Catching Platinum Legendaries

Nexus

Forever the Recusant
is a Site Content Manager Alumnusis a Senior Staff Member Alumnusis a Contributor Alumnus
Ok, since the previous OP hasn't touched this in over a month Macle said I can finish this. A good number of the descriptions have been re-written so this may need two new GP checks if possible

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Preparations

Capture Rate

Each legendary is assigned with a numerical CatchRate, as are all wild Pokémon. Essentially, the higher the CatchRate, the higher the chance of capture. The CatchRate is plugged into a formula, which determines whether the Pokémon will be captured or not. While the actual in-game formula is quite complex, Community Member X-Act has made a formula that produces nearly exact results. Note that you must always round down should you get a decimal.

(( 1 + ( MaxHP * 3 - CurrentHP * 2 ) * CatchRate * BallRate * Status# ) / ( MaxHP * 3 )) / 256

Top Poké Ball Rates :

Master Ball: 255
Timer Ball (30+ Turns): 4
Dusk Ball (In darkness): 3.5
Net Ball (Against a Bug- or Water-type): 3
Repeat Ball (Against previously caught Pokémon): 3
Ultra Ball: 2
Great Ball: 1.5

A Master Ball catches any wild Pokémon without fail, though it may only be obtained once through Cyrus, or by winning the lottery in Jubilife City. Timer Balls begin at 1 and increase every 10 turns, with a cap of 4. Quick Balls begin at 4 and decrease to 1 after the first turn. Although these Balls' BallRate exceeds the rate of the Dusk Ball, they are somewhat more circumstantial. All other balls have a BallRate of 1 against the legendaries. Dusk or Ultra Balls are the preferred Balls while Timer Balls can be kept in reserve.

Status#s :

Freeze : 2
Sleep : 2
Paralysis : 1.5
Burn : 1.5
Poison : 1.5
None : 1

As you can see, sleep is your best bet, due to the lack of reliable freeze moves. Paralysis is a much lower number, so sleep moves are preferred. You should never poison or burn the legendary; this sets a time limit on the longevity of your legendary's lifespan.

The CatchRate of the legendaries is 3, except for Manaphy, which is obtained in an Egg, Dialga and Palkia, which are 30, and Shaymin, which is 45.

Let's say we try to catch a Level 5 Max HP Magikarp with a Dusk Ball. Magikarp's CatchRate is 255.

Capture Rate = (( 1 + ( MaxHP × 3 - CurrentHP × 2 ) × CatchRate × BallRate × Status# ) ÷ ( MaxHP × 3 )) ÷ 256
= (( 1 + ( 18 × 3 - 18 × 2 ) × 255 × 3.5 × 1 ) ÷ ( 18 × 3 )) ÷ 256
= (( 1 + ( 54 - 36 ) × 255 × 3.5 × 1 ) ÷ ( 54 )) ÷ 256
= (( 1 + 16065 ) ÷ 54 ) ÷ 256
= ( 16066 ÷ 54 ) ÷ 256
= 297 ÷ 256
= 1.162181712962963
= 100%

Any decimal numbers were not shown, and are simply rounded down.

So, if the end result is over 1, you have a 100% chance to capture the Pokémon. However, due to varying IVs, it is very difficult to know the max HP of the legendaries, let alone determine their current HP. The formula is simply here for reference and a little bit of insight into why certain balls or status effects are used.

Ball Capsules

Just as you wouldn't go into the woods without proper equipment, you can't expect to catch the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh without being prepared. You'll need to stock up on Poké Balls, as explained above; Dusk Ball is the most effective. These can be picked up at most late-game PokéMarts, and are available before you fight your first legendary. You'll want to have at least 50 Dusk Balls on you for each encounter, and there are 11 legendaries that are obtainable per game cartridge that can be captured (including event Pokémon). That totals 550 Dusk Balls, and you'll probably want to have at least 50 Ultra and/or Timer Balls in reserve.

Granted, it wouldn't be cost effective to go out and buy 600 Poké Balls at once, so it is best to only carry around 100 Dusk Balls and 50 Timer/Ultra Balls at one time. This is great if say, Uxie is caught on the first Dusk Ball thrown, whereas Azelf takes 65 Balls. If you haven't beaten the Elite Four yet, and you are in the forced battle with either Dialga or Palkia, 60 Ultra/Dusk Balls will do fine; they have the second highest catch rate for legendaries caught, and Ultra Balls could be your primary weapon if you don't want to wait for night. Shaymin can also be caught with Ultra Balls if needed. Timer Balls are a viable option if you are not battling in a cave, and if you wait long enough, which you typically shouldn't have to. Palkia has the added advantage of being easy to catch with Net Balls if you choose so. For the legendaries, bar Dialga/Palkia and the roamers Mesprit, Cresselia, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, as well as the ones obtained in events, you can use Dusk Balls without worry; they are all conveniently located in caves, which boost the Dusk Ball's effectiveness. For most legendaries, you'll have to wait until between 20:00 and 4:00 on your DS clock for the Dusk Balls to work to their full potential. Alternatively, you could always clone a whole bunch of Master Balls via the Pokémon Emerald Battle Tower cloning glitch and transfer them to your Platinum game via Pal Park.

The Synchronizer

After you get yourself some Balls, you'll want to get a Synchronizer. “What's a Synchronizer?” you may ask. Well, when you have a Pokémon with the ability Synchronize in the first slot of your party, all wild Pokémon have a 50% chance of inheriting the nature of that Pokémon. An even better trait is that the Pokémon doesn't have to be alive for Synchronize to work its magic, so you can have a fainted Synchronizer at the start of your party, and the effects remain intact. This way, you can have an increased chance of getting the nature you want; which nature to use is up to personal preference. Refer to the analyses in the SmogonDex for ideas if you're stuck.

Now, where will you find these Pokémon that Synchronize? Well, the list of all the Pokémon that can have this trait is as follows:

Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, Mew, Natu, Xatu, Espeon, Umbreon, Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir

Pre-National Dex, you have access to Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, Ralts, Kirlia, Gardevoir, Umbreon, and Espeon as Synchronizers without trading. Abra and Kadabra can be found on Routes 203 (Abra only) and 215, Eevee is given to you by Bebe in Hearthome City, and Ralts can be caught on Route 208 and Route 209, but keep in mind, they might not have the nature you want or the Synchronize ability, except for Umbreon, Espeon, and Mew, which have Synchronize as their only ability. It's a pain for this little pre-National Dex portion of time; so the best you can do is probably convince someone to trade with you, or breed/catch one of these Pokémon with the desired nature(s).

After you get the National PokéDex (which is the best time to capture the legendaries, including Giratina if you didn't capture it in the Distortion World), it is considerably easier to get Synchronizers. You can soft reset at the Game Corner Prize Shop in FireRed/LeafGreen for Abra, or transfer over Synchronizers you had in the previous generation for catching Ditto in Emerald.

