moltres-galar #10171
Type Matchups
Weak to (2x damage):
Resistant to (½x damage):
Immune to (0x damage):
moltres-galar
LegendaryGeneration I · #10171 — Flame Pokémon
Galarian Moltres is a Dark/Flying-type legendary Pokémon that represents a dramatic departure from its Kantonian Fire/Flying predecessor. Introduced in The Crown Tundra expansion for Pokémon Sword and Shield, this regional variant embodies a darker, more sinister interpretation of the legendary flame bird. With the same National Pokédex number (#146) and a base stat total of 580, Galarian Moltres maintains the same overall power level as its original form while redistributing its capabilities to emphasize special defense over special attack. Standing at 2.0 meters tall and weighing 66.0 kilograms, Galarian Moltres is a genderless legendary Pokémon classified as the "Malevolent Pokémon," a far cry from its traditional "Flame Pokémon" designation. Like all legendary birds, it cannot be bred, possesses an extraordinarily low catch rate of 3, and has a base friendship value of 35, reflecting its wild and untamed nature.
Base Stats
Height
2.0m
Weight
66.0kg
Category
Flame Pokémon
Gender
Genderless
Color
yellow
Shape
wings
Habitat
rare
Abilities
Raises this Pokémon's Special Attack by one stage every time its HP drops below half.
Moltres-galar Biology & Physical Characteristics
The transformation from Kantonian to Galarian Moltres represents one of the most striking type changes among regional variants, shifting from Fire/Flying to Dark/Flying. This biological shift suggests that the Galarian environment has fundamentally altered the legendary bird's elemental composition and behavior patterns. Where the original Moltres channels intense thermal energy, Galarian Moltres harnesses dark, malevolent power instead. Despite this dramatic change, both forms maintain identical HP, Defense, and Speed stats at 90 each, indicating a similar physical structure and mobility. However, Galarian Moltres boasts a significantly higher Special Defense of 125 compared to the original form's 85, while its Special Attack is reduced to 100 from the Kantonian form's 125. Its Attack stat similarly decreases to 85 from 100, suggesting that Galarian Moltres has evolved to become more resilient against special attacks while sacrificing some of its offensive prowess. The species' base experience yield remains constant at 290 across both forms, and both possess the slow growth rate characteristic of legendary Pokémon.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Moltres-galar Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Galarian Moltres, like all legendary Pokémon, is genderless and incapable of breeding. It belongs to the "No Eggs" egg group, classified as an undiscovered form that cannot be obtained through conventional breeding methods. This restriction is fundamental to legendary Pokémon biology, preserving their rarity and legendary status within the games' design framework. The genderless nature of Galarian Moltres emphasizes its role as a singular, irreplaceable entity within the Galar region's ecosystem, transcending the typical reproductive cycles of ordinary Pokémon. With a base friendship value of 35—lower than the standard 70—Galarian Moltres reflects a particularly aloof and untrusting demeanor, requiring significant effort from trainers to develop bonds of affection. The egg cycle count of 120 is theoretically irrelevant given the impossibility of breeding, but it remains documented in the species' data, perhaps as a vestigial remnant of programmatic consistency. These characteristics ensure that Galarian Moltres maintains its exclusive legendary status, with each individual encounter representing a unique opportunity to capture one of Galar's most powerful and rare creatures.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm02
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm05
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm06
sword shield
tm07
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm08
sword shield
tm09
yellow
tm09
red blue
tm09
sword shield
tm11
platinum
tm11
xd
tm95
sword shield
hm02
crystal
hm02
diamond pearl
hm02
heartgold soulsilver
tr42
sword shield
tm50
scarlet violet
tm65
scarlet violet
tm11
diamond pearl
+415 more TMs/HMs
Moltres-galar Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Galarian Moltres does not evolve into or from any other Pokémon, remaining a standalone form within its evolutionary line, much like its Kantonian counterpart. As a legendary Pokémon, it represents a complete life form rather than a stage in a broader evolutionary progression. The relationship between Kantonian and Galarian Moltres is not evolutionary but rather a regional variation phenomenon unique to Pokémon species that have adapted to different environmental conditions across the Pokémon world. Neither form is capable of Mega Evolution, a feature reserved for non-legendary Pokémon and certain select legendary species. The permanence of the Galarian form—once encountered in the Galar region, trainers will consistently encounter this Dark/Flying variant rather than the Fire/Flying original—underscores the fundamental environmental and biological differences between the two regions. Galarian Moltres serves as a parallel expression of the same legendary being, suggesting that legendary Pokémon may manifest differently depending on the specific region they inhabit, much like the environment shapes their very nature and composition.
Where to Find
Location data not available for this Pokémon in the database.
Moltres-galar Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Galarian Moltres exhibits markedly different behavioral patterns from its Kantonian counterpart, reflecting the darker nature of the Galar region itself. Rather than the warm, nurturing fire associated with the legendary flame bird of legend, this variant embodies a more chaotic and aggressive presence. The Dark-type designation suggests that Galarian Moltres dwells in shadowed regions and tempestuous weather conditions, contrasting sharply with the volcanic and sunny habitats traditionally associated with fire-type legends. In The Crown Tundra, Galarian Moltres can be encountered in the challenging environment of the Galar region's most remote areas, where its presence brings darkness rather than warmth. The Pokédex entries maintain references to the bird's legendary status and its connection to seasonal change, but recontextualized through the lens of malevolence rather than natural renewal. Its ability Berserk further indicates an aggressive disposition, as it causes the Pokémon's Special Attack to rise by one stage whenever its HP drops below half, embodying a desperate fury when threatened. This contrasts distinctly with the Kantonian form's Pressure ability, which diminishes opponents' move accuracy.
