Everything pushes toward mixed damage here. Tornadus's Sp. Atk does the work, Defense pays the price. But you're still getting 3 Attack EVs per KO. Near-impossible to catch, on a slow 1.25M XP grind.
An example of what is known as a “form change,” though I suspect this strange avian guise to be Tornadus’s true form. Tornadus has been sighted crossing the ocean while in this form.
Electric, Ice, and Rock moves hit Tornadus for super-effective damage. The upside? Ground-type moves can't touch it at all. With 79 HP and balanced defenses, Tornadus can afford to eat a neutral hit or two.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Electric, Ice, Rock |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Grass, Fighting, Bug |
| 0x (Immune) | Ground |
 | A | |
Recommended Build AbilitySturdy ItemRocky Helmet NatureBold Moves View Skarmory builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityBulletproof ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Tornadus View Chesnaught builds →Knock Off21-25% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityImmunity ItemEviolite NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Tornadus View Gligar builds →Knock Off16-19% U Turn8-10% | ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilitySand Stream ItemRocky Helmet NatureImpish Moves View Hippowdon builds →
| ||
 | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityUnaware ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves View Quagsire builds →
| ||
A Flying-type legendary, Tornadus doesn't evolve or breed. At 580 total stats, it's meant to stand on its own. View every chain in the Evolution Chart.
How to Evolve
Breeding
The recommended build leans into Tornadus's strengths as a special attacker. Covert Cloak provides secondary effect immunity, and flexible EVs back that up. Prankster rounds out the package.
Best Build
Tornadus best EVs are Sp. Atk and Speed
Doubles Special Attacker Moveset
- Tailwind
- Bleakwind Storm
- Protect
- Rain Dance
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Tailwind
- Bleakwind Storm
- Taunt
- Rain Dance
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Special Stallbreaker Moveset
- Tailwind
- Bleakwind Storm
- Taunt
- Protect
Recommended Teammates
Special Setup Sweeper Moveset
- Bleakwind Storm
- U Turn
- Rain Dance
- Nasty Plot
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Hurricane
- Bleakwind Storm
- Heat Wave
- Taunt
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 Physical Sweeper Moveset
- Tailwind
- Acrobatics
- Facade
- Hammer Arm
Recommended Teammates
Special Attacker Moveset
- Defog
- Tailwind
- U Turn
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Special Sweeper Moveset
- Tailwind
- Heat Wave
- Hurricane
- Air Slash
Recommended Teammates
Doubles Bulky Support Moveset
- Tailwind
- Hurricane
- Rain Dance
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Special Stallbreaker Moveset
- U Turn
- Hurricane
- Tailwind
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Moves
Coverage runs deep. Tornadus can hit 12 types beyond STAB, including Ghost and Dark. The offense anchors on Hurricane and Bleakwind Storm while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
The offense anchors on Hurricane and Bleakwind Storm, with coverage across 8 types adding reach. It's a workable movepool for Tornadus that handles most situations. Hurricane and Bleakwind Storm give it enough punch where it matters.
Coverage runs deep. Tornadus can hit 11 types beyond STAB, including Ghost and Dark. The offense anchors on Hurricane and Fly while TMs handle everything else.
Coverage runs deep. Tornadus can hit 12 types beyond STAB, including Ghost and Fighting. The offense anchors on Hurricane and Fly while TMs handle everything else.
Tornadus doesn't appear in Scarlet & Violet. Transfer it from Black, Ultra Sun, or Legends: Arceus to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Tornadus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Also found in:
You'll find Tornadus at Bonechill Wastes as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations to Catch Tornadus in Legends: Arceus
No wild encounters for Tornadus in Sword & Shield. It's available in Black, Ultra Sun, or Legends: Arceus and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Tornadus is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sword & Shield.
Also found in:
You'll find Tornadus at Ultra Space Wilds as a set encounter. It's always there at that location, so come prepared for the battle. The location details below cover exact positioning.
Best Locations to Catch Tornadus in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
At 580 BST, Tornadus is built different. We rank it S-Tier. As a Legendary Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Tornadus gets Prankster and Defiant. But Prankster is the one that matters. It's the centerpiece of every viable set. Build around that. With base 111 Speed, Prankster gives Tornadus an edge before opponents can react.
Tornadus is leaning toward the special side (base 125 Sp. Atk). Enough bulk to take a hit or two, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 111 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the sweeper role.
Tornadus has answers, but so do you. Priority moves (Mach Punch, Aqua Jet, Ice Shard) bypass its speed. Bulky walls that resist its STAB also shut it down.
Since Black & White, Tornadus has appeared in 9 games. Legendary Pokemon like Tornadus 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 4DP
Diamond & Pearl - Gen 5BWDebut
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