moltres
LegendaryGeneration I · #0146 — Flame Pokémon
Moltres, known as the Flame Pokémon, is National Pokédex number 146 and represents one of the three legendary birds of Kanto, alongside Articuno and Zapdos. This dual-type Fire/Flying legendary Pokémon was introduced in Generation I and stands as an iconic symbol of power and majesty throughout the franchise. With a base stat total of 580, Moltres features a distinctive distribution emphasizing special attack at 125, making it a formidable special sweeper despite its legendary status. The Pokédex has consistently described Moltres as the legendary bird of fire whose very wings create dazzling flashes of flame with each beat, a testament to its command over fire that borders on the mythical.
Base Stats
Height
2.0m
Weight
60.0kg
Category
Flame Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
yellow
Shape
wings
Habitat
rare
Abilities
Increases the PP cost of moves targetting the Pokémon by one.
Has a 30% chance of burning attacking Pokémon on contact.
Moltres Biology & Physical Characteristics
Moltres is a large avian Pokémon measuring 2.0 meters in height and weighing 60.0 kilograms, with a physiology perfectly adapted for aerial dominance and heat manipulation. Its distinctive yellow plumage, reminiscent of flames in motion, covers a powerful frame built for sustained flight and intense physical exertion. The legendary bird possesses two primary abilities: Pressure, which increases the PP cost of moves targeting it by one, and its hidden ability Flame Body, which grants a 30% chance of burning any Pokémon that makes physical contact with it. According to Pokédex lore from Ruby and Sapphire, when Moltres sustains injuries, it is said to immerse its body in the molten magma of volcanoes to burn and heal itself, suggesting an intimate connection between the legendary bird and the very essence of volcanic fire.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Moltres Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Moltres is classified as genderless, a characteristic that reflects its legendary status and its position outside the normal reproductive cycle of Pokémon. This genderless classification places Moltres in the 'Undiscovered' egg group, meaning it cannot breed with any other Pokémon and cannot be obtained through the standard breeding mechanics available to trainers. The inability to produce eggs or hatch from eggs further emphasizes the unique nature of legendary Pokémon as singular, irreplaceable entities rather than species with populations. The base happiness value of 35, significantly lower than the standard 70, underscores the difficulty in forming bonds with such a wild and powerful creature. In the Johto games (Gold, Silver, and Crystal), the base friendship was temporarily adjusted to 70, but this was normalized back to 35 in subsequent generations, reinforcing the canonical difficulty in befriending a legendary bird of such magnitude. This design choice ensures that encountering and capturing a Moltres remains a momentous achievement rather than a routine acquisition.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
yellow
tm02
red blue
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm02
blue japan
tm02
red green japan
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm04
yellow
tm04
red blue
tm04
red green japan
tm04
blue japan
tm05
ruby sapphire
tm05
emerald
tm05
gold silver
tm05
crystal
tm05
diamond pearl
tm05
black white
+665 more TMs/HMs
Moltres Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Moltres does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon, as befits its status as a legendary creature that exists as the pinnacle of its own evolutionary line. This immutable state reflects the design philosophy applied to the three legendary birds, each representing a complete and final form rather than a stage in development. Unlike many other Pokémon, Moltres cannot be obtained through breeding or hatching, with an egg group classification of 'Undiscovered' that emphasizes its legendary nature and the impossibility of natural reproduction. The genderless status of Moltres further reinforces its transcendent position above normal Pokémon reproduction, treating it as a force of nature rather than a living creature bound by biological constraints. Despite the introduction of Mega Evolution and regional variants in later generations, the canonical Moltres remains unchanged and unevolved, representing an eternal manifestation of fire and flight.
