The stat line revolves around Attack. Percentage recovery gets extra mileage here. Sp. Atk backs it up, though Defense doesn't pull its weight. Worth 3 HP EVs on a slow 1.25M XP grind to max out.
Legends say it can share eternal life. It slept for a thousand years in the form of a tree before its revival.
When the horns on its head shine in seven colors, it is said to be sharing everlasting life.
Xerneas is weak to Poison and Steel. On the flip side, it's immune to Dragon-type moves entirely. Xerneas's overall bulk (126/95/98) lets it take a hit or two from most weaknesses before going down.
| Damage | Types |
|---|---|
| 2x (Weak) | Poison, Steel |
| 0.5x (Resist) | Fighting, Bug, Dark |
| 0x (Immune) | Dragon |
Archaludon's Flash Cannon hits Xerneas for 67-79%. Salazzle deals 69-81% with Sludge Bomb.
 Archaludon SteelDragon | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityStamina ItemAssault Vest NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Xerneas View Archaludon builds →Flash Cannon 2x67-79% | ||
 Glimmora RockPoison | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityToxicdebris ItemRed Card NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Xerneas View Glimmora builds →Power Gem28-33% | ||
 Salazzle PoisonFire | A | |
Recommended Build AbilityCorrosion ItemHeavy-Duty Boots NatureTimid Moves
Damage vs Xerneas View Salazzle builds →Flamethrower34-40% Sludge Bomb 2x69-81% | ||
 Ferrothorn GrassSteel | B | |
Recommended Build AbilityIron Barbs ItemLeftovers NatureImpish Moves
Damage vs Xerneas View Ferrothorn builds →Knock Off6-7% | ||
Xerneas is a powerhouse with 680 total stats as a Fairy 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
Best Build
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 9.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 8.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
No build content available for this Pokemon in Gen 7.
Try selecting a different game/generation filter, or check back later.
Moves
Take Down and Moonblast bring the raw damage. But Xerneas also picks up coverage across 10 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Level-Up Moves
TM Moves
Egg Moves
Tutor Moves
Take Down and Moonblast bring the raw damage. But Xerneas also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Take Down and Moonblast bring the raw damage. But Xerneas also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
Take Down and Moonblast bring the raw damage. But Xerneas also picks up coverage across 11 types from TMs, making it tough to find a safe switch. You're not locked into one angle here.
No wild encounters for Xerneas in Legends: Z-A. It's available in X or Ultra Sun and can be transferred over. The details below show where to find it.
Xerneas can't be caught in Sword & Shield. Bring it over from X or Ultra Sun instead. The encounter info below covers the source games.
Xerneas is a fixed encounter, not a random spawn. Walk up to it, interact, and the battle starts immediately. Head to Ultra Space Wilds when your team is ready for the fight.
Best Locations to Catch Xerneas in Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon
Xerneas doesn't appear in Sun & Moon. Transfer it from X or Ultra Sun to add it to your collection. Check the source games below for encounter details.
Xerneas is not available as a wild encounter in this game.
Special encounter in:
Then trade to Sun & Moon.
Also found in:
Xerneas is a Legendary Pokemon rated S-Tier. At 680 BST, it hits hard. It excels as a wallbreaker. That 131 base Attack does the heavy lifting.
Fairy Aura is the go-to ability for Xerneas. It strengthens fairy moves to 1.33× their power for all friendly and opposing Pokémon. It's Xerneas's only ability.
Xerneas is a mixed attacker with base 131 Attack and 131 Sp. Atk. Tanky enough to absorb a few hits, too. Speed tells the real story. Base 99 Speed is workable. Faster than some, slower than many. Fits the wallbreaker role.
Best way to handle Xerneas: Status moves (Toxic, Will-O-Wisp) wear it down. Setup sweepers can use it as a boost opportunity. Physical attackers can break through.
Since X & Y, Xerneas has appeared in 6 games. Legendary Pokemon like Xerneas 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 5BW
Black & White - Gen 5B2W2
Black 2 & White 2 - Gen 6XYDebut
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