ninetales
Generation I · #0038 — Fox Pokémon
Ninetales, known in Japanese as Kyukon, is a Fire-type Pokémon and the evolved form of Vulpix, introduced in Generation I. This elegant Fox Pokémon stands 1.1 meters tall and weighs 19.9 kilograms, making it a graceful yet formidable presence in battle. With a base stat total of 505, Ninetales achieves excellent balance with particularly strong Special Defense and Speed stats, both reaching 100, complemented by solid Special Attack at 81. The Pokémon can be encountered in the wild with a capture rate of 75, making it reasonably accessible to trainers seeking to add this mystical fox to their roster. Beyond the standard Fire-type form, Ninetales gained a regional variant in Alola, where it transforms into an Ice/Fairy-type with distinctly different characteristics and abilities, offering trainers an alternative interpretation of this legendary Pokémon.
Base Stats
Height
1.1m
Weight
19.9kg
Category
Fox Pokémon
Gender
Male 25% / Female 75%
Color
yellow
Shape
quadruped
Habitat
grassland
Abilities
Protects against fire moves. Once one has been blocked, the Pokémon's own Fire moves inflict 1.5× damage until it leaves battle.
Summons strong sunlight that lasts indefinitely upon entering battle.
Ninetales Biology & Physical Characteristics
Ninetales is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon distinguished by its luxurious coating of thick, golden-white fur that gives it an ethereal appearance. The Pokémon features a distinctive small mane of denser fur encircling its neck and a long, fluffy crest crowning its head, both of which enhance its regal demeanor. Most striking are its nine long, beautiful tails with pale orange tips, each supposedly imbued with unique mystical powers according to ancient legend. Its physiology includes slender legs terminating in three-toed paws perfectly suited for both terrestrial movement and graceful combat. Ninetales possesses piercing red eyes that are said to glow with sinister intensity, capable of casting an entrancing light to control an opponent's mind. The Pokémon's overall morphology embodies elegance and supernatural mystique, with every physical feature contributing to its image as a creature of ancient magic and considerable wisdom.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Ninetales Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Ninetales displays a notable gender distribution skewed heavily toward the female, with a ratio of only 25% males to 75% females, a characteristic inherited from its pre-evolution Vulpix. This unusual gender distribution may reflect cultural and mythological associations with the kitsune archetype, which in Japanese folklore is often depicted as female or capable of taking feminine forms. Breeding Ninetales involves the Field Egg Group classification, meaning compatible mates must belong to this same egg group, which includes numerous other terrestrial and canine Pokémon species. The species exhibits moderate hatching times, requiring 20 egg cycles to develop from egg to hatched Vulpix, equating to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of traveling with the egg in one's party to facilitate the incubation process. Individual Ninetales encountered in the wild possess a base happiness value of 70, indicating that they are reasonably receptive to bonding with trainers who treat them with respect and care, though the species' reputation for vengefulness suggests that this affection must be earned through proper training protocols and consistent positive interaction.
Held Items
Sprites
Held Items
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
rawst-berry
medicine
Held: Consumed when burned to cure a burn.
Cost: 80
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
charcoal
type-enhancement
Held: Fire-Type moves from holder do 20% more damage.
Cost: 1000
TMs & HMs
tm01
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm02
crystal
tm02
gold silver
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
tm03
lets go pikachu lets go eevee
tm03
ultra sun ultra moon
tm03
omega ruby alpha sapphire
tm04
emerald
tm04
firered leafgreen
tm04
ruby sapphire
tm04
diamond pearl
tm04
xd
tm04
heartgold soulsilver
tm04
black white
tm04
colosseum
+698 more TMs/HMs
Ninetales Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Ninetales evolves from Vulpix when exposed to a Fire Stone, a transformation that represents both a physical and spiritual maturation of the fox Pokémon. The evolution process grants Ninetales access to significantly enhanced stats, particularly in Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, elevating it from a promising juvenile form to a genuine competitive threat. This evolution also unlocks the potential to gain the Drought ability as its hidden power, a transformative skill that summons strong sunlight lasting indefinitely upon entering battle, fundamentally altering the team's environmental conditions and buffing Fire-type moves throughout the engagement. The standard Fire-type Ninetales maintains its natural elegance through evolution without dramatic physical restructuring, instead refining and enhancing the features present in its pre-evolution form. In the Alola region, trainers have discovered that Vulpix can evolve into the regional Alolan Ninetales when exposed to an Ice Stone instead, creating a completely distinct Ice/Fairy-type evolution that offers entirely different competitive applications and stat distributions, with the hidden ability Snow Warning providing equivalent strategic utility to its Fire-type counterpart.
