From Bulbapedia, the community-driven Pokémon encyclopedia.

Rotom (Japanese: ロトム Rotom) is a dual-type Electric/Ghost Pokémon introduced in Generation IV.

While it is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, Rotom has the ability to possess the motors of certain appliances and change forms.

When it does not possess an appliance, it is Electric/Ghost-type.

When it possesses a microwave oven, it becomes Heat Rotom , and is Electric/Fire-type.

, and is Electric/Fire-type. When it possesses a washing machine, it becomes Wash Rotom , and is Electric/Water-type.

, and is Electric/Water-type. When it possesses a refrigerator, it becomes Frost Rotom , and is Electric/Ice-type.

, and is Electric/Ice-type. When it possesses an electric fan, it becomes Fan Rotom , and is Electric/Flying-type.

, and is Electric/Flying-type. When it possesses a lawnmower, it becomes Mow Rotom, and is Electric/Grass-type.

Additionally, in Generation VII, it has the ability to possess a special Pokédex and become the Rotom Pokédex. In Generation VIII, Rotom has the ability to possess a smartphone that doubles up as a Pokédex and becomes the Rotom Phone.

Depending on the game, its form can be changed at will in Rotom's Room in the Team Galactic Eterna Building, Rotom's Room in Silph Co., the store room in Shopping Mall Nine, on the second floor of Professor Sycamore's Lab in Lumiose City, in Professor Birch's Lab in Littleroot Town, in the basement of the Pokémon Research Lab on Alola's Route 1, or with a Rotom Catalog in Galar. In Generation IV, Rotom changes back to its normal form when taken into the Union Room or Wi-Fi Club, or when deposited in the Day Care.

In Generation IV, it is Electric/Ghost-type regardless of its form.

Biology

Rotom transforming

Rotom has a body of plasma and is shaped like a lightning rod. There is a whitish blue aura of electricity around it that forms lightning bolt-shaped appendages. It has teeth, and its unique, blue eyes have a dividing line across them. As seen in the anime, Rotom will often pull pranks on unsuspecting people. Also seen in the anime, Rotom has the ability to time travel.

Rotom and the appliances

Rotom has the ability to enter and control appliances. Starting in Platinum, it also has five extra forms, each based on a household appliance, which can be accessed by possessing specific appliances. The possessed appliances are based on a microwave oven (Heat Rotom), washing machine (Wash Rotom), refrigerator (Frost Rotom), electric fan (Fan Rotom), and a lawnmower (Mow Rotom). When Rotom changes form, its eyes and electric aura change colors and its aura appendages take on different shapes: red with oven mitts as Heat Rotom, blue with clothespins as Wash Rotom, purple with lightning bolts as Frost Rotom, yellow with air curls as Fan Rotom, and green with a ripped strip as Mow Rotom. According to the Rotom Catalog, Rotom in its base form is actually possessing a light bulb.

While Rotom typically use their abilities to make mischief, some Rotom have taken to inhabiting electronics with the intent of helping others, as seen in Generations VII and VIII. The Rotom Pokédex, found in Alola, and the Rotom Phones, Rotomi, and Drone Rotoms found in Galar, are some examples. Some of these particular forms allow Rotom to speak human languages.

In the anime

In the main series

Major appearances

Professor Oak caught a Rotom on Torom Island in To Catch a Rotom!. Rotom is a prankster, often scaring Ash by appearing over the video phone whenever he calls Professor Oak. It also appeared in Professor Oak's Pokémon Holo Caster in Pokémon the Series: XY, helping Professor Oak with his explanation, and often laughing at him when he gets hurt.

A Rotom inhabiting Ash's Alolan Pokédex debuted in Loading the Dex!. As a Pokédex, Rotom has access to data about many different Pokémon species, but it often hurts itself and others by trying to see a Pokémon do a certain action after reading its information. In Thank You, Alola! The Journey Continues!, it remained in Alola to work with the Aether Foundation while Ash returned home.

Starting in Ivysaur's Mysterious Tower!, Rotom Phones have been under the ownership of several characters in Pokémon Journeys: The Series, including Ash, Team Rocket, and Goh.

Starting in Destination: Coronation!, Drone Rotom have served as the referees for World Coronation Series matches.

Other

Rotom debuted in Get Your Rotom Running!, where it was in all of its different forms. It spent the episode toying around with Ash and his friends.

In To Catch a Rotom!, two Rotom were with Professor Oak's, occasionally switching between all of their different forms.

In Rotom's Wish!, Weston used a Rotom to defeat Mantle and his Krookodile with the assistance of Ash and his friends. It assumed the form of Wash, Mow, and Frost Rotom.

