Mixed
Trick Room
40Speed · Very Slow

Is Gloom Good in Yellow Playthrough?

Functional in the mid-game but nothing special. Use a Leaf Stone when you're ready for Vileplume. Staying at this stage longer than necessary just slows you down.

StrongGoodEvenToughBadSGEEEETGGGTEEBrockGym 1MistyGym 2OddishCatchableGloomEvolveSurgeGym 3VileplumeEvolveErikaGym 4KogaGym 5SabrinaGym 6BlaineGym 7GiovanniGym 8LoreleiE4BrunoE4AgathaE4LanceE4BlueChamp*
Brock
Gym 1
Strong

Oddish resists most of Brock's coverage and hits back hard.

Easy KO
Geodude
Lv 10
RockGround
Rock Head
Tackle
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 12
RockGround
Rock Head
TackleScreechBindBide
Misty
Gym 2
Good

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

Easy KO
Staryu
Lv 18
Water
Illuminate
TackleWater Gun
You Win
Starmie
Lv 21
WaterPsychic
Illuminate
TackleWater GunHardenBubble Beam
Lt. Surge
Gym 3
Even

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

Even
Raichu
Lv 28
Electric
Static
ThunderboltMega PunchMega KickGrowl
Erika
Gym 4
Even

Vileplume trades roughly evenly with Erika's team.

You Win
Tangela
Lv 30
Grass
Chlorophyll
BindVine WhipMega DrainConstrict
Even
Weepinbell
Lv 32
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Razor LeafStun SporeSleep PowderWrap
Even
Gloom
Lv 32
GrassPoison
Chlorophyll
Petal DanceAcidSleep PowderStun Spore
Koga
Gym 5
Even

Vileplume trades roughly evenly with Koga's team.

You Win
Venonat
Lv 44
BugPoison
Compound Eyes
ToxicTackleSleep PowderPsychic
Even
Venonat
Lv 46
BugPoison
Compound Eyes
ToxicPsybeamSupersonicPsychic
Even
Venonat
Lv 48
BugPoison
Compound Eyes
ToxicDouble EdgeSleep PowderPsychic
Risky
Venomoth
Lv 50
BugPoison
Shield Dust
Leech LifeDouble TeamPsychicToxic
Sabrina
Gym 6
Even

Vileplume trades roughly evenly with Sabrina's team.

You Win
Abra
Lv 50
Psychic
Synchronize
Flash
Even
Kadabra
Lv 50
Psychic
Synchronize
KinesisRecoverPsychicPsywave
Even
Alakazam
Lv 50
Psychic
Synchronize
PsywaveRecoverPsychicReflect
Blaine
Gym 7
Tough

Blaine's team hits Vileplume's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Ninetales
Lv 48
Fire
Flash Fire
FlamethrowerTail WhipQuick AttackConfuse Ray
Even
Rapidash
Lv 50
Fire
Run Away
StompGrowlFire SpinTake Down
Risky
Arcanine
Lv 54
Fire
Intimidate
FlamethrowerFire BlastReflectTake Down
Giovanni
Gym 8
Good

Vileplume has the type edge here and should clean up Giovanni's team.

You Win
Dugtrio
Lv 50
Ground
Sand Veil
DigSand AttackFissureEarthquake
You Win
Persian
Lv 53
Normal
Limber
ScreechDouble TeamFury SwipesSlash
Even
Nidoqueen
Lv 53
PoisonGround
Poison Point
EarthquakeTail WhipThunderDouble Kick
Even
Nidoking
Lv 55
PoisonGround
Poison Point
EarthquakeLeerThunderDouble Kick
Easy KO
Rhydon
Lv 55
GroundRock
Lightning Rod
Rock SlideFury AttackHorn DrillEarthquake
Lorelei
Elite Four
Good

Vileplume has the type edge here and should clean up Lorelei's team.

