Zapdos #145: Zapdos
Pokémon
#147: Dratini Dratini
Moltres
ファイヤー Fire
#146
146Moltres.png
Artwork from FR/LG
Type
Fire Flying
Category
Flame Pokémon
Ability
Pressure
Exp. at Lv. 100
1,250,000
Regional Pokédex numbers
Kanto
#146
Johto
#237
Hoenn
#301
Regional Browser numbers
Height
6'07"
Imperial
2.0 m
Metric
Weight
132.3 lbs.
Imperial
60.0 kg
Metric
Dex color
Yellow
Catch rate
3 (0.4%)
Body style
Body09.png BodyUnknown.png
Blue-Striped
Footprint
 F146.png   F487O.png
Blue-Striped
Gender ratio
Gender unknown
Breeding
Undiscovered group 81 cycles*
(20655 minimum steps)
EV yield
HP
0
Atk
0
Def
0
Sp.Atk
3
Sp.Def
0
Speed
0
Base Exp.: 217 Battle Exp.: 2171*

Moltres (Japanese: ファイヤー Fire) is a dual-type Fire/Flying legendary Pokémon.

It is not known to evolve into or from any other Pokémon.

Biology

Physiology

Moltres takes the form of a large bird with flame-colored plumage, resembling a phoenix. Its dazzling wings and elaborate head crest appear to be covered with flames. It has a straight, pointed brown break, which is the same color as its feet. Compared to the other legendary birds, it has the smallest feet and legs. However, it is the largest of the legendary birds, but its feathers make up a good portion of its bulk.

Gender differences

Moltres is a genderless species.

Special abilities

When Moltres flaps its wings, it creates a brilliant flash of flames. It is also one of the few Pokémon known to naturally wield the very powerful Flying-type move Sky Attack.

Behavior

Moltres is one of the legendary birds of Kanto, and is a poorly understood species, believed by many to be pure myth. Its behavior is largely clandestine, but it appears to migrate to the south during the springtime. There are many folktales surrounding this species, but perhaps the most popular is that its appearance will bring about an early spring. When Moltres flaps its wings, it sheds hundreds of tiny embers. It is believed that these embers have healing properties. If injured, it will immerse itself in lava to heal.

Habitat

Moltres appear to live in hot regions, particularly active volcanoes. They are spectacularly rare. Moltres have been sighted on Victory Road and near the Sevii Islands.

Diet

Main article: Pokémon food

In the anime

Moltres made its first true appearance in The Power of One. Lawrence III wanted to capture the three Legendary Birds as well as their master Lugia.

Moltres also appeared in All Fired Up and The Search for the Legend.

Additionally it was mentioned in The Fortune Hunters where James mistakenly believed that it was his "Inner Pokémon" and dressed up in a Moltres costume.

In the manga

Pokémon Special

Sabrina is shown to have obtained Moltres during the Kanto saga, but it is not seen in battle. It is later combined with Articuno and Zapdos to form a singular legendary bird, but they separate once Sabrina is defeated.

Blue later catches Moltres during her training journey to overcome her fear of birds.

In the TCG

Main article: Moltres (TCG)

Other appearances

Super Smash Bros. Melee/Brawl

When released from a Poké Ball, Moltres will remain where it is released, flapping its wings. It will then use Sky Attack in Melee or Fly in Brawl to leave the arena. Any opponent that touches it will receive a sizable amount of damage. Moltres is the only legendary bird to return in Brawl.

Trophy Information

Melee

As tradition has it, the onset of spring heralds the return of this legendary Pokémon from its southern home. Its bright orange color and fiery aspect lends to its overwhelming appearance. Sky Attack, the strongest of flying moves, is a perfect fit for this burning phenom, but it obviously also excels at powerful Fire-type moves.

Brawl

A Flame Pokémon. It's one of the legendary bird Pokémon. When Moltres appears in a town, it is said that spring will come earlier there than in other towns. If Moltres is injured, it apparently returns to a volcano to heal its wings with magma. Moltres spreads its wide, flame-covered wings and attacks opponents with the exciting and highly damaging Sky Attack.

