Introduced in generation two, with the Pokemon Gold and Silver games, Noctowl is a dual type normal and flying Pokemon. It is the final stage evolution of its two stage evolution line and evolves from Hoothoot once it reaches the level threshold. Noctowl is classified by the Pokedex as the “Owl Pokemon” which may be a nod to its general design. This guide will showcase Noctowl’s capabilities in battle, its appearances in the anime, as well as other general facts about Noctowl.
About Noctowl
As a generation two Pokemon, Noctowl first appeared in the Original Series of the anime in the episode Fowl Play!. In this episode, a Shiny Noctowl was being harassed by a man and Team Rocket. After Ash sent Team Rocket away, the Noctowl gave Ash a chance to catch it. The Pokedex mentions that Noctowl has perfect vision at night and its wings make no sound while flying.
| First appearance in anime | Pokemon the Original Series: Fowl Play! |
| First appearance in game | Pokemon Gold and Silver |
| Region | Johto |
| Evolution | Final evolution of Hoothoot, not known to evolve into any other Pokemon |
| 1st Evo level | 20 |
| 2nd Evo level | N/A |
| Pokedex Entry | Noctowl never fails at catching prey in darkness. This Pokémon owes its success to its superior vision that allows it to see in minimal light, and to its soft, supple wings that make no sound in flight. |
Noctowl Base Stats
(Generation 2-6)
| HP | 100 |
| ATTACK | 50 |
| DEFENCE | 50 |
| SP. ATTACK | 76 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 96 |
| SPEED | 70 |
| TOTAL | 442 |
(Generation 7+)
| HP | 100 |
| ATTACK | 50 |
| DEFENCE | 50 |
| SP. ATTACK | 86 |
| SP. DEFENCE | 96 |
| SPEED | 70 |
| TOTAL | 452 |
Appearance
Noctowl is a brown, bird-like Pokémon that resembles an owl and in the anime, a shiny Noctowl was caught which has a golden body color instead. Most of its body is brown except for its lighter colored belly and the dark rings around its eyes. It has a distinct brow like owls in real life and a small beak between its eyes. There are six upside down triangles patterned on Noctowl’s chest. Noctowl is a larger Pokemon at 5 feet and 3 inches, or 1.6 meters, tall.
Behavior
Noctowl can commonly be found at night time. The Pokedex mentions that Noctowl was given the nickname “The Emperor or Dark Nights” thanks to its activity at night and its exceptional night-time vision. Noctowl can spin their heads around like regular owls, twisting its head 180 degrees or even upside down. Beware if you find a Noctowl with its head upside down, it does this when it is troubled by something. Noctowl can commonly be found in temperate and boreal forests.
Strengths and Weaknesses
There are not many strengths regarding Noctowl. It has a strong health pool and a decent special defense, but its physical defense can leave it wide open. While its special attack became stronger after generation seven, it struggles to showcase a strong offensive capability. Noctowl is not a particularly slow Pokemon but do not expect it to outdo fast offensive Pokemon. As a dual type normal and flying Pokemon, Noctowl takes 2x damage from rock, electric, and ice type moves. It is immune to ground and ghost type moves, and is resistant to grass and bug type moves.
Best Moveset
There is little reason to consider running Noctowl in competitive play. It simply falls too short of other Pokemon and while it can be used as a defensive Pokemon, it is far too vulnerable to succeed in this role for long. With Leftovers, as a held item, and the Insomnia ability, it can be hard to remove. Consider running Roost, Defog, Toxic, and Night Shade. Roost will ensure that you get the most out of Noctowl’s high base health, Defog removes problematic hazards like Stealth Rocks, Toxic can ensure that Noctowl deals significant damage, and Night Shade will deal a set amount of damage every time.
| Roost | Defog |
| Toxic | Night Shade |
How to Catch Noctowl in Pokemon Go?
If you would like to obtain a Noctowl in Pokemon Go, unfortunately it seems there is only one way to obtain it and that is to catch a Hoothoot and evolve it into Noctowl. But as a base evolution Pokemon, Hoothoot spawns commonly in the wild. You can find it, at a boosted rate, near countrysides, farms, fields, forests, parks, and grassy areas. Hoothoot does not hatch from eggs and it has not been available as a raid boss in the past. However, you can find Noctowl as a tier three raid boss at Pokemon Gyms. You will need 50 candies in order to evolve Hoothoot into Noctowl.
Trivia
- Noctowl’s shiny form was the first shiny to appear in the anime
- The inspiration for Noctowl’s design is likely based on the Horned Owl.
- The name Noctowl is a combination of the words nocturnal and owl.
FAQ
Is Ash’s Noctowl shiny?
The Noctowl that Ash encounters in the anime is a shiny Noctowl and he did manage to capture it. After he rescued the Noctowl from getting trapped, getting harassed by Team Rocket, and sent Team Rocket flying, the Noctowl gave Ash a chance to capture it. This shiny Noctowl was the first shiny to be seen in the anime.
Is Noctowl a good Pokemon?
Noctowl can prove to be a difficult Pokemon to shut down thanks to its Insomnia ability coupled with a high health pool. However, if your opponents have a strong physical attacking Pokemon, it can defeat Noctowl with ease. It is best to use the moves that can slow down your opponents and then swap to a sweeper to finish off your opponents.
Is Noctowl good for PvP?
Noctowl manages to slow down your opponents while providing useful answers to hazards and other defensive Pokemon. With Toxic, you can quickly outlast other defensive Pokemon, Defog will remove hazards on your side of the field, and Roost will ensure that your Noctowl can last longer. There is a world where Noctowl can succeed in competitive play, it is just not too likely.
Conclusion
Congratulations, you now know just about everything there is to know about this “Owl Pokemon”. While Noctowl does not seem like the most intimidating Pokemon, it can offer a lot of sustainability for your other Pokemon. It will not be disabled by sleeping moves if it has the Insomnia ability, can rip through other defensive Pokemon, and provide some useful answers to hazards in battle. Reserve a slot on your team for Noctowl for a defensive/utility normal and flying type Pokemon.
