Where is gloom from

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Gloom is a fictional Pokémon species first introduced in the 1996 video games Pokémon Red and Green in Japan. It evolves from Oddish at level 21 and can evolve into either Vileplume using a Leaf Stone or Bellossom using a Sun Stone, with its design featuring a droopy flower and foul-smelling pollen.

Key Facts

First appeared in Pokémon Red and Green in 1996
Evolves from Oddish at level 21
Has two evolution paths: Vileplume (Leaf Stone) and Bellossom (Sun Stone)
Known for foul-smelling pollen that can cause fainting
Appears in over 20 main series Pokémon games

Overview

Gloom is a fictional Pokémon species from the globally popular Pokémon media franchise created by Satoshi Tajiri and Ken Sugimori. First introduced in the 1996 video games Pokémon Red and Green (released as Pokémon Red and Blue internationally in 1998), Gloom belongs to the Grass/Poison type category and is known for its distinctive droopy appearance and foul odor. The Pokémon franchise has grown into a massive multimedia empire spanning video games, trading cards, anime series, and films, with Gloom appearing consistently across various media since its debut.

Within the Pokémon universe, Gloom is classified as the "Weed Pokémon" in the Pokédex, the franchise's fictional encyclopedia. Its design features a blue, plant-like body with large leaves, a drooping flower on its head that resembles a wilted rafflesia, and a perpetually sad expression. The character has maintained popularity through generations of games, appearing in over 20 main series titles including Pokémon Sword and Shield (2019) and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (2022).

How It Works

Gloom functions within the Pokémon game mechanics through specific evolutionary paths, battle capabilities, and unique characteristics that distinguish it from other species.

Evolutionary Mechanics: Gloom evolves from Oddish starting at level 21, and can further evolve into either Vileplume when exposed to a Leaf Stone or Bellossom when exposed to a Sun Stone. This dual evolution path, introduced in Generation II games (1999), provides strategic options for trainers, with Vileplume maintaining Grass/Poison typing while Bellossom becomes pure Grass type.
Battle Statistics: In competitive Pokémon battles, Gloom has base stats totaling 395 across six categories: HP (60), Attack (65), Defense (70), Special Attack (85), Special Defense (75), and Speed (40). Its ability "Chlorophyll" doubles its speed during sunny weather, while "Stench" (a hidden ability) gives moves a 10% chance to make opponents flinch.
Signature Moves and Abilities: Gloom learns several poison-type moves including Acid, Sludge Bomb, and Toxic, along with grass-type moves like Mega Drain and Solar Beam. Its Pokédex entries consistently mention that its foul-smelling pollen can cause fainting in humans and Pokémon within a two-mile radius when released in large quantities.
Habitat and Behavior: According to Pokémon lore, Gloom lives in dark, damp forests and releases its odor as a defense mechanism. It secretes honey-like nectar that smells terrible but attracts certain Pokémon and insects. The anime depicts Gloom as having a melancholic personality that matches its appearance, often appearing in episodes like "The Problem with Paras" (1998) and "Flower Power" (1999).

Key Comparisons

Feature	Gloom	Similar Grass/Poison Pokémon
Evolution Level	Evolves from Oddish at level 21	Bellsprout evolves to Weepinbell at level 21
Dual Evolution Options	Yes (Vileplume & Bellossom)	No (most have single evolution paths)
Base Stat Total	395	Vileplume: 490, Victreebel: 490
Signature Characteristic	Foul-smelling pollen	Weepinbell: digestive enzymes
Game Debut	Generation I (1996)	Most Grass/Poison types debuted in Generation I

Why It Matters

Franchise Longevity: Gloom's continuous presence across 25+ years of Pokémon media demonstrates the franchise's commitment to maintaining its original creature designs while introducing new evolutionary options. With over 900 Pokémon species now existing, Gloom remains recognizable to fans who began with the first generation games, helping maintain brand consistency and nostalgia.
Gameplay Strategy: Gloom's dual evolution path introduced strategic depth to Pokémon training, forcing players to choose between immediate power (Vileplume via Leaf Stone) or specialized typing (Bellossom via Sun Stone). This mechanic influenced later Pokémon designs, with similar choice-based evolutions appearing for species like Eevee, which has 8 possible evolutions.
Cultural Impact: As one of the original 151 Pokémon, Gloom has become part of gaming culture, appearing in memes, fan art, and merchandise. Its distinctive design and memorable odor-based lore make it frequently referenced in discussions about Pokémon's creative creature designs. The character has appeared in approximately 30 anime episodes and multiple Pokémon films since 1998.

Looking forward, Gloom will likely continue appearing in future Pokémon games and media, serving as both a nostalgic callback and a functional game element. As the franchise expands with new regions and mechanics, original species like Gloom provide continuity that connects different generations of players. With Pokémon celebrating over 25 years of success and the games selling more than 380 million copies worldwide as of 2022, species like Gloom represent the enduring appeal of carefully designed creatures that balance gameplay function with memorable characteristics.