The Catcher

Get your Synchronizer, and if you are planning on transferring over unlimited Master Balls from your previous generation games, feel free to read the little blurb about Manaphy and be on your way to the next section. If not, you'll probably need a good capturing Pokémon. What makes a good capturing Pokémon? A Pokémon that can learn both a reliable sleep move (60 accuracy and up) and False Swipe (a TM found in the Veilstone Department Store that keeps the wild Pokémon at 1 HP if it would have fainted). True, Dialga, Heatran, and Giratina all laugh at False Swipe, and the rest of the legendaries aren't going to be crippled by it, but it's still great to get the HP of the legends' as low as possible before throwing your balls. A list of Pokémon that meet the above criteria is as follows:

Parasect, Mew, Smeargle, Breloom, and Gallade

Gallade is probably the easiest to obtain, as you can catch Ralts early in the game and obtain a Dawn Stone prior to facing Giratina. Gallade learns Hypnosis as a Ralts or Kirlia, and can be taught False Swipe via TM when it has fully evolved into a Gallade. Furthermore, Gallade learns Mean Look as an egg move, so it can be used to trap the roamers when you encounter them. Parasect can only be obtained post National Dex and is a good alternative for Gallade, but you must get it up to a very high level, with an Attack-boosting nature. If you do end up using Parasect, make sure you obtain it in a fourth generation game, so it has the ability Dry Skin, rather than Effect Spore, which could give a legendary an undesired status ailment. Breloom is a good option as well, learning Spore, the most accurate sleep move available. However, you must breed False Swipe onto it as an egg move, and, like Parasect, avoid the ability Effect Spore. While Smeargle has access to Spore and a STAB- and potentially Technician-boosted False Swipe, its stats are poor, and it must Sketch the aforementioned moves from other Pokémon. Finally, Mew only learns Hypnosis via Pokémon XD and My Pokémon Ranch. Therefore, Mew should be a last resort when you are looking for a catcher. In conclusion, Gallade is probably the best catcher out of the aforementioned Pokémon; it's just a bit of a pain to get Ralts/Kirlia high enough to learn Hypnosis. Keep in mind that your catcher should be of a high level anyway; aiming for level 80+ is a solid level limit, as level 80 is the highest level of any legendary you may encounter. If you do not want to spend too much time leveling up your catcher, then just level up until it can outspeed the legendary you are going to capture. If you're aiming to catch Giratina, Azelf, Uxie, or Mesprit pre-National Dex, then it would be wise to capture a Ralts, as Kirlia/Gallade is a good Pokémon in-game anyway and Gallade is the only one that can learn Hypnosis and False Swipe, without trading with another game, prior to receiving the National Dex. However, False Swipe won't affect Giratina without the use of moves such as Foresight or Odor Sleuth, but even if you can't use Gallade's False Swipe to harm Giratina, you can use its Hypnosis to inflict Giratina with sleep and improve your odds of a successful capture.

The "One Under" Pokémon

An optional Pokémon that you may wish to take with you is the "one under" Pokémon. This is a Pokémon that has a Speed stat one point below the maximum of the legendary you're trying to catch. This is for the Pokémon you really need to have reach a certain Speed. It isn't the wisest choice to bring one of these along for every legendary, however; the "one under" Pokémon can be a pain to get, but it will be worth it if you don't have Master Balls. The idea is to switch your Synchronizer to the "one under", then have the latter use an attack. If the legendary goes first, switch to the capture Pokémon and continue the battle. If not, reset. This "one under" should either be of a high level or be holding a Focus Sash (which can be obtained from the man in the house west of the Pal Park the third time you show him a Pokémon).

If you are going for a defensive legendary that is not concerned about outspeeding certain threats, then you may wish to go for a different variation of the "one under" Pokémon that uses Endeavor. Endeavor is a move that takes the foe's Pokémon's HP down to the HP the Endeavor user currently has, but fails if the Pokémon using Endeavor has more HP than its target. This can be abused by giving your Endeavor Pokémon 1 less HP than the maximum HP of the legendary you are going for. If your "one under" Pokémon's Endeavor attack fails, then you know that the legendary you are fighting does not have the amount of HP you are looking for, so you can reset without having to capture it. If Endeavor reduces the legendary's HP, then you know it is fine to resume trying to capture it. However, this Pokémon must also be faster than the legendary, so it does not risk taking damage, which would result in false information. Unfortunately, Endeavor is a Normal-type move, which renders it ineffective against Giratina, which is one of the Pokémon that could benefit from this strategy.

Other Items and Pokémon

Take another stop at a PokéMart; you'll want to buy a few Revives and Hyper Potions/Max/Full Restores if you're far enough in the game. Revives are also found in the Underground fairly easily, along with their more powerful variant, Max Revives. These are mainly for keeping your main capture Pokémon alive, as well as the remainder of your party. About 30 Super Repels are almost mandatory too (these are actually more cost effective than Max Repels). Five or more Escape Ropes are also great to have (and almost necessary for after Heatran). You should always bring a team of three high-leveled Pokémon (the other two are HM slaves, but leveling them up is helpful) with your Synchronizer in the lead. The only exceptions are when you are catching any of the runners. In this case, you could use Wobbuffet in your first slot in order to trap them, or use Mean Look Gallade (this is recommended, as Gallade is an excellent catcher).

If you are going to capture Regigigas, you will need to bring along Regirock, Regice, and Registeel; otherwise, you cannot initiate a battle with it. With Manaphy, you will need two Nintendo DS or DS Lite (or a combination of the two) systems, one with a copy of your game, and one with a completed Pokémon Ranger game (includes: Pokémon Ranger, Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia, and Pokémon Ranger: Guardian Signs) that has not yet given out a Manaphy. If you don't own two systems, try borrowing one from a friend, as the actual act of transferring Manaphy doesn't take too long. Just be sure to beat the Pokémon Ranger game in advance. You will also need a random Pokémon, preferably with a different nature to the one you desire for Manaphy, and two boxes with empty spaces.

Tricks of the Trade

So, before you go after even your first legendary (Giratina), keep in mind a couple of tips:

Always save before the legendary. For Arceus, you must save before you reach the top of the stairs.

Check the stats in the legendary's section before you save, and after you compare the stats and feel interested, check them with Metalkid's IV Calculator. You can use some Rare Candies and record the stats for each level if you wish, but for legendaries this is generally not necessary due to the high base stats and level.

Learn about characteristics; they can usually help you determine the exact IV of at least one stat when combined with an IV calculator and the stat list.

Once you have gained access to the Battle Frontier, it is also possible to use the IV Reporter in the Battle Tower to help determine your Pokémon's highest IV. Due to the existence of characteristics, this is more useful when your Pokémon has the same numerical value for more than one IV.

To instantly check the Hidden Power of your legendary, consult the Hidden Power Reporter in Veilstone City's Game Corner Prize Exchange. This allows you to check if your Pokémon has a desirable Hidden Power type, if it needs one, and help narrow down the range of possible IVs when using a calculator.

Make sure you have a maximum of five Pokémon in your party whenever you are about to fight a legendary. This allows you to check the nature and stats of your legendary while it is in your party, saving you a trip back to a Pokémon Center to check Bebe's PC.

If you don't like the Pokémon, press L + R + Start + Select simultaneously. This process is known as soft resetting. It is less stressful on your system than turning the power off and on again, and it saves time for you as well.

Keep realistic expectations. If you're only willing to accept a legendary with quadruple 31 IVs, you could be there for a very long time. It is much harder to get a legendary Pokémon with great IVs compared to a bred Pokémon. However, you can remedy this problem by RNG abusing your legendary, which allows you to control its nature and IVs to an extent. Information on PRNG manipulation can be found here.

Watch the HP bars if you're not using Master Balls. Compare the approximate damage done by your Pokémon to the HP of the legendary once you've caught it, and vice versa, with the legendary's Attack/Special Attack. This should help you out; if you do too much damage to a defensive legendary, you can reset without the battle processing. The same goes for if an offensive one doesn't do enough damage to your Pokémon.

Future Sight, an attack used by quite a few Platinum legendaries, has damage determined by the Special Defense of the Pokémon that is targeted. So if Azelf uses Future Sight against a level 1 Bidoof, and you switch to a level 100 Blissey, your Blissey will still take massive damage when the attack hits.

