Free switch-ins on Ground moves make Tornadus useful in any team that needs that coverage. Only 3 weaknesses keeps it safe in most matchups. Prankster gives priority to its status moves. Part of the Gen 5 roster.
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.
Tornadus Weakness
GoodElectric, Ice, and Rock-type 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.
A Flying-type legendary, Tornadus doesn't evolve or breed. At 580 total stats, it's meant to stand on its own.
How to Evolve
This is a pure walling set. Focus Sash provides a guaranteed survive from full HP so Tornadus sticks around, and the Calm nature reinforces special wall. The moveset handles sustain while Prankster does work passively.
Best Build
Best Tornadus Moveset
- Tailwind
- Hurricane
- Rain Dance
- Taunt
Recommended Teammates
Coverage runs deep. Tornadus can hit 10 types beyond STAB, including Ghost and Fighting. The offense anchors on Hurricane and Fly while TMs handle everything else.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Transfer Moves
Tornadus doesn't appear in Sun & Moon. 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.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sun & Moon.
Also found in:
At 580 BST, Tornadus is built different. We rank it B-Tier. As a Legendary Pokemon, the raw stats back up the reputation. Best used as a sweeper.
Tornadus doesn't evolve. As a Legendary Pokemon, it stands on its own without an evolutionary line. It's a Flying type with 580 BST.
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 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 111 Speed lets it outrun most of the field. Fits the sweeper role.
Tornadus appears in 9 games, including Black & White, Black 2 & White 2, and X & Y.
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.
- Gen IY
Yellow - Gen IRB
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 VBWDebut
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 VIIISwSh
Sword & Shield - Gen VIIIPLA
Legends: Arceus - Gen VIIIBDSP
Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl - Gen IXSV
Scarlet & Violet - Gen IXLZA
Legends: Z-A