xatu
Generation II · #0178 — Mystic Pokémon
Xatu, the Mystic Pokémon, is a dual-type Psychic/Flying Pokémon introduced in Generation II with the National Pokédex number 178. This enigmatic creature has captivated trainers and researchers alike with its mysterious connection to temporal perception and its unusual behavioral patterns. Standing at a modest 1.5 meters tall and weighing just 15.0 kilograms, Xatu possesses a base stat total of 470, with its strongest attributes being its Special Attack and Speed, both sitting at an impressive 95. The species evolved from Natu at level 25, completing a two-stage evolutionary line that represents one of the most peculiar psychic-type families in the Pokédex. With a capture rate of 75 and base happiness of 70, Xatu is relatively approachable in the wild, though its meditative nature suggests a calm disposition rather than aggressive territorial behavior.
Base Stats
Height
1.5m
Weight
15.0kg
Category
Mystic Pokémon
Gender
Male 50% / Female 50%
Color
green
Shape
wings
Habitat
forest
Abilities
Copies burns, paralysis, and poison received onto the Pokémon that inflicted them.
Makes sleep pass twice as quickly.
Reflects most non-damaging moves back at their user.
Xatu Biology & Physical Characteristics
Xatu presents a striking visual design reminiscent of South American tropical birds, particularly resembling a trogon with its elongated body structure and distinctive wing configuration. The Pokémon's coloration is predominantly green with bold accents of black, red, and yellow, creating a vibrant appearance that draws parallels to ceremonial totem poles and kachina dolls from indigenous cultures. Its most distinctive features are its long, red-and-black tipped white wings that fold across its front, beneath which lie markings resembling a second pair of eyes—a design choice that reinforces its thematic connection to seeing in multiple directions simultaneously. Two long, red feather crests crown its head, and its facial structure includes almond-shaped eyes and a slightly hooked beak suited for its dietary needs. Male Xatu display additional yellow striping not present in females, providing a clear sexual dimorphism within the species. The Pokémon's feet are uniquely adapted with only two toes each—one forward and one backward—a feature that contributes to its stable, stationary posture during its characteristic meditative states.
Pokedex Numbers
Training
Breeding
Xatu Breeding, Gender Ratio & Egg Groups
Xatu maintains a perfectly balanced gender ratio of 50 percent male to 50 percent female, ensuring equal representation of both sexes within wild populations and breeding programs. The species belongs to the Flying egg group, allowing it to breed with various other Pokémon sharing this classification, though Xatu itself can only produce Natu offspring when bred with compatible partners. Sexual dimorphism is visually apparent in the species, with male Xatu displaying additional yellow striping that does not appear on females, providing trainers with a clear method of gender identification. The breeding process produces eggs requiring 20 hatch cycles to develop, which translates to approximately 4,884 to 5,140 steps of travel before a Natu emerges. Base happiness for the species stands at 70 out of 255, indicating a generally calm and cooperative nature that facilitates easier breeding compared to more aggressive Pokémon species. The base experience yield of 165 (in modern generations) means that Natu offspring obtain reasonable experience progression, though they remain relatively weak until evolved into Xatu at level 25. Breeders seeking to obtain Xatu with specific movesets or natures often utilize the breeding mechanics with Natu as their foundation, as the species can inherit moves from compatible father Pokémon while developing psychic-type capabilities.
Sprites
TMs & HMs
tm03
crystal
tm03
gold silver
tm03
x y
tm03
black 2 white 2
tm03
black white
tm03
sun moon
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
tm04
platinum
tm04
sun moon
tm04
ultra sun ultra moon
tm04
x y
+732 more TMs/HMs
Gender Differences
This Pokémon has visible differences between male and female forms.