Where to Find
kanto victory road 2
kanto
+2 more
mt ember
kanto
+1 more
roaming sinnoh
sinnoh
mt silver
johto
roaming kalos
kalos
sea spirits den
kalos
ultra space wilds
alola
ultra space
alola
kanto sea route 19
kanto
kanto route 23
kanto
kanto route 12
kanto
kanto route 2
kanto
+1 more
kanto sea route 20
kanto
kanto route 1
kanto
kanto route 3
kanto
kanto route 4
kanto
kanto route 6
kanto
kanto route 7
kanto
kanto route 8
kanto
kanto route 9
kanto
+13 more locations in other games
Moltres Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Moltres exhibits behavior patterns consistent with legendary Pokémon of immense power and intelligence, operating as a solitary entity within the highest peaks of volcanic regions. The creature is migratory by nature, with various Pokédex entries indicating that it travels from the south with the coming of spring, bringing early warmth to wintry lands it visits. This seasonal movement suggests that Moltres plays an almost ecological role in its habitat, with its mere presence elevating temperatures in the regions it traverses. The legendary bird's nocturnal activities are particularly striking, as noted in the Yellow version Pokédex entry describing how its flaming wings turn even the night sky red, indicating that Moltres operates without fear or concealment despite its rarity. Its base happiness value of 35, lower than normal, reflects the wild, untamable nature expected of a legendary Pokémon that has never been successfully bred and exists outside normal evolutionary frameworks.
Pokedex Entries
Known as the legendary bird of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flash of flames.
A legendary bird POKéMON. As it flaps its flaming wings, even the night sky will turn red.
This legendary POKéMON scatters embers with every flap of its wings. It is a thrilling sight to behold.
This legendary bird POKéMON is said to bring early spring to the wintry lands it visits.
Legendary bird POKéMON. It is said to migrate from the south along with the spring.
MOLTRES is a legendary bird POKéMON that has the ability to control fire. If this POKéMON is injured, it is said to dip its body in the molten magma of a volcano to burn and heal itself.
MOLTRES is a legendary bird POKéMON that can control fire. If injured, it is said to dip its body in the molten magma of a volcano to burn and heal itself.
One of the legendary bird POKéMON. Those seeing it are overwhelmed by its orange wings that seem to be on fire.
It is said to be the legendary bird POKéMON of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flare of flames.
One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that its appearance indicates the coming of spring.
This legendary Pokémon scatters embers with every flap of its wings. It is a thrilling sight to behold.
This legendary bird Pokémon is said to bring early spring to the wintry lands it visits.
One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that its appearance indicates the coming of spring.
One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that its appearance indicates the coming of spring.
It is said to be the legendary bird Pokémon of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flare of flames.
One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that its appearance indicates the coming of spring.
Moltres is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control fire. If this Pokémon is injured, it is said to dip its body in the molten magma of a volcano to burn and heal itself.
Moltres is a legendary bird Pokémon that has the ability to control fire. If this Pokémon is injured, it is said to dip its body in the molten magma of a volcano to burn and heal itself.
A legendary bird Pokémon. As it flaps its flaming wings, even the night sky will turn red.
It’s one of the legendary bird Pokémon. When Moltres flaps its flaming wings, they glimmer with a dazzling red glow.
There are stories of this Pokémon using its radiant, flame-cloaked wings to light up paths for those lost in the mountains.
Moltres Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name 'Moltres' is a portmanteau of 'molten' and 'tres,' the Spanish word for three, reflecting both its fiery nature and its position as the final member of the legendary bird trio. The Japanese name ファイヤー (Faiyā) directly translates to 'Fire,' emphasizing the elemental focus of the species. The design itself draws inspiration from real-world avian creatures, particularly eagles and phoenix mythology, with the distinctive yellow and orange coloration evoking both the sun and dancing flames. The creature's silhouette mirrors that of a majestic eagle in flight, yet the ethereal quality of its plumage suggests it transcends purely biological design. The proportions—with powerful wings relative to its body size and an elegant, elongated form—communicate both the grace necessary for legendary status and the raw power expected of a legendary Pokémon. The visual representation of fire trailing from its form in official artwork emphasizes that Moltres doesn't merely control fire but embodies it.
