Articuno's spread favors special bulk over offense. Sp. Def leads the defensive side, Attack eats the cost. Yields 3 Sp. Def EVs per defeat. Slow 1.25M XP grind to level.
This legendary bird Pokémon can create blizzards by freezing moisture in the air.
This legendary bird Pokémon can create blizzards by freezing moisture in the air.
Articuno is weak to Rock, Fire, Electric, and Steel. Watch out for Rock attacks, those deal 4x damage. On the flip side, it's immune to Ground-type moves entirely. Articuno's special bulk (base 125 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 4x (Critical) | Rock |
| 2x (Weak) | Fire, Electric, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
Dragapult deals 43-50% with Draco Meteor.
 | S | |
Recommended Build AbilityProtosynthesis ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Great Tusk builds →Rapid Spin14-17% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySandrush ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Sandslash builds →Rapid Spin9-11% Knock Off12-15% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityInfiltrator ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Dragapult builds →U Turn7-8% Draco Meteor43-50% Shadow Ball27-31% | ||
 Pelipper Water | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityDrizzle ItemFocus Sash NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Pelipper builds →Hurricane23-28% | ||
 | C | |
Recommended Build AbilityShadowtag ItemSitrus Berry NatureSassy Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Gothitelle builds →Psychic15-18% | ||
Articuno is strong overall with 580 total stats as a Ice/Flying legendary. Can't breed it, so you're locked to whatever you catch or receive. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
The special wall spread is where Articuno earns its spot. Heavy-Duty Boots for hazard immunity on every switch-in, Calm nature for the right lean, and Roost handles sustain. Pressure does the rest without needing a move slot.
Best Build
Articuno best EVs are Sp. Def and HP
Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Freeze Dry
- U Turn
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Blizzard
- Freeze Dry
- Ice Beam
- Sheer Cold
Recommended Teammates
Special Tank Moveset
- Roost
- Freeze Dry
- Hurricane
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Wallbreaker Moveset
- Blizzard
- Freeze Dry
- Air Slash
- Ice Beam
Doubles Support Moveset
- Freeze Dry
- Tailwind
- Blizzard
- Roost
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Blizzard
- Aurora Veil
- Hail
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Defog
- Freeze Dry
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Revenge Killer Moveset
- Blizzard
- Aurora Veil
- Hail
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Roost
- Defog
- Freeze Dry
- Haze
Recommended Teammates
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Moves
TMs define Articuno's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Brave Bird and Hurricane, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Rock and Normal coverage and more. That's where the options open up.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Articuno develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Ice Beam and Hurricane show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Articuno develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Ice Beam and Hurricane show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
TMs define Articuno's movepool. The natural moves cover basics with Sky Attack and Blizzard, but the real versatility comes from technical machines giving it Psychic and Normal coverage. That's where the options open up.
No wild encounters for Articuno in Scarlet & Violet. It's available in Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Articuno can't be caught in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Bring it over from Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Articuno can't be caught in Sword & Shield. Bring it over from Red, Yellow, or Let's Go Pikachu instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Articuno waits at a fixed spot in this game. Head to Seafoam Islands for a one-time encounter. No random spawns or encounter rates involved — it's a set battle at a known location.
Best Locations to Catch Articuno in Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee
Articuno is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a balanced. Base 125 Sp. Def is where it shines.
Articuno's biggest threats include Golem (Rock), Charizard (Fire), and Raikou (Electric), all carrying super-effective STAB moves. Golem is the most dangerous since Rock moves deal 4x damage. Steel-type attackers are also a problem. Articuno has enough bulk to absorb a hit, but don't push the matchup. Pivot to a teammate that resists.
Pressure is the go-to ability for Articuno. It increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. Its hidden ability Snow Cloak can work in specific setups.
Articuno fills the balanced role. It's a special attacker with base 95 Sp. Atk. Base 85 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. And it's tanky enough to absorb a few hits.
Best way to handle Articuno: Super-effective STAB from faster Pokemon is the simplest answer. Rock, Fire, and Electric-type attackers hit hardest.
Articuno has appeared in 20 games since Red & Blue, spanning 10 generations. As a Legendary, it's typically a one-per-save encounter tied to the story or post-game content.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen 2GS
Gold & Silver - Gen 2C
Crystal - Gen 3RS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen 3FRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen 3E
Emerald - Gen 4Pt
Platinum - Gen 4HGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XY
X & Y - Gen 6ORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen 7USUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen 7SM
Sun & Moon - Gen 7LGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen 8SwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen 8PLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen 8BDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen 9SV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen 9LZA
Legends: Z-A - Gen 10WW
Winds & Waves