xatu's Evolution Chain
Xatu Evolution, Mega Evolution & Special Forms
Xatu evolves from Natu through a straightforward level-based evolution triggered at level 25, a transition that dramatically increases the Pokémon's overall power and capabilities. Upon evolution, Natu gains nine base stat points across various categories, with particularly notable increases in Special Attack and Speed, both of which already represent Xatu's peak attributes at 95 each. The physical transformation during evolution enhances Xatu's visual presence, developing the distinctive wing patterns and feather crests that characterize the mature form. This evolution does not involve a Mega Evolution or alternative form, as Xatu remains a standard Psychic/Flying type without regional variants or Gigantamax capabilities in modern generations. The evolutionary process represents a maturation of psychic abilities rather than a dramatic power surge, suggesting that Xatu's temporal perception abilities develop gradually through the transition from its smaller, less-developed predecessor. The evolution occurs at a level that allows trainers to develop their Natu into formidable team members relatively early in their journey, making Xatu an accessible choice for psychic-type specialists during mid-game content across various Pokémon titles.
Where to Find
hoenn safari zone
hoenn
+3 more
akala outskirts
alola
Xatu Behaviour and Natural Habitat
Perhaps no Pokémon species exhibits behavior more unusual than Xatu, which is renowned for remaining completely motionless for extended periods while observing the sun's trajectory across the sky. According to Pokédex entries across multiple generations, Xatu begins meditating at sunrise and may remain stationary for the entire day without moving. This extraordinary behavior stems from the Pokémon's purported ability to perceive temporal information—specifically, South American folklore suggests that Xatu's right eye observes the future while its left eye views the past, leaving the creature frozen in a state of temporal awareness. The Ruby version Pokédex entry speculates that Xatu remains still out of fear of the terrible future events it has foreseen, adding a layer of melancholy to its mysterious demeanor. Rather than roaming actively, Xatu inhabits forest environments, particularly in South America according to regional mythology, where it becomes a revered figure in local cultures. Some believe Xatu serves as an emissary from another world, and trainers report that the species communicates through wing movements in a semaphore-like fashion, as demonstrated in the Pokémon animated series episode 'Xatu the Future,' suggesting a sophisticated form of non-vocal communication.
Pokedex Entries
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
Once it begins to meditate at sun rise, the entire day will pass before it will move again.
XATU stands rooted and still in one spot all day long. People believe that this POKéMON does so out of fear of the terrible things it has foreseen in the future.
XATU is known to stand motionless while staring at the sun all day long. Some people revere it as a mystical POKéMON out of their belief that XATU is in possession of the power to see into the future.
It has the enigmatic power of foreseeing the future. Some people in different lands have long believed that XATU are emissaries from another world.
In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
In South America, it is said that its right eye sees the future and its left eye views the past.
This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
Once it begins to meditate at sunrise, the entire day will pass before it will move again.
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
Xatu stands rooted and still in one spot all day long. People believe that this Pokémon does so out of fear of the terrible things it has foreseen in the future.
Xatu is known to stand motionless while staring at the sun all day long. Some people revere it as a mystical Pokémon out of their belief that Xatu is in possession of the power to see into the future.
It’s said that while this Pokémon has the power to predict the future, it’s not powerful enough to change the future it sees.
While it can see the future, it has no desire to change it, which is probably why it remains motionless at all times.
They say that it stays still and quiet because it is seeing both the past and future at the same time.
This odd Pokémon can see both the past and the future. It eyes the sun’s movement all day.
Xatu Name Origin & Design Inspiration
The name 'Xatu' derives from the Japanese designation 'Natio,' with the 'X' prefix reflecting a common Anglicization pattern in Pokémon naming conventions. The species' design explicitly references the real-world trogon bird family, particularly through its elongated body structure, colored plumage, and serene demeanor. The visual inspiration extends to Mesoamerican cultural iconography, with Xatu's totem pole-like silhouette and ceremonial appearance drawing from kachina doll traditions of Southwestern Native American cultures. The dual-eye motif prominently featured on its wings connects directly to the Pokédex lore describing its ability to perceive past and future simultaneously, creating a cohesive symbolic representation of temporal bifurcation. The name itself may incorporate 'xat' references from Mayan languages, subtly reinforcing the Latin American cultural foundations of the species' conceptualization. The red and black wing markings that resemble secondary eyes serve as both a design element and a visual metaphor for its supposed supernatural perception, making Xatu's appearance an integrated expression of its thematic identity as a mystical, temporally-aware being.