Game data

Pokédex entries

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Known as the legendary bird of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a giant dazzle of flashing flames.
Blue
Yellow A legendary bird Pokémon. As it flaps its blazing wings, even the night sky will turn red.
Stadium A legendary bird Pokémon known as the "fire bird". Every time it flaps, its wings flare and burn brightly.
Generation II
Gold This legendary Pokémon scatters embers with every flap of its wings. It is a thrilling sight to behold.
Silver This legendary bird Pokémon is said to bring early spring to the wintry lands it visits.
Crystal Legendary bird Pokémon. It is said to migrate from the south along with the spring.
Stadium 2 This legendary Pokémon scatters embers with every flap of its wings. It is a thrilling sight to behold.
Generation III
Ruby 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.
Sapphire 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.
Emerald 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.
FireRed One of the legendary bird Pokémon. Those who see it are overwhelmed by its orange wing that seem to be on fire.
LeafGreen It is said to be the legendary bird Pokémon of fire. Every flap of its wings creates a dazzling flare of flames.
Generation IV
Diamond One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that spring will soon arrive if Moltres shows itself.
Pearl One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that spring will soon arrive if Moltres shows itself.
Platinum One of the legendary bird Pokémon. It is said that spring will soon arrive if Moltres shows itself.
HeartGold {{{heartgolddex}}}
SoulSilver {{{soulsilverdex}}}
Generation V
Black {{{blackdex}}}
White {{{whitedex}}}
Black 2 {{{black2dex}}}
White 2 {{{white2dex}}}
Generation VI
X Unknown
Y Unknown


Game locations

This Pokémon was unavailable prior to Generation I.
Generation I
Red Blue
One Victory Road
Blue (Japan)
None Trade
Yellow
One Victory Road
Generation II
Gold Silver
None Time Capsule
Crystal
None Time Capsule
Generation III
Ruby Sapphire
None Trade
Emerald
None Trade
FireRed LeafGreen
One Mt. Ember
Colosseum
None Trade
XD
One Citadark Isle (Shadow)
Generation IV
Diamond Pearl
None Trade
Platinum
One Roaming Sinnoh
HeartGold SoulSilver
None Trade
Pal Park
Mountain
Pokéwalker
None
Generation V
Black White
None Trade
Black 2 White 2
None Trade
Dream World
None
Generation VI
X Y
None Trade



In side games

Game Location
Pokémon Snap Volcano
Pokémon Trozei! Random Agent Cards
Mr. Who's Den
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Red/Blue Rescue Team
Mt. Blaze Peak (3F)
Pokémon Mystery Dungeon
Explorers of Time/Darkness
Final Maze (B40F)

Base stats

Stat Range
At Lv. 50 At Lv. 100
90
150 - 197 290 - 384
100
94 - 167 184 - 328
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
125
117 - 194 229 - 383
85
81 - 150 157 - 295
90
85 - 156 166 - 306
Total:
580
Other Pokémon with this total
  • Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
  • Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
  • This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 125.

Type effectiveness

Under normal battle conditions in Generation V, this Pokémon is:
Damaged
normally by:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ¼×
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Weak to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ¼×
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Immune to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ¼×
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Resistant to:
Normal
Fighting ½×
Flying
Poison
Ground
Rock
Bug ¼×
Ghost
Steel ½×
Fire ½×
Water
Grass ¼×
Electric
Psychic
Ice
Dragon
Dark
None
Notes:

Learnset

Template:Learnset intro

By leveling up

|- style="text-align:center" | style="text-align:left" | fire | style="background:#81B9EF" |  flying 

| style=" background:#FFF" | 4 | style=" background:#FFF" | 1 | style=" background:#FFF" | Moltres | style="display:none; background:#FFF" | {{{6}}} Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Mlentry4 Template:Movelist/note

By TM/HM

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By breeding

None.

By tutoring

Template:Tutor Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4 Template:Mtentry4


|- style="background:#EF7374" | colspan="13" | Bold indicates a move that gets STAB
Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only from an evolution of this Pokémon
A colored initial indicates that the move is not available to be tutored in this game,
while a colored background indicates that the move is available.
|} |}

Special moves

Shadow moves <span style="color:#{{{2}}};">Level 50+ Purified moves
Shadow Break File:Box xd 146.png Morning Sun Normal
Shadow Fire Will-O-Wisp Fire
Shadow Mist Extrasensory Psychic
Shadow Shed Flamethrower Fire

Side game data

Template:Side game

Evolution

Template:Evobox/0

Sprites

Gen Game
I Red Blue Yellow Red (Ja) Green Back
       
II Gold Silver Crystal   Back
       
       
III Ruby Sapphire Emerald FireRed LeafGreen Back
       
       
IV Diamond Pearl Platinum HeartGold SoulSilver Back
       
       
V Black White Black 2 White 2 Back
     
     
  For other sprites and images, please see Moltres images on Bulbagarden Archives.