Easy KO
Dewgong
Lv 54
WaterIce
Thick Fat
Bubble BeamAurora BeamRestTake Down
Easy KO
Cloyster
Lv 53
WaterIce
Shell Armor
SupersonicClampIce BeamSpike Cannon
Easy KO
Slowbro
Lv 54
WaterPsychic
Oblivious
PsychicSurfWithdrawAmnesia
Even
Jynx
Lv 56
IcePsychic
Oblivious
Double SlapIce PunchLovely KissThrash
You Win
Lapras
Lv 56
WaterIce
Water Absorb
Body SlamConfuse RayBlizzardHydro Pump
Bruno
Elite Four
Good

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

Easy KO
Onix
Lv 53
RockGround
Rock Head
Rock SlideScreechSlamDig
You Win
Hitmonchan
Lv 55
Fighting
Keen Eye
Ice PunchThunder PunchFire PunchDouble Team
Even
Hitmonlee
Lv 55
Fighting
Limber
Double KickMega KickHigh Jump KickDouble Team
Easy KO
Onix
Lv 56
RockGround
Rock Head
Rock SlideScreechSlamEarthquake
Even
Machamp
Lv 58
Fighting
Guts
LeerKarate ChopStrengthSubmission
Agatha
Elite Four
Tough

Agatha's team hits Vileplume's weaknesses hard.

Risky
Gengar
Lv 56
GhostPoison
Cursed Body
Confuse RaySubstituteLickMega Drain
Risky
Golbat
Lv 56
PoisonFlying
Inner Focus
SupersonicToxicWing AttackLeech Life
Risky
Haunter
Lv 55
GhostPoison
Levitate
Confuse RayLickHypnosisDream Eater
Risky
Arbok
Lv 58
Poison
Intimidate
WrapGlareScreechAcid
Avoid
Gengar
Lv 60
GhostPoison
Cursed Body
Confuse RayPsychicHypnosisDream Eater
Lance
Elite Four
Even

Vileplume trades roughly evenly with Lance's team.

Even
Gyarados
Lv 58
WaterFlying
Intimidate
Dragon RageLeerHydro PumpHyper Beam
Even
Dragonair
Lv 56
Dragon
Shed Skin
Thunder WaveSlamThunderboltHyper Beam
Even
Dragonair
Lv 56
Dragon
Shed Skin
Bubble BeamWrapIce BeamHyper Beam
Even
Aerodactyl
Lv 60
RockFlying
Rock Head
Wing AttackSwiftFlyHyper Beam
Risky
Dragonite
Lv 62
DragonFlying
Inner Focus
BlizzardFire BlastThunderHyper Beam
Blue
Champion
Even

Vileplume trades roughly evenly with Blue's team.

You Win
Sandslash
Lv 61
Ground
Sand Veil
EarthquakeSlashPoison StingFury Swipes
Even
Alakazam
Lv 59
Psychic
Synchronize
PsybeamPsychicKinesisRecover
You Win
Exeggutor
Lv 61
GrassPsychic
Chlorophyll
BarrageHypnosisStompLeech Seed
You Win
Magneton
Lv 63
ElectricSteel
Magnet Pull
ThunderboltThunder WaveScreechSwift
Even
Ninetales
Lv 61
Fire
Flash Fire
Fire SpinTail WhipQuick AttackConfuse Ray
Risky
Flareon
Lv 65
Fire
Flash Fire
FlamethrowerQuick AttackSmogFire Spin
Catch Oddish
Available after Badge 2
Type
GrassPoison
Tier
F

Catch Oddish on Route 24 (walking, Lv 12-14, common).

View Oddish locations

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 12)
    • LV 12GrassAbsorb30100%25
  • After Misty
    • HM01NormalCut5095%30
    • LV 24PoisonAcid60100%30
  • After Erika
    • TM21GrassMega Drain60100%15
    • TM10NormalDouble-Edge120100%15
    • LV 33GrassPetal Dance180100%10
    • LV 46GrassSolar Beam180100%10
  • After Koga
    • TM09NormalTake Down9085%20
Evolve Oddish to Gloom
Level 21
Type
GrassPoison
Tier
E

Your Oddish should hit Level 21 before you reach Lt. Surge, at typical leveling pace.

View Gloom locations

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 21)
    • LV 21GrassStun Spore75%30
  • After Misty
    • HM01NormalCut5095%30
    • LV 28PoisonAcid60100%30
  • After Erika
    • TM21GrassMega Drain60100%15
    • TM10NormalDouble-Edge120100%15
    • LV 38GrassPetal Dance180100%10
  • After Koga
    • TM09NormalTake Down9085%20
    • LV 52GrassSolar Beam180100%10
Evolve Gloom to Vileplume
Use Leaf Stone
Type
GrassPoison
Tier
E

You can usually obtain this item before you reach Erika.

Recommended Moves
  • STARTING (Lv 28)
    • LV 28GrassPetal Dance180100%10
    • LV 28GrassSleep Powder75%15
  • After Misty
    • TM08NormalBody Slam85100%15
  • After Erika
    • TM15NormalHyper Beam15090%5
    • TM10NormalDouble-Edge120100%15
  • After Sabrina
    • TM22GrassSolar Beam180100%10
  • After Koga
    • TM06PoisonToxic90%10
    • TM03NormalSwords Dance100%20

How to Get Gloom in Yellow

6 encounter spots for Gloom at moderate rates starting from mid-game routes. Best and Earliest sort options below help narrow down your approach based on odds vs. Accessibility.

Where To Catch Gloom in Y

To get Gloom, start by catching Oddish through walking encounters at Lv. 12-58. The chain covers 2 catchable stages before reaching the final form.

  1. Oddish
    Step 1Catch Oddish
    Route 24
    Lv.12-14Grass
    Rate 30%
    Route 25
    Lv.12-14Grass
    Rate 30%
    Route 12
    Lv.25-27Grass
    Rate 30%
    Route 13
    Lv.25-27Grass
    Rate 30%
    Route 14
    Lv.26-28Grass
    Rate 30%
    Route 15
    Lv.26-28Grass
    Rate 30%
  2. Gloom
    Step 2Gloom
    Route 12
    Lv.29Grass
    Rate 5%
    Route 13
    Lv.29Grass
    Rate 5%
    Route 14
    Lv.30Grass
    Rate 5%
    Route 15
    Lv.30Grass
    Rate 5%
    Cerulean Cave - 1F
    Lv.55Cave
    Rate 10%
    Cerulean Cave - 2F
    Lv.58Cave
    Rate 5%
    or evolve from Oddish (Step 1)
  3. Vileplume
    Step 3Evolve into Vileplume

Gloom Weakness

Gloom is weak to Bug, Fire, Ice, Flying, and Psychic. Watch out for Bug attacks, those deal 4x damage. The Grass/Poison typing picks up 4 resistances to work with.

Gloom Weakness and Resistance Chart
DamageTypes
4x (Critical)Bug
2x (Weak)Fire, Ice, Flying, Psychic
0.5x (Resist)Water, Electric, Fighting
0.25x (Resist)Grass
Gen I Type Chart
  • Only 15 types exist — Dark, Steel, and Fairy are absent
  • Ghost has no effect on Psychic (a known bug, fixed in Gen II)
  • Special stat governs both offense and defense — no Sp.Atk / Sp.Def split

What is Gloom Weak Against

Fragile
5Weak
4Resist
0Immune
Score-7
4xCritical
¼xResist
0xImmune
None

What is Gloom Strong Against

5Strong
1Resisted
0Immune
Score+4
½xResisted
0xImmune
None

Best Pokemon Against Gloom

Gloom Evolutions

Gloom sits between Oddish and Vileplume in this three-stage chain. A Grass/Poison type at 405 stats that can't breed. Special has grown the most so far (+20), but there's still another 85 stats to gain in the final evolution. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.

How to Evolve

3 Forms
Stat Comparison 3 Stages
Oddish
GrassPoison
Gloom
GrassPoison
Vileplume
GrassPoison
HP
45
60+15
75+15
ATK
50
65+15
80+15
DEF
55
70+15
85+15
SP.ATK
75
85+10
110+25
SP.DEF
65
75+10
90+15
SPE
30
40+10
50+10
BST
320D-Tier
395D-Tier+75
490C-Tier+95
ROLE
Balanced
Trick Room
Attacker
TYPE
Special
Special
Special
Breeding not available · Introduced in Gen 2

Y Gloom Best Moveset

Modest 85 Special for MoveMega Drain with MoveSleep Powder keeping Gloom relevant beyond what the stats suggest. Vileplume does everything with 100 Special behind it. A temporary stop where sleep is the contribution, not damage.

Best Build

Experimental
Utility
Ability
Unknown
Item
None
Best Nature for Gloom
HardyNEUTRAL

Utility Moveset

  • Sleep PowderSTAB
  • Stun SporeSTAB
  • Solar BeamSTAB
  • Mega DrainSTAB

Moves List

Most of Gloom's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Petal Dance and Solar Beam, but Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.

Level-Up Moves

Lv 1
Absorb
A3010020Grass
Lv 1
Poison Powder
7535Poison
Lv 1
Stun Spore
B7530Grass
Lv 15
Poison Powder
7535Poison
Lv 17
Stun Spore
B7530Grass
Lv 19
Sleep Powder
S7515Grass
Lv 28
Acid
D6010030Poison
Lv 38
Petal Dance
B18010020Grass
Lv 52
Solar Beam
B18010010Grass

TM Moves

TM
TM34
Bide+1
D10Normal
HM01
Cut
509530Normal
TM32
Double Team
15Normal
TM10
Double-Edge
A12010015Normal
TM21
Mega Drain
B6010010Grass
TM31
Mimic
D10Normal
TM20
Rage
D2010020Normal
TM33
Reflect
C20Psychic
TM44
Rest
C10Psychic
TM22
Solar Beam
B18010010Grass
TM50
Substitute
C10Normal
TM03
Swords Dance
A30Normal
TM09
Take Down
D908520Normal
TM06
Toxic
C9010Poison

Egg Moves

Gloom doesn't have any Egg moves

Tutor Moves

Gloom can't learn any Tutor moves

Base Stats

Base Stats
Above
HP60
C
Attack65
C
Defense70
C
Sp. Atk85
C
Sp. Def85
C
Speed40
D
Total405
Details
Catch Rate
Moderate120 / 255
Growth Rate
Medium Slow1.06M XP
Height0.8 m
Weight8.6 kg
Base XP138
EV Yield
HPAtkDefSpA+2SpDSpe
Special Attack training target
Pokedex Entry

Smells incredibly foul! However, around 1 out of 1,000 people enjoy sniffing its nose-bending stink.

Pokemon Yellow

Gloom Yellow Guide

  • At 405 BST, Gloom is firmly in pre-evolution territory. Evolve it into Vileplume before bringing it to any serious fight.

  • In Yellow, Gloom's biggest threats include Scyther (Bug), Charizard (Fire), and Cloyster (Ice), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Scyther is the most dangerous since Bug moves deal 4x damage. Flying and Psychic-type attackers are also a problem. With 5 weakness types, most competitive teams carry at least one counter. At base 40 Speed, Gloom won't outrun any of these threats so switching to a resist is usually the safer play.

  • Gloom is a mixed attacker with base 65 Attack and 85 Special. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 40 Speed is low. Priority moves or Trick Room are the way to go. Fits the trick room role.

  • In Yellow, For a casual playthrough, Gloom works as a placeholder. Grass/Poison coverage is useful early. The real payoff is Vileplume. That's where the stats start mattering.

  • For Yellow, the core moveset is Sleep Powder, Stun Spore, Solarbeam, and Megadrain. Sleep Powder leads at 0% usage. This set covers the trick room role with a mix of damage and utility.

Game Availability

Present since Red & Blue, Gloom appears in 21 games spanning 10 generations. Gen 1 originals like Gloom have the longest track record of availability in the series.

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