Learnable Moves
Xatu can learn 91 moves:
Move | Type | Cat. | Power | Acc. | PP |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| aerial ace | flying | Physical | 60 | — | 20 |
| air cutter | flying | Special | 60 | 95 | 25 |
| air slash | flying | Special | 75 | 95 | 15 |
| ally switch | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| attract | normal | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| baton pass | normal | Status | — | — | 40 |
| calm mind | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| captivate | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| confide | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| confuse ray | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| cosmic power | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| curse | ghost | Status | — | — | 10 |
| dazzling gleam | fairy | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| defog | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| detect | fighting | Status | — | — | 5 |
| double team | normal | Status | — | — | 15 |
| double edge | normal | Physical | 120 | 100 | 15 |
| dream eater | psychic | Special | 100 | 100 | 15 |
| dual wingbeat | flying | Physical | 40 | 90 | 10 |
| endure | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| expanding force | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| facade | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| flash | normal | Status | — | 100 | 20 |
| fly | flying | Physical | 90 | 95 | 15 |
| foul play | dark | Physical | 95 | 100 | 15 |
| frustration | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| future sight | psychic | Special | 120 | 100 | 10 |
| giga drain | grass | Special | 75 | 100 | 10 |
| giga impact | normal | Physical | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| grass knot | grass | Special | — | 100 | 20 |
| guard swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| heat wave | fire | Special | 95 | 90 | 10 |
| hidden power | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| hyper beam | normal | Special | 150 | 90 | 5 |
| imprison | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| laser focus | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| leer | normal | Status | — | 100 | 30 |
| light screen | psychic | Status | — | — | 30 |
| lucky chant | normal | Status | — | — | 30 |
| magic coat | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| magic room | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| me first | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| mimic | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| miracle eye | psychic | Status | — | — | 40 |
| natural gift | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 15 |
| night shade | ghost | Special | — | 100 | 15 |
| nightmare | ghost | Status | — | 100 | 15 |
| ominous wind | ghost | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| pain split | normal | Status | — | — | 20 |
| peck | flying | Physical | 35 | 100 | 35 |
| pluck | flying | Physical | 60 | 100 | 20 |
| power swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| protect | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psych up | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| psychic | psychic | Special | 90 | 100 | 10 |
| psycho shift | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| psyshock | psychic | Special | 80 | 100 | 10 |
| rain dance | water | Status | — | — | 5 |
| reflect | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| rest | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| return | normal | Physical | — | 100 | 20 |
| roost | flying | Status | — | — | 5 |
| round | normal | Special | 60 | 100 | 15 |
| secret power | normal | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| shadow ball | ghost | Special | 80 | 100 | 15 |
| signal beam | bug | Special | 75 | 100 | 15 |
| silver wind | bug | Special | 60 | 100 | 5 |
| skill swap | psychic | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sky attack | flying | Physical | 140 | 90 | 5 |
| 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 |
| stored power | psychic | Special | 20 | 100 | 10 |
| substitute | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| sucker punch | dark | Physical | 70 | 100 | 5 |
| sunny day | fire | Status | — | — | 5 |
| swagger | normal | Status | — | 85 | 15 |
| swift | normal | Special | 60 | — | 20 |
| tailwind | flying | Status | — | — | 15 |
| telekinesis | psychic | Status | — | — | 15 |
| teleport | psychic | Status | — | — | 20 |
| thief | dark | Physical | 60 | 100 | 25 |
| thunder wave | electric | Status | — | 90 | 20 |
| toxic | poison | Status | — | 90 | 10 |
| trick | psychic | Status | — | 100 | 10 |
| trick room | psychic | Status | — | — | 5 |
| twister | dragon | Special | 40 | 100 | 20 |
