How to take on Articuno in Pokémon Go

Do you have what it takes to beat Articuno?

Articuno is coming back to Legendary raids in Pokémon Go. Fortunately, we here at iMore have everything you need to know to win this fight and add Articuno to your roster. And be sure to check out our Best Pokémon Go accessories, so you can be fully equipped for your Pokémon Journey!

Who is Articuno in Pokémon Go?

One of three Legendary birds from the Kanto region of Gen I, Articuno is the first Legendary Pokémon in the National Pokédex, as well as the mascot for Team Mystic. Along with Zapdos and Moltres, these three forces of nature are ruled by Lugia, the only Pokémon capable of keeping them in balance. Articuno is also the first Legendary Pokémon to have a regional variant, with its Galarian form being a Psychic and Flying type.

Only the original Kanto version of Articuno is available in Pokémon Go for now. Articuno also has a Shadow form which happens to be one of the best Ice type Pokémon in the game, so even if you have plenty of Articuno already, you'll want to catch plenty more for the Candy and XL Candy necessary to power up your Shadow Articuno.

Mega Evolution strategies for Articuno in Pokémon Go?

There are a handful of options for Mega Evolution when countering Articuno, focusing on each of its weaknesses: Rock, Fire, and Electric.

Mega Aerodactyl

If at all possible, you're going to want to bring along Mega Aerodactyl for this fight. This Rock and Flying type will provie a Mega Boost to other Rock types on the field, takign advantage of Articuno's double weakness to Rock type damage. Unfortunately, Mega Aerodactyl is also weak to all of Articuno's attacks, so be sure to stock up on Potions and Revives to keep your Aerodactyl in the fight. Rock Throw and Rock Slide is the moveset you'll want your Mega Aerodactyl to know in this raid.

Mega Charizard Y

One of two Mega Evolutions of the Gen I Fire type Starter, Mega Charizard Y is the better of Charizard's Mega Evolutions to bring to this Raid, but either make a great lead for Fire based Raid parties. While this Fire and Flying type takes quad damage from Articuno's Rock type attack, that doesn't slow Mega Charizard Y down. You'll want to coordinate with the rest of the Raiding party to take advantage of the Fire type boost, and Fire Spin and Blast Burn are the moves you'll want it to know.

Mega Ampharos

If you're set on mounting an Electric based offensive, Mega Ampharos is your best option in this Raid. As an Electric and Dragon type, it resists Flying and has no weaknesses Articuno can exploit. If you are bringing Mega Ampharos to this Raid, the moveset you're looking for is Volt Switch and Power Gem - which is far from the moveset you would normally want for your Ampharos. If you happen to have a Mega Ampharos with Charge Beam or Zap Cannon, it won't perform quite as well but can still provide a great lead for Electric based Raid parties.

Honorable mentions

While they will not perform as well, the following Mega Evolved Pokémon can also work for this raid:

• Mega Manectric with Thunder Fang and Wild Charge
• Mega Charizard X with Fire Spin and Blast Burn
• Mega Houndoom with Fire Fang and Flamethrower

What are the best counters for Articuno in Pokémon Go?

An Ice and Flying type, Articuno takes increased damage from Steel, Fire, and Electric type attacks, and super effective damage from Rock type attacks. It is capable of dealing Ice and Rock type damage.

Rampardos

The best non-Shadow, non-Mega counter for Articuno is the Rock type fossil Pokémon, Rampardos. First discovered in the Sinnoh region of Gen IV, Rampardos brings no notable weaknesses to this Raid. As one of the strongest Rock type attackers in Pokémon Go, it can do quad damage to Articuno with Smack Down and Rock Slide. Even better, its first stage Cranidos is quite common, having been featured in events and eggs, and it only requires 50 Candy to fully evolve, so most players have at least one or two of this prehistoric Pokémon powered up.

Rhyperior

The Sinnoh Stone evolution of Gen I's Rhyhorn, Rhyperior is a Ground and Rock type that most players already have in their roster. Rhyperior requires a lot of Candy and a Sinnoh Stone to evolve, but it haas also been featured in multiple events, including Community Day on top of evolving from a common Pokémon that has been available since day one. Although Rhyperior takes double damage from Ice type attacks, it takes half damage from Rock type attacks. Over all, it's a tank and with Smack Down and Rock Wrecker, Rhyperior can deal quad damage to Articuno. If you don't have the Community Day exclusive move or an Elite TM to spare, Stone Edge can also work.

Terrakion

One of the Legendary Swords of Justice, Terrakion is a Rock and Fighting type. It resists Rock type damage and takes normal damage from Ice type attacks. Although a Legendary Pokémon, Terrakion has been available many times in multiple ways, so many players already have at least one powered up. If you're bringing Terrakion to this Raid, you'll want it to know Smack Down and Rock Slide.

Tyranitar

The Dark and Rock type pseudo-Legendary Tyranitar is always a solid pick when you need Rock type damage. It brings no relevant resistances or weaknesses of note to this fight, but having been readily available through events, a Community Day, and even raids, most players have a few in their rosters. If you're bringing Tyranitar to this Raid, you'll want Smack Down and Stone Edge for its moveset.

Gigalith

Gigalith is a Rock type Pokémon first discovered in the Gen V Unova region. Although it requires a ton of Candy to evolve, between Trade Evolution and Roggenrola being featured in the Ultra Unlock Unova Week, you might already have one or two already powered up. If you're bringing Gigalith to this Raid, you'll want Smack Down for the fast attack and Rock Slide for the charged attack.

