Special
Attacker
86Speed · Above Avg

Is Rotom Good in HeartGold & SoulSilver Playthrough?

Breed-only. Electric/Ghost with AbilityLevitate. Unique typing with few weaknesses. Form changes in Sinnoh aren't available in HGSS, so Rotom stays in base form. If bred, decent Speed and coverage.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadSSGGGGGGGGEEGGGGGGGGFalknerGym 1BugsyGym 2WhitneyGym 3MortyGym 4ChuckGym 5JasmineGym 6PryceGym 7ClairGym 8BrockGym 9MistyGym 10SurgeGym 11ErikaGym 12JanineGym 13SabrinaGym 14BlaineGym 15BlueGym 16RotomTradeWillE4KogaE4BrunoE4KarenE4
Falkner
Gym 1
Strong

Rotom resists most of Falkner's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Pidgey
Lv 9
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleSand Attack
Easy KO
Pidgeotto
Lv 13
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
TackleGustRoost
Bugsy
Gym 2
Strong

Rotom resists most of Bugsy's coverage and hits back hard.

You Win
Metapod
Lv 15
Bug
Shed Skin
Tackle
Easy KO
Kakuna
Lv 15
BugPoison
Shed Skin
Poison Sting
You Win
Scyther
Lv 17
BugFlying
Swarm
U TurnQuick AttackLeerFocus Energy
Whitney
Gym 3
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Whitney's team.

You Win
Clefairy
Lv 17
Fairy
Cute Charm
Double SlapEncoreMimicMetronome
You Win
Miltank
Lv 19
Normal
Thick Fat
RolloutAttractStompMilk Drink
Morty
Gym 4
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Morty's team.

Easy KO
Gastly
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
LickSpiteMean LookCurse
You Win
Haunter
Lv 21
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisDream EaterCurseNightmare
You Win
Haunter
Lv 23
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
CurseMean LookSucker PunchNight Shade
You Win
Gengar
Lv 25
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
HypnosisShadow BallMean LookSucker Punch
Chuck
Gym 5
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Chuck's team.

You Win
Primeape
Lv 29
Fighting
Vital Spirit
LeerDouble TeamRock SlideFocus Punch
You Win
Poliwrath
Lv 31
WaterFighting
Water Absorb
HypnosisBody SlamSurfFocus Punch
Jasmine
Gym 6
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Jasmine's team.

You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSonicboomSupersonicThunder Wave
You Win
Magnemite
Lv 30
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltSonicboomSupersonicThunder Wave
Even
Steelix
Lv 35
SteelGround
Rock Head
Iron TailRock ThrowSandstormScreech
Pryce
Gym 7
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Pryce's team.

Easy KO
Seel
Lv 30
Water
Thick Fat
Icy WindRestSnoreHail
Easy KO
Dewgong
Lv 32
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Aurora BeamRestSleep TalkIce Shard
Even
Piloswine
Lv 34
IceGround
Oblivious
BlizzardIce FangMud BombHail
Clair
Gym 8
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Clair's team.

Even
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveSlamAqua TailDragon Pulse
Even
Dragonair
Lv 38
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveSlamFire BlastDragon Pulse
Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 38
WaterFlying
Intimidate
BiteTwisterDragon RageDragon Pulse
Even
Kingdra
Lv 41
WaterDragon
Swift Swim
Hydro PumpSmokescreenHyper BeamDragon Pulse
Brock
Gym 9
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Brock's team.

Even
Graveler
Lv 51
RockGround
Rock Head
Defense CurlRolloutEarthquakeRock Slide
Even
Rhyhorn
Lv 51
GroundRock
Lightning RodImmune to Electric attacks
EarthquakeSandstormScary FaceHorn Drill
Easy KO
Omastar
Lv 53
RockWater
Swift Swim
ProtectSpike CannonAncientpowerBrine
Even
Onix
Lv 54
RockGround
Rock Head
ScreechSandstormIron TailRock Slide
Easy KO
Kabutops
Lv 52
RockWater
Swift Swim
EndureGiga DrainAqua JetRock Slide
Misty
Gym 10
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Misty's team.

