Voltorb sits at the start of its evolution line — not yet at full power, but that changes fast. Most trainers push through to Electrode as fast as possible. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets. An original Gen 1 pick.
Speed and Sp. Atk carry most of Voltorb's stat budget. Attack's the obvious dump stat. Common in the wild and yields 1 Speed EV. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
It looks just like a Poké Ball. It is dangerous because it may electrocute or explode on touch.
Voltorb Weakness
GoodVoltorb is weak to Ground-type moves. Few weaknesses and 3 resistances make the typing clean. At base 100 Speed, Voltorb outspeeds most threats and doesn't need to tank what it can outrun.
- Fairy type does not exist — Dragon has fewer checks
- Physical / Special split now per-move (introduced Gen IV)
One evolution ahead. Voltorb grows into Electrode through a straightforward two-stage chain. A decent partner pool for breeding via one egg group. Eggs are average hatch time. Evolving adds up to 160 stat points total.
How to Evolve
Breed Voltorb (with patience) with 49 breeding partners from the Mineral egg group.
Ditto only
Voltorb keeps momentum with Volt Switch, switching out after dealing damage or scouting. Lightclay gives it extra utility, max HP and Speed EVs let it hit hard on the way out, and Normal coverage prevents dead turns.
Best Build
Best Voltorb Moveset
- Taunt
- Explosion
- Light Screen
- Volt Switch
Recommended Teammates
Leveling does the heavy lifting. Voltorb picks up Self-Destruct and Explosion along the way, building toward a complete offensive set. TMs add Normal and Rock coverage and more, but the foundation's already strong by then.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Voltorb is meant to evolve into Electrode. At 330 BST, the stats aren't there for competitive play yet. Pre-evolution Pokemon rarely hold up against fully evolved threats.
Voltorb's biggest threats include Golem (Ground), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Only 1 weakness means fewer dedicated counters to worry about. Voltorb's base 100 Speed lets it outpace many threats and strike first, which matters more than trying to tank hits.
Voltorb can evolve into Electrode and Hisuian Electrode depending on the method. Voltorb is the base form in a 3-stage evolutionary line.
Soundproof is the go-to ability for Voltorb. It protects against sound-based moves. Its hidden ability Aftermath can work in specific setups. Static is the other option — pick based on what your team needs.
Base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. On offense, Voltorb is a physical attacker with base 30 Attack. Defensively? Fragile — can't afford to take many hits. Best used as a pivot.
Voltorb appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since debuting in Red & Blue, Voltorb has appeared in 20 titles over 9 generations. Along the way, it received a Hisuian form in Generation 8, keeping it relevant across different competitive metas.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLAHisuian
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A