

If you’re playing Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch and trying to catch Moltres, you’ll need to progress much further than you did for Articuno or Zapdos. Moltres is technically available before the Elite Four — but most players won’t reach it until late game.
That’s because Moltres is located deep inside Mt. Ember on One Island. To unlock Moltres in Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, you must first gain access to the Sevii Islands. This happens after defeating Blaine at the Cinnabar Island Gym.
Once you reach One Island, head north toward Mt. Ember. You’ll need:
HM03 Surf
HM06 Rock Smash
Strength is helpful but not always required, depending on pathing
Navigate through Mt. Ember’s exterior paths and interior caverns until you reach the summit area. Unlike Zapdos’ dungeon crawl or Articuno’s water puzzle, Mt. Ember features rocky terrain and branching cave sections.
Read More: How to Get Articuno in Pokémon FireRed LeafGreen: Nintendo Switch
At the peak, you’ll find Moltres at Level 50.
Before engaging:
Save your game.
Bring plenty of Ultra Balls.
Consider using Rock, Electric, or Water moves carefully to avoid knocking it out.
Moltres does not respawn if defeated.
Read More: How to Get Zapdos in Pokémon FireRed LeafGreen: Nintendo Switch
In the Nintendo Switch version of FireRed & LeafGreen, Moltres is the most out-of-the-way Legendary Bird — but it’s also one of the strongest Fire-types available before the post-game.
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