In The Dex Can't Help It!, a Wash Rotom was involved in an accident caused by Ash's Pikachu that ejected it from the washing machine and caused it to get swapped with the Rotom Pokédex. Eventually, the Rotom were swapped back to their original places.

Minor appearances

A Rotom appeared as an image in A Performance Pop Quiz!.

In JN027, a Rotomi appeared at the Wyndon Pokémon Center.

Heat Rotom in the anime

Wash Rotom in the anime

Frost Rotom in the anime

Fan Rotom in the anime

Mow Rotom in the anime

Rotom Pokédex in the anime

Rotom Phone in the anime

Drone Rotom in the anime

Pokédex entries

Episode Pokémon Source Entry DP105 Rotom Ash's Pokédex Rotom, the Plasma Pokémon. Rotom plays practical jokes, which it carries out by embedding its plasma body in electronic devices.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry BW128 Rotom Ash's Pokédex Rotom, the Plasma Pokémon. With a body made of plasma Rotom is able to permeate various kinds of electrics devices, causing all sorts of problems.

Episode Pokémon Source Entry SM057 Rotom Rotom Pokédex Rotom, the Plasma Pokémon. An Electric and Ghost type. Rotom play pranks by inhabiting electrical appliances. When one inhabits a washing machine, it's called Wash Rotom.

In Pokémon Generations

A Rotom appeared as an image in The Scoop.

In Pokémon: Twilight Wings

In Assistant, a Rotom invaded Macro Cosmos's computers, but it was taken care of by Oleana.

A Rotom Phone appeared in Sky, under the ownership of Raihan.



In the manga

In the Pocket Monsters manga

Rotom Phones appeared in the Pocket Monsters manga, fulfilling the same roles as in the anime.

Drone Rotom also appeared in the manga, fulfilling the same roles as in the anime.

In the Pocket Monsters DP manga

A Rotom appears in PMDP47 in all of its forms.

In the Pocket Monsters Platinum: Aim to Be Battle King!! manga

A Rotom appeared in PBK2.

In the Pokémon Adventures manga

In Pokémon Adventures, Rotom is a rare and mysterious Pokémon.

Rotom first appeared in Robust Rotom, where it caused havoc for Diamond and Pearl at the Old Chateau until Diamond understood that it only wanted to return in its plasma television and led it there. During the subsequent fight against Charon and Giratina, Rotom initially joined the battle transforming into its five forms, then left the fighting to the other legendary Pokémon only to strike at the very last, destroying Charon's device that allowed him to control every Pokémon and thus putting an end to his evil plans. After that, Rotom decided to stay with Diamond.

In The Grand Entrance and Delivery Boy Sun, a Rotom accompanied Moon as she was tasked with delivering it to Professor Kukui. It later possessed Moon's Pokédex, becoming the Rotom Pokédex.

In PASS03, two Rotom possessed the smartphones of Sōdo and Shirudomiria. A fantasy in the same chapter featured a third Rotom.

In the TCG

Other appearances

Rotom appears as a Spirit.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation IV. Generation IV Sinnoh

Pt : #152 Johto

#— Diamond Its body is composed of plasma. It is known to infiltrate electronic devices and wreak havoc. Pearl Platinum Its electric-like body can enter some kinds of machines and take control in order to make mischief. HeartGold Research continues on this Pokémon, which could be the power source of a unique motor. SoulSilver Generation V Unova

#— Black Its electric-like body can enter some kinds of machines and take control in order to make mischief. White Black 2 Its electric-like body can enter some kinds of machines and take control in order to make mischief. White 2 Generation VI Kalos

Mountain #068 Hoenn

#— X Research continues on this Pokémon, which could be the power source of a unique motor. Y Its body is composed of plasma. It is known to infiltrate electronic devices and wreak havoc. Omega Ruby Research continues on this Pokémon, which could be the power source of a unique motor. Alpha Sapphire Its body is composed of plasma. It is known to infiltrate electronic devices and wreak havoc. Generation VII Alola

