Cresselia

N°0488 · Generation 4

Cresselia

Sleeping with one of its feathers in hand is said to bring pleasant dreams. It is nicknamed the "avatar of the crescent moon."

Share this Pokémon

Characteristics

Height:
1.50
Weight:
85.60

Base stats

Total: 580
HP120
Attack70
Defense110
Sp. Atk75
Sp. Def120
Speed85

Combat strengths and weaknesses

Damage multiplier taken by Cresselia depending on the attacking move's type. ×2 and ×4 are the attacks to avoid.

3weaknesses2resistances0immunity

Weaknesses - dangerous attacks

Resistances - weak attacks

The complete Pokédex, in your pocket

Detailed pages, types, stats and your favourite Pokémon — on the app.

Download on theApp StoreAvailable onGoogle Play

Evolutions

Sprites & artwork

Detailed information

Overview of Cresselia

Cresselia is a legendary Pokémon of the Psychic type, known for its close connection to lunar energy and the phases of the moon. Its Japanese name is クレセリア. This Pokémon first appears in the fourth generation and holds an important place in the Pokédex as a symbol of protection and balance. For players, Cresselia is primarily recognized for its great battle endurance and strategic utility across many games.

Thanks to its exceptional defensive profile, Cresselia is often used as a wall in strategic battles. Its high HP and strong Defense values make it a solid choice for control- or stall-oriented teams. Its elegant appearance and crescent-moon-shaped feathers reinforce its lunar identity, deeply rooted in the Pokémon universe.

Type and Characteristics of Cresselia

Cresselia has a pure Psychic type, which grants it useful resistances against Fighting- and Psychic-type attacks. However, it remains vulnerable to Bug-, Ghost-, and Dark-type attacks — important factors to keep in mind when preparing for battle. Its unique typing allows it to fit easily into different team compositions.

In terms of base stats, Cresselia stands out for its very high HP and remarkable Special Defense. Its offensive power is more modest, but sufficient to exert constant pressure through its Psychic moves. This stat spread makes it a Pokémon more oriented toward duration and pace management rather than pure damage output.

Moves and Battle Capabilities

Cresselia has a wide range of Psychic moves and support moves. Confusion and Future Sight are often used to deal progressive damage while taking advantage of its excellent longevity. Moonblast reinforces its lunar identity and provides an additional option against certain opposing types.

In addition, Cresselia can learn fast moves and charged moves that let it adapt to different play styles. In some games, Aurora Beam is valued for covering types such as Ground or Dragon. Access to several useful TMs further enhances its strategic flexibility, whether in solo play or competitive battles.

Cresselia in the Pokémon Games

In the main games, Cresselia is often tied to specific quests and unique encounters. Its appearance is generally associated with nocturnal events or areas connected to the moon. These encounters reinforce its status as a legendary Pokémon and make its capture memorable for players.

Its encounter level is often high, requiring appropriate preparation. Players must anticipate its defensive capabilities and prepare effective moves to reduce its HP without knocking it out too quickly. This strategic approach makes Cresselia particularly interesting for fans of challenges.

Cards and Collecting Appeal

In the trading card game, Cresselia has several cards appreciated for their design and effects. The illustrations often highlight its lunar aspect and elegant wings. Some cards are sought after for their utility in defensive sets, while others attract collectors mainly for their rarity.

Cresselia cards stand out for their abilities focused on damage reduction, opponent disruption, or support for other Pokémon on the field. This makes it an interesting card for both gameplay and collection purposes, further reinforcing the popularity of this lunar Pokémon.

Strategic Value and Role on a Team

Cresselia is particularly valued for its ability to absorb attacks and control the tempo of a battle. Strategically, it is often used as a defensive pivot, capable of taking hits while landing regular Psychic attacks. Its endurance allows it to stay on the field for a long time and wear down the opponent.

Thanks to its defensive stats and wide selection of moves, Cresselia remains a reliable Pokémon in many contexts, whether in solo play, strategic battles, or a more collection- and card-oriented approach. Its lunar dimension and unique style make it a lasting choice for passionate players.

Pokedexia Logo
Pokedexia

Pokédex, cards and Pokémon news.

© 2026 Pokedexia
Pokémon images & names © 1995-2026 Nintendo/Game Freak.