If a legendary runs out of Power Points for all of its moves, it will use the move Struggle. Struggle is a typeless attack that causes recoil equal to 25% of the user's maximum HP. So once a legendary starts to Struggle, it isn't remaining in this world for long, especially if your Pokémon has previously used False Swipe to lower it to 1 HP.

Catching the Legendaries

Now that you have some more knowledge, or at least something to reference to, get out a piece of paper and a pencil. Be prepared to make a little tick mark every time a legendary uses a move, and put two ticks if your Pokémon has the ability Pressure. This will be used to reference the amount of PP the legendaries have before Struggling, which is listed in this section. Note that if your sleep-inducing Pokémon is faster than the legendary, the legendary will use a PP (or two with Pressure) the turn it is put to sleep, and of course it still uses PP the turn it wakes up. PP is not used up while the legendary is asleep.

So, in which order should you catch the legendaries? Giratina is the first one that you can capture of course, but after you have obtained the National PokéDex it's a matter of personal preference. It's logical to go for the lower-leveled legendaries first, and work your way up. Catching the five roamers (Mesprit, Cresselia, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) consecutively is probably going to be stressful, and is not recommended. So let's get started!

Giratina (Origin and Altered Forme)

Giratina is first encountered in its Origin Forme as part of the storyline at the end of the Distortion World, after Cyrus has been defeated. Since this occurs before you receive the National Dex, you may not have the appropriate Pokémon to efficiently catch Giratina, so expect a challenge if you attempt to capture it at this point. However, if you KO it or flee from it, Giratina will re-appear at the end of Turnback Cave after you beat the Elite Four. Turnback Cave is located at the end of Spring Path on Route 214. Bring Pokémon with Defog and Rock Climb if you're going to catch Giratina at Turnback Cave, along with some Super Repels, as you may be wandering through the various rooms of Turnback Cave for a while before you reach Giratina. You must reach Giratina within 30 rooms, and despite the cave's name, do not turn back or you will wind up at the beginning of the cave. Giratina is in its Altered Forme when you encounter it in Turnback Cave. Since Giratina is a Ghost-type, False Swipe will not normally affect it, so bring a Pokémon with the move Foresight or Odor Sleuth, so that you may hit Giratina with Normal-type moves (notably, Endeavor and False Swipe). Giratina is at level 47 on both occasions in the Distortion World or Turnback Cave, just like the dragons in Diamond and Pearl.

Giratina's Maximum Stats (Origin Forme)

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 212 -
Atk 118 132 145
Def 101 113 124
SpA 118 132 145
SpD 101 113 124
Spe 93 104 114

Giratina's Minimum Speed (Origin Forme)

Min- Min Min+
80 89 97

Giratina's Maximum Stats (Altered Forme)

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 212 -
Atk 101 113 124
Def 118 132 145
SpA 101 113 124
SpD 118 132 145
Spe 93 104 114

Giratina's Minimum Speed (Altered Forme)

Min- Min Min+
80 89 97

Giratina's Moveset (Origin and Altered Forme)

Ominous Wind (5 PP)
AncientPower (5 PP)
Dragon Claw (15 PP)
Shadow Force (5 PP)

Total PP = 30

That's right, only 30 PP, so try and make this a quick capture. However, since Shadow Force is a two-turn Attack, you have 35 turns until Giratina starts to Struggle. Shadow Force can do a lot of damage, but you can switch to a Normal-type to negate it. Both Ominous Wind and AncientPower can raise all of Giratina's stats, making it even more difficult to capture.

Whether you're catching Giratina in the Distortion World or Turnback Cave, Dusk Ball is the best option as it has a Ball Rate of 4 in both locations, and with Giratina's catch rate set at 3, you're going to need every advantage. After you have captured Giratina, in either location, a portal to the Distortion World will appear in its room in Turnback Cave. Enter the portal to obtain the Griseous Orb, which will raise the power of its Ghost- and Dragon-type moves and keep it in its Origin Forme outside of the Distortion World.

Uxie

Uxie is found in Acuity Cavern, which is in the middle of Lake Acuity. This is the lake just west of Snowpoint City. Simply spray a few Super Repels as you're on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. Inside is the defensive one of the Psychic trio, Uxie. You can walk/ride right up to Uxie without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Uxie is fought at level 50.

Uxie's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 150 -
Atk 85 95 104
Def 135 150 165
SpA 85 95 104
SpD 135 150 165
Spe 103 115 126

Uxie's Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Yawn (10 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Amnesia (20 PP)

Total PP = 65

Yawn can be a bother, but if you switch your Pokémon out, its effects will be negated. Before you leave Lake Acuity for good, check the land in the northeastern corner for TM14 Blizzard.

Azelf

Azelf is found in Valor Cavern, in the middle of Lake Valor. In case you're too lazy to check the town map, this is the lake just southwest of Veilstone City. Simply spray a few Super Repels as you're on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. The offensive one of the trio, Azelf, resides here. You can walk/ride right up to Azelf without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Azelf is fought at level 50.

Azelf's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 150 -
Atk 130 145 159
Def 81 90 99
SpA 130 145 159
SpD 81 90 99
Spe 121 135 148

Azelf's Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Uproar (10 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Nasty Plot (20 PP)

Total PP = 65

Uproar prevents sleep status for 2 to 5 turns, though luckily it's only 1 PP for that amount of time (2 under Pressure). Beware that Azelf's Uproar can rip through your team after some Special Attack boosts from Nasty Plot if your Pokémon are under leveled. Before you depart from Lake Valor, check the land in the southeastern corner for TM38 Fire Blast.

Mesprit

Unlike most legendaries, Synchronize will not work on Mesprit. It is hiding at Lake Verity, but it won't stay there for long. Be sure to check the land in the southwestern corner for TM25 Thunder, and set the Pokétch Map Application as your current App. This is obtained from the Pokétch Creator in Jubilife City, after you have won three Gym Badges. Go to Twinleaf Town, using a Super Repel as you're on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. Inside is the balanced one of the trio, Mesprit. You can walk/ride right up to Mesprit without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Mesprit's nature and IVs are set when you talk to it. However, it will run off, and you'll have to go through a dialogue with Professor Rowan every time it does. If you're not using Master Balls, be sure that it is between 20:00 and 4:00, so that you can use Dusk Balls at their full potential.

Mesprit will jump to a random route on the map. It cannot appear at lakes, in cities, or in caves, but everywhere else is fair game. If you Fly somewhere, Mesprit appears to jump to a random route, but if you move onto a different route (or in longer routes, a different section of the same route) Mesprit will move to an adjacent route. If it tries to move through a city, cave, or any of the lakes, it may jump to a random location as well, so instead of chasing it all across Sinnoh, Fly to Jubilife city.

Now, get on your Bike and switch to the faster gear, if you aren't on it already. Watch Mesprit's location on the Pokétch (it's marked by a small Pikachu head) and go back into Jubilife from an adjacent route. What you are doing is making Mesprit change location. Eventually, it will either appear in your route, or in a route around Jubilife. Remember that moving to the adjacent route will force Mesprit to switch, so if you're in Jubilife and it's on the route to the left, try heading into one of the other routes and hope it ends up there. A word of caution: the route just above Jubilife has a cave in the middle, and the two sections of plain land are separate locations. If Mesprit is in the part of the route directly linked to Jubilife, it will appear right above the city, without a space. If your lead Pokémon is level 50 or below, spray a Super Repel to keep other wild Pokémon away. If your lead is over level 50, do not use any Repels, as that would prevent Mesprit from showing up. Luckily, Mesprit has a high chance of showing up in any area it is in. Mesprit is fought at level 50.

