Pokémon of the Day

VeeVee [They/Them] pfp by @vampireflareon

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0479

Name: Rotom

Pronunciation: Roh-Tawm

Etymology: Motor spelled backwards

Type: Electric / Ghost

Electric / Grass (Mow Rotom)

Electric / Fire (Heat Rotom)

Electric / Water (Wash Rotom)

Electric / Ice (Frost Rotom)

Electric / Flying (Fan Rotom)

Electric / Normal (Stereo Rotom)

Design Origins:

Rotom is conceptually based on a poltergeist, a type of ghost which usually possessed household objects. It may also draw from will-o’-the-wisps, small ghost-like balls of fire which appear over bogs or marshes; Rotom however is stated to be made of plasma rather than fire. In its base form, it resembles a lightbulb with its arms resembling lightning bolts.

Mow Rotom possesses a lawnmower, specifically a reel mower given its more cylindrical shape. Its teeth become pointed and sharp, reminiscent of blades.

Heat Rotom possesses a microwave oven. Its arms now resemble oven mitts, gloves used to take cooked objects out of an oven without burning oneself.

Wash Rotom possesses a washing machine. Its arm now resembles a clothespin, a peg used to hang up washed laundry to dry.

Frost Rotom possesses a fridge freezer. Its arms resemble either a lightning bolt or cracked ice.

Fan Rotom possesses a desk fan. Its arms resemble cartoonish depictions of wind.

Stereo Rotom possesses a home stereo system with two large speakers on both sides and its centre-piece where its face is being the audio interface. The appendage above its head resembles an 8th note.

Dex Rotom, exclusive to the gen 7 games, is Rotom possessing a Pokédex.

The Rotom Phone is Rotom possessing a smart phone. In Sword and Shield, it has one camera. In Scarlet and Violet it has two cameras, and in Legends ZA, it has three cameras. This shows the progression of technology in the Pokémon world and mirrors the advancements of real life smart phones.

The Rotom Bike is Rotom possessing a bicycle.

Rotomi is Rotom possessing a Pokémon Center PC.

Drone Rotom is Rotom possessing a camera drone.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This bizarre Pokémon appears to be a will-o’-the-wisp powered by electricity. Be wary, as Rotom is both smart and mischievous.” - Legends Arceus

“In this form, Rotom focuses its antics on plants. Any flowers you were growing are going to get mowed down.” - Shield (Mow Rotom)

“If the convection microwave oven is not working properly, then the Rotom inhabiting it will become lethargic.” - Scarlet (Heat Rotom)

“The model of washing machine that Rotom can inspirit has been discontinued, so these appliances are now traded at high prices.” - Violet (Wash Rotom)

“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!” - Shield (Frost Rotom)

“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.” - Sword (Fan Rotom)

“This Rotom entered a mini stereo system and was deeply moved by the synth-pop CD someone left inside. The experience gave this Pokémon an upbeat personality.” - Pokopia (Stereo Rotom)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

[Mow Rotom]

Champions: UU

[Heat Rotom]

Champions: UU

[Wash Rotom]

Champions: OU

[Frost Rotom]

Champions: UU

[Fan Rotom]

Champions: UU

VGC:

[Mow Rotom]

Turin Special, Italy (6/6/2026) - 99th

Bochum Regional Germany (25/2/2023) - 27th

[Heat Rotom]

Turin Special, Italy (6/6/2026) - 90th

Indianapolis Regional, USA (30/5/2026) - 138th, 137th

[Wash Rotom]

North American International Championships 2026 (11/6/2026) - 129th, 125th, 73rd, 69th, 56th, 48th

Turin Special, Italy (6/6/2026) - 121st, 116th, 111th, 105th, 103rd, 93rd 78th

[Frost Rotom]

US Nationals 2013 (1/7/2013) - 31st

[Fan Rotom]

Australian Nationals 2014 (13/7/2014) - 2nd

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Pokémon of the Day #0478

Name: Froslass

Pronunciation: Frawss-Lass

Etymology: Frost + Lass

Type: Ice / Ghost

Design Origins:

Froslass is based on the Yuki-onna, an ice-spirit from Japanese mythology. Its torso, with the red sash crossing it, resembles a kimono, a traditional Japanese garment. Its larger head and smaller body also gives it the appearance of a kokeshi doll.

