Cresselia's built to absorb hits, not race for knockouts. Balanced defenses with HP doing the heavy lifting. And the slow 1.25M XP grind means it won't take forever to bring up, worth 3 Sp. Def EVs.
Cresselia is reminiscent of the crescent moon. It leaves a brilliant line of light in its wake as it flies across the night sky. I daresay it resembles the heavenly maiden who created the Milky Way.
Cresselia is weak to Bug, Ghost, and Dark. Levitate grants an additional Ground immunity, reshaping the matchup chart. Cresselia's overall bulk (120/110/120) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Bug, Ghost, Dark |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fighting, Psychic |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityInfiltrator ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Cresselia View Noivern builds →Draco Meteor27-32% U Turn 2x13-15% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Cresselia View Donphan builds →Earthquake24-28% Rapid Spin8-10% Knock Off 2x21-24% | ||
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityFlame Body ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureJolly Moves View Talonflame builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBulletproof ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Cresselia View Chesnaught builds →Knock Off 2x19-22% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityToxicchain ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureBold Moves
Damage vs Cresselia View Fezandipiti builds →U Turn 2x16-19% Moonblast12-15% Heat Wave8-10% | ||
Cresselia is strong overall with 580 total stats as a Psychic 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
Cresselia runs a standard defensive wall set. Sassy nature with spread EVs shapes the build, while Leftovers brings passive recovery each turn. Levitate supports the kit from the background.
Best Build
Cresselia best EVs are HP and Sp. Def
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Lunar Blessing
- Trick Room
- Psychic
- Ally Switch
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Moonlight
- Lunar Dance
- Moonblast
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
Legends: Arceus uses different battle mechanics.
Competitive build content is not applicable for this game. Select a main series game for builds.
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Psychic
- Moonlight
- Trick Room
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
Utility Moveset
- Moonlight
- Lunar Dance
- Trick Room
- Moonblast
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Lunar Dance
- Trick Room
- Moonlight
- Ice Beam
Doubles Wall Moveset
- Psychic
- Moonlight
- Trick Room
- Calm Mind
Recommended Teammates
Utility Moveset
- Moonlight
- Lunar Dance
- Trick Room
- Moonblast
Recommended Teammates
Wall Moveset
- Lunar Dance
- Trick Room
- Moonlight
- Ice Beam
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Most of Cresselia's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Future Sight and Psychic, but Ice and Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The offense anchors on Psychic and Zen Headbutt, with Normal and Fairy coverage and more adding reach. It's a workable movepool for Cresselia that handles most situations. Psychic and Moonblast give it enough punch where it matters.
Most of Cresselia's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Future Sight and Dream Eater, but Ice and Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Most of Cresselia's flexibility comes from TMs. Same-type output runs through Future Sight and Psychic, but Ice and Normal and the rest of the TM pool push it from predictable to genuinely threatening.
Cresselia can't be caught in Scarlet & Violet. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Cresselia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
Cresselia waits at a fixed spot in this game. Head to Moonview Arena 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 Cresselia in Legends: Arceus
Cresselia doesn't appear in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl. Transfer it from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Cresselia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl.
Also found in:
Cresselia can't be caught in Sword & Shield. Bring it over from Diamond, Platinum, or Legends: Arceus instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Cresselia is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sword & Shield.
Also found in:
Cresselia is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a wall. That 120 base HP does the heavy lifting.
Cresselia gets Levitate. But Levitate is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that. On wall sets, Levitate pairs with Cresselia's base 110 Defense to absorb physical hits on the switch.
Cresselia is leaning toward the special side (base 75 Sp. Atk). Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 85 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the wall role.
Best way to handle Cresselia: Status moves (Toxic, Will-O-Wisp) wear it down. Setup sweepers can use it as a boost opportunity. Physical attackers can break through.
Since Diamond & Pearl, Cresselia has appeared in 13 games. Legendary Pokemon like Cresselia are usually found through story events or special post-game areas rather than random encounters.
Click a game to view version-specific details
- Gen 1Y
Yellow - Gen 1RB
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 4DPDebut
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 8SwSh
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