Biology
Ninetales is a quadrupedal canine Pokémon covered in thick, luxurious golden-white fur. It has a small mane of thicker fur around its neck and a long, fluffy crest atop its head. It has slender legs with three-toed paws and nine long tails with pale orange tips. It has red eyes, pointed ears, and a triangular black nose.
A legend claims that Ninetales is the reincarnation of 9 united noble saints. While intelligent enough to easily understand human speech, Ninetales is a vengeful Pokémon known to curse those who mistreat it. Ninetales will also curse anyone who wakes it up by grabbing one of its many tails. The curse can last up to 1,000 years. As mentioned in Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, once a Ninetales casts its curse, it cannot be removed even by Ninetales itself. It can live for 1,000 years due to the energy within its nine tails, each of which is said to have a different mystical power. Flames spewed from its mouth can hypnotize an opponent and its gleaming red eyes are said to give it the ability to control minds. As mentioned in the Sleep Style Dex, Ninetales is known to sleep while wrapped inside its tails, giving it a mystical appearance.[1] In the first Pokémon movie, it's shown that it can swim. Pokémon-Amie shows that Ninetales lick their paws to clean themselves. Being the result of an Evolution via Evolution stone, Ninetales are rarely found in the wild, though they can be found in grasslands.
Forms
Ninetales has a regional form: Alolan Ninetales.
In the Alola region, Ninetales have a different appearance. Its coat is pale blue, and its fur is more flowing and wispier. The tips of its tails and crest and the lower halves of its legs are white. The crest on its head is longer, and its nine tails are less distinct. Additionally, it has larger blue eyes and small tufts of fur in front of its ears.
Alolan Ninetales lives on Alola's snow-capped Mount Lanakila, which some consider holy ground. As such, it is revered as a sacred messenger or deity. Alolan Ninetales has a gentle and calm temperament and is known to aid lost humans in distress, though this is primarily done to keep them out of its territory. It will punish any threat to its pack of Vulpix. Those who anger it will be frozen stiff in an instant. It can produce ice crystals from its fur, which it can use for both offense and defense. The ice crystals can act as a shield or form balls that can be fired like bullets with enough force to shatter rock.[2] They can also be found in the Polar Biome of Blueberry Academy's Terarium, where Alola's island life is simulated.
Evolution
Ninetales evolves from Vulpix.
Alolan Ninetales evolves from Alolan Vulpix.
(For specifics on this Pokémon's Evolution in the games, refer to Game data→Evolution data.)
Game data
NPC appearances
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Ninetales cast a curse on a human that would turn it into a Pokémon, bringing on many natural disasters. The player is blamed for this and travels to the home of Ninetales at the top of Mt. Freeze to learn the truth. Ninetales appears again when Gengar wishes to make right what he did to Gardevoir. He gives Gengar the 9-Tail Crest and sends him and the player to Murky Cave.
- Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon: Ninetales returns, asking the player to visit its hideout. Upon arrival, the player will connect with both Ninetales and Absol.
Pokédex entries
| Generation I
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Kanto
#038
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| Red(JPN)
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(This entry was originally untranslated in English until it was reused in Pokémon FireRed.)
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| Green
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| Red(ENG)
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Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1000-year curse.
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| Blue
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| Yellow
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According to an enduring legend, 9 noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
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| Stadium
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It is extremely vindictive. It is said to lay a 1,000-year long curse if its tail is pulled as a joke.
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| Generation II
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Johto
#126
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| Gold
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Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
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| Silver
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Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
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| Crystal
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It is said to live a thousand years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
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| Stadium 2
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Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power. (Pokémon Red, Silver, or Crystal inserted)
Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years. (Pokémon Blue, Gold, or Yellow inserted)
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| Generation III
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Hoenn
#154
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Kanto
#038
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| Ruby
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Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years.
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| Sapphire
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Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent -it can understand human speech.
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| Emerald
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It has long been said that each of the nine tails embody an enchanted power. A long-lived Ninetales will have fur that shines like gold.
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| FireRed
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It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
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| LeafGreen
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Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
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| Generation IV
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Sinnoh
#—
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Johto
#128
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| Diamond
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Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
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| Pearl
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| Platinum
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| HeartGold
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Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
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| SoulSilver
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Its nine beautiful tails are filled with a wondrous energy that could keep it alive for 1,000 years.
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| Generation V
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Unova
B2 W2 : #249
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| Black
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Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. It can live for a thousand years.
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| White
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| Black 2
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Each of its nine tails is imbued with supernatural power, and it can live for a thousand years.
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| White 2
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| Generation VI
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Kalos
#—
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Hoenn
#161
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| X
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It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
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| Y
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Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
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| Omega Ruby
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Ninetales casts a sinister light from its bright red eyes to gain total control over its foe's mind. This Pokémon is said to live for a thousand years.
