The Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra expansion introduces loads of new creatures to capture. Among them is the Legendary bird Articuno, which now assumes a new type. However, this flying monster is as elusive as ever, causing players confusion on how to catch Articuno. Here’s how to find and capture this Legendary beast.
How to catch Articuno in The Crown Tundra
To catch Articuno in The Crown Tundra, you’ll first need to find it. It’s initially located near the Dyna tree at the southern end of the region. However, once you spot it, it will fly away to a random location. Encounter it again and it will play a trick before you can actually fight and catch it.
Here’s how the process works. You need to head to the south side of Crown Tundra and find Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos near the Dyna tree. Afterward, the trio will split ways, with Moltres and Zapdos heading off to other places around the Galar region.
Articuno itself will fly away, though there’s no telling where. Unfortunately, that means you’ll have to search around for it. It shouldn’t be too hard to spot, and several players have reported finding it somewhere around Snowside Slope. In any case, keep your eyes peeled during your travels, particularly toward the sky.
Don’t fall for the trick
Once you find the creature again, be prepared for deception. On approach, Articuno will split into three — the real creature as well as two clones of itself. The clones will spin around in a circle in an effort to deceive you. You need to approach the real Articuno to initiate battle. If you choose the wrong one, Articuno will fly off to another random location, and you’ll have to start searching again.
Luckily, there’s a simple way to tell which one is the real one. Before the group starts its spin maneuver, the real Articuno will briefly raise and lower its wings. It’s a short animation, but it is distinct — the two clones will remain motionless otherwise. If you’re having trouble spotting it, try creating a save just before you approach. That way if you get it wrong, you won’t have to look all over Crown Tundra to find it again.
Fight and capture Articuno
Once you choose the right Articuno, the fight will begin. Unlike its previous variants, the Crown Tundra Articuno is a Physic/Flying-type creature. As such, Electric, Ice, Rock, and Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type Pokemon will be strongest against it.
Use one of those types, or simply your most powerful creature, and you should have no problem winning the fight. This is especially true if you already have one of the Legendary Pokemon in Crown Tundra. After that, it’s a simple case of catching Articuno and adding it to your ever-growing Pokedex.
