Hello students! My name is Professor Geekbeak, and today, I wish to draw attention to Articuno. While PvE is a rough field for older legendaries, this bird is still alright in PvP, specifically in the Ultra League. Though, collection can always have value too. Grab your notebooks, class is in session. For those who wish to do their research independently, our raw data can be found here. And for those who wish for a simple visual guide, go ahead and take a look at the below visual guide by CaptGoldfish.

Course Schedule

This raid will be taking place from July 1st to July 5th. It will be preceded by Mega Pidgeot, Celesteela, and Kartana, and coincide with Mega Lucario, Moltres, and Zapdos.

Articuno’s typing makes sure that it is doubly weak to Rock types, and does not have anything to defend itself from Rock types. Therefore, Articuno, like most birds, will end up being quite put out when a rock is thrown at it.

Effectiveness	Types
Double Resist (0.4x)	Ground
Resist (0.6x)	Bug Grass
Neutral	Normal Fighting Flying Poison Ghost Water Psychic Ice Dragon Dark Fairy
Super Effective (1.6x)	Steel Fire Electric
Double Super Effective (2.6x)	Rock

Articuno’s moveset includes the following charge moves:

• Ice Beam
• Blizzard
• Ancient Power
• Icy Wind
• Return
• Triple Axel
• Hurricane

The Dean’s List consists of the top 5 counters to Articuno. As always, the Valedictorian, Salutatorian, and the Third Ranked will have their best moveset alternatives in a table with their rankings and a table detailing their defensive prowess against the charge moves listed above.

Mega Diancie A

Best Moveset: Rock Throw / Rock Slide

DPS★★★★★

Tank★★★★☆

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Quick Move	Charge Move	Efficacy
Rock Throw	Rock Slide	100%
Rock Throw	Power Gem	96%
Rock Throw	Moonblast	70%
Tackle	Rock Slide	70%
Tackle	Power Gem	69%
Tackle	Moonblast	32%

Shadow Rampardos A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Rock Slide

DPS★★★★★

Tank★★★★★

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Quick Move	Charge Move	Efficacy
Smack Down	Rock Slide	100%
Smack Down	Flamethrower	77%
Zen Headbutt	Rock Slide	74%
Smack Down	Outrage	58%
Smack Down	Frustration	45%
Zen Headbutt	Flamethrower	45%

Shadow Gigalith A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Meteor Beam

DPS★★★★★

Tank★★★★☆

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Quick Move	Charge Move	Efficacy
Smack Down	Meteor Beam	100%
Lock-On	Meteor Beam	95%
Smack Down	Rock Slide	89%
Lock-On	Rock Slide	80%
Smack Down	Heavy Slam	71%
Mud-Slap	Meteor Beam	57%

Defensive Grades for Top 3

Boss Move
Blizzard	—	—	—
Ice Beam	—	—	—
Triple Axel	—	—	—
Icy Wind	—	—	—
Ancient Power	—	—	—

Shadow Rhyperior A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Rock Wrecker

DPS★★★★★

Tank★★★★☆

Reliability★☆☆☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Mega Tyranitar A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Stone Edge

DPS★★★★★

Tank★★★★☆

Reliability★★★★☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Also Noteworthy: A: Shadow Tyrantrum

We here at Pokebattler Pokémon Research Institute can’t expect you to have the best counters every time. So, here are some of our other best options, most of which will be easier to find than the members of the Dean’s List.

Shadow Tyranitar A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Stone Edge

DPS★★★★☆

Tank★★★☆☆

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Zamazenta - Crowned Shield A

Best Moveset: Metal Claw / Behemoth Bash

DPS★★★★☆

Tank★★★★★

Reliability★★★★★

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Rampardos A

Best Moveset: Smack Down / Rock Slide

DPS★★★★☆

Tank★★★☆☆

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Mega Aerodactyl A

Best Moveset: Rock Throw / Rock Slide

DPS★★★★☆

Tank★★★☆☆

Reliability★★☆☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Glimmora A

Best Moveset: Rock Throw / Meteor Beam

DPS★★★★☆

Tank★★★☆☆

Reliability★★★☆☆

2

Trainers
(Lvl 40)

Of course, besides our 10 best counters, there are plenty of Pokémon that also work against Articuno. Here are a few star choices, worthy of praise.

A	Zacian - Crowned SwordShadow AggronShadow AurorusNecrozma - Dusk ManeRhyperiorTerrakionShadow OmastarGigalithShadow RegigigasTyrantrumMega BlazikenTyranitarShadow Alola GolemMega AggronShadow ReshiramShadow DarmanitanShadow ExcadrillShadow CrustleShadow Metagross

Sometimes, the weather can be your most powerful ally. In certain weather conditions, certain Pokémon on our list excel. The most transformative cases are noted below.

Partly Cloudy

Shadow Tyranitar (1.3)Shadow Tyrantrum (1.3)Mega Aerodactyl (1.4)

Snow

Zacian - Crowned Sword (1.4)Zamazenta - Crowned Shield (1.4)Necrozma - Dusk Mane (1.4)

Overall, Articuno is an easy raid. While Rock is not a strong type, any type is strong when it is doubly super effective. Even the normally super effective Pokemon are pretty strong against this old timer. Of course, if you wish to do more research on your box’s best Pokémon for the job, Pokebattler.com itself can be a great help! Remember, the best counter is the one you have powered up and ready to go. I grant extra credit to those who use their best friend bonus and the weather to their advantage. Class dismissed!