Mega Froslass grows significantly taller, possibly as a reference to the Takaonna or “Tall Woman”, another Japanese spirit. It may also draw from The Snow Queen, a fairytale written by Hans Christian Anderson. Its more pronounced horns resemble those of an Oni.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“When it finds humans or Pokémon it likes, it freezes them and takes them to its chilly den, where they become decorations.” - Sun, Scarlet

“This Pokémon can use eerie cold air imbued with ghost energy to freeze even insubstantial things, such as flames or the wind.” - Legends ZA (Mega Froslass)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

[Mega Froslass]

Champions: UU

VGC:

North American International Championships 2026 (11/6/2026) - 137th, 135th, 134th, 131st, 139th, 127th, 121st, 117th, 116th, 113th, 109th, 105th, 98th, 93rd, 92nd, 91st, 88th, 80th, 79th, 75th, 73rd, 71st, 69th, 59th, 55th, 52nd, 51st, 49th, 46th, 42nd, 41st, 34th, 33rd, 30th, 27th, 16th, 13th, 9th, 8th

Turin Special, Italy (6/6/2026) - 129th, 110th, 78th, 69th, 60th, 56th, 55th, 54th, 47th, 43rd, 38th, 18th, 10th, 6th, 5th

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Pokémon of the Day #0477

Name: Dusknoir

Pronunciation: Dusk-Nwar

Etymology: Dusk + Noir (French for “Black”)

Type: Ghost

Design Origins:

Dusknoir is a ghost with one eye, like a cyclops, a common trait in various yokai. Its hollow round body may draw from the Chōchin-obake, a yokai which takes the form of a paper lantern. Alternatively it could also draw from the mapinguari, a creature from Brazilian folklore often depicted as having one eye and a mouth on its abdomen. Its tendency to guide lost spirits to the spirit world may indicate that it's inspired by the grim reaper. Furthermore, its stomach mouth being a gate to the spirit world may be inspired by the concept of a Hellmouth, a motif which first appeared in Anglo-Saxon art.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Comes to those whose lives have come to an end and escorts their souls to the afterlife. Known to mistakenly take the souls of those who yet have life left in them, albeit rarely.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

N/A

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Pokémon of the Day #0476

Name: Probopass

Pronunciation: Proh-Boh-Pass

Etymology: Probe or Proboscis + Compass

Type: Rock / Steel

Design Origins:

Probopass is based on a moai head on Easter Island, as well as a compass magnet. Its “moustache” is iron fillings which have magnetically attached themselves to it. Its “hat” is based on a pukao which was formally placed on the maoi heads and which was made from a reddish scoria. All the additional nodes around its body reference the needles on a compass, with the largest one pointing north. Its tendency to face north with its nose may be a reference to the phrase “to follow your nose”.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Although it can control its units known as Mini-Noses, they sometimes get lost and don’t come back.” - Ultra Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

N/A

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Pokémon of the Day #0475

Name: Gallade

Pronunciation: Gah-Layd

Etymology: Gallant + Blade

Type: Psychic / Fighting

Design Origins:

Gallade is based on the concept of a warrior elf. The fin on its head resembles the helmets worn by various warriors throughout history, such as the Roman murmillo-class gladiators and the Greek Hoplites. Its battle stances are likely inspired by fencing en-guard positions and parries. Its forearms somewhat resemble tonfas, wooden weapons used in Okinawan martial arts which run perpendicular to the arm as both a baton and arm guards. The red piece in its chest connects it to the rest of its evolution line and is likely symbolic of not only the empathetic nature of the line, but also the chivalry stereotypically shown by knights. Its knightly design may also be a reference to Gardevoir’s Japanese name, Sirknight.

Mega Gallade gains a cape, a stereotypical symbol of heroics and superheroes. Also possibly a reference to fantasy settings where knights are often depicted wearing capes.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“The blades extending from its elbows are sharper than the finest swords. Its swordsmanship, albeit self-taught, is astonishingly impressive.” - Legends Arceus

“It gets power from the bond it has with its Trainer. Mega Evolution has given it plates to slice its enemies and a cape to protect its body.” - Legends ZA (Mega Gallade)

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

[Mega Gallade]

Champions: UU

VGC:

Turin Special, Italy (6/6/2026) - 59th

Seville Special, Spain (28/3/2026) - 25th

[Mega Gallade]

Knoxville Regional, USA (12/10/2019) - 2nd

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Pokémon of the Day #0474

Name: Porygon-Z

Pronunciation: Porr-Ree-Gawn-Zee

Etymology: Porygon (Derived from Polygon) + Z (Possibly a reference to the Z axis, ora corruption of 2)

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Porygon-Z is based on a 3d render of a paper crane which has been corrupted, as indicated by the evolution method involving a “dubious disc” and its general design being a deformed version of Porygon2 potentially caused by a computer virus. Its head's tipping animation also suggests some inspiration from drinking bird toys.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Its programming was modified to enable it to travel through alien dimensions. Seems there might have been an error…” - HeartGold, SoulSilver, Y, Alpha Sapphire

