Moltres first appeared shortly after Legendary Raids were announced in the summer of 2017. It's returned several times thereafter, including in additional Legendary Raids, as a Field Research Breakthrough Reward, and for its own Moltres Day Bonus following Safari Zone Japan.
Now, Moltres is back again, but just for one week. Here's how to beat it and maybe get a Shiny!
When is Moltres back?
For one week only:
- Starts: Thursday, September 13, 2018, 1pm PT / 4pm ET
- Ends: Thursday, September 20, 2018, 1pm PT / 4pm ET
Will any bonuses be in effect?
Stardust rewards will be over, so it doesn't look like it right now.
Why is Moltres back?
Because you can't keep a good firebird down!
Here's what Pokémon Go has said:
First, starting September 13 at 1:00 P.M. (PDT), Trainers all over the world will be able to encounter three Legendary Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region!. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres will appear in Raid Battles until September 20. And if you're lucky, you may be able to encounter their Shiny forms!
So, Articuno and Zapdos too?
Articuno and Zapdos too!
How many players do you need to beat Moltres?
It's theoretically possible with two people, but both would have to be high level, have high-level Smack Down Tyranitars, and weather and friendship bonuses wouldn't hurt.
Three people should be fine regardless of weather, again with high-level Smack Down Tyranitars and Stone Edge Golems, and some level of friendship.
It won't be fast and things could go wrong, though. So, if you're looking to maximize speed and ensure victory, having a slightly larger group is the best strategy.
What are the best counters for Moltres?
Moltres is a Flying- and Fire-type Pokémon, so here's what you want to set up for your Raid Teams (best counters first):
- Tyranitar with Smack Down + Stone Edge (if you managed to score them during the June Community Day).
- Golem (incl. Alolan) with Rock Throw + Stone Edge.
- Kyogre with Waterfall + Hydropump
- Gyarados with Waterfall + Hydropump
- Rayquaza or Dragonite with Dragon Tail + Outrage.
- Raikou with Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
- Zapdos
Having at least two teams set up, a primary and a backup, can help you get back in quickly if you faint out, or still have strong counters if you forget to heal up between Raids.
What's a 100% perfect Moltres?
- 1870: Regular
- 2337: Weather boosted
Is Shiny Moltres still available?
Absolutely. Pokémon Go has already confirmed we'll be getting the big, shiny, pink firebird. Hopefully, it'll be the same 1/10 rate used for Raid Days. But, since everything is random you may get it right away or not at all. Yeah, pure randomness is still terrible.
Also hopefully, Shiny Moltres will have the same 100% catch rate as other Shiny Legendary so, if you do encounter one, a Pinap Berry will nab you even more extra candy.
What's the best moveset for Moltres?
Moltres is currently one of the best Fire-types in the game, alongside the Gen 2 Legendary Beast, Entei. Gen 4 might bring a better Fire-type with Heatran, and Community Day might help Blaziken rival or surpass them, like it did with Blast Burn Charizard.
All that said, Moltres is still terrific and if you can catch a good one, especially a good, weather-boosted one, these are the moves you want with it:
- Best Movesets: Fire Spin + Overheat.
Wait, what is Moltres?
Moltres is one of the Legendary Birds of Gen 1, originally discovered in the Kanto Region. In Pokémon Go, it's also the symbol of Team Valor.
From Pokémon:
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.
From Bulbapedia):
Moltres is a large, avian Pokémon with orange or golden plumage. It has a long, flowing head crest and a billowing tail, both made of flames. Additionally, its wings are also shrouded in fiery plumage. Its straight, pointed beak is brown, as are its anisodactyl feet. It has short talons.Moltres sheds embers with every flap of its wings, creating a brilliant flash of flames. By dipping itself into the magma of an active volcano, this Pokémon can heal itself. It migrates to the south with the coming of spring, and is said to bring an early springtime to cold lands. Moltres is rarely seen by Trainers.
Any Moltres Lendary Raid questions?
If you have any questions about Moltres or Legendary Raids, drop them in the comments below!