Mesprit's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 155 -
Atk 112 125 137
Def 112 125 137
SpA 112 125 137
SpD 112 125 137
Spe 90 100 110

Mesprit's Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Lucky Chant (30 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Charm (20 PP)

Total PP = 85

Be sure to trap Mesprit right away; it will attempt to flee the very first turn of battle. Any status effects and damage done on it will still be present when you encounter it again. However, if you do not want to keep throwing hopeful Poké Balls at Mesprit, use a faster Pokémon with the ability to use trapping moves, such as Mean Look, and then Baton Pass to your catcher. From Mesprit's moveset, Charm would be the most annoying move, as it will weaken your Pokemon's physical attacks. Therefore, you may have to spend a few more turns reducing its HP with False Swipe.

Heatran

Heatran is located inside a cave at the end of the inner chamber of Stark Mountain. When you first visit Stark Mountain and attempt to enter the mountain itself, you will have to play through an event involving Team Galactic where you team up with another trainer named Buck. Once you have completed that side quest, return to the Survival Area and follow Buck into a house. When you enter, you will meet and speak with his grandfather. Afterward, you may return to Stark Mountain and catch Heatran. It is important that you return to the Survival Area and speak with Buck's grandfather; otherwise, Heatran will not appear. Remember to bring Pokémon with Rock Smash and Strength to get to Heatran's cave. Rock Climb is optional, but it will help you get to the cave faster. Heatran is encountered at level 50.

Heatran's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 166 -
Atk 99 110 121
Def 113 126 138
SpA 135 150 165
SpD 113 126 138
Spe 87 97 106

Heatran's Moveset

Metal Sound (40 PP)
Crunch (15 PP)
Scary Face (10 PP)
Lava Plume (15 PP)

Total PP = 70 PP

Heatran's secondary Steel typing will prolong the battle if you're relying on False Swipe to reduce its HP. Luckily, with 70 PP between its four moves, you can spare a few turns to chip away at its HP. Scary Face will reduce your Pokémon's Speed and give Heatran a chance to waste one more PP before your Pokémon can make a move. Metal Sound's 2-stage Special Defense drop lets Heatran inflict more damage with Lava Plume. Furthermore, Lava Plume has a scorching 30% chance of burning your Pokémon, so be sure to bring some Full Heals just in case.

Regigigas

Regigigas is located on the basement floor of Snowpoint Temple. HM moves are not necessary to reach Regigigas, but each floor has its own ice puzzle you must solve. Before you make your journey down the Snowpoint Temple, remember to bring Regirock, Regice, and Registeel along, as you will need them to actually engage Regigigas in battle for a chance to capture it. Regigigas is at level 1 when you battle it.

Regigigas' Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 13 -
Atk 7 8 8
Def 6 7 7
SpA 5 6 6
SpD 6 7 7
Spe 6 7 7

Regigigas' Moveset

Confuse Ray (10 PP)
Foresight (40 P)
Knock Off (20 PP)
Dizzy Punch (10 PP)
Total PP =70

Yes, you read correctly; the king of the Regis is now found at level 1. Simply inflict Regigigas with a status condition (preferably sleep), use False Swipe to instantly bring it to 1 HP, and start tossing your choice of Poké Ball at it. Since Regigigas is at level 1, Nest Balls would be an excellent Ball to use on it, since the Nest Ball's Ball Rate equals the Dusk Ball's Ball Rate when used on a Pokémon at level 1. However, Regigigas still has a CatchRate of 3, so it may take multiple tries to catch it, just like any other legendary.

Dialga/Palkia

Making a return after their debut in Diamond and Pearl, Dialga and Palkia can be caught at Spear Pillar on the peak of Mt. Coronet. However, there are a few tasks you must perform before they appear on Mt. Coronet. Firstly, obtain the Adamant and Lustrous Orbs hidden in a cave atop the waterfall on Mt. Coronet. Secondly, after you have defeated the Elite Four and finished the main storyline, go show them to Cynthia's grandmother. Finally, after speaking with her, go to the ruins in Celestic Town and press A when you are in front of the painting inside; Cynthia will appear and talk about Dialga, Palkia, and Giratina. Once you have completed the previous tasks, climb Mt. Coronet and you will find a blue portal. Press A while in front of the portal to battle Dialga. After you have captured Dialga, leave Spear Pillar. When you return, there will be a pink portal. Press A while in front of it to battle Palkia. Dialga and Palkia are at level 70 when you encounter them.

Dialga's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 241 -
Atk 174 194 213
Def 174 194 213
SpA 212 236 259
SpD 149 166 182
Spe 136 152 167

Dialga's Minimum Speed

Min- Min Min+
117 131 144

Dialga's Moveset

Roar Of Time (5 PP)
Heal Block (15 PP)
Earth Power (10 PP)
Slash (20 PP)

Total PP = 40

Besides higher stats due to the increase in level, another change from Diamond is the addition of Heal Block, which replaces one of Dialga's three offensive moves. This means that unlike in Diamond, you will not be bombarded with attacks every turn, and have a chance to heal your Pokémon after Roar Of Time. However, while Heal Block is in effect, only items will restore your Pokémon's HP. Dialga's Steel typing grants it resistances to many attacks (including False Swipe), so it may be worth your while to bring a high level Pokémon that can take heavy hits and weaken it with Ground or Fighting moves to make False Swiping its HP down to 1 easier; Gallade is a good choice.

Palkia's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 227 -
Atk 174 194 213
Def 149 166 182
SpA 212 236 259
SpD 174 194 213
Spe 149 166 182

Palkia's Minimum Speed

Min- Min Min+
130 145 159

Palkia's Moveset

Spacial Rend (5 PP)
Heal Block (15 PP)
Earth Power (10 PP)
Slash (20 PP)

Total PP = 40

Along with the increase in level, Palkia gained Heal Block. Therefore, unlike in Pearl, you have a damage-free turn to heal your Pokémon with an item, which you may need if Palkia lands a critical hit on your Pokémon with Spacial Rend. Spacial Rend's high critical hit ratio does not help the situation. Slash shares the same increase in critical hit ratio, but it is not as threatening due to the lack of STAB and lower Base Power. Generally, Palkia should be an easier capture than Dialga.

Cresselia

Cresselia, like Mesprit and the Kanto birds, roams Sinnoh after you interact with it on Fullmoon Island. To reach Fullmoon Island, travel to Canalave City, enter the house in front of the boat and sailor that take you to Iron Island, press A when your character is directly in front of the sailor's son in the bed to learn that he is having nightmares, exit the house, and speak to the sailor so that he will ask you to go to Fullmoon Island to retrieve the Lunar Wing to help his son. When you arrive on Fullmoon Island, you will find Cresselia in a clearing. Walk up to it, press A, and it will flee and become available for capture in the wild. Remember, you must save prior to interacting with Cresselia if you wish to soft reset or RNG abuse it. Pick up the Lunar Wing and return to Canalave City. Use the method to encounter Mesprit to locate and engage Cresselia in battle. Cresselia is at level 50 when you encounter it.

Cresselia's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 195 -
Atk 81 90 99
Def 126 140 154
SpA 85 95 104
SpD 135 150 165
Spe 94 105 115

Cresselia's Minimum Speed

Min- Min Min+
81 90 99

Cresselia's Moveset

Mist (30 PP)
Aurora Beam (20 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Slash (20 PP)
Total PP = 85

Like Mesprit, you are best off trying to trap Cresselia right away, as it will attempt to flee on the first turn of battle. Any status and damage sustained by Cresselia will remain after you battle it. An easy way to catch Cresselia is to use a faster Pokémon with Mean Look, and Baton Pass to your catcher or use Gallade, which can trap it with Mean Look and weaken it with False Swipe. Overall, Cresselia's moveset should not give you any serious issues while you are attempting to catch it.