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| Alpha Sapphire
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Legend has it that Ninetales came into being when nine wizards possessing sacred powers merged into one. This Pokémon is highly intelligent—it can understand human speech.
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| Generation VII
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Alola
S M : #254
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Alola
US UM : #331
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Kanto
#038
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| Sun
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Legend has it that this mystical Pokémon was formed when nine saints coalesced into one.
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| Moon
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Said to live for a thousand years, this Pokémon uses its supernatural abilities to manipulate fire. It can burn its prey to a crisp as it pleases.
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| Ultra Sun
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It is vindictive and relentless by nature. Those who cross it even once will be cursed for a thousand years, along with their descendants.
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| Ultra Moon
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The flickering flames it spews from its mouth leave its opponents hypnotized. Then, this extremely intelligent Pokémon attacks.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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According to an enduring legend, nine noble saints were united and reincarnated as this Pokémon.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Alolan Ninetales
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| Sun
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It creates drops of ice in its coat and showers them over its enemies. Anyone who angers it will be frozen stiff in an instant.
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| Moon
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Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a regional variant of Ninetales.
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| Ultra Sun
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The reason it guides people all the way down to the mountain's base is that it wants them to hurry up and leave.
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| Ultra Moon
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Some said that deities visited mountains where Ninetales live, so in times long past, no one was allowed to go into those mountains.
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| Let's Go Pikachu
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It lives on mountains perpetually covered in snow and is revered as a deity incarnate. It appears draped in a blizzard.
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| Let's Go Eevee
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| Generation VIII
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Galar
#069
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Sinnoh
#—
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Hisui
#169
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| Sword
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It is said to live 1,000 years, and each of its tails is loaded with supernatural powers.
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| Shield
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Very smart and very vengeful. Grabbing one of its many tails could result in a 1,000-year curse.
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| Brilliant Diamond
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Its nine tails are said to be imbued with a mystic power. The Pokémon is said to live for 1,000 years.
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| Shining Pearl
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| Legends: Arceus
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The coat of gleaming golden fur is quite magnificent. This species is said to store sacred power in its nine long tails and to live for a millennium.
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| Alolan Ninetales
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| Sword
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A deity resides in the snowy mountains where this Pokémon lives. In ancient times, it was worshiped as that deity's incarnation.
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| Shield
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While it will guide travelers who get lost on a snowy mountain down to the mountain's base, it won't forgive anyone who harms nature.
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| Legends: Arceus
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Dwells on sacred peaks perpetually covered in snow. Said to appear to virtuous people who have lost their way on mountain paths—it then guides them back down to the mountain's base.
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| Generation IX
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Paldea
#—
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Kitakami
#38
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Blueberry
#158
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| Scarlet
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Some legends claim that each of its nine tails has its own unique type of special mystical power.
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| Violet
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It has nine long tails and fur that gleams gold. It is said to live for 1,000 years.
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| Alolan Ninetales
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| Scarlet
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Possessing a calm demeanor, this Pokémon was revered as a deity incarnate before it was identified as a regional variant of Ninetales.
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| Violet
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It creates drops of ice in its coat and showers them over its enemies. Anyone who angers it will be frozen stiff in an instant.
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Game locations
In side games
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| Generation II
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| This Pokémon is unavailable in Generation II side games.
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| Cross-Generation
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| Shuffle
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| Masters EX
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| UNITE
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Beginner Bonus (Day 2) (Alolan Form)
Purchase for 8,000 Aeos Coins/460 Aeos Gems (Alolan Form)
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In events
Held items
Ninetales
Pokémon caught in Generation I must be traded to a Generation II game in order for a held item to appear. In Pokémon Emerald, Ninetales can only be found in the Battle Frontier.
Stats
Base stats
Ninetales
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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73
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133 - 180
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256 - 350
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76
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72 - 140
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141 - 276
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75
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72 - 139
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139 - 273
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81
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77 - 146
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150 - 287
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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Total: 505
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
- This Pokémon's Special base stat in Generation I was 100.
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Alolan Ninetales
| Stat
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Range
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| At Lv. 50
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At Lv. 100
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73
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133 - 180
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256 - 350
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67
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64 - 130
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125 - 256
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75
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72 - 139
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139 - 273
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81
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77 - 146
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150 - 287
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100
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94 - 167
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184 - 328
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109
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102 - 177
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200 - 348
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Total: 505
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Other Pokémon with this total
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- Minimum stats are calculated with 0 EVs, IVs of 0, and (if applicable) a hindering nature.
- Maximum stats are calculated with 252 EVs, IVs of 31, and (if applicable) a helpful nature.
