Stats & Training
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 Weakness
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 |
 Cobalion SteelFighting | A | |
Steel is super effective against ArticunoView Cobalion → | ||
 Volcanion FireWater | A | |
Fire is super effective against ArticunoView Volcanion → | ||
 Tapu Koko ElectricFairy | A | |
Electric is super effective against ArticunoView Tapu Koko → | ||
 Tyranitar RockDark | B | |
Rock deals 4x damage to ArticunoView Tyranitar → | ||
In Sun & Moon, Cobalion's Stone Edge hits Articuno for 66-78%. Volcanion's Fire Blast hits Articuno for 78-91%. Tapu Koko deals 52-61% with Thunderbolt.
Cobalion SteelFighting | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityJustified ItemFightiniumz NatureJolly Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Cobalion builds →Close Combat29-35% Stone Edge 4x66-78% | ||
Volcanion FireWater | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityWaterabsorb ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Volcanion builds →Sludge Bomb21-25% Fire Blast 2x78-91% | ||
Tapu Koko ElectricFairy | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityElectric Surge ItemChoice Specs NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Tapu Koko builds →Thunderbolt 2x52-61% Volt Switch 2x40-48% Dazzling Gleam23-27% | ||
Tyranitar RockDark | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemFocus Sash NatureAdamant Moves
Damage vs Articuno View Tyranitar builds →Crunch28-34% Rock Slide 4x108-127%KO | ||
Sun & Moon Evolution
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
Sun & Moon Articuno Best Moveset
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
Articuno best EVs are HP and Defense
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Blizzard
- Freeze Dry
- Hurricane
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Ice Beam
- Roost
- Freeze Dry
- Ancient Power
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Articuno develops a solid moveset just through leveling. Ice Beam and Blizzard show up naturally, and the progression handles both STAB and utility without leaning on TMs for the core attacks.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
How to Get Articuno in Sun & Moon
No wild encounters for Articuno in Sun & Moon. 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 is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sun & Moon.
Also found in:
Articuno Guide
In Sun & Moon, Articuno is a Legendary Pokemon rated C-Tier. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a balanced. Ice Beam with Assault Vest is the standard set.
In Sun & Moon, 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.
In Sun & Moon, 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.
For Sun & Moon, the core moveset is Ice Beam, Blizzard, Freezedry, and Hurricane. Ice Beam leads at 24% usage. Blizzard provides reliable STAB damage.
Game Availability
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