Articuno/Zapdos/Moltres

In the same vein as Cresselia and Mesprit, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres roam Sinnoh after you obtain the National Dex. To release the birds, you must visit Professor Oak at his house in Eterna City (located in front of the Cycling Road) and speak to him. He will only appear in the house once you have obtained the National Dex and visited Pal Park. All three birds are released at once, and their natures and IVs are decided at the moment they are released. Therefore, it will be difficult to obtain all three birds with a desired nature/IV combination through soft resetting and even RNG abuse. As with the other roamers, Synchronizers will not work on Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Luckily, you can re-release the Kanto bird trio by KOing the bird you want to re-release, defeating Elite Four, and speaking to Professor Oak in Eterna City again. The bird(s) that is (are) re-released will most likely have a different nature/IV combination. The same method used to encounter Mesprit/Cresselia can be used to encounter any of the birds. However, you cannot tell which bird you will encounter by looking at the Pokétch, as they all have the same marker. Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are at level 60 when you battle them.

Articuno's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 112 125 137
Def 128 143 157
SpA 123 137 150
SpD 155 173 190
Spe 112 125 137

Articuno's Moveset

Agility (30 PP)
Ice Beam (10 PP)
Reflect (20 PP)
Roost (10 PP)

Total PP = 70

Articuno has a lot of PP, so you will have plenty of turns to catch it. Look out for Roost, as it replenishes half of Articuno's health, making all that hard work put into reducing its HP go to waste. Agility will let it outspeed your Pokémon and waste an additional PP before you can make a move. Reflect will reduce the amount of damage done by physical attacks, namely False Swipe, and when coupled with Roost, it can make Articuno difficult to capture.

Zapdos' Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 117 131 144
Def 112 125 137
SpA 155 173 190
SpD 117 131 144
Spe 128 143 157

Zapdos' Moveset

Charge (20 PP)
Agility (30 PP)
Discharge (15 PP)
Roost (10 PP)

Total PP = 75

Roost and Agility can be annoying, letting Zapdos restore half its HP and waste an additional PP by outspeeding your Pokémon, respectively. Discharge‘s 30% chance of paralysis is an issue, as a Pokémon inflicted with paralysis will be slower than Zapdos and fully paralyzed from time to time, giving it a free turn. However, you can get around Discharge and ensure that Zapdos cannot damage your Pokémon by trapping Zapdos, then Baton Passing to a Ground-type Pokémon. Baton Passing does come at a price: you can no longer put Zapdos to sleep as no Ground-type, except for a purified Marowak from Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, learns a sleep-inducing move. Inflicting Zapdos with a permanent status condition, such as paralysis, before Baton Passing is recommended to improve your odds of capturing it.

Moltres' Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 128 143 157
Def 117 131 144
SpA 155 173 190
SpD 112 125 137
Spe 117 131 144

Moltres' Moveset

Flamethrower (15 PP)
Safeguard (25 PP)
Air Slash (20 PP)
Roost (10 PP)

Total PP = 70

Air Slash is the deadliest move in Moltres's moveset, as it hits two out of the seven recommended “Catchers” for 4x damage and Gallade for 2x damage. Additionally, it has a 30% flinch rate; however, that is only a concern if it outspeeds your Pokémon. Safeguard prevents Moltres from being inflicted with a status condition, so while it is in effect, you can't rely on sleep to improve your odds of a successful capture. Like the other two Kanto birds, Moltres has access to Roost to heal itself, so you may have to repeatedly reduce its HP.

Event Pokémon

Regirock/Regice/Registeel

Introduced in the third generation, the Regi trio (Regirock, Regice, and Registeel) can be obtained in Platinum through the use of an event Regigigas. The list of event Regigigas that unlock the Regis in Platinum include the following OTs: TRU, テンイむら, EUETE09, EUSMR09, ESTEU09, and EUVER09. Each Regigigas has the ID: 07189 (except for TRU Regigigas whose ID is 03089 and テンイむら with an ID of 07198), is at level 100, comes in a Cherish Ball, and has the moveset: Iron Head, Rock Slide, Icy Wind, and Crush Grip. The event Regigigas are not region locked, so you can use any of these Regigigas, regardless of the language of your game. The event Regigigas must be in your party when you are going to capture one of the Regis; otherwise, they will not appear.

Regirock

Regirock is found in Rock Peak Ruins, a cave on Route 228 near the gate to Route 226. Specifically, the cave is located in front of a rock at the foot of a sandy slope. Remember to bring the event Regigigas in your party, or the cave will be empty. Regirock is at level 30 when you battle it.

Regirock's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 66 74 81
Def 120 134 147
SpA 39 44 48
SpD 66 74 81
Spe 39 44 48

Regirock's Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Rock Throw (15 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Phenomenal Defense and Rock typing, make it difficult to harm Regirock with physical attacks, so do not expect a quick capture if you are using False Swipe to chip away at Regirock's HP. Curse fortifies Regirock's already impressive Attack and Defense, making it harder to weaken and its attacks more painful. Superpower has the highest Base Power out of Regirock's attacks; however, it reduces Regirock’s Attack and Defense to negate some of the boosts it gains from Curse.

If you visit the cave on Route 228 without an event Regigigas, you will find a Hard Stone at the center of the cave.

Regice

As long as you have an event Regigigas in your party, Regice will battle you in Iceberg Ruins, a cave near the Route 216 exit of Mt. Coronet. Regice is at level 30 when you encounter it.

Regice's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 39 44 48
Def 66 74 81
SpA 66 74 81
SpD 120 134 147
Spe 39 44 48

Regice's Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Icy Wind (15 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Icy Wind and Stomp are rather annoying. Icy Wind lowers your Pokémon's Speed every time it hits, and after a few hits, Regice may even outspeed your Pokémon. Stomp may cause your Pokémon to flinch, but only if Regice is faster than it. Unfortunately, Icy Wind may give it that opportunity. Curse raises Regice's good Defense and mediocre Attack, but it isn't as threatening as it is on Regirock. Furthermore, it lowers Regice's Speed, which helps your Pokémon by keeping Regice slower than it.

If you visit the cave in Mt. Coronet near the Route 216 exit without an event Regigigas, you will find a NeverMeltIce at the center of the cave.

Registeel

Registeel is found in Iron Ruins, a cave on Iron Island. Specifically, the cave is located at the end of Iron Island by taking the lift on the basement floor that has all the trainers standing facing each other; it is also where you helped Riley stop Team Galactic. Like the other Regis, remember to bring an event Regigigas, or Registeel will not appear in the cave.

Registeel's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 53 59 64
Def 93 104 114
SpA 53 59 64
SpD 93 104 114
Spe 39 44 48

Registeel's Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Metal Claw (35 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 70

Registeel is the middle ground for the Regis. Metal Claw can be a threat if it manages to pull of a few Attack boosts. Curse is there to help improve Registeel's Attack and boost Registeel's great Defense, making it difficult to whittle down its HP using False Swipe. Superpower can be devastating after a few Attack boosts, but ends up hurting Registeel by lowering its Attack and Defense.

If you visit the cave at the end of Iron Island without an event Regigigas, you will find a Metal Coat at the center of the cave.