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Pokéathlon stats
Type effectiveness
Ninetales
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Alolan Ninetales
| Under normal battle conditions in Generation IX, this Pokémon is:
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Learnset
Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Alolan Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see level-up moves from other generations
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Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Alolan Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or an alternate form of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see TM moves from other generations
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Ninetales
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ninetales
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see Egg moves from other generations
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Alolan Ninetales
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- Moves marked with an asterisk (*) must be chain bred onto Ninetales
- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution of Ninetales
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Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or alternate form of Ninetales
- Click on the generation numbers at the top to see moves from other generations
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Alolan Ninetales
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- Bold indicates a move that gets STAB when used by Ninetales
- Italic indicates a move that gets STAB only when used by an Evolution or alternate form of Ninetales
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Side game data
Ninetales
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Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia
| Group:
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Poké Assist:
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Field move:
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(Burn ×4)
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| Browser entry R-172
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| While protecting itself with a ghostly ring of fire, it breaths streams of fire to attack.
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.38 seconds
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Base HP: 54
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| Base Attack: 79
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Base Defense: 57
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Base Speed: 70
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Pokémon GO
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Base HP: 177
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Base Attack: 169
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Base Defense: 190
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| Egg Distance: N/A
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Buddy Distance: 3 km
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Evolution Requirement: N/A
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| Fast Attacks: Feint Attack, Fire Spin*, Ember†
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Charged Attacks: Heat Wave, Overheat*, Solar Beam*, Psyshock*, Weather Ball Fire*, Scorching Sands*, Fire Blast†, Flamethrower†, Frustration , Return
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New Pokémon Snap
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| Photodex entry #075
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| This mystical Pokémon is the subject of numerous legends. It’s highly intelligent and extremely curious, so it closely studies others to try to learn all it can about them.
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Pokémon Sleep
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Sleep type: Snoozing
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Pokémon type: Fire
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Points to befriend: 20
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| Specialty: Berries
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Berry:
 Leppa Berry ×2
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Primary ingredient:
 Greengrass Soybeans ×1
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| Possible ingredients:
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| Greengrass Soybeans
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 Greengrass Corn
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 Soft Potato
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| Main skill: Energizing Cheer S
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Base carry limit: 23
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| Restores 14 Energy to one random Pokémon on your team
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| Its nine gorgeous tails are said to be imbued with supernatural power. When it sleeps wrapped in its tails, this Pokémon has a mystical appearance, but grabbing one of its many tails to wake it up for fun could result in a 1,000-year curse.
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| Stretching Sleep
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Floaty-Tail Sleep
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Tail Blanket Sleep
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Atop-Belly Sleep
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| ★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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★★★★★
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Alolan Ninetales
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Pokémon Rumble Rush
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Walking Speed: 1.38 seconds
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Base HP: 54
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| Base Attack: 79
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Base Defense: 57
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Base Speed: 70
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Evolution data
Ninetales
Alolan Ninetales
Sprites
In animation
Main series
Major appearances
In Riddle Me This, Blaine used a Ninetales against Ash in their first Gym battle. It battled Squirtle and won before being recalled when Charizard was sent out. Vulpix reappeared in a flashback in Volcanic Panic.
In Mewtwo Strikes Back, Neesha's Ninetales was one of the Pokémon that were captured and cloned by Mewtwo. The Ninetales clone was seen again in Mewtwo Returns. Neesha's Ninetales reappeared in Mewtwo Strikes Back—Evolution, a remake of Mewtwo Strikes Back, where it played the same role.
In Beauty and the Breeder, Zane's Ninetales was used in a Pokémon breeding competition and competed against Suzie's Vulpix. Ninetales was later among the contestants' Pokémon targeted by Team Rocket.
In Just Waiting On A Friend, a very old Ninetales befriended Brock, who bore a resemblance to her long-lost master. This Ninetales created all sorts of illusions, including one of a woman through which she spoke.
In Mystery on a Deserted Island!, a Ninetales evolved from a Vulpix that belonged to a Pirate. Ninetales was seen guarding the treasure that Ash, his friends, and Alexa were searching for on the Deserted Island.
In Getting a Jump on the Competition!, Cerah used an Alolan Ninetales during the Pokémon Sled Jump Games.
In Leaping Toward the Dream!, Goh caught an Alolan Ninetales on Mount Coronet in order to qualify for Project Mew's Trial Missions. The Ninetales was subsequently returned to its home on Mount Lanakila in Trial on a Golden Scale!.
Minor appearances
Ninetales debuted in the banned episode EP038.
Ninetales made its English dub debut in The Battling Eevee Brothers as one of the Pokémon in the evolution party in Stone Town.
A Ninetales appeared as an image in the Japanese version of The Ultimate Test.
In Pikachu's Vacation, a Ninetales was at the Pokémon Theme Park.
