Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are three of the oldest legendaries. They were first introduced in the Generation 1 games as level 50 static encounters that could be found in the Seafoam Islands, Power Plant, and Victory Road (Mt. Ember in Fire Red and Leaf Green) respectively. Since then, they have reappeared in Generation 1 remakes, as well as in Platinum and X & Y as roaming encounters. They were also in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon in Ultra Space. Their names reflect their typings; Articuno is an Ice/Flying type, Zapdos is an Electric/Flying type, and Moltres is a Fire/Flying type. Along with many of the other legendaries from previous games, these birds are also available in the Crown Tundra in Sword and Shield, but with a new twist.
Galarian Forms are similar to Alolan forms from Sun and Moon. Pokemon who have these have new typings added on or replaced, as well as a different set of available abilities, stat distributions, and movesets. The Kantonian birds have received Galarian forms. Kantonian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have Pressure as a regular ability with Snow Cloak (raises evasiveness in hail), Static (30% chance to cause paralysis if opponent makes contact), and Flame Body (30% chance to cause burn if opponent makes contact) as hidden abilities (the Galarian versions currently don’t have hidden abilities). Galarian Articuno is a Psychic/Flying type with the ability Competitive, which causes its special attack to raise two stages if any of its stats are lowered by the opponent. Galarian Articuno is less physically and specially defensive than Kantonian Articuno, but it has a higher special attack and speed. Galarian Zapdos is a Fighting/Flying type with the ability Defiant, which raises physical attack by two stages if any of its stats are lowered by the opponent. Galarian Zapdos has 40 points less in special attack than Kantonian Zapdos, but those are redistributed to its attack and defense (35 to attack, 5 to defense). Galarian Moltres is a Dark/Flying type with the ability Berserk, which raises special attack by one stage if its HP drops below 50%. Galarian Moltres has 40 points higher in special defense than Kantonian Moltres, but those were taken from its attack and special attack (15 from attack and 25 from special attack).
Each of the Galarian birds has a new signature move. Articuno has a special Psychic 90 base power move called Freezing Glare which has a 10% chance to freeze the target (assuming it can be frozen). Zapdos has a physical Fighting 90 base power move called Thunderous Kick which always causes the opponent’s defense to drop one stage (assuming it can). Moltres has a special Dark 90 base power move called Fiery Wrath, which has a 20% chance to cause the opponent to flinch (assuming it doesn’t have Inner Focus).
In order to encounter the birds, you will need to visit the Dyna Tree in the southern most part of the Crown Tundra. Once they see you, they will flee. They are all found at level 70. Articuno can be found on a cliff in Snowslide Slope. Once you get close to it, it will create two illusory copies of itself, which it will spin in a circle with. Once it stops, you will need to run into the real one, whose tail will look slightly different. If you run into one of the illusions, it will fly away, so it is wise to save beforehand. Zapdos can be found in the main Galar wild area. Once it sees you, it will run away. You will have to chase it until it eventually stops. Moltres can be found flying around the Isle of Armor wild area. Realistically, you just need to wait for it to get close to you then whistle at it repeatedly. Eventually, it should initiate the battle with you.
The Kantonian Birds can be found in Sword and Shield as well in the Dynamax Adventures, which I will be talking about in my next post.
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