Manaphy

Manaphy is an event Pokémon, and can be obtained in many different ways. The first method involves transferring an Egg from the Pokémon Ranger games.

First, you must unlock the Manaphy mission in your Pokémon Ranger game. In the original Pokémon Ranger game, the Manaphy mission can be unlocked at any time by accessing the Ranger Net after completing the game. When "Play a special mission" is displayed on the bottom screen, press the R and X buttons, as well as left on the directional pad simultaneously. The game will then tell you "Enter the password has been added." Tap the touch screen, and the game will save. The password menu is now unlocked, and can be found under the "Play a special mission" option. Upon choosing the new "Enter the password" option, you will be prompted to enter the password for the Manaphy mission. For the North American version of the game the password is P8M2-9D6F-43H7, and for the European version it is Mg35-Cpb8-4FW8. In Japan, you must download the mission via a special event.

After entering the code, the game will save and must be turned off. Restart your Pokémon Ranger game, and return to the Ranger Net. Go to the "Play a special mission" option, and select the mission "Recover the Precious Egg!". Complete this mission to obtain a Manaphy Egg in the Pokémon Ranger game. Now, go to the Ranger Net once again, and select the new "Check the Egg" option. This is the part where the second DS system and your Pokémon Diamond or Pearl game comes in.

Turn on Pokémon Diamond/Pearl in your other DS system, and leave it at the main menu. Now, tap the screen in your Pokémon Ranger game, and press Send Message. A message saying "Pokémon Ranger is trying to communicate" will appear on Diamond/Pearl, so press the A button to confirm. Next, select "Link with Pokémon Ranger" on the main menu. On Pokémon Ranger, you should now see the option to transfer. Select this option, and the Manaphy Egg will be transferred to your DP game. Ranger is no longer required.

Once you go to a PokéMart in DP, you will find a man in a green uniform. This is the deliveryman—the same man that gives you the items you transfer from Pokémon Battle Revolution, or the event Pokémon items. Save before talking to him. When you speak with him, you will receive the Manaphy Egg; its IVs and nature are set.

Next, go to a Pokémon Center computer, select "Bebe's PC", then "Move Pokémon". Have a random Pokémon in the first slot of any box, and then put your Manaphy egg in the first slot of the box that either directly precedes or succeeds it. Go back to the first Pokémon, and let the hand cursor hover over it. Wait until its type is displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen for about three seconds, then press L (if the egg is in the preceding box) or R (if it is in the succeeding box). If you timed it correctly, you should see a flash of Manaphy's nature. If it's no good, soft reset and get the egg again. If you like it, then hatch it and Rare Candy it up to check IVs. If it's no good again, soft reset again, but if they're good enough for you, take it! However, due to Manaphy being level 1, it is best that you still Rare Candy it up a bit and put its stats in a IV Calculator. Due to being obtained in an egg, Manaphy's CatchRate does not apply. However, since this Manaphy can only be transferred to DP, you must trade it from DP to Platinum.

In Pokémon Ranger: Shadows of Almia and Guardian Signs, the Manaphy Egg can be obtained by downloading and playing a special mission available for download over Wi-Fi. For Shadows of Almia, the Manaphy mission was available over Wi-Fi from March 20, 2008 to June 15, 2008 for Japanese games, November 10, 2008 to January 30, 2009 for North American games, and November 21, 2008 to February 21, 2009 for European games. For Guardian Signs, the Manaphy mission was available from May 6, 2010 to May 7, 2010 for Japanese games. Dates for the North American and European version have yet to be revealed. To receive the Manaphy Egg, you need two DS systems. First, go to the Ranger Net option in the Pokémon Ranger game and select the “Send a Pokémon” option. Then on Platinum, select the Mystery Gift option and choose “Receive Gift from a Friend”. The Egg will be transferred to your Platinum game, where you can pick it up from the PokéMart.

The Manaphy that hatches from the Egg received from the Pokémon Ranger games comes at level 1.

Manaphy's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 13 -
Atk 6 7 7
Def 6 7 7
SpA 6 7 7
SpD 6 7 7
Spe 6 7 7

Manaphy's Moveset

Tail Glow (20 PP)
Bubble (30 PP)
Water Sport (15 PP)

Total PP = 65

Darkrai

Darkrai is an event Pokémon, and can be given out in multiple ways. In-game, it can be accessed via the Member Card Event. First, you must receive the Member Card from a Nintendo Event through the Mystery Gift option. The Member Card was distributed over Wi-Fi from December 1, 2008 to January 15, 2009 for Japanese games and August 3, 2009 to September 13, 2009 for North American, European, and Australian games. Once received, you may go to any PokéMart in Sinnoh and talk to the deliveryman to get the item. However, before you can activate the Member Card event, you must have released Cresselia and cured the sailor's son of his nightmares with the Lunar Wing. Once you have done that, go to Canalave City and head towards the Harbor Inn, which is the last building to the north of the Pokémon Center. After talking to the man inside, you will rest on the bed. When you wake up, you will be on Newmoon Island, where Darkrai resides. It is found in a clearing, much like Cresselia. Darkrai is at level 50 when you battle it.

Darkrai's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 145 -
Atk 99 110 121
Def 99 110 121
SpA 139 155 170
SpD 99 110 121
Spe 130 145 159

Darkrai's Moveset

Hypnosis (20 PP)
Faint Attack (20 PP)
Nightmare (15 PP)
Double Team (15 PP)

Total PP = 70

Hypnosis and Double Team will be giving you the most trouble while facing Darkrai. With Hypnosis, Darkrai will put your Pokémon to sleep, incapacitating them and forcing you to waste a turn waking them up, which gives Darkrai a free turn to waste PP. Additionally, Darkrai's Bad Dreams ability will cause your Pokémon to lose 12.5% of its max HP each turn it is asleep, so remove your Pokémon's sleep status as soon as possible. Double Team will raise Darkrai's evasion, causing your Pokémon to miss with their attacks after a few boosts and allowing Darkrai to waste PP. Having a Pokémon with Odor Sleuth or Foresight will negate any boosts it may accumulate. Nightmare is only a problem if you let your Pokémon sleep long enough for Darkrai to use it. Therefore, packing a good number of Full Heals or Awakenings ensures that Nightmare will be useless.

Shaymin (Land Forme)

Shaymin is an event Pokémon, and can be obtained in multiple ways. In-game, it can be accessed via the Oak's Letter Event. First, you must receive Oak's Letter from a Nintendo Event through the Mystery Gift option. Oak's letter was distributed over Wi-Fi from April 18, 2009 to May 11, 2009 for Japanese games and from September 28, 2009 to November 8, 2009 for North American, European, and Australian games. Once received, you may go to any PokéMart in Sinnoh and talk to the deliveryman to get the item. Then, Fly to the upper Pokémon League. Surf back down to Victory Road, and follow the path that was blocked before you defeated the Elite Four. Here you will meet and team up with a trainer named Marley to get through. Once you reach Route 224, head to the end of the route where you will find Professor Oak at a stone tablet. He will ask you to write the name of the person that helped you most throughout your adventures on the tablet. You can put whatever you want here and it will extend the route, causing lots of flowers to appear. Shaymin will pop out to say hi, then run away. Follow the rather long Seabreak Path up to Flower Paradise. Shaymin will be standing atop a hill and is at level 30 when you battle it. Shaymin has the highest CatchRate of any legendary.