In Misty Meets Her Match, Rudy's Ninetales was seen at the Trovita Gym.
In The Power of One, a Ninetales sensed the disturbance caused by Lawrence III.
In A Bite to Remember, an injured Ninetales was under the care of Katrina.
In All Things Bright and Beautifly!, a Coordinator's Ninetales competed in the Rustboro Contest.
Multiple Ninetales appeared in the opening sequence of Destiny Deoxys.
In Deceit and Assist, a Coordinator's Ninetales competed in the Hoenn Grand Festival.
In Lucario and the Mystery of Mew, a Ninetales was seen during the opening intro of the movie, while the other was under the ownership of a Trainer participating in the Rota tournament.
A Coordinator's Ninetales appeared in What I Did for Love!.
A Coordinator's Ninetales appeared in Thinning the Hoard!.
In a flashback in Mutiny in the Bounty!, a Ninetales was one of J's captured Pokémon.
A Performer's Ninetales appeared in a video in Performing with Fiery Charm!.
In Alola, Kanto!, a Ninetales appeared in a fantasy, while Snowy walked up to another at Professor Oak's Laboratory and bonded with it.
An Alolan Ninetales appeared in a fantasy in Showering the World with Love!.
In a flashback in The Dealer of Destruction!, a Trainer's Alolan Ninetales was battling another Trainer's Machamp on Mount Lanakila.
In Out of Their Elements!, a Ninetales appeared as part of a Pokémon Circus.
A Ninetales appeared in This Could be the Start of Something Big!.
Pokédex entries
| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| EP169
|
Ninetales
|
Ash's Pokédex
|
Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. The evolved form of Vulpix. It has nine tails and a shining golden fleece. Ninetales are said to live very long lives.
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| EP232
|
Ninetales
|
Ash's Pokédex
|
Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon. Ninetales is the evolved form of Vulpix. Each of its tails contains a different mystical power.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| BW135
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Ninetales
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Ash's Pokédex
|
Ninetales, the Fox Pokémon and the evolved form of Vulpix. With its nine tails and thick golden coat, Ninetales is said to live a thousand years.
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| Episode
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Pokémon
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Source
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Entry
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| SM060
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Ninetales
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Rotom Pokédex
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Ninetales, Alola Form. The Fox Pokémon. An Ice and Fairy type. This peaceful Pokémon is known to rescue people from treacherous mountain accidents.
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Pokémon Evolutions
A Ninetales appeared in The Discovery, under the ownership of Green. She used it to battle Elaine's Rapidash and won.
In the mangaIn the TCGOther appearances
Alolan Ninetales in Pokémon UNITE
- Main article: Alolan Ninetales (UNITE)
Ninetales in its Alola form is playable through obtaining a Unite License. It is a ranged attacker that starts as Alolan Vulpix, which evolves into Alolan Ninetales at level 4.
Trivia
Origin
Ninetales may be based on a red fox and the 狐 kitsune of Japanese legend, which are said to have many tails, extremely long lifespans, and supernatural powers such as the ability to breathe fire. After reaching an advanced age, kitsune take on spirit forms, which may explain why Ninetales can learn various Ghost-type and Psychic-type moves. Specifically, it may be based on the kyūbi no kitsune, whose fur turns white-gold after it has lived for 1,000 years and gains its ninth tail.
Alolan Ninetales may be based on an Arctic fox, which grows a white coat of fur in the winter to camouflage in the snow. Its mountain habitat and lore as a deity incarnation may be a reference to Poliʻahu, the Hawaiian goddess of snow who is said to reside on Mauna Kea. It could also be inspired by tulikettu, a mythical fox creature of Finnish lore whose radiant fur is said to be responsible for the creation of the northern lights. The Finnish word for aurora, revontulet, also literally translates to "fox fires" which could be intentional as Ninetales' original form is a Fire-type.
Name origin
Ninetales may be a combination of nine and tales, referring to fairy tales (alluding to it being based on a mythical creature) as well as being a homophone to tails. It may also reference the cat o' nine tails whip (due to its tendency to punish anyone who grabs its tails).
Kyukon may be a combination of 九 kyū (nine) or 九尾狐 kyūbiko (nine-tailed fox) and こん kon (onomatopoetic sound of a fox's cry). It may also involve 旧恨 kyūkon (old grudge) and 焜炉 konro (gas stove).
In other languagesSee alsoReferencesExternal links
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This Pokémon article is part of Project Pokédex, a Bulbapedia project that aims to write comprehensive articles on each Pokémon species, as well as Pokémon groups and forms.
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Gold Leaf (100%)
Rawst Berry (100%)
Charcoal (5%)
For other sprites and images, please see Ninetales images on the Bulbagarden Archives.
