How to Catch Articuno in Pokémon Blue

Last Updated: November 18, 2022

Articuno is a Legendary Ice/Flying-type Pokémon introduced in Generation I. The PokéDex entry for Articuno says: "A legendary bird Pokémon that is said to appear to doomed people who are lost in icy mountains." Along with Zapdos and Moltres, it is one of the three legendary birds of Kanto.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Reaching Articuno

1
Know that Articuno is in the Seafoam Islands east of Cinnabar Island and south-west of Fuchsia City. You'll need a Pokémon that knows Surf.
- The easiest way to reach there is to go to Fuchsia City and start surfing first to the south and then west.
2
Find the entrance to the Seafoam Islands. This area is full of puzzles, and there are 5 floors with water bodies with currents which may flow you back to where the current ends each time. You need to stop the current by blocking it by boulders.
- These boulders have to be pushed inside a hole with the help of a Pokémon who knows the move Strength. There are 4 boulders, but only 2 of them will block currents blocking your path to Articuno.
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3
Enter any one of the holes that are formed when you block the current. Surf towards north. You will see a bird sitting on a platform. This is Articuno.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Catching Articuno

1
Save your game after you reach Articuno. This will help just in case you knock it out. You will be able to get it back.
2
Make sure you have the right supplies. You should have these arrangements to catch it easily:
- An Electric-type or Fire-type Pokémon
- At least 50 Ultra Balls
- Hyper Potions
- A Pokémon that knows a move which may paralyze Pokémon or put them to sleep
3
Hit the Pokémon with heavy attacks first, to make it weak. Then paralyze it or put it to sleep. After this, start throwing Ultra Balls.
4
If you are lucky it will be quick; otherwise, keep trying.