Shaymin's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 109 -
Atk 66 74 81
Def 66 74 81
SpA 66 74 81
SpD 66 74 81
Spe 66 74 81

Shaymin's Moveset

Growth (40 PP)
Magical Leaf (20 PP)
Leech Seed (10 PP)
Synthesis (5 PP)
Total PP = 75

Leech Seed and Synthesis will restore Shaymin's HP, so you may have to reduce its HP multiple times throughout the battle. Leech Seed is more threatening, however, since it restores some of Shaymin's HP at the end of each turn while it is active. As a result, it is impossible to keep its HP at 1 while Leech Seed is in effect. Breloom and Parasect are good catchers to use while facing Shaymin, as they are both immune to Leech Seed. Magical Leaf is only a problem if Shaymin manages to accumulate multiple Special Attack boosts courtesy of Growth.

Unless you have already done this with another event Shaymin, head over to Floaroma town and speak with the blonde-haired NPC with your recently caught Shaymin. With Shaymin in your party, she will give you the Gracidea. The Gracidea will let you change Shaymin into its Sky Forme between 4:00 and 20:00.

Arceus

Arceus is a special event Pokémon, and can be obtained in multiple ways. In-game, it can be obtained via the Azure Flute Event. First, you must receive the Azure Flute from a Nintendo Event through the Mystery Gift option. Then, proceed to any PokéMart in Sinnoh and talk to the deliveryman to get the item in your bag. To reach Arceus's location, you must climb Mt. Coronet once again, up to the Spear Pillar. Immediately, you will notice a mystic symbol, and the Azure Flute will begin making a noise. Play a melody with it, and a glowing stairway will appear. Climb it, and you will arrive at the Hall of Origin. Remember to save before you reach the top, as you will automatically approach Arceus in a scripted event as soon as you touch the upper platform. Here, the Alpha Pokémon awaits. Arceus is level 80, so prepare your party for an epic battle.

Arceus' Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 306 -
Atk 198 221 243
Def 198 221 243
SpA 198 221 243
SpD 198 221 243
Spe 198 221 243

Arceus' Moveset

Refresh (20 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Recover (10 PP)
Hyper Beam (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Yes, the Alpha Pokémon does indeed use Hyper Beam. While it can cause massive damage to your Pokémon, Arceus also must recharge on the next turn, giving you time to heal or lull it to sleep again. Future Sight is nothing to laugh at either, but it is not much of a threat if your Pokémon are appropriately leveled. Recover can get annoying, but Refresh is pretty much a free turn for you; after all, you should be using the sleep status, which cannot be cured with Refresh. The battle with the Alpha Pokémon will likely be the most difficult, but it's nothing a high-leveled party can't handle.

Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus may all be given out as trades (making it impossible to soft reset) or Wondercard events. For a Wondercard event, if the legendary is not assigned a specific nature (it would be wise to research the event you are attending or downloading over Wi-Fi beforehand), you may reset in front of the man in green like you would for a Manaphy Egg. The IVs and nature are set when you pick up the Pokémon; Synchronize does not work in this situation. These Pokémon may also be received at different levels than the ones listed in their respective sections. As such, it is recommended to consult an online stat calculator when you learn the level of your legendary when you receive it.
 
Preparations

Capture Rate

Each legendary is assigned a numerical catch rate, as are all wild Pokémon. Essentially, the higher the Catch Rate, the higher the chance to capture. The Catch Rate is plugged into a formula, which determines whether the Pokémon will be captured or not. While the actual in-game formula is quite complex, Community Member X-Act has made a formula that produces nearly exact results. Note to always round down should you get a decimal.

(( 1 + ( MaxHP * 3 - CurrentHP * 2 ) * CatchRate * BallRate * Status# ) / ( MaxHP * 3 )) / 256

Top Poké Ball Rates :

Master Ball : 255
Dusk Ball (In darkness) : 4
Timer Ball (30+ Turns) : 4
Net Ball (Against a Bug or Water type) : 3
Repeat Ball (Against previously caught Pokémon) : 3
Ultra Ball : 2
Great Ball : 1.5


A Master Ball catches any wild Pokémon without fail, though it may only be obtained once through Cyrus, or winning the lottery in Jubilife City. Timer Balls begin at 1 and increase every 10 turns, with a cap of 4. Quick Balls begin at 4, and decrease every 5 turns with a low of 1. Neither of these Balls exceed the rate of the Dusk Ball, and are somewhat more circumstantial. All other balls have a catch rate of 1 against the legendaries. It is preferred to use either Dusk or Ultra Balls, keeping some Timer Balls in reserve.

Status#s :

Freeze : 10
Sleep : 10
Paralysis : 5
Burn : 5
Poison : 5
None : 1

As you can see, Sleep is your best bet, due to the lack of reliable Freeze moves. Paralysis is a much lower #, so Sleep moves are preferred. You should never Poison, or Burn the legend; this sets a time limit on the longevity of your legend's lifespan.

The catch rates of the legendaries are 3, except for Manaphy, who is obtained in an Egg, Dialga and Palkia, who are 30, and Shaymin, which is 45.

Let's say we try and catch a Level 5 Max HP Magikarp with a Dusk Ball. Magikarp’s Catch Rate is 255.

(1 + ((18*3 - 18*2) * 255 * 4 * 1)) / (18*3)) / 256

= ((1 + (18 * 255 * 4 * 1)) / 54) / 256
= ((1 + 18360) / 54) / 256
= (18361 / 54) / 256
= 340 / 256
= 1.328125
Any decimal numbers were not shown, and simply rounded down.

So, if the end result is over 1, you have a 100% chance to capture the Pokémon. However, due to varying IVs, it's impossible to know the Max HP of the legendaries, let alone determine their Current HP. The formula is simply here for reference, and a little bit of insight on why certain Balls or Status effects are used.

Ball Capsules

Just like you wouldn’t go into the woods without proper equipment, you can’t expect to catch the legendary Pokémon of Sinnoh without being prepared. You'll need to stock up on Poké Balls, as explained above, Dusk being the most effective. These can be picked up at most later-game PokéMarts, and are available before you fight your first legendary. You’ll want to have at least 50 Dusk Balls on you for each encounter, and there are 11 legendaries that are obtainable per game cartridge that are caught in Poké Balls (including event Pokémon). That totals 550 Dusk Balls, and you’ll probably want to have at least 50 Ultra and/or Timer Balls in reserve.

Granted, it wouldn’t be most cost effective to go out and buy 600 Poké Balls at once, so it is best to only carry around 100 Dusk Balls and 50 Timer/Ultra Balls at one time. This is great if say, Uxie is caught on the first Dusk Ball thrown, whereas Azelf takes 65. If you haven’t beaten the Elite Four yet, and you are in the forced battle with either Dialga or Palkia, 60 Ultra/Dusk Balls will do fine; they have the second highest catch rate for legendaries caught, and Ultra Balls could be your primary weapon if you don’t want to wait for night. Shaymin can also be caught with Ultra Balls if need be. Timer Balls are a viable option if you are not battling in a cave, and if you wait long enough, which you typically shouldn't have to. Palkia has the added advantage of being easy to catch with Net Balls if you so choose. For the legendaries, bar Dialga/Palkia and the "runners" Mesprit, Cresselia, Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, as well as the ones obtained in events, you can use Dusk Balls without worry; they are all conveniently located in caves, which boost Dusk Ball effectiveness. For the other legendaries, you’ll have to wait until between 20:00 and 4:00 on your DS clock for the Dusk Balls to work to their full potential. Or, you could always clone a whole bunch of Master Balls via the GTS glitch or Pokémon Emerald.