Omastar

A fossil Pokémon first discovered in the Gen I Kanto region, there's no good reason not to have at least a few strong Omastar in your roster. It's been available since the beginning of Pokémon Go, been featured in events and Raids, and even as a Shadow Pokémon. Plus, it only requires 50 Candies to evolve. As a Rock and Water type, it resists Ice type attacks, so your Omastar will last a long while in this Raid. If you're bringing Omastar, you'll want it to know Rock Throw and Rock Slide.

Darmanitan

A Fire type Pokémon first discovered in the Gen V Unova region, Darmanitan is a particularly interesting Pokémon that has multiple formes and regional variants. The standard Unovan Darmanitan is the one you'll want for this fight with the moves Fire Fang and Rock Slide. It will take double damage if the Articuno you're fighting has Ancient Power, but it takes half damage from the rest of Articuno's moves. Fortunately, both versions of Darmanitan's first stage, Darumaka have been readily available, featuring in multiple events and eggs, so chances are, you've got everything you need to bring at least one along to this Raid.

Alolan Golem

Although the Alolan variant of Gen I's Golem outperforms its Kantonian counterpart, either Golem will work very well in this Raid. Both are abundantly available and benefit from Trade Evolution, so most players will have one or both already powered up. Alolan Golem is a Rock and Electric type, with no weaknesses or resistances of note; while the Kantonian Golem is a Rock and Ground type, that takes half damage from Rock and double damage from Ice. Rock Throw and Stone Edge are the moves of choice for either Golem.

Aerodactyl

Gen I's fossil Pokémon, Aerodactyl makes an excellent counter for Articuno. This Rock and Flying type is, unfortunately, weak to all of Articuno's moves, so it won't last as long on the field as some other counters, but it deals plenty enough damage to be worth the extra Potions and Revives. Plus, it's been in the game since day one and featured in many events, so most players should already have at least one or two powered up. If you are bringing Aerodactyl to this fight, Rock Throw and Rock Slide are the moves you'll want it to know.

Excadrill

Originally encountered in the Unova region of Gen V, Excadrill is another great counter for Articuno. It's a Ground and Steel type, giving it a resistance to Rock type damage and no weaknesses Articuno can exploit. Excadrill is easily obtainable too as it only requires 50 Candy to fully evolve and has been featured in events, eggs, and raids. Excadrill challenging Articuno should know the fast move Metal Claw and the charged move Rock Slide.

Reshiram

Last but not least, the Legendary mascot of Pokémon Black, Reshiram performs very well in this raid. As a Fire and Dragon type, it will take increased damage from Articuno's Rock type move, but it does fine against Ice type moves. Reshiram has had a couple runs in raids, so most active players have had the chance to add it to their roster. If you are bringing Reshiram to this raid, Fire Fang and Stone Edge are its best moves, but Overheat can also work well, especially if there is a Fire type Mega Pokémon on the field to provide a same type Mega Boost.

Back ups?

Although most players will be able to make a team of the best counters, if you're finding a gap in your team, there are plenty of back ups who work well in larger groups. Just make sure you're dodging and any of the following could be a decent back up:

• Golem with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
• Aggron with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Landorus (Incarnate forme) with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
• Regirock with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
• Heatran with Fire Spin and Stone Edge
• Solrock with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Lunatone with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Crustle with Smack Down and Rock Slide
• Ho-Oh with Hidden Power and Sacred Fire
• Carracosta with Rock Throw and Ancient Power
• Emboar with Ember and Rock Slide
• Chandelure with Fire Spin and Overheat
• Melmetal with Thunder Shock and Rock Slide
• Zekrom with Charge Beam and Wild Charge
• Sudowoodo with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Archeops with Steel Wing and Ancient Power
• Regigigas with Hidden Power (Rock) and Giga Impact
• Hippowdon with Thunder Fang and Weather Ball
• Blaziken with Fire Spin and Blast Burn

Shadow Pokémon?

The rebalance of Shadow Pokémon rescued from Team GO Rocket make them excellent glass cannons. Not only are their stats boosted, but during special events or with Elite TMs, it's possible to change their moves. If you happen to have any of the following Pokémon with the right moveset, they will work very well in this Raid:

• Shadow Tyranitar with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Shadow Omastar with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Aggron with Smack Down and Stone Edge
• Shadow Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
• Shadow Metagross with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash
• Shadow Machamp with Bullet Punch and Rock Slide
• Shadow Electivire with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
• Shadow Entei with Fire Fang and Overheat
• Shadow Moltres with Fire Spin and Ancient Power
• Shadow Raikou with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
• Shadow Armaldo with Fury Cutter and Rock Blast
• Shadow Magnezone with Spark and Wild Charge

Note: Shadow Tyranitar outperforms all of the best counters, even Mega Aerodactyl.

How many players does it take to beat Articuno in Pokémon Go?

Although it is technically possible for two high level Trainers to take on Articuno under the best of circumstances, you may need three or four if you're lower level or missing the top counters.

Weather Conditions that could play into this battle include:

• Snow will boost Articuno's Ice type attacks and your Steel type counters.
• Partially Cloudy weather will boost Articuno's Ancient Power, as well as your Rock type counters.
• Sunny/Clear weather will boost Fire type counters.
• Rain will boost your Electric type counters.

Questions about Articuno in Pokémon Go?

Do you have any questions about taking on Articuno? Any tips for fellow trainers? Let us know in the comments below, and be sure to check out our Complete Pokédex, as well as our many other Pokémon Go Guides so you too can become a Pokémon Master!