Trivia

  • Moltres's original sprites from Generation II often depicted it to have wings completely engulfed in flames. But in its more recent sprites, Pokémon Yellow sprites and artwork it is depicted with wings that are only partially covered in flames.
  • Although legendaries cannot be bred, in Pokémon Snap Moltres and the other birds are in eggs, which shows that they were bred in some type of way.
  • Moltres shares the same species name as Charmeleon, Charizard, Flareon, and Infernape. They are all known as Flame Pokémon.
  • Its appearance is very similar to that of the Donkey Kong enemy, Fire Necky another bird covered in flame.
  • In Generation I, Moltres had a different base stat total (495) than the other members of its trio; Articuno had 485 and Zapdos had 490. As of Generation II, due to the Special Attack/Defense split, all three legendary birds have had a base stat total of 580.
  • In Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, Moltres's nest in Victory Road is abandoned in favor of Mt. Ember. However, its original location in Victory Road is marked by a crater containing a Burn Heal.
  • Moltres, Charizard, and Ho-oh are the only Template:Type2 Pokémon who have a weakness to Electric attacks.
  • Moltres is the only one of the three Legendary Birds to not appear in the original opening of the English dub.
  • Oddly enough, Moltres' German name (lavados) has the word dos in it, though that is spanish for two and the second legendary bird is Zapdos.

Origin

Like Ho-Oh, Moltres is based on the legend of the phoenix. However, Moltres is based on the phoenix of Arabic legend. Others claim that the bird is based on the Japanese mythical bird known as 朱雀 Suzaku, guardian of the South, and is not a true phoenix. Regardless, the Pokémon has a very similar appearance to both the phoenix and the Suzaku. It may also be based on a Swan, because of the similar shape of the neck and body.

Name origin

Moltres's name is a combination of the words molten and the Spanish word for three, tres, indicating that it is the third in the series of Kanto Legendary birds. It may also be based on the word "molt" for the renewal aspect, possibly alluding to a phoenix's rebirth. Its Japanese name is simply Fire.

In other languages

Related articles

External links

Notes

Games: Super Smash Bros.Super Smash Bros. MeleeSuper Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS/Wii USuper Smash Bros. Ultimate
Characters: PikachuJigglypuffMewtwoPichu
Pokémon Trainer (SquirtleIvysaurCharizard) • LucarioGreninjaIncineroar
Stages: Saffron CityPokémon StadiumPoké FloatsPokémon Stadium 2Spear Pillar
Prism TowerUnova Pokémon LeagueKalos Pokémon League
Poké Ball and Master Ball: AbomasnowAbraAlolan ExeggutorAlolan RaichuAlolan VulpixArceusArticunoBeedrill
BellossomBewearBlastoiseBonslyCelebiChanseyCharizardChespinChikoritaClefairy
CyndaquilDarkraiDedenneDeoxysDittoEeveeElectrodeEnteiFennekin
FletchlingGardevoirGenesectGiratinaGogoatGoldeenGroudonGulpinHitmonlee
Ho-OhInkayJirachiKeldeoKoffingKyogreKyuremLatias and Latios
LugiaLunalaManaphyMarillMarshadowMeloettaMeowthMewMetagrossMimikyu
MoltresMunchlaxOnixOshawottPalkiaPiplupPorygon2PyukumukuRaikouScizorSnivy
SnorlaxSolgaleoSpewpaStaryuStarmieSuicuneSwirlixTapu KokoTogedemaruTogepi
TorchicUnownVenusaurVictiniVulpixWeavileWeezingWobbuffetXerneasZapdosZoroark
Collectables: Trophies (MeleeBrawlfor Nintendo 3DS/Wii U)
Stickers
Spirits
Misc: The Subspace EmissaryMy MusicFinal SmashPokémon ChangeBrawl cameos
  #145: Zapdos
Pokémon
#147: Dratini  
  This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon as a species.