Ninetales doesn't stand out in any single area, but it gets the job done for in-game teams. Only weak to Water, Ground, and Rock. Been around since Gen 1. Known as the Fox Pokemon. Flexible enough to run physical or special sets.
Nothing fancy in Ninetales's spread. It leans mixed with Sp. Def out front. And you'll get 2 Sp. Def and Speed EVs per KO for it. Follows a medium-fast 1M XP curve.
Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
Ninetales Weakness
AvgType-wise, Ninetales takes extra damage from Water, Ground, and Rock. The Fire typing picks up 5 resistances to work with. Ninetales's special bulk (base 100 Sp.Def) helps absorb special-type weaknesses, though physical moves exploit the lower Defense.
- Dark and Steel types added — Fairy does not exist yet
- Moves are Physical or Special based on type, not per move
- Special stat split into Sp.Atk and Sp.Def
Ninetales evolved from Vulpix's chain using an evolution item. It's a non-standard trigger, so check the details below. Breed this form to get Vulpix eggs (average hatch time). The evolution from Vulpix pushed Ninetales to 505 total stats. HP saw the largest single gain at +35.
How to Evolve
Breed with Ninetales to get Vulpix eggs easily using 66 partners from the Ground egg group. Notable egg moves include Disable, Feint Attack, Flail and 2 more.
utility options keeps opponents guessing about Ninetales's real targets. Leftovers provides passive recovery each turn while flexible EVs EVs and a nature nature handle the stat profile. An ability ties it together.
Best Build
Best Ninetales Moveset
- Hypnosis
- Confuse Ray
- Fire Blast
- Substitute
Recommended Teammates
Breeding's the move. Disable and Feint Attack give Ninetales options it can't learn any other way, and Normal and Ground coverage and more already covers a decent range on top of Fire Blast and Flamethrower. The egg moves push it further.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Reminder Moves
You're catching Vulpix first, not Ninetales. Vulpix appears at solid rates in the encounters below. The step cards map the full 2-stage line with evolution methods between each stage.
How to Obtain Ninetales in Gold & Silver
The path to Ninetales starts with Vulpix at Lv. 13-18 via walking encounters. 1 catchable stage total, with locations listed for each one below.
Step 1Catch VulpixEASYRoute 36GrassLv.13UncommonEarlyRouteEASYRoute 37GrassLv.14UncommonEarlyRouteMorning/nightEASYRoute 37GrassLv.14-16UncommonEarlyRouteDayEFFORTLESSRoute 7GrassLv.18CommonMidRouteDayEASYRoute 7GrassLv.18UncommonMidRouteMorning/nightEASYRoute 8GrassLv.18UncommonMidRouteMorning/dayCHALLENGINGRoute 8GrassLv.18RareMidRouteNight
Step 2Ninetales ✓
Ninetales looks average on paper at 505 BST. But Drought is why it sees play — build around that and it pulls its weight. C-Tier support on our tier list.
Ninetales is a special attacker with base 81 Sp. Atk. Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. But the speed tells the real story — base 100 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the support role.
Ninetales appears in 21 games, including Yellow, Red & Blue, and Gold & Silver.
Available since Red & Blue, Ninetales appears in 21 games spanning 9 generations. Beyond its original form, it gained an Alolan form in Generation 7.
- 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 VIISMAlolan
Sun & Moon - Gen VIILGPE
Let's Go Pikachu & Eevee - Gen VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A