Pokémon 30th Anniversary: Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres Revealed as a Trio

For the anniversary set Pokémon 30th Celebration, the three legendary birds from Kanto have been officially revealed: Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres. All three arrive as new holographic cards and share a clever twist: each bird only gets truly strong when the other two are in play. The set releases worldwide on 16 September 2026, with no Japan head start.

A trio that grows stronger together

Each of the three birds has an ability that follows the same pattern: once per turn it may attach a basic Energy of its type from hand, but only while the other two birds are also in play. Bring the full trio to the bench and your attackers charge themselves up turn after turn. That interplay makes the three both a collecting theme and a playable team.

Moltres

The fire bird brings the ability Fiery Flutter: while Articuno and Zapdos are in play, it may attach a basic Fire Energy from hand once per turn. Its attack Fire Whirl deals 130 damage, at the cost of discarding two Energy. HP 120.

Moltres German promo alternate art
Moltres as the German promo alternate art from the 30th anniversary Poster Collection.

Articuno

The ice bird relies on Frost Flutter: with Moltres and Zapdos in play, it attaches a basic Water Energy. Its attack Hailstorm hits every one of the opponent's Pokémon for 30 damage, bench included, ignoring Weakness and Resistance. HP 120.

Articuno German promo alternate art
Articuno as the German promo alternate art from the 30th anniversary Poster Collection.

Zapdos

The electric bird uses Sparking Flutter on the same principle, attaching a basic Lightning Energy when the trio is complete. Its attack Thunderous Bolt is the hardest hit of the three at 210 damage, but deals 60 damage back to itself. HP 120.

Zapdos German promo alternate art
Zapdos as the German promo alternate art from the 30th anniversary Poster Collection.

Also as holo cards in the set

Alongside the German promo alternate arts, the three birds also appear as regular holo cards in the set. Here is how they look there:

Moltres holo from the set Articuno holo from the set Zapdos holo from the set

What does it mean for collectors?

Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres are among the most iconic original legendaries, and an anniversary set is the perfect stage for them. The shared trio ability ties the three cards together, as a collecting goal and as a playable team. Since Pokémon 30th Celebration launches worldwide on the same day, collectors everywhere are in from the start.

Stay in the loop: join our waitlist and come to our Discord so you are there for every new reveal for Pokémon's 30th anniversary.

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