Articuno is a legendary Ice/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. Known as the Freeze Pokémon, it is one of the three legendary birds alongside Zapdos and Moltres. Articuno is a majestic creature with light blue plumage and wings said to be made of ice. It has the power to control ice at will and can create blizzards by freezing moisture in the air. Articuno's name combines "arctic" and "uno," hinting at its icy nature and status as the first of the legendary trio.
This legendary bird is often found in cold, isolated locations such as snowy mountains filled with permafrost. According to legend, Articuno appears before doomed travelers lost in icy regions, guiding them to safety. Its presence is so awe-inspiring that, as stated in An Illustrated Book of POCKET MONSTERS, those who see it may become rooted to the spot.
In Pokémon lore, Articuno's ice is said to have formed the ocean's cradle alongside Moltres's fire, and it has some connection to the weather patterns of the Orange Islands. When Articuno flaps its wings, it can chill the moisture in the air around it, making snow fall. It's also known to be territorial, as seen in "The Power of One," where it immediately moved to conquer the territories of Moltres and Zapdos in their absence.
Pokédex Data
- Category: Freeze Pokémon
- Type: Ice/Flying
- Height: 1.7 m (5'07")
- Weight: 55.4 kg (122.1 lbs)
- Abilities: Pressure, Snow Cloak (Hidden Ability)
Breeding
Articuno belongs to the Undiscovered egg group and cannot breed. It is genderless.
Pokédex Entries Across Versions
- Sword: "It's said that this Pokémon's beautiful blue wings are made of ice. Articuno flies over snowy mountains, its long tail fluttering along behind it."
- Shield: "This Pokémon can control ice at will. Articuno is said to live in snowy mountains riddled with permafrost."
- Red/Blue: "A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear to doomed people who are lost in icy mountains."
Evolutions
Articuno does not evolve.
Habits
Articuno is known to fly from icy mountain to icy mountain. It's a solitary Pokémon, rarely seen in the company of others. Despite its icy nature, Articuno is known to be gentle and compassionate, often helping lost travelers in snowy regions.
Additions Across Generations
In Generation 8, Articuno received a Galarian form with Psychic/Flying typing. This form is known as the Cruel Pokémon and has a different appearance and abilities compared to its original form. Galarian Articuno battles using intense psychic powers and can fire beams of psychic energy from its eyes that can immobilize opponents.