The Synchronizer

After you get yourself some Balls, you’ll want to get a Synchronizer. “What's a Synchronizer?” you may ask. Well, when you have a Pokémon with the Synchronize in the first slot of your party, all wild Pokémon have a 50% chance of inheriting the nature of that Pokémon. An even better trait is that the Pokémon doesn't have to be alive for Synchronize to work its magic, so you can have a fainted Synchronizer at the start of your party, and the effects are intact. This way, you can have an increased chance of getting the nature you want, which is something you’ll have to decide on your own; it is a trainer’s personal preference on what nature to use. Refer to the Analyses in the Smogon Dex for ideas if you're stuck.

Now, where will you find these Pokémon that Synchronize? Well, the list of all Pokémon that can have this trait is as follows:

Abra, Kadabra, Alakazam, Mew, Natu, Xatu, Espeon, Umbreon, Ralts, Kirlia, and Gardevoir

If you’re trying to catch Giratina, you can use any of these except Mew, Natu, and Xatu. Eevee is given to you by Bebe in Hearthome City, Ralts can be caught on Route 208, Route 209, and Abra and Kadabra can be found on Routes 203 (Abra only) and 215, but keep in mind, they might not have the nature you want, or even have the Synchronize ability. It’s a pain for this little pre-National Dex portion of time, so the best you can do is probably convince someone to trade with you, or breed/catch one of these pokes with the nature you want for Giratina.

After the National PokéDex (which is when it’s the best time to capture the rest of the legendaries, as your box legend will already be caught), it is considerably easier to get Synchronizers. You can soft reset at the Game Corner Prize Shop in FireRed/Leafgreen for Abras, or transfer over Synchronizers you had in the previous generation for catching Dittos in Emerald.

The Catcher

Get your Synchronizer, and if you are planning on transferring over unlimited Master Balls from your previous generation games, feel free to read the little blurb about Manaphy and be on your way to the next section. If not, you’ll probably need a good capturing Pokémon. What makes a good capturing Pokémon? A Pokémon that can learn both a reliable sleep move (60 Accuracy and up) and False Swipe (a TM found in the Veilstone Department Store that keeps the wild Pokémon at 1 HP if it would have fainted). True, Dialga, Heatran, and Giratina in particular all laugh at the thought of the move, and the rest of the legendaries aren’t going to be crippled by it, it’s still great to get the HP of the legends’ as low as possible before throwing your Balls. A list of Pokémon that meet the above criteria is as follows:

Paras, Parasect, Mew, Breloom and Gallade

Parasect is probably the easiest to obtain, but you must get it up to a very high level, with an Attack boosting nature. If you do end up using Parasect, make sure you obtain it in Diamond or Pearl, so it has the ability Dry Skin, rather than Effect Spore, which could give the legendary an undesired status ailment. Mew only learns Hypnosis via Pokémon XD and My Pokémon Ranch, and Gallade can only learn Hypnosis while it is Ralts or Kirlia, and False Swipe only once it is evolved into Gallade. However, Gallade also learns Mean Look as an Egg Move, so it can be used to trap the runners as well. Breloom is a good option as well, learning Spore, the most accurate Sleep move available. However, you must breed False Swipe onto it as an egg move, and, like Parasect, avoid the Ability Effect Spore. In conclusion, Gallade is probably the best, it’s just a bit of a pain to get Ralts/Kirlia a high level to get Hypnosis, and even more of a pain to get a male one in the first place. Mind, your catcher should be of a high level anyway, hopefully level 50 (but not higher) if you are using it to catch any of the runners, and 80+ otherwise. If you’re aiming to catch Giratina, you cannot get both False Swipe and a good high-levelled sleeping move on one Pokémon without trading, so your best bet is to get a Pokémon with Hypnosis, and whittle down its health a little. Luckily they are easier to catch anyway. A list of Pokémon who learn Hypnosis in Sinnoh naturally would be:

Gastly, Haunter, Gengar, Bronzor, Bronzong, Hoothoot, Noctowl, and Spiritomb

Out of this bunch, the best would arguably be Haunter/Gengar, as it is a good Pokémon that would be worth raising to help you in-game anyway. Gastly can be found in the Lost Tower near Solaceon Town.

The "One Under" Pokémon

An optional Pokémon that you may wish to take with you is the "one under" Pokémon. This is a Pokémon that has a Speed stat one point below the maximum of the legendary you’re trying to catch. This is for the Pokémon you really need to have reach a certain speed. It isn’t the wisest choice to bring one of these along for every legendary however; the "one under" Pokémon can be a pain to get, but it will be worth it if you don’t have Master Balls. The idea is to switch your Synchronizer to the "one under", then have the latter use an attack. If the legendary goes first, switch to the capture Pokémon and continue the battle. If not, reset. This "one under" should either be of a high level or be holding a Focus Sash (which can be obtained from the man in the house west of the Pal Park the third time you show him a Pokémon).

If you are going for a defensive legendary who is not concerned about outspeeding certain threats, then you may wish to go for a different variation of the "one under" Pokémon that uses Endeavor. Endeavor is a move that takes the foe's Pokémon's HP down to the HP the Endeavor user currently has, but fails if the Pokémon using Endeavor has more HP than its target. This can be abused by giving your Endeavor Pokémon 1 less HP than the maximum HP of the legendary you are going for. If your "one under" Pokémon's Endeavor attack fails, then you know that the legendary you are fighting does not have the amount of HP you are looking for, so you can reset without having to capture it. If Endeavor takes the legendary's HP down, then you know it is fine to resume trying to capture it. However, this Pokémon must also be faster than the legendary, so it does not risk taking damage, which would result in a false positive. Unfortunately, Endeavor is a normal type move, which renders it ineffectual against Giratina, who is one of the Pokémon that could benefit from this strategy.

Other Items and Pokémon

Take another stop at a PokéMart; you’ll want to buy a few Revives and Hyper Potions/Max/Full Restores if you’re far enough in the game. Revives are also found in the Underground fairly easily, along with their more powerful variant, Max Revives. These are mainly for keeping your main capture Pokémon alive, as well as the remainder of your party. About 30 Super Repels are almost mandatory too (these are actually more cost effective than Max Repels). 5 or so Escape Ropes are great(and almost necessary for after Heatran....) You should always bring a team of 3 high-leveled Pokémon (the other two are HM slaves, but leveling them up is great) with your Synchronizer in the lead. The only exceptions are when you are catching any of the runners. In this case, you could use Wobbuffet in your first slot in order to trap them, or use Mean Look Gallade (this is recommended, as Gallade is an excellent catcher).

If you are going to capture Regigigas, you will need to bring along Regirock, Regice, and Registeel, otherwise it will not enter battle with you. When going to catch Giratina, remember to bring a Pokémon with Defog, and optionally, one with the move Foresight, so that you may hit Giratina with Normal moves (notably, Endeavor and False Swipe). With Manaphy, you will need two Nintendo DS or DS Lite (or a combination of the two) systems, one with a copy of your game, and one with a completed Pokémon Ranger that has not yet given out a Manaphy. If you don’t own two systems, try borrowing one from a friend, as the actual act of transferring Manaphy doesn’t take too long. Just be sure to beat Pokémon Ranger in advance. You will also need a random Pokémon, preferably with a different nature than the one you desire for Manaphy, and two boxes with empty spaces.

Tricks of the Trade

So, before you go after even your first legendary (Giratina) keep in mind a couple tips:

Always save before the legendary. For Giratina, save before you fight Cyrus. With Arceus, you must save before you reach the top of the stairs.

Check the stats in the legendary’s section before you save, and after you compare the stats and are interested, check them with Metalkid's IV Calculator. You can use some Rare Candies and record the stats for each level if you wