Pokemon Sun and Moon - Thoughts on Alolan Form Vulpix and Ninetales

by Phoenix Desertsong, Pokemon Master

The Alola region in Pokemon Sun and Moon has several variant forms of Pokemon from the Kanto region (the original 151 from Red, Blue, and Yellow). Two of these Pokemon include Vulpix and Ninetales. The interesting thing about these Alolan Forms is that they are different types than their original types that we are familiar with. In this case, these classic Fire-type Pokemon are now Ice-types!

According to the story, the Alolan Vulpix lives in the snowy mountain peaks away from most Pokemon. Over time, it changed from its original Fire-type and adapted into an Ice-type. This is quite a mind-screw for those that played the original games, because now the adorable Fox Pokemon is now weak to Fire!

Alolan Ninetales live on a peak that is known as a holy mountain. Therefore, the Ninetales are considered sacred emissaries. When Vulpix evolves into Ninetales in the Alola region, they become Fairy-types in addition to Ice-types.

According to the Sun and Moon story, Alolan form  Ninetales can produce ice crystals from its fur. It can use them to block attacks or turn them into powerful ice missiles which can shatter rock.

Fairy-types have proven themselves to be fairly powerful in the X & Y games, so it's pretty cool that Ninetales gets an upgrade in that way. I'm not so sure how I feel about Vulpix and Ninetales becoming Ice-types. But, this new typing gives them access to many new and powerful Ice and Fairy type-moves. They are no longer weak to water, but are now weak to Fire, Rock, and Steel. These new strengths and weaknesses entirely change entirely how Ninetales is utilized.


Of course, these changes only apply to the Vulpix and Ninetales actually caught in Sun and Moon. With the new typing, Alolan Ninetales became quickly overused in the competitive meta for Pokemon Sun and Moon. In fact, it is the only Pokemon that can use both the Aurora Veil move  and the Snow Warning ability.  Aurora Veil halves damage from incoming attacks to your team temporarily. Snow Warning summons Hail, which damages non-Ice type Pokemon for 1/16 of their HP each turn.


Alolan Ninetales also has access to a powerful attack called Freeze-Dry, which is super effective against Water-type Pokemon. According to Smogon, Alolan Ninetales is considered too powerful for many competitive Pokemon battle formats.  Even if you don’t care about battling competitively in Pokemon, Alolan Ninetales is definitely a Pokemon to consider for your Sun and Moon team in the future.