You will need Pokémon with Strength and Surf to reach Articuno. There is a complicated rock-moving puzzle along the way![3] X Research source
Save before the battle. Once you find Articuno, make sure that you save before you try to catch it. This way, you can try again if you mess up.
Give the Seel or Dewgong the Leftovers item to make the battle even easier. When held by a Pokémon, Leftovers make that Pokémon gradually recover HP throughout a battle. Find Leftovers on Routes 12 and 16, hidden underneath where the Snorlaxes were sleeping. [4] X Research source
Avoid status conditions like Poison and Burn that gradually injure the afflicted Pokémon. These are risky: you’ll run the chance of killing the Articuno before you can catch it.
You’ll know you’ve found Zapdos when you see a bird Pokémon standing in your path, outside of the battle screen.
Give your Pokémon Leftovers to hold so that they heal throughout the battle. Have Geodude or Graveler use Defense Curl several times. This will boost its defense even more.
Save after the battle. You don’t want your hard work to be lost!
Moltres is the only legendary bird whose location differs from the original Red and Blue versions of the game. In Red and Blue, you can find Moltres along Victory Road. [6] X Research source Surf, Strength, and Rock Smash are HMs. You can only teach them to certain Pokémon. Learn how to get all the HMs if you don’t have them already.
Vulpix has Flash Fire, as does Ponyta. You can catch a Ponyta right outside of Mt. Ember, where Moltres is found. It will take zero damage from Moltres for the duration of the fight, so level and HP don’t matter.
