Defeating and catching Articuno is one of the main goals of many Pokémon GO trainers. In this guide, we will show you how to counter, defeat, and catch Articuno. Although the catch rate is not particularly high, with the right counter Pokémon, you will have a better chance to defeat Articuno.
Update, July 11, 2021 on Articuno: Articuno will appear on July 18, 2021, on the second event day of the Pokémon GO Fest again in the game. It is one of the legendary Pokémon that you should definitely catch at GO Fest 2021.
In this guide, we want to prepare you for the battle against Articuno and show you its weaknesses and counters.
Articuno maximum CP and weaknesses
The ice part of the legendary bird trio is called Articuno and can now be battled and caught by you in Pokémon GO. The bird is one of the legendary raid bosses and is of flying and ice type.
Its maximum combat points are 1743 CP after being caught. In windy weather and snow, Articuno receives a weather boost, resulting in a maximum of 2179 CP. If you catch an Articuno with such a value, it has a 100% IV.
Articuno raid counters – With these Pokémon, you will win
Across the arenas around the world, Articuno can appear as a raid boss and be challenged by you. With the best counters, you can already defeat Articuno with two players, but we recommend playing with at least three trainers. To win, there are many possible counter Pokémon that are very effective against the bird.
As reported by Pokebattler, the ice bird has many counter options that make a battle against it easier (via pokebattler.com). Articuno is particularly vulnerable to rock-type attacks, which are very effective. Fire, electric, and steel attacks also severely impact the bird and deal significant damage.
The best Pokémon against Articuno is Rampardos with a Rock Throw and Rock Slide moveset. Here are more top counters for Articuno:
- Rhydon with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
- Terrakion with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- (Shadow) Tyranitar with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
- Gigalith with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- (Shadow) Aggron with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- Incineroar with Fire Fang and Rock Slide
- Alola Golem with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
- Excadrill with Metal Claw and Rock Slide
- Reshiram with Fire Fang and Stone Edge
More Articuno counters:
If you don’t have any of the attackers mentioned above in your collection, the following Pokémon can also help you in the battle against the ice bird:
- (Shadow) Aerodactyl with Rock Throw and Rock Slide
- (Shadow) Electivire with Thunder Shock and Wild Charge
- Steelix with Rock Throw and Stone Edge
Catching Articuno – Low catch rate
Whoever has managed to defeat a legendary Pokémon must face the next challenge: catching the Pokémon. Although this task sounds easy in theory, many trainers find it difficult in practice.
Legendary Pokémon have a catch rate of only about 2-3% – therefore, we strongly recommend using berries to increase your chances. The buddy distance for legendary Pokémon is 20 kilometers for one candy.
Want more legendary Pokémon for your collection? Here’s how to get Mewtwo in Pokémon GO