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: RU

VGC:

Bilbao Special, Spain (7/5/2022) - 13th

2019 World Championships (17/8/2017) - 64th

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Pokémon of the Day #0473

Name: Mamoswine

Pronunciation: Mah-Moh-Swy-n

Etymology: Mammoth + Swine

Type: Ice / Ground

Design Origins:

Mamoswine is based on both a woolly mammoth and wild boar. Alternatively, it may be based specifically on the mangalica, a breed of Sus domesticus which is known for having a very woolly hide. The blue fur around its eyes resemble ski goggles. Despite being based on a mammoth, it does not have a trunk, possibly as a reference to Adams mammoth, an early depiction of mammoths which also lacked a trunk. The references to this ancient extinct creature explains why it requires the move Ancient Power to evolve. Its ground typing may be a reference to the Russian word for mammoth, "ма́монт”, which partially originates from the Mansi word, "ма̄”, meaning “Earth”. Its ice typing is a reference to the fact that mammoths roamed the earth during the ice age.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“A frozen one was dug up from soil dating back 10,000 years. It woke up to much amazement.” - Platinum, Black, White

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

VGC:

North American International Championships 2026 (11/6/2026) - 119th, 3rd

Houston Regional, USA (21/3/2026) - 82nd

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Pokémon of the Day #0472

Name: Gliscor

Pronunciation: Gly-Skorr

Etymology: Glide + Scorpion

Type: Ground / Flying

Design Origins:

Gliscor is based on a combination of bats, scorpions and vampires. Its bat-like traits in combination with its ground typing may indicate a potential inspiration from gargoyles. Furthermore, its Scorpion traits and general body shape may suggest it also draws from face huggers, a common trope in sci-fi, popularised by Alien.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It glides soundlessly on pitch-black wings and sinks sharp fangs into the throat of its prey. It takes on a look of satisfaction once it has entirely drained its prey of blood.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

VGC:

Pittsburgh Regional, USA (20/9/2025) - 91st, 81st

Toronto Regional, Canada (14/12/2024) - 78th

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Pokémon of the Day #0471

Name: Glaceon

Pronunciation: Glay-See-On

Etymology: Glacier (Large slow-moving body or ice) or Glace (French for “ice”) + Eon (Immeasurable length of time)

Type: Ice

Design Origins:

Glaceon shares many of Eevee's traits, mainly those from foxes, cats, dogs, etc. Its arctic habitat may suggest it draws from specifically arctic foxes. The ice on its head and ears resembles a scarf hat or possibly an ushanka, a Russian hat.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Glaceon is able to lower its body temperature very quickly. It freezes the atmosphere, creating diamond dust that glitters like gems while it flutters and dances around.” - Legends Arceus

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

VGC:

Lille Regional, France (19/10/2024) - 70th

Louisville Regional, USA (12/10/2024) - 66th

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Pokémon of the Day #0470

Name: Leafeon

Pronunciation: Leef-Ee-On

Etymology: Leaf + Eon (Immeasurable length of time)

Type: Grass

Design Origins:

Leafeon takes inspiration from a variety of animals, primarily cats and foxes, exemplified especially by its cry being similar to a cat's meow or a fox’s chirp. Its body is covered in leaves, including its ears and tail, and is directly stated to be able to photosynthesise.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Its cellular composition is closer to that of a plant than an animal. It uses photosynthesis to produce its energy supply without eating food.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

VGC:

N/A

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Pokémon of the Day #0469

Name: Yanmega

Pronunciation: Yan-Meh-Gah

Etymology: Yanma (Japanese for large dragonfly) + Mega (Great or Large) or Meganeura (Genus of “Griffinflies, prehistoric relatives of modern dragonflies)

Type: Bug / Flying

Design Origins:

Yanmega is based on a dragonfly, as well as the Meganeura Monyi, a prehistoric relative of the modern dragonfly which was known for being particularly large, explaining why it evolves due to knowing Ancient Power. Its dull green colour scheme and robust body shape may suggest some inspiration from military helicopters.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“This six-legged Pokémon is easily capable of transporting an adult in flight. The wings on its tail help it stay balanced.” - HeartGold, Y, Alpha Sapphire

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: RU

VGC:

Stuttgart Regional, Germany (30/11/2024) - 52nd

Lille Regional, France (19/10/2024) - 78th, 73rd

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Pokémon of the Day #0468

Name: Togekiss

Pronunciation: Toh-Guh-Kiss

Etymology: Toge (Japanese for “spike”) + Kiss

Type: Fairy / Flying

Design Origins:

