DEXERTOThe Legendary Birds from Kanto are back in Pokemon Go, so those wondering how to take down the mighty Articuno can take a look at its weaknesses and our recommended counters.
Pokemon fans who played the Generation 1 games – Red, Blue & Yellow – will instantly recognize the Legendary Bird trio from the Kanto region now that they are back in the game.
The Pokemon Go Might and Mastery season is kicking off strong by bringing the three birds – Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres – back to Raid battles simultaneously. Players can fight their favorite or all three of them in search of the strongest one or even their Shiny variations.
Articuno weaknesses in Pokemon Go
Articuno is a dual Ice/Flying-type Pokemon, meaning it’s weak to Steel, Fire, and Electric-type moves. Moreover, it has a double weakness to Rock-type attacks, so you should bring strong creatures with matching movesets to deplete its health faster.
On the other hand, keep in mind that Articuno is resistant to Bug, Grass, and Ground-type attacks, so you should avoid bringing any of these to face the Legendary Pokemon.
Articuno best counters
These are some of the best counters and movesets to use against Articuno in Pokemon Go:
| POKEMON | SPRITE | BEST MOVESET |
|---|---|---|
| Mega Tyranitar |  | Smack Down & Stone Edge |
| Mega Diancie |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rampardos |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Shadow Rhyperior |  | Smack Down & Rock Wrecker |
| Dusk Mane Necrozma |  | Metal Claw & Sunsteel Strike |
| Terrakion |  | Smack Down & Rock Slide |
| Tyranitar |  | Smack Down & Stone Edge |
| Gigalith |  | Smack Down & Meteor Beam |
| Aggron |  | Smack Down & Meteor Beam |
| Aerodactyl |  | Rock Throw & Rock Slide |
We’ve included a mix of Megas, Legendaries, Shadow, and more common Pokemon in the table above, so there should be something for every trainer to use.
If you don’t have any of those counters or their alternate forms, use your strongest Pokemon to target Articuno’s weaknesses. Just make sure that your team is properly leveled up and has matching movesets.
How to get Articuno in Pokemon Go
Like every other Legendary Pokemon in the game, the only way players can get Articuno in Pokemon Go is to challenge and defeat it in 5-Star Raid battles. Then, attempt a catch using the Premier Balls given based on performance.
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Luckily for players, this striking creature is coming back to the game at the beginning of the Might and Mastery season, so everyone will have the chance to capture it from March 4, 2025, until March 13, 2025.
Articuno will be accompanied by fellow Legendary Birds Zapdos and Moltres, and all of them will be featured in two Raid Hours: one on March 5 and the other on March 12.
When challenging Articuno, keep in mind that using Golden Razz Berries and landing Excellent Curveball Throws can increase your chances of catching it.
Articuno CP in Pokemon Go
As with every Raid Boss in the game, the CP Articuno has during a Raid battle won’t be the same once you manage to catch it after defeating it. Plus, certain types of weather can increase such CP.
| Raid Boss CP | 40,165 |
| CP range once captured | 1665 – 1743 |
| Snow/Windy weather CP range | 2082 – 2179 |
| Articuno max CP (Level 50) | 3450 |
Articuno stats & moves
As a dual Ice/Flying-type Pokemon, Articuno has the following stats:
| ATTACK | DEFENSE | STAMINA | CP |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192 | 236 | 207 | 3450 |
Fast Moves
- Ice Shard (Ice/STAB)
- Frost Breath (Ice/STAB)
Charged Moves
- Ice Beam (Ice/STAB)
- Blizzard (Ice/STAB)
- Ancient Power (Rock)
- Icy Wind (Ice/STAB)
- Hurricane (Flying/STAB/Legacy Move)
- Triple Axel (Ice/STAB)
Can Articuno be Shiny?
Yes, Articuno can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, and trainers can encounter its alternate form during Articuno’s 5-Star Raid run.
DEXERTOThe Shiny version of Articuno debuted in Pokemon Go in July 2018 as part of Articuno Day. However – and similar to Zapdos – Shiny Articuno is disappointing, as the only difference between it and its regular form is a slightly lighter fur tone.
Even though Legendary Raid Bosses have a better chance of being Shiny than regular wild spawns, the odds of spotting a Shiny Legendary Articuno are still very low, and there’s no special method players can use to secure an encounter.
The only way trainers can improve their chances is by challenging Articuno multiple times and hoping for the best.
That’s all there is to know to defeat Articuno in Pokemon Go Raid battles. Remember to stay updated with the latest Pokemon Go events, including the current Community Day and Spotlight Hours.