching prey, but it does so at such a quick pace that the shell's inside cannot be seen.
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In Platinum, it is possible to have Forretress learn Bug Bite, which would mean it would have to show its face or mouth to bite the foe. This would possibly mean the elimination of the mystery of what is inside its shell. Based on its Emerald Pokédex information however, this seems unlikely. The 'biting' motion could also simply be Forretress clamping its shell on the opponent, something Forretress is known to be able to do.
Pineco and Forretress share the same species name with Burmy and Wormadam. They are all known as Bagworm Pokémon.
Oddly, Forretress can learn Swift by breeding in Generation III, but it can't learn it from the move tutor. This also happened to its pre-evolution Pineco.
Forretress is the first original Steel Pokémon in the National Dex order. (Magnemite's evolutionary line, which precedes Forretress, wasn't Steel-type in Generation I.)
Forretress's name is a combination of forest and fortress. It may also contain turret referring to the nozzles on its body that it uses to launch Spikes. Although highly unlikely, it may be a combination of forret, French for forest, and tres, an abbreviation of trees, which would make it forest trees, probably referring to its habitat.
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.
For other sprites and images, please see Forretress images on Bulbagarden Archives.