Easy KO
Golduck
Lv 49
Water
Damp
Water PulseDisablePsychicPsych Up
Even
Quagsire
Lv 49
WaterGround
Damp
Water PulseAmnesiaRain DanceEarthquake
Easy KO
Lapras
Lv 52
WaterIce
Water Absorb
Ice BeamSingWater PulseBody Slam
You Win
Starmie
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
Water PulseConfuse RayIce BeamRecover
Lt. Surge
Gym 11
Even

Rotom trades roughly evenly with Lt. Surge's team.

Even
Raichu
Lv 51
Electric
Static
Thunder WaveShock WaveQuick AttackDouble Team
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Soundproof
Thunder WaveDouble TeamShock WaveLight Screen
Even
Electrode
Lv 47
Electric
Soundproof
ScreechDouble TeamSelfdestructCharge Beam
You Win
Magneton
Lv 47
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
SupersonicDouble TeamShock WaveMirror Shot
Risky
Electabuzz
Lv 53
Electric
Static
Quick AttackShock WaveLight ScreenLow Kick
Erika
Gym 12
Even

Rotom trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

You Win
Jumpluff
Lv 51
GrassFlying
Chlorophyll
Leech SeedU TurnGiga DrainSunny Day
Even
Tangela
Lv 52
Grass
Chlorophyll
Ancient PowerWring OutGiga DrainSleep Powder
Even
Victreebel
Lv 56
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Sunny DayGrass KnotLeaf StormRazor Leaf
Risky
Bellossom
Lv 56
Grass
Chlorophyll
Sunny DaySolar BeamGiga DrainSynthesis
Janine
Gym 13
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Janine's team.

Easy KO
Crobat
Lv 47
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Confuse RayScreechWing AttackSupersonic
You Win
Weezing
Lv 44
Poison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Sludge BombToxicExplosionDouble Hit
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Swarm
SwaggerNight ShadePoison JabPin Missile
Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 47
BugPoison
Swarm
PsychicPoison JabScary FacePin Missile
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Shield Dust
Double TeamPsychicSludge BombSignal Beam
Sabrina
Gym 14
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Sabrina's team.

You Win
Espeon
Lv 53
Psychic
Synchronize
Calm MindShadow BallPsychicSkill Swap
You Win
Mr Mime
Lv 53
PsychicFairy
Soundproof
MimicLight ScreenPsychicSkill Swap
Even
Alakazam
Lv 55
Psychic
Synchronize
PsychicSkill SwapReflectEnergy Ball
Blaine
Gym 15
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Blaine's team.

Easy KO
Magcargo
Lv 54
FireRock
Magma Armor
OverheatSunny DaySmogRock Slide
You Win
Magmar
Lv 54
Fire
Flame Body
Thunder PunchConfuse RayOverheatSunny Day
You Win
Rapidash
Lv 59
Fire
Run Away
Quick AttackBounceOverheatFlare Blitz
Blue
Gym 16
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Blue's team.

Even
Exeggutor
Lv 55
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
Leaf StormPsychicHypnosisTrick Room
You Win
Machamp
Lv 56
Fighting
Guts
DynamicpunchEarthquakeStone EdgeThunderpunch
You Win
Arcanine
Lv 58
Fire
Intimidate
RoarDragon PulseFlare BlitzExtremespeed
Even
Rhydon
Lv 58
GroundRock
Lightning RodImmune to Electric attacks
MegahornStone EdgeThunder FangEarthquake
Easy KO
Gyarados
Lv 52
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Ice FangWaterfallDragon DanceReturn
Easy KO
Pidgeot
Lv 56
NormalFlying
Keen Eye
ReturnWhirlwindAir SlashMirror Move
Will
Elite Four
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Will's team.

Easy KO
Xatu
Lv 40
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
U TurnMe FirstConfuse RayPsychic
You Win
Jynx
Lv 41
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Lovely KissDouble SlapIce PunchPsychic
You Win
Exeggutor
Lv 41
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
ReflectHypnosisEgg BombPsychic
Easy KO
Slowbro
Lv 41
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
CurseAmnesiaWater PulsePsychic
You Win
Xatu
Lv 42
PsychicFlying
Synchronize
Aerial AceOminous WindConfuse RayPsychic
Koga
Elite Four
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Koga's team.

