Some Pokémon carry such strange power that players quickly realize they cannot be classified as ordinary, and Xurkitree is one of the best examples.
Its power and rarity make some see it as legendary like Zapdos, while others compare it to mythical Darkrai.
This debate continues because its abilities and stats create a sense of mystery that makes it difficult to place alongside traditional Pokémon categories.
With so many different classifications, it is easy for players to get confused about Xurkitree’s true identity and role within the series.
I will be telling you about whether Xurkitree is legendary or an Ultra Beast, while also exploring its stats, story appearances, and the best ways to catch it.
Xurkitree’s Origins, Design, and Battle Power
Xurkitree is an Electric-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 7, recognized for its tall, humanoid shape made of twisted black wires bound with white rings.
Its glowing star-shaped head constantly emits sparks, making it appear like a luminous tree alive with energy.
Xurkitree generates electricity by absorbing power from the ground and its surroundings, releasing devastating bursts of electrical force during battle.
Its design emphasizes an alien origin, separating it from the natural look of most Pokémon species.
Known as the “Glowing Pokémon,” it possesses immense power concentrated in special moves, giving it overwhelming offensive potential.
Beast Boost raises Xurkitree’s top stat after each win, making it a dangerous sweeper.
Xurkitree’s Stats and Battle Profile
Xurkitree’s stats show a strong focus on offense, with decent but unimpressive defenses. Below is its base stat breakdown:
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| HP | 83 |
| Attack | 89 |
| Defense | 71 |
| Special Attack | 173 |
| Special Defense | 71 |
| Speed | 83 |
| Total | 570 |
This spread shows Xurkitree’s destructive potential in battle, with Special Attack towering far above every other stat and defining its overall battle style.
Ultra Beasts: A Unique Pokémon Category
Ultra Beasts were introduced in Generation 7 (Alola Region) and quickly became one of the most unusual additions to the Pokémon franchise.
These powerful beings come from Ultra Space, a dimension separate from the Pokémon world. They are recognized for their alien-like designs, extraordinary abilities, and roles as unpredictable invaders.
Unlike ordinary Pokémon, they emerge from Ultra Wormholes, challenging trainers to defend their regions.
Their presence adds mystery and depth to the lore, making them stand apart from species rooted in the natural ecosystem.
How They Differ from Legendary and Mythical Pokémon?
Ultra Beasts are often compared with Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, yet their origins and roles are completely distinct. These are the major differences:
- Legendary Pokémon are tied to myths and forces of nature, like Lugia (Guardian of the Seas) or Rayquaza (Sky High Pokemon).
- Mythical Pokémon are event-exclusive rarities with strong story roles, such as Mew or Celebi.
- Ultra Beasts are extradimensional beings with alien traits, such as Nihilego or Buzzwole.
These clear distinctions help players understand how Ultra Beasts occupy their own category, separated from the roles played by Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
Ultra Beasts are extradimensional beings with alien traits, such as Nihilego or Buzzwole.
Meanwhile, debates continue for Pokémon like Zeraora’s Mythical vs Legendary status, showing how tricky these classifications can be.
Is Xurkitree a Legendary or Ultra Beast?
Xurkitree, also known as UB-03, is officially classified as an Ultra Beast in the Pokémon. As discussed in the Pokédex description above, it is a space Pokémon.
This connection firmly establishes its identity as a Legendary Pokémon. Many fans confuse Xurkitree’s status because of its extremely high Special Attack stat and its rarity in both the anime and games.
Legendary Pokémon are usually tied to myths and natural phenomena, while these types of Pokémon are recognized as powerful invaders with alien origins.
Xurkitree’s role highlights its alien origin, setting it apart from legendary guardians.
Despite the confusion, the official storyline, capture missions, and Pokédex entries leave no doubt that Xurkitree belongs firmly to the Ultra Beast category.
Xurkitree’s Appearances in Anime
Xurkitree made its anime debut in the Pokémon Sun and Moon series during the episode “Twirling with a Bang!” where it emerged from an Ultra Wormhole above Melemele Island.
Its arrival caused widespread concern as it began draining energy directly from power lines and electrical grids, showcasing its destructive abilities.
Ash and his Pokémon joined the Ultra Guardians, coordinating efforts to contain and control the threat.
Xurkitree eventually engaged in a dramatic clash with another Ultra Beast Pokemon, Blacephalon (also called UB Burst), producing one of the most memorable confrontations in the series.
After this, Xurkitree appeared in later anime arcs, usually in Ultra Beast invasions or flashbacks.
How to Catch Xurkitree in Games and Best Ways to Obtain It?
Catching Xurkitree requires patience and strategy because of its rarity and strength. It appears across multiple Pokémon titles, each with unique conditions for encounter and capture.
- Pokémon Sun & Moon: Found after completing Ultra Beast missions, appearing in Lush Jungle and Memorial Hill at level 65. Players must capture two as part of the storyline.
- Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon: Accessible through Ultra Wormholes with similar mechanics, though expanded exploration improves availability compared to the original games.
- Pokémon Sword & Shield: Normally unobtainable but occasionally included in special events or DLC expansions.
- Pokémon GO: Featured in limited-time Ultra Beast raids, where groups of players battle and capture it together.
For best results, trainers should use Ground-type Pokémon to resist electric attacks, inflict status conditions like Sleep, and rely on Ultra Balls or Beast Balls when possible.
Conclusion
Xurkitree shows how Pokémon can blur the lines between categories, because its power and mystery make it feel different from almost every other creature.
Many players and fans first see its strength and believe it must belong among legends, while others focus on its strange role and argue for mythical comparisons.
Xurkitree stands out by defying the norm, a mystery that still fuels community debate.
Learning about where it comes from, what makes it special, and how it compares to rare Pokémon gives us a clearer understanding of its place.
Its story shows how fresh ideas expand the Pokémon world, sparking ongoing fan interest and debate.
If you want to learn more about Electric-types beyond classifications, take a look at my guide on rankings of the fastest Electric Pokémon in the series.