Pokedex Entries
Generation I
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.
Generation II
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.
Generation III
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.
Generation IV
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.
Generation V
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.
Generation VI
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.
Generation VII
A legendary bird Pokémon. As it flaps its flaming wings, even the night sky will turn red.
Generation VIII
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-galar Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The Galarian Moltres design represents a deliberate artistic inversion of the original legendary bird, replacing vibrant oranges, reds, and yellows with dark purples, blacks, and smoky grays. The name Moltres derives from "molten" and "tres," emphasizing the fire element in the original form, yet this designation persists in the Galarian variant despite the complete absence of fire-type properties. The Dark/Flying typing suggests a bird shrouded in shadow and menace, perhaps influenced by mythological creatures of ill omen and darkness. The design philosophy reflects Galar's industrial, temperate climate—a stark contrast to the tropical, volcanic regions of Kanto where the original Moltres thrives. The shift in coloration and overall aesthetic conveys a sense of corruption or transformation, as though the legendary bird has been fundamentally altered by the unique conditions of the Galar region. The Galarian form's designation as the "Malevolent Pokémon" rather than "Flame Pokémon" directly acknowledges this design transformation, cementing the regional variant's identity as a distinctly different manifestation of a legendary being. This approach to regional variants demonstrates how environmental and cultural factors can reshape even the most iconic Pokémon across different regions.
Learnable Moves
Moltres-galar can learn 54 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| acrobatics | flying | Physical | 55 | 100 | 15 |
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| after you | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| ancient power | rock | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| assurance | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 10 |
| brave bird | flying | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fiery wrath | dark | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| gust | flying | Special | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hurricane | flying | Special | 110 | 70 | 10 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hyper voice | normal | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| lash out | dark | Physical | 75 | 100 | 5 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| memento | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| sandstorm | rock | Status | — | — | 10 |
| scary face | normal | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| steel wing | steel | Physical | 70 | 90 | 25 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| taunt | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wing attack | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 35 |
Moltres-galar Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battles, Galarian Moltres occupies a distinctive niche defined by its exceptional Special Defense of 125 and respectable Special Attack of 100. The Berserk ability fundamentally shapes its competitive viability, triggering an automatic Special Attack boost whenever its HP falls below fifty percent, making it a formidable threat when weakened. This mechanic encourages strategic play patterns where trainers deliberately allow Galarian Moltres to sustain damage, transforming apparent disadvantage into offensive advantage. The Dark/Flying typing grants it valuable resistance to Ghost, Dark, and Psychic-type moves while providing immunity to Ground-type attacks, though it suffers from significant weaknesses to Electric, Ice, and Rock-type moves. With base Speed of 90, Galarian Moltres maintains respectable mobility in competitive formats, though it is not exceptionally fast by legendary standards. Its moveset options reflect its Dark/Flying designation, granting access to powerful moves like Dark Pulse and Flying-type coverage moves, supplemented by utility options through TM compatibility. The combination of high Special Defense and the Berserk ability makes Galarian Moltres particularly effective at weathering special attacks from opposing threats, enabling it to serve both as a special wall and an aggressive offensive threat depending on team composition and strategic placement.
Commonly Asked Questions About Moltres-galar
What type is Moltres-galar?
Moltres-galar is a dark and flying type Pokemon.
What does Moltres-galar evolve into?
Moltres-galar does not evolve.
What are Moltres-galar's weaknesses?
Moltres-galar is weak to rock, electric, ice and fairy type moves.
Moltres-galar Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Galarian Moltres represents a significant moment in Pokémon's design evolution, exemplifying how the franchise approaches reimagining iconic legendary creatures through regional variation. The introduction of regional forms for the legendary bird trio in The Crown Tundra expansion demonstrated that even the most foundational Pokémon could receive dramatic reinterpretations without diminishing their legendary status or cultural significance. Galarian Moltres, in particular, captured player imagination through its stark aesthetic contrast to the original—a visual representation of environmental adaptation across different regions of the Pokémon world. The character's darker nature and malevolent presentation resonated with players seeking a more powerful, intimidating expression of the legendary flame bird concept. Fan communities developed extensive lore discussions exploring how and why Moltres transformed so dramatically between Kanto and Galar, with theories ranging from environmental corruption to evolutionary divergence. The design influenced subsequent regional variant releases and demonstrated the creative potential inherent in revisiting classic Pokémon through fresh regional perspectives. Galarian Moltres also secured its place in competitive Pokémon communities as a viable legendary option, further cementing its cultural importance beyond casual gameplay.
Where to Find Moltres-galar in Every Pokémon Game
Galarian Moltres is exclusively obtainable in Pokémon Sword and Shield through The Crown Tundra expansion pass, making it one of the region-locked legendary encounters. Within The Crown Tundra, Galarian Moltres can be encountered in the wild, though as a legendary Pokémon with an extraordinarily low catch rate of 3, its capture requires significant preparation and strategic use of Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, or other specialized catching items. The encounter occurs in the late stages of The Crown Tundra's questline after completing specific legendary bird encounters, integrating it into the expansion's narrative framework. For players seeking Galarian Moltres, strategic planning is essential: weakening the Pokémon before attempting capture is inadvisable given its Berserk ability, which strengthens it when damaged; instead, employing status moves like Thunder Wave to paralyze it or Sleep Powder to induce slumber proves more effective. The restricted availability to Sword and Shield with The Crown Tundra expansion means that players without access to this content cannot legally obtain Galarian Moltres, making it a valuable and sought-after legendary for competitive players and collectors. Its presence has been maintained in subsequent games through transfer mechanics, allowing trainers who captured it during The Crown Tundra to bring it into newer generations, though new encounters remain limited to the original Sword and Shield games.