Easy KO
Ariados
Lv 40
BugPoison
Swarm
Spider WebBaton PassGiga DrainPoison Jab
You Win
Venomoth
Lv 41
BugPoison
Shield Dust
PsychicGustSupersonicToxic
Even
Forretress
Lv 43
BugSteel
Sturdy
SwiftExplosionProtectToxic Spikes
You Win
Muk
Lv 42
Poison
Stench
Gunk ShotMinimizeScreechToxic
You Win
Crobat
Lv 44
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
Quick AttackWing AttackDouble TeamPoison Fang
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Bruno's team.

You Win
Hitmontop
Lv 42
Fighting
Intimidate
DigCounterTriple KickQuick Attack
You Win
Hitmonlee
Lv 42
Fighting
Limber
High Jump KickBlaze KickFocus EnergySwagger
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 42
Fighting
Keen Eye
Thunder PunchIce PunchFire PunchBullet Punch
Even
Onix
Lv 43
RockGround
Rock Head
SandstormDragon BreathRock SlideEarthquake
You Win
Machamp
Lv 46
Fighting
Guts
RevengeCross ChopRock SlideForesight
Karen
Elite Four
Good

Rotom has the type edge here and should clean up Karen's team.

You Win
Umbreon
Lv 42
Dark
Synchronize
Double TeamConfuse RayFeint AttackPayback
Even
Vileplume
Lv 42
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Stun SporePetal DanceAcidMoonlight
You Win
Gengar
Lv 45
GhostPoison
LevitateImmune to Ground attacks
Focus BlastDestiny BondSpiteLick
Easy KO
Murkrow
Lv 44
DarkFlying
Insomnia
Sucker PunchFeint AttackPluckWhirlwind
You Win
Houndoom
Lv 47
DarkFire
Early Bird
Nasty PlotDark PulseFlamethrowerCrunch
Trade
Trade only
Type
ElectricGhost
Tier
A

Rotom cannot be caught in this game. It must be traded in from a compatible game where it appears in the wild. Cross-region trading typically becomes available after defeating the Elite Four.

View Rotom locations

Recommended Moves
    • LV 8NormalUproar90100%10
  • After Whitney
    • TM25ElectricThunder16570%10
    • TM42NormalFacade70100%20
    • LV 22ElectricShock Wave90100%20
  • After Morty
    • TM30GhostShadow Ball120100%15
    • LV 29GhostOminous Wind90100%5
    • LV 50ElectricDischarge120100%15
  • After Brock
    • TM79DarkDark Pulse80100%15

How to Get Rotom in HeartGold & SoulSilver

Rotom can't be caught in HeartGold & SoulSilver. Bring it over from Diamond & Pearl, Platinum, or Scarlet & Violet instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.

Rotom Weakness

Rotom's Electric/Water typing leaves it vulnerable to Grass and Ground. The Electric/Water typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. With 50 HP and balanced defenses, Rotom can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.

Rotom Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
2x (Weak)Grass, Ground
0.5x (Resist)Fire, Water, Ice, Flying
0.25x (Resist)Steel
Gen IV Type Chart
  • Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
  • Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)

What is Rotom Weak Against

Good
2Weak
5Resist
1Immune
Score+2
4xCritical
None
¼xResist
0xImmune

What is Rotom Strong Against

5Strong
2Resisted
0Immune
Score+3
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Rotom

Rotom Evolutions

What you see is what you get. Rotom sits outside any evolution chain, so focus on the egg moves and no compatible partners from one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

No Evolution
Rotom
#479Rotom
Does not evolve

Breeding

Challenging

Rotom is genderless and can only breed with Ditto. Part of the Indeterminate egg group.

Egg Groups
Gender
GenderlessDittoDitto only
Hatch Time
20 cycles·5,140 steps
Quick~5 min with Flame Body

HGSS Rotom Best Moveset

Electric/Ghost provides three immunities: Normal, Fighting, and Ground (via AbilityLevitate). 95 Sp. Atk at 91 Speed fires fast special Electric and Ghost attacks. The moveset switches into three move types safely. Few things handle that type combination well.

