Free switch-ins on Ground moves make Moltres useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 3 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. A longtime staple going back to Gen 1. It sits at a decent but contested Speed tier.
Everything pushes toward special damage here. Moltres's Sp. Atk does the work, Sp. Def pays the price. But you're still getting 3 Sp. Atk EVs per KO. Near-impossible to catch, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
It is one of the legendary bird Pokémon. Its appearance is said to indicate the coming of spring.
Moltres Weakness
ExcellentType-wise, Moltres takes extra damage from Rock, Water, and Electric. Watch out for Rock attacks, those deal 4x damage. Ground moves do nothing thanks to a full immunity. It resists 6 types, so it can switch into a lot of moves safely. With 90 HP and balanced defenses, Moltres can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
No breeding, no evolution. Moltres is a Fire/Flying legendary with 580 base stat total that you obtain once and build around.
How to Evolve
You commit to a move every time Moltres comes in. Choice Specs gives boosted special damage with move lock, and Flame Body adds to that. Max Sp. Atk and Speed EVs make sure the locked move actually hurts. Double STAB covers the rest.
Best Build
Best Moltres Moveset
- Flamethrower
- Hurricane
- Roost
- Will O Wisp
Recommended Teammates
The level-up pool tells the story here. Moltres learns Flamethrower and Heat Wave naturally, plus enough variety that TMs feel like bonuses. Coverage across 9 types extends the reach beyond that.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
No wild encounters for Moltres 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.
Moltres is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sun & Moon.
Also found in:
Moltres is a Legendary Pokemon rated B-Tier on our tier list. At 580 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a wallbreaker. That 125 base Sp. Atk does the heavy lifting.
Moltres doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Fire/Flying type with 580 BST.
Pressure is the go-to ability for Moltres. It increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one. Its hidden ability Flame Body can work in specific setups.
Moltres is a special attacker with base 125 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 90 Speed is workable — faster than some, slower than many. Fits the wallbreaker role.
Moltres appears in 20 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Since Red & Blue, Moltres has appeared in 20 games. Legendary Pokemon like Moltres are usually found through story events or special post-game areas rather than random encounters.
- 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