Where to Find
abundant shrine
unova
+5 more
kanto route 7
kanto
kanto route 8
kanto
Ninetales Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Despite its benign appearance, Ninetales is described as both remarkably intelligent and intensely vengeful, traits that prospective trainers should treat with respect and caution. The Pokémon is renowned for its exceptional intellect, reportedly capable of understanding human speech with remarkable clarity, making it an ideal companion for trainers who value communication with their Pokémon. This intelligence pairs dangerously with a temperament prone to grudge-holding, as legendary warnings suggest that grabbing one of its nine tails could result in a thousand-year curse—a testament to the Pokémon's ability to hold and execute vengeance across generations. Ninetales inhabits warm, arid regions where Fire-type Pokémon naturally congregate, thriving in environments that match its elemental affinity. The species is said to live for approximately a thousand years, with each passing century adding depth to the supernatural energies that permeate its tails, making elder Ninetales particularly formidable in both power and mystique.
Pokedex Entries
Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
According to an enduring legend, 9 noble saints were united and reincarnated as this POKéMON.
Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
It is said to live a thousand years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
NINETALES casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe’s mind. This POKéMON is said to live for a thousand years.
Legend has it that NINETALES came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This POKéMON is highly intelligent - it can understand human speech.
It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived NINETALES will have fur that shines like gold.
It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
Each of its nine tails is imbued with supernatural power, and it can live for a thousand years.
It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe’s mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years.
Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent—it can understand human speech.
Legend has it that this mystical Pokémon was formed when nine saints coalesced into one.
It is vindictive and relentless by nature. Those who cross it even once will be cursed for a thousand years, along with their descendants.
Said to live for a thousand years, this Pokémon uses its supernatural abilities to manipulate fire. It can burn its prey to a crisp as it pleases.
The flickering flames it spews from its mouth leave its opponents hypnotized. Then, this extremely intelligent Pokémon attacks.
According to an enduring legend, nine noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
It is said to live 1,000 years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
The coat of gleaming golden fur is quite magnificent. This species is said to store sacred power in its nine long tails and to live for a millennium.
Ninetales Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name Ninetales is a straightforward portmanteau derived from 'nine' and 'tails,' directly referencing the Pokémon's most distinctive physical characteristic and the central element of its design identity. The Japanese name, Kyukon, similarly combines the numeral 'kyuu' (nine) with 'kon,' a common suffix for canine creatures in Japanese, establishing clear linguistic continuity across both naming conventions. The design itself draws inspiration from multiple cultural sources, particularly Japanese folklore and mythology surrounding kitsune, the legendary nine-tailed fox that features prominently in Asian folklore as a shapeshifting being of great age and supernatural power. This connection to kitsune mythology permeates Ninetales' entire conceptualization, from its emphasis on longevity and mystical power to its association with intelligence and the potential for both blessing and curse. The Pokémon's coloration—golden-white fur with orange-tipped tails—echoes traditional depictions of celestial or sacred foxes in East Asian art and literature, while the piercing red eyes invoke both beauty and danger, creating a design that successfully straddles the boundary between elegant companion and formidable mystical being.
