Catching Latios and Latias in Pokémon Emerald is a challenging but rewarding endeavor. These legendary Pokémon are incredibly powerful and elusive, requiring patience, strategy, and a bit of luck. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to successfully add these powerful additions to your Pokédex.
Where to Find Latios and Latias?
This is the crucial first step. Unlike other legendary Pokémon, Latios and Latias don't reside in a specific cave or location. Instead, they roam the Hoenn region randomly. Their locations change frequently and unpredictably. The game doesn't offer any direct clues.
How Do I Know Where They Are?
The key to locating Latios and Latias is using the Devon Scope. This item is obtained after you've completed the main storyline and visited the Devon Corporation in Littleroot Town. Once you have it, you'll be able to see their location on your map, indicated by a radar blip. Remember, they are constantly moving, so you'll need to be quick.
What if I don't see them on the map?
If the radar blip doesn't appear, it simply means they aren't currently within the visible range of your Devon Scope. Continue playing the game, and eventually, they will appear on your map.
What's the Best Strategy for Catching Them?
Latios and Latias are very powerful, high-level Pokémon. A direct battle is challenging. The key is to weaken them considerably before attempting a capture. Here’s a recommended strategy:
- Prepare your team: Bring Pokémon with strong moves effective against Psychic and Dragon types (Ice, Bug, Ghost, Dark, Dragon, and Fairy types have a type advantage). Moves that cause paralysis or sleep can be highly beneficial in hindering their attack.
- Use Status Effects: Paralysis and Sleep are your friends. Moves like Thunder Wave (Paralysis) and Hypnosis (Sleep) are highly recommended. These will significantly decrease their attack and increase your chances of capturing them.
- Weaken, but don't defeat: The goal is to lower their HP to the critical range (red health) without knocking them out. This requires precise damage control. You may need to switch Pokémon to manage their type advantage and avoid one-hit KOs.
- Ultra Balls are key: These are the best Poké Balls for capturing legendary Pokémon. Carry as many as you can and don't hesitate to use multiple ones.
- False Swipe: This move is crucial. It always leaves the target with 1 HP, making a successful capture far more likely.
- Patience is Vital: This is not a quick process. Expect to use numerous Ultra Balls and possibly need to re-strategize. Be persistent!
What Pokémon should I use?
The best Pokémon are those with moves that inflict status effects and cause damage but avoid one-hit KO's, depending on your levels. Experiment and find what combination of Pokémon and moves works best for you.
What happens after I catch them?
Once you’ve successfully caught Latios or Latias, they will be added to your Pokédex. You can now utilize their immense strength in your battles. Remember, their locations reset each time you turn the game off, so if you fail, you have to start again!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I catch both Latios and Latias in the same game?
Yes, you can catch both Latios and Latias in a single Pokémon Emerald playthrough. They are independent of each other, and catching one does not affect your ability to catch the other.
Do I need to complete the game before I can catch them?
While not strictly required, completing the main storyline is highly recommended. This is because obtaining the Devon Scope, essential for locating Latios and Latias, happens late in the game.
How often do Latios and Latias change locations?
Their locations change frequently, even in short periods of time, making it imperative to be ready to act quickly once you locate them on the map.
Are there any other tips for catching Latios and Latias?
The key is patience and strategy. Use status effects, carefully manage your Pokémon’s HP, and stock up on Ultra Balls. Don't be discouraged if you don't succeed on your first attempt; it often takes persistence. Remember, the Devon Scope is your key tool, and accurate damage control is crucial.
By following these steps and utilizing the provided strategies, you will significantly increase your chances of catching Latios and Latias in Pokémon Emerald. Good luck, trainer!
