Physiology
Rotom looks similar to Castform, but Rotom has no real relation to any other species, since it doesn't have any evolutions or pre-evolutions. Rotom has a body of plasma. Even though Rotom is classified as being an Electric/Ghost type, it possesses traits that aren't usually normal for something that's supposed to be spirit, such as the need to eat, being able to faint and somehow reproducing. Rotom themselves are shaped like lightning rods, while the blue electricity around them takes the appearance of lightning.
In Pokémon Platinum, Rotom also has five extra forms (each based on a household appliance), which can be transformed using an event-exclusive item called the Secret Key. They are based on a refrigerator, washing machine, fan, lawn mower and a toaster. Despite having visual characteristics of other types (Ice, Water, Flying, Grass and Fire, respectively), they share the original Rotom's Electric and Ghost types. In contrast, their base stats are far higher than those of the original Rotom, to the point of being analogous to evolutions.
Gender differences
Rotom is a genderless species.
Special abilities
Rotom can creep into electric appliances and short them out.
Behavior
It is mischievous, apparently shorting out electrical appliances just for the fun of it.
Habitat
Most likely electrical appliances. One of them had been discovered inside a TV.
Diet
- Main article: Pokémon food
As with most Electric Pokémon, Rotom probably feeds on electricity.
- When Rotom is encountered, the music is the same as legendary encounters although it is not classified as one. Rotom is, to date, the only non-legendary Pokémon to do this. Cresselia and Shaymin do the opposite, being the only legendaries for which the normal wild battle music plays.
- Rotom has the same height and weight as the lake trio.
- It is the only Generation IV Pokémon not in the Sinnoh Dex that is neither legendary nor an evolution of a Pokémon from previous generations.
- No other Pokémon has the same type combination as Rotom.
- Rotom is one of three Ghost-types whose color isn't in the black or purple category. The others are Shedinja (brown) and Froslass (white).
- Rotom is one of the two Electric-types who are immune to Template:Type2 moves, the other being Zapdos.
- Rotom is one of the only two Ghost-types that cannot learn Psychic, the other being Shedinja.
Origin
Rotom appears to be based of off Pulseman, who was actually 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 the legend of the gremlin.
Name origin
Rotom is the word motor backwards; this may refer to the fact that motors make many appliances go, while Rotom make them fail. Its name may also come from rotation and atom.
Its French name, Motisma, comes from moteur and plasma.