Articuno's Ice/Flying typing gives it an immunity to Ground. The 4 weaknesses are the tradeoff, but that immunity creates real opportunities. Known as the Freeze Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
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.
A legendary bird Pokémon. It freezes water that is contained in winter air and makes it snow.
Articuno Weakness
VulnerableArticuno is weak to Rock, Fire, Electric, and Steel-type moves. 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.
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.
How to Evolve
Articuno runs a standard defensive wall set. Bold nature with max HP and Defense EVs shapes the build, while Assault Vest brings a special bulk boost with no status moves allowed. Pressure supports the kit from the background.
Best Build
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.
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.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
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
Articuno is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier on our tier list. 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.
Articuno doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Ice/Flying type with 580 BST.
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.
Articuno appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Articuno has appeared in 20 games since Red & Blue, spanning 9 generations. As a Legendary, it's typically a one-per-save encounter tied to the story or post-game content.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRBDebut
Red & Blue - Gen IIGS
Gold & Silver - Gen IIC
Crystal - Gen IIIRS
Ruby & Sapphire - Gen IIIFRLG
FireRed & LeafGreen - Gen IIIE
Emerald - Gen IVPt
Platinum - Gen IVHGSS
HeartGold & SoulSilver - Gen IVDP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen VBW
Black & White - Gen VB2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen VIXY
X & Y - Gen VIORAS
Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire - Gen VIIUSUM
Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon - Gen VIISM
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwShGalarian
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A