#— Kanto

#— This Pokémon has no Pokédex entries in Generation VII. Generation VIII Galar

#372 Sword One boy's invention led to the development of many different machines that take advantage of Rotom's unique capabilities. Shield With a body made of plasma, it can inhabit all sorts of machines. It loves to surprise others. Heat Rotom Sword This Rotom has possessed a convection microwave oven that uses a special motor. It also has a flair for manipulating flames. Shield This form of Rotom enjoys making mischief by turning up the heat. It will gleefully burn your favorite outfit. Wash Rotom Sword This form of Rotom enjoys coming up with water-based pranks. Be careful with it if you don't want your room flooded. Shield This Rotom has possessed a washing machine that uses a special motor. It blasts out water to get enemies to back down. Frost Rotom Sword Rotom assumes this form when it takes over a refrigerator powered by a special motor. It battles by spewing cold air. Shield When it's like this, Rotom likes to play pranks that are freezing cold. You may find it's turned the bath you just filled to solid ice! Fan Rotom Sword In this form, Rotom applies its new power over wind to its love of pranks. It will happily blow away any important documents it can find. Shield This Rotom has taken over a fan that has a special motor. Its gusts of wind blow its opponents away! Mow Rotom Sword This is Rotom after it's seized control of a lawn mower that has a special motor. As it mows down grass, it scatters the clippings everywhere. Shield In this form, Rotom focuses its antics on plants. Any flowers you were growing are going to get mowed down.

Game locations

In side games

Rotom will not appear in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time until a rescue mission involving it has been completed. This task can be completed by using the following Wonder Mail code:

In events

In-game events

Games Event Language Location Level Distribution period HOME HOME GTS Rotom Worldwide hide 5 February 12, 2020 onwards

Held items

In-game trades

Stats

Base stats

Rotom

Heat, Wash, Frost, Fan, and Mow Rotom

Pokéathlon stats

Rotom

Heat Rotom

Wash Rotom

Frost Rotom

Fan Rotom

Mow Rotom

Type effectiveness

Rotom

Heat Rotom

Wash Rotom

Frost Rotom

Fan Rotom

Mow Rotom

Learnset

Generation VIII Other generations: IV - V - VI - VII Parent Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP This Pokémon learns no moves by breeding. Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Rotom in Generation VIII

onto Rotom in Generation VIII 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 Rotom in that game.

Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Rotom

indicates a move that gets when used by Rotom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or alternate form of Rotom

indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or of Rotom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations

Generation VIII Other generations: IV - V - VI - VII Game Move Type Cat. Pwr. Acc. PP Sw Sh IoA Poltergeist Ghost Physical 110 90% 5 Sw Sh IoA Rising Voltage Electric Special 70 100% 20 Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Rotom

indicates a move that gets when used by Rotom Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or alternate form of Rotom

indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an evolution or of Rotom Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Move Tutor moves from other generations

Form change

When Rotom changes into an appliance form, it learns a new move in the same way that other Pokémon may learn new moves upon evolving; if Rotom would change from one appliance form to another and knows the special move of its current form, the old special move is automatically forgotten and Rotom learns the new one. If Rotom changes to its base form, it forgets the special move of the form it was in (if it still knows it); if the only move that Rotom knows right before reverting to its base form is the form's special move, then that move will be replaced with Thunder Shock.

Side game data

Rotom

Heat Rotom

Wash Rotom

Frost Rotom

Fan Rotom

Mow Rotom

Evolution

Forms

Rotom Rotom

Electric Ghost





↔ Microwave oven Heat Rotom Rotom

Electric Fire





↔ Washing machine Wash Rotom Rotom

Electric Water





↔ Refrigerator Frost Rotom Rotom

Electric Ice





↔ Electric fan Fan Rotom Rotom

Electric Flying





↔ Lawnmower Mow Rotom Rotom

Electric Grass

Sprites

Trivia

Generation V type change

Rotom is the only Pokémon to have its type changed to a type that was not newly introduced.

No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Rotom's base form, Heat Rotom, or Mow Rotom.

Despite becoming part Flying-type, Fan Rotom retains the Ability Levitate, being the only Flying-type Pokémon with this Ability. As its Flying type already makes it immune to Ground-type moves, its Ability is effectively useless under normal conditions. In Inverse Battles, Fan Rotom is still protected from Ground moves due to Levitate, making it the only Flying-type Pokémon to not be affected by Ground-type moves in these battles.

All of Rotom's appliance forms except Mow Rotom are tied for or have the fewest weaknesses of all Pokémon of their secondary types.

All of Rotom's appliance forms are the lightest Pokémon of their secondary types.

Origin

Rotom appears to be based on Pulseman, who was designed by Pokémon designer Ken Sugimori, although it may also be inspired by the unexplained phenomenon of ball lightning. Its Pokédex entry brings to mind gremlins. Its possession of other objects may be based on poltergeists or tsukumogami. Rotom may also be an embodiment of electronic "magic smoke". Additionally, it may be based on electrical energy. Finally, Rotom's general shape seems to be based on that of a light bulb.

Name origin

Rotom is motor backwards; this may refer to the fact that motors make many appliances function, while Rotom makes them fail.