| u turn | bug | Physical | 70 | 100 | 20 |
| wish | normal | Status | — | — | 10 |
| zen headbutt | psychic | Physical | 80 | 90 | 15 |
Xatu Competitive Battle Guide
Xatu occupies a niche role in competitive Pokémon battling, leveraging its impressive Special Attack and Speed stats of 95 each to function as a moderately fast special attacker. The species boasts three distinct abilities, each offering different strategic advantages: Synchronize copies negative status conditions back to the opponent, Early Bird accelerates recovery from sleep, and the hidden ability Magic Bounce reflects non-damaging moves—a particularly valuable tool against utility-heavy teams. With a total base stat of 470 and well-distributed offensive stats, Xatu can threaten opponents through moves like Psychic, Heat Wave, and Dazzling Gleam, utilizing its Special Attack effectively despite moderate durability. Its Psychic/Flying typing provides useful resistances to Fighting and Grass moves while leaving it vulnerable to Electric, Rock, Ghost, and Dark attacks, requiring careful team building and positioning. The species functions best in strategic roles where its Magic Bounce ability can turn opposing utility moves against them, making it valuable against teams reliant on Stealth Rock, Reflect, Light Screen, or other entry hazards. However, its relatively low HP and Defense stats of 65 and 70 respectively mean Xatu requires careful play and cannot absorb significant physical damage, limiting its viability in higher-tier competitive environments where more powerful psychic-type alternatives exist.
Commonly Asked Questions About Xatu
What type is Xatu?
Xatu is a psychic and flying type Pokemon.
What does Xatu evolve from?
Xatu evolved from natu.
What are Xatu's weaknesses?
Xatu is weak to rock, ghost, electric, ice and dark type moves.
Where can I find Xatu?
Xatu can be found in hoenn safari zone (hoenn) and akala outskirts (alola).
Xatu Cultural Impact & Franchise History
Xatu has achieved notable prominence within Pokémon culture and the broader franchise, extending beyond typical Pokédex entries to influence anime storylines and regional mythologies. The animated series episode 'Xatu the Future' demonstrated the species' ability to communicate through wing-based semaphore, expanding its characterization and establishing it as more intelligent and communicative than surface-level observation might suggest. In South American contexts within the Pokémon world, Xatu holds significant cultural reverence comparable to real-world totem animals and spiritual guides, with local populations believing the species possesses genuine prophetic abilities. Trainers and researchers have embraced Xatu as a symbol of mysticism and temporal understanding, with the species frequently appearing in discussions about psychic-type lore and the nature of precognition within the Pokémon universe. The design has inspired numerous fan artworks, competitive strategies, and cultural discussions about the intersection of Pokémon biology and indigenous spiritual traditions. Its mysterious nature and compelling visual design have made Xatu a memorable fixture in Generation II content, maintaining relevance across multiple games and media through its consistent thematic coherence and distinctive appearance.
Where to Find Xatu in Every Pokémon Game
Xatu's availability varies significantly across different Pokémon game generations and regions, reflecting its evolution from Natu and regional Pokédex assignments. In the original Gold/Silver/Crystal games, Xatu was assigned to the Johto regional Pokédex as number 160, making it accessible to trainers during their journey through that region. Subsequent games including Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald, FireRed/LeafGreen, and HeartGold/SoulSilver all featured Xatu with different local Pokédex numbers, indicating its consistent inclusion in multiple game generations. Modern titles including Sword/Shield assigned Xatu to the Galar Pokédex, though availability has fluctuated with later generations and the transition to Pokémon Scarlet/Violet, where species availability depends on the specific DLC content and base game version. In Pokémon GO, Xatu exists as an evolved form requiring 25 Natu candies to obtain, making it accessible to mobile players who catch sufficient Natu specimens. The hidden ability Magic Bounce requires specific encounter conditions, generally appearing in older games through specific event distributions or specific locations featuring high encounter rates with potential ability rolls. Trading remains the most reliable method for obtaining Xatu across games where it is not found in the wild, as the species' moderate capture rate of 75 and non-legendary status make it viable for casual capture by trainers encountering it during normal gameplay.