Best Build

Experimental
Special Revenge Killer
Ability
Levitate
Item
Choice ScarfSPEED
Best Nature for Rotom
Timid+SPE

Rotom best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed

EVs

Special Revenge Killer Moveset

  • ThunderboltSTAB
  • Shadow Ball
  • Will O Wisp
  • TrickUtility

Recommended Teammates

Moves List

The level-up pool is slim, so TMs matter here. Rotom's Ghost and Normal coverage and more all comes from technical machines, built on top of Thunder and Thunderbolt for same-type damage. Uproar and Dream Eater are the payoff moves.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Astonish
3010015Ghost
Lv 1
Confuse Ray
A10010Ghost
Lv 1
Thunder Shock
6010030Electric
Lv 1
Thunder Wave
C10020Electric
Lv 1
Trick
B10010Psychic
Lv 8
Uproar
9010010Normal
Lv 15
Double Team
15Normal
Lv 22
Shock Wave
C9020Electric
Lv 29
Ominous Wind
C601005Ghost
Lv 36
Substitute
C10Normal
Lv 43
Charge
20Electric
Lv 50
Discharge
A12010015Electric

TM Moves

TM
TM57
Charge Beam
C759010Electric
TM79
Dark Pulse
C8010015Dark
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM85
Dream Eater
C10010015Psychic
TM58
Endure+4
C10Normal
TM42
Facade
D7010020Normal
TM70
Flash
D10020Normal
TM21
Frustration
D10020Normal
TM10
Hidden Power
C6010015Normal
TM16
Light Screen
C30Psychic
TM83
Natural Gift
D10015Normal
TM17
Protect+4
C10Normal
TM77
Psych Up
10Normal
TM18
Rain Dance
C5Water
TM33
Reflect
C20Psychic
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM27
Return
D10020Normal
TM43
Secret Power
7010020Normal
TM30
Shadow Ball
B8010015Ghost
TM34
Shock Wave
C9020Electric
TM82
Sleep Talk
C10Normal
TM49
Snatch+4
10Dark
TM90
Substitute
C10Normal
TM11
Sunny Day
C5Fire
TM87
Swagger
9015Normal
TM46
Thief
D6010025Dark
TM25
Thunder
B1807010Electric
TM73
Thunder Wave
C10020Electric
TM24
Thunderbolt
B14210015Electric
TM06
Toxic
C8510Poison
TM61
Will-O-Wisp
B7515Fire

Egg Moves

Rotom doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Tut
Tutor
Mud-Slap
D2010010Ground
Tutor
Ominous Wind
C601005Ghost
Tutor
Pain Split
C20Normal
Tutor
Signal Beam
C7510015Bug
Tutor
Snore
D4010015Normal
Tutor
Spite
10010Ghost
Tutor
Sucker Punch+1
D801005Dark
Tutor
Swift
6020Normal
Tutor
Trick
B10010Psychic
Tutor
Uproar
9010010Normal

Base Stats

Base Stats
High
HP50
D
Attack65
C
Defense107
B
Sp. Atk105
B
Sp. Def107
B
Speed86
C
Total520
Details
Catch Rate
Challenging45 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Fast1M XP
Height0.3 m
Weight0.3 kg
Base XP154
Abilities
Levitate
Evades ground moves.
Levitate grants Ground immunity
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+1SpDSpe+1
Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

Research continues on this Pokémon, which could be the power source of a unique motor.

Pokemon HeartGold / Pokemon SoulSilver

Rotom HeartGold & SoulSilver Guide

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, Rotom looks average on paper at 520 BST. But Levitate is why it sees play. Build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier attacker on our tier list. Thunderbolt with Choice Scarf is the standard set.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, watch for Roserade (Grass) and Golem (Ground) when using Rotom. They all hit it super-effectively with STAB. Only 2 weaknesses means fewer dedicated counters to worry about.

  • Rotom gets Levitate. But Levitate is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that.

  • Rotom is a special attacker with base 105 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 86 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the attacker role.

  • In HeartGold & SoulSilver, run Thunderbolt, Shadow Ball, Will O Wisp, and Trick on Rotom. Thunderbolt is the most common pick at 0% usage. Thunderbolt provides reliable STAB damage.

Game Availability

Debuting in Diamond & Pearl, Rotom appears in 14 games across 7 generations. A reliable presence in a solid number of games, typically found through wild encounters.

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