In Pokémon Platinum, an old notebook in Rotom's Room describes how a person discovered and named the first known Rotom. It appeared out of a lawn mower's motor, and the person named it Rotom due to this origin.

In other languages

Language Title Meaning Japanese ロトム Rotom From motor spelled backwards French Motisma From moteur and plasma Spanish Rotom Same as Japanese name German Rotom Same as Japanese name Italian Rotom Same as Japanese name Korean 로토무 Rotomu Transliteration of Japanese name Cantonese Chinese Mandarin Chinese 洛托姆 Luò Tuō Mǔ Transliteration of Japanese name More languages Russian Ротом Rotom Transcription of English name Thai โรตอม Rotom Transcription of trademarked Japanese name





Heat Rotom Language Title Japanese ヒートロトム Heat Rotom Chinese Cantonese 加熱洛托姆 Gāyiht Loktokmóuh Mandarin 加熱洛托姆 / 加热洛托姆 Jiārè Luòtuōmǔ Danish Varme-Rotom Finnish Lämpö-Rotom French Motisma Chaleur German Hitze-Rotom Italian Rotom Calore Korean 히트로토무 Heat Rotom Norwegian Varme-Rotom Polish Rotom Grzewczy Portuguese Brazil Rotom Calor Portugal Rotom Calor Spanish Rotom Calor Swedish Värme Rotom Thai ฮีทโรตอม Vietnamese Rotom Nhiệt

Wash Rotom Language Title Japanese ウォッシュロトム Wash Rotom Chinese Cantonese 清洗洛托姆 Chīngsái Loktokmóuh Mandarin 清洗洛托姆 Qīngxǐ Luòtuōmǔ Danish Vaske-Rotom Finnish Pesu-Rotom French Motisma Lavage German Wasch-Rotom Italian Rotom Lavaggio Korean 워시로토무 Wash Rotom Norwegian Vaske-Rotom *

Wash Rotom * Polish Rotom Piorący Portuguese Brazil Rotom Lavagem *

Wash Rotom * Portugal Rotom Lavagem Spanish Rotom Lavado Swedish Tvätt Rotom Thai วอชโรตอม Vietnamese Rotom Tẩy Rửa

Frost Rotom Language Title Japanese フロストロトム Frost Rotom Chinese Cantonese 結冰洛托姆 Gitbīng Loktokmóuh Mandarin 結冰洛托姆 / 结冰洛托姆 Jiébīng Luòtuōmǔ Danish Frost-Rotom Finnish Kylmä-Rotom *

Huurre-Rotom * French Motisma Froid German Frost-Rotom Italian Rotom Gelo Korean 프로스트로토무 Frost Rotom Norwegian Frys-Rotom *

Frost Rotom * Polish Rotom Chłodniczy Portuguese Brazil Rotom Congelante *

Frost Rotom * Portugal Rotom Frio Spanish Rotom Frío Swedish Kyl Rotom *

Frost-Rotom * Thai ฟรอสต์โรตอม Vietnamese Rotom Sương Giá

Fan Rotom Language Title Japanese スピンロトム Spin Rotom Chinese Cantonese 旋轉洛托姆 Syùhnjyún Loktokmóuh Mandarin 旋轉洛托姆 / 旋转洛托姆 Xuánzhuǎn Luòtuōmǔ Danish Ventilator-Rotom Finnish Tuuletin-Rotom French Motisma Hélice German Wirbel-Rotom Italian Rotom Vortice Korean 스핀로토무 Spin Rotom Norwegian Vifte-Rotom Polish Rotom Wentylujący Portuguese Brazil Rotom Ventilador Portugal Rotom Vento Spanish Rotom Ventilador Swedish Fläkt Rotom Thai สปินโรตอม Vietnamese Rotom Lượn Xoay

Mow Rotom Language Title Japanese カットロトム Cut Rotom Chinese Cantonese 切割洛托姆 Chitgot Loktokmóuh Mandarin 切割洛托姆 Qiēgē Luòtuōmǔ Danish Græsslå-Rotom *

Græsslånings-Rotom * Finnish Leikkuri-Rotom French Motisma Tonte German Schneid-Rotom Italian Rotom Taglio Korean 커트로토무 Cut Rotom Norwegian Klipp-Rotom *

Mow Rotom * Polish Rotom Koszący Portuguese Brazil Rotom Corte *

Mow Rotom * Portugal Rotom Corte Spanish Rotom Corte Swedish Gräsklippare Rotom *

Klipp-Rotom * Thai คัตโรตอม Vietnamese Rotom Cắt



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