Togekiss is based on both fairies and birds, specifically doves given its bright white colour scheme and snowy owls given the triangular markings on its belly. It may also draw from angels. Its ovular body shape is likely inspired by eggs, tying it to its pre-evolutions. Conceptually it may draw from the Japanese interpretation of the hōō or the Chinese phoenix, as it is heavily associated with peace and is avoidant of conflict.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“These Pokémon are never seen anywhere near conflict or turmoil. In recent times, they’ve hardly been seen at all.” - Sword

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: RU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

Brisbane Regional, Australia (12/3/2022) - 6th

Players Cup 4 Global Finals (17/7/2021) - 7th

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Pokémon of the Day #0467

Name: Magmortar

Pronunciation: Mag-Morr–Tarr

Etymology: Magma + Mortar (artillery weapon)

Type: Fire

Design Origins:

Magmortar is based on a karura, a creature from Japanese mythology depicted as having a human body with a bird-like head, with the bird in Magmortar’s case likely being either a duck or booby. It also draws from the mythical salamander, which is often associated with fire, and iguanas, especially with the spikes on its back. Its hands are able to retract and turn into cannons.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“From its arm, it launches fireballs hotter than 3,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Its arm starts to melt when it fires a whole barrage.” - Moon

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

N/A

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Pokémon of the Day #0466

Name: Electivire

Pronunciation: Ee-Leck-Tih-Vye-Urr

Etymology: Electric or Electricity + Wire

Type: Electric

Design Origins:

Electivire is based on an oni, a horned ogre from Japanese mythology which is sometimes depicted with lightning powers and which often wears yellow and black tiger skin loincloths. Its messy appearance may also indicate that it is based on the Namahage, a demon which is portrayed by a man wearing an Oni mask and wearing straw cape, usually with long hair. Its large hairy body may also suggest that it possibly draws from the yeti. The black mark on its back resembles an electrical socket, its tails look like cables, and its horns are similar to tesla coils. Conceptually, Electivire is based on a motor.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It pushes the tips of its tails against its foes and then lets loose a high-voltage current. Its foes are burned to a crisp in an instant.” - Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 9: ZU

VGC:

Collinsville Regional, USA (4/3/2017) - 5th

Korean Winter League 2017 (12/2/2017) - 12th

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Pokémon of the Day #0465

Name: Tangrowth

Pronunciation: Tang-Groh-Th

Etymology: Tangle + Growth

Type: Grass

Design Origins:

Tangrowth may be based on the swamp monster from Theodore Sturgeon’s “It!”, with elements of a Green Man, an architectural motif which depicts a man's face made of leaves and foliage, given that it is a face surrounded by vines and leaves. It may also have a caveman element to its design, especially given that it needs to know the move “Ancient Power” to evolve. Its tendency to ensnare its surroundings with its vines is likely inspired by thigmotropism, a reaction plants have when they make contact with objects which results in them cooling around said objects.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“Even if one of its arms is eaten, it’s fine. The Pokémon regenerates quickly and will go right back to normal.” - Black 2, White 2

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: UU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

N/A

[veeveegc]

Pokémon of the Day #0464

Name: Rhyperior

Pronunciation: Rye-Peer-Ree-Yurr

Etymology: Rhinoceros + Rhyolite (a type of stone) + Hyperion (Greek titan) + Superior

Type: Rock / Ground

Design Origins:

Rhyperior is inspired by various creatures, primarily the rhinoceros, kaijus such as godzilla, and dinosaurs, namely the Ankylosaurus with elements of various ceratopsids. The plating on its torso is reminiscent of bullet-proof vests. Conceptually it draws from a miner and/or construction worker, with its “safety hat” bearing a mining drill, its tail ending in a wrecking ball and the colour of the stomach plating resembling a safety vest.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“It puts rocks in holes in its palms and uses its muscles to shoot them. Geodude are shot at rare times.” - Diamond, Pearl, Y, Alpha Sapphire

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Champions: UU

VGC:

Vancouver Regionals, USA (8/3/2025) - 49th

Los Angeles Regionals, USA (25/5/2024) - 36th

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Pokémon of the Day #0463

Name: Lickilicky

Pronunciation: Lih-Kee-Lih-Kee

Etymology: “Licky” repeat twice

Type: Normal

Design Origins:

Lickilicky is based on various lizards, mainly the lungless salamander which are known to have projectile tongues, with elements of chameleons and akaname, a Japanese yokai. The white marking on its chest which resembles a bib, as well as its insatiable appetite, suggest it may also be inspired by a bloated gourmand.

Most Interesting Pokédex Entry:

“A contest is under way to determine which one can stick its tongue out the farthest. The current record is...more than 82 feet.” - Ultra Sun

Most Recent Competitive Standings:

Smogon:

Gen 8: ZU

National Dex: RU

VGC:

N/A