Learnable Moves
Ninetales can learn 98 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| agility | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baby doll eyes | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| bide | normal | Physical | — | — | 10 |
| body slam | normal | Physical | 85 | 100 | 15 |
| burning jealousy | fire | Special | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| charm | fairy | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| covet | normal | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dark pulse | dark | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| dig | ground | Physical | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| disable | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| ember | fire | Special | 40 | 100 | 25 |
| encore | normal | Status | — | 100 | 5 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| energy ball | grass | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| extrasensory | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 20 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| fake tears | dark | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fire blast | fire | Special | 110 | 85 | 5 |
| fire spin | fire | Special | 35 | 85 | 15 |
| flail | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| flame charge | fire | Physical | 50 | 100 | 20 |
| flame wheel | fire | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| flamethrower | fire | Special | 90 | 100 | 15 |
| flare blitz | fire | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grudge | ghost | Status | — | — | 5 |
| headbutt | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 15 |
| healing wish | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| helping hand | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| hex | ghost | Special | 65 | 100 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| howl | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| hypnosis | psychic | Status | — | 60 | 20 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| incinerate | fire | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| inferno | fire | Special | 100 | 50 | 5 |
| iron tail | steel | Physical | 100 | 75 | 15 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| memento | dark | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| mystical fire | fire | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| nasty plot | dark | Status | — | — | 20 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| overheat | fire | Special | 130 | 90 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| payback | dark | Physical | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| power swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| quick attack | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 30 |
| rage | normal | Physical | 20 | 100 | 20 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roar | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| role play | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| safeguard | normal | Status | — | — | 25 |
| scorching sands | ground | Special | 70 | 100 | 10 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| skull bash | normal | Physical | 130 | 100 | 10 |
| sleep talk | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| snarl | dark | Special | 55 | 95 | 15 |
| snore | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 15 |
| solar beam | grass | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| spite | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tackle | normal | Physical | 40 | 100 | 35 |
| tail slap | normal | Physical | 25 | 85 | 10 |
| tail whip | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| take down | normal | Physical | 90 | 85 | 20 |
| tera blast | normal | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| weather ball | normal | Special | 50 | 100 | 10 |
| will o wisp | fire | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Ninetales Competitive Battle Guide
In competitive Pokémon battling, Ninetales occupies a specialized niche as a rapid special attacker with exceptional defensive capabilities, particularly excelling in the Special Defense stat which reaches an impressive base 100. Its Speed stat of 100 allows it to outpace many common threats, ensuring that Ninetales can often deliver its attacks first, a crucial advantage in fast-paced competitive formats. The Drought hidden ability deserves special emphasis in competitive contexts, as it effectively grants Ninetales and its entire team permanent sun weather upon entry, boosting Fire-type moves by 50% and amplifying its own damage output dramatically while simultaneously weakening Water-type moves by half. Flash Fire, its standard ability, provides defensive utility by converting Fire-type attacks into boosts for Ninetales' own Fire-type moves, potentially enabling mid-battle stat shifts that can surprise unprepared opponents. Ninetales typically runs special attacking movesets leveraging its 81 Special Attack stat, with coverage moves allowing it to address its Fire-type weaknesses against Water, Ground, and Rock-type opponents, while also serving as an effective sun-setter for team compositions built around weather-dependent strategies.
Commonly Asked Questions About Ninetales
What type is Ninetales?
Ninetales is a fire type Pokemon.
What does Ninetales evolve from?
Ninetales evolved from vulpix.
What are Ninetales's weaknesses?
Ninetales is weak to ground, rock and water type moves.
Where can I find Ninetales?
Ninetales can be found in abundant shrine (unova), kanto route 7 (kanto) and kanto route 8 (kanto).
Ninetales Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Ninetales has secured a prominent position in Pokémon culture since its debut in Generation I, becoming an iconic representation of elegant power and mystical wisdom within the franchise. The Pokémon's foundation in kitsune mythology has made it particularly resonant with players and fans interested in Japanese cultural elements, creating a bridge between Pokémon gameplay and traditional folklore that enriches the game's worldbuilding. Ninetales frequently appears in Pokémon anime adaptations and manga series, including significant roles in story arcs where its intelligence, vengefulness, and supernatural abilities become plot-critical elements that demonstrate depth beyond typical monster-trainer dynamics. The introduction of Alolan Ninetales in Generation VII expanded its cultural relevance by reimagining the character through a different mythological and environmental lens, generating renewed interest and discussion about regional variants' potential to recontextualize established Pokémon. The species has also become a favorite subject for fan art and creative communities, with its combination of beauty, mystery, and power inspiring countless interpretations that range from cute companion depictions to fearsome mystical entities.
Where to Find Ninetales in Every Pokémon Game
Ninetales can be obtained in most mainline Pokémon games either by catching Vulpix and using a Fire Stone to evolve it, or by directly encountering Ninetales in the wild in various locations depending on the generation and game version. In the original Red and Blue versions, Vulpix appears in Kanto region locations, making Ninetales accessible through standard gameplay progression. Subsequent generations have maintained this availability pattern, though specific encounter locations vary, with Ninetales appearing in the Pokédex at different regional numbers depending on whether trainers are exploring Kanto, Johto, Hoenn, or other regions. The species received particular prominence in Pokémon Let's Go Pikachu and Eevee, where it maintained its Kanto availability as Pokédex entry #038. The Alolan Ninetales form is exclusive to Pokémon Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon, where trainers must obtain Alolan Vulpix and provide it with an Ice Stone rather than a Fire Stone to achieve the regional variant evolution. More recently, Ninetales has appeared in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the Scarlet and Violet DLC expansions including The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk, ensuring the species remains consistently available to modern trainers seeking this classic Fire-type companion.