Learnable Moves
Moltres can learn 82 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| burn up | fire | Special | 130 | 100 | 5 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flame charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mud slap | ground | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| mystical fire | fire | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| razor wind | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rock smash | fighting | Physical | 40 | 100 | 15 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sky drop | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| temper flare | fire | Physical | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| whirlwind | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
Moltres Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Moltres serves as a powerful special attacker with a base Special Attack stat of 125 that allows it to threaten substantial portions of competitive metagames across various formats. The legendary bird's dual Fire/Flying typing provides useful offensive coverage, allowing it to strike multiple defensive types with super-effective damage through moves like Fire Blast, Hurricane, and Ancient Power. The Pressure ability is particularly valuable in competitive play, as it forces opponents to expend additional PP when directly attacking Moltres, potentially wearing down moves with limited uses and forcing switches. The hidden ability Flame Body provides an alternative defensive option, punishing physical attackers with a 30% chance to burn, which can cripple physical sweepers that might otherwise overwhelm Moltres' modest Defense stat of 90. With a respectable Speed stat of 90, Moltres can outpace a significant portion of the metagame without investment, though its Special Defense of 85 remains a notable weakness. The combination of high Special Attack, Pressure ability, and coverage moves makes Moltres a threat in formats where legendary Pokémon are permitted, though its vulnerability to common competitive threats like Stealth Rock and Water-type moves limits its universal applicability.
Commonly Asked Questions About Moltres
What type is Moltres?
Moltres is a fire and flying type Pokemon.
What does Moltres evolve from?
Moltres does not evolve.
What are Moltres's weaknesses?
Moltres is weak to ground, rock, water and electric type moves.
Where can I find Moltres?
Moltres can be found in kanto victory road 2 (kanto), mt ember (kanto) and roaming sinnoh (sinnoh) and 30 other locations.
Moltres Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Moltres holds a significant place in Pokémon culture as one of the three iconic legendary birds that defined the mystique and legendary status within the original Generation I games. The legendary bird trio served as a compelling endgame objective, with trainers embarking on quests across Kanto to capture these magnificent creatures, establishing a template for legendary encounters that persists throughout the franchise. Moltres' appearance in the Pokémon anime, particularly in the second movie and various series episodes, cemented its status as a recognizable icon that transcends casual gaming into broader popular culture. The introduction of Galarian Moltres in The Crown Tundra expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield demonstrated the franchise's willingness to reimagine even iconic legendary Pokémon, transforming it into a Dark/Flying type with a more malevolent aesthetic. Moltres has appeared in multiple TCG collections, served as a trophy in Super Smash Bros. games, and maintained a consistent presence in spin-off titles, ensuring its visibility across the Pokémon multimedia ecosystem. The legendary bird represents themes of nature's fury, untamable power, and the beauty found in destructive forces, resonating with players seeking legendary Pokémon that embody majesty and danger simultaneously.
Where to Find Moltres in Every Pokémon Game
Moltres is encountered in the wild exclusively in volcanic regions of Kanto, most commonly found in Mt. Ember during the core series games where it appears as a legendary encounter with a notoriously low catch rate of 3. The extreme difficulty in capturing Moltres reflects its legendary status, requiring trainers to employ specialized strategies such as using status-inducing moves like Thunder Wave or applying the effect of a Master Ball for reliable acquisition. The location varies slightly across generations—appearing in Mt. Ember in FireRed and LeafGreen, remaining in Mt. Ember in HeartGold and SoulSilver's region, and maintaining accessibility in remakes and Virtual Console releases of the original games. Distribution events have provided alternative methods for obtaining Moltres in competitive formats and special distributions, particularly through online events in modern games like Pokémon Sword and Shield. The introduction of the Galarian form in The Crown Tundra expansion provides a regional variant accessible through the main story of that DLC, allowing trainers to experience Moltres as a Dark/Flying type with distinct mechanics and abilities. For players in earlier generations, Moltres remains one of the most iconic and sought-after legendary encounters, with its rarity and power making successful captures memorable milestones in the journey to complete the Pokédex.