orthworm #968
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
orthworm
Generation IX · #0968 — Earthworm Pokémon
Orthworm is a Steel-type Pokémon introduced in Generation IX, occupying the National Pokédex slot #968. This distinctive earthworm-like creature stands at an impressive 2.5 meters in height while weighing a substantial 310 kilograms, making it a notable presence despite its worm-like form. As the Earthworm Pokémon, Orthworm represents a unique entry in the Steel-type family, being the sole Pokémon capable of possessing the Earth Eater ability. The species remains unevolved and is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon, making it a standalone member of its evolutionary line.
Base Stats
Height
2.5m
Weight
310.0kg
Category
Earthworm Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
pink
Shape
squiggle
Abilities
Restores HP when hit by a Ground-type move.
Increases evasion to 1.25× during a sandstorm. Protects against sandstorm damage.
Orthworm Biology & Physical Characteristics
Orthworm's physiology is a fascinating blend of organic and metallic elements, featuring a segmented body composed of six distinct sections with a predominantly red coloring on top and light orange underneath. The second segment of its body is notably steel-colored, contributing to its metallic nature and serving as a key visual distinction. From the oval-shaped openings lining its body, particularly prominent on the second segment where three pairs are visible, extend cyan-colored parapodia-like tendrils that resemble simple fists. These remarkable appendages are not merely decorative; they serve as formidable weapons that Orthworm deploys defensively, unleashing a relentless storm of punches when threatened. The creature's head, comprising the first segment, features small pale blue eyes and a characteristically large, toothless mouth adapted for consuming iron particles from its desert environment.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Orthworm Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Orthworm exhibits a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50% male and 50% female, indicating no sexual dimorphism in the species and equal reproductive potential across both genders. This equilibrium suggests a stable, naturally balanced population dynamic within its native habitat. Members of this species can be bred to produce eggs, with each egg requiring 35 cycles to hatch—translating to approximately 8,739 to 8,995 steps of in-game travel to achieve full development. Orthworm belongs to the Field egg group, a classification it shares with various terrestrial and ground-dwelling Pokémon species. The base happiness value of 50 indicates a neutral starting disposition toward trainers, suggesting that Orthworm requires patience and genuine care to develop stronger bonds with their human companions, reflecting its somewhat solitary and independent nature.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
red blue
tm08
yellow
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
sword shield
tm09
yellow
tm08
red green japan
tm08
blue japan
tm09
red blue
tm09
sword shield
tr76
sword shield
tm35
scarlet violet
tm84
scarlet violet
tm86
scarlet violet
tm116
scarlet violet
tm170
scarlet violet
+320 more TMs/HMs
Orthworm Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Orthworm represents a complete evolutionary line unto itself, with no documented evolutionary predecessors or successors within the Pokédex. The species does not evolve into any other Pokémon form, nor does it evolve from any juvenile or alternate form. This singular status distinguishes Orthworm from many other Steel-type Pokémon and contributes to its unique ecological niche within the broader Pokémon ecosystem. The stability of its form, coupled with its impressive defensive base stat of 145, suggests that Orthworm reached an evolutionary plateau perfectly suited to its specialized desert existence. Whether this represents an evolutionary dead-end or an apex form for its particular lineage remains an intriguing mystery within Pokémon science.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Orthworm Behaviour and Natural Habitat
This Pokémon exhibits a highly specialized lifestyle centered around its arid desert habitat, where it has evolved to thrive in harsh, unforgiving environments. According to Pokédex records, Orthworm maintains its distinctive metal body by actively consuming iron from the soil, a dietary habit essential to its survival and physical integrity. It is frequently observed partially buried in the ground with only its head visible, suggesting that burrowing behavior is fundamental to its daily existence and feeding patterns. When confronted with danger, Orthworm demonstrates aggressive defensive behavior, wielding its fist-like tendrils with remarkable precision and speed, transforming them into effective offensive weapons. The discovery of the Lurking Steel Titan in Paldea's East Province revealed that some individuals can grow to colossal proportions, with this particular specimen apparently sustained by consumption of the rare and powerful Salty Herba Mystica, demonstrating how environmental factors and available resources can dramatically influence the species' development.
Pokedex Entries
Generation IX
When attacked, this Pokémon will wield the tendrils on its body like fists and pelt the opponent with a storm of punches.
This Pokémon lives in arid deserts. It maintains its metal body by consuming iron from the soil.
Orthworm Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Orthworm is derived from the combination of 'ortho,' a prefix suggesting straightness or proper form, and 'worm,' directly referencing its earthworm-inspired anatomy. The Japanese name, Mimizuzu, follows a similar pattern, with 'mimi' relating to earthworm terminology in Japanese and 'zuzu' providing a reduplicative sound effect that emphasizes the creature's segmented, undulating nature. The design philosophy clearly draws inspiration from real-world earthworms and other burrowing invertebrates, reimagined through the lens of Steel-type characteristics. The inclusion of metallic coloring, particularly the prominent steel-colored second segment, represents the artist's intent to visually distinguish this Pokémon as a hybrid between organic earthworm and metallic substance. The fist-like parapodia are a creative departure from naturalistic design, transforming typical earthworm setae into combat-ready appendages that serve both the creature's defensive needs and the battle mechanics of the Pokémon franchise.
Learnable Moves
Orthworm can learn 44 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| body press | fighting | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| bulldoze | ground | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| coil | poison | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| earth power | ground | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| earthquake | ground | Physical | 100 | 100 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash cannon | steel | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| harden | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| heavy slam | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| high horsepower | ground | Physical | 95 | 95 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| iron defense | steel | Status | — | — | 15 |
| iron head | steel | Physical | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| metal burst | steel | Physical | — | 100 | 10 |
| metal sound | steel | Status | — | 85 | 40 |
| mud shot | ground | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rock blast | rock | Physical | 25 | 90 | 10 |
| rock slide | rock | Physical | 75 | 90 | 10 |
| rock tomb | rock | Physical | 60 | 95 | 15 |
| sand tomb | ground | Physical | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| shed tail | normal | Status | 0 | — | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| smack down | rock | Physical | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spikes | ground | Status | — | — | 20 |
| stealth rock | rock | Status | — | — | 20 |
| steel beam | steel | Special | 140 | 95 | 5 |
| stomping tantrum | ground | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| wrap | normal | Physical | 15 | 90 | 20 |
Orthworm Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive battling, Orthworm serves as a specialized defensive wall, leveraging its exceptional defense stat of 145 to absorb physical attacks with remarkable resilience. Its base stats total 480, heavily skewed toward defense while remaining relatively weak in special attack (60) and special defense (55), establishing a clear role as a physical tank vulnerable to special movesets. The Earth Eater ability provides exceptional utility in specific matchups, allowing Orthworm to recover health when struck by Ground-type moves, effectively turning a common weakness into a healing opportunity. Its hidden ability, Sand Veil, proves valuable in sandstorm-based team compositions, increasing evasion to 1.25x while providing immunity to sandstorm damage. Offensively, Orthworm learns respectable Steel and Ground-type moves including Iron Head, Earthquake, and Iron Tail, allowing it to apply pressure while fulfilling its defensive role. With access to supporting moves like Iron Defense, Sandstorm, and Shed Tail, Orthworm can function as a support-oriented tank or physical attacker, though its modest speed stat of 65 necessitates careful team positioning to maximize effectiveness.
Commonly Asked Questions About Orthworm
What type is Orthworm?
Orthworm is a steel type Pokemon.
What does Orthworm evolve from?
Orthworm does not evolve.
What are Orthworm's weaknesses?
Orthworm is weak to fighting, ground and fire type moves.
Orthworm Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Orthworm holds a significant position within Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's narrative, particularly through its role as the Lurking Steel Titan, one of the prominent Titan Pokémon encountered during the game's storyline. This specific individual, empowered by consumption of Herba Mystica in Paldea's East Province (Area Three), serves as a memorable boss encounter that challenges players' understanding of normal Pokémon size and capability. The discovery that this seemingly ordinary worm-like creature could achieve such tremendous growth and power through environmental conditioning resonates with players, illustrating how Pokémon biology can be dramatically influenced by external factors. The character of Arven, who shares a personal quest related to this Titan, further embeds Orthworm into the game's emotional narrative. While still relatively new to the franchise, Orthworm's unique design and significant story role have generated considerable interest within the competitive and casual communities.
Where to Find Orthworm in Every Pokémon Game
Orthworm is exclusively available in Generation IX games, with its primary location being the Paldea region in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Within these games, Orthworm can be found as the Titan Pokémon known as the Lurking Steel Titan in East Province (Area Three), where it serves as a major story encounter that players must defeat to progress through Arven's questline. After the initial encounter and subsequent defeat, Orthworm becomes available for capture in its normal-sized form, and players can return to rematch it in its original location. Successfully captured Orthworm specimens will bear the Titan Mark, a distinguishing feature commemorating their special origin. Additionally, Orthworm appears in the Pokédex for The Teal Mask DLC content as entry #96, indicating its availability in that expansion. The species has not yet been confirmed for availability in Pokémon Legends: Z-A or other future titles, though its strong mechanical and narrative role in Generation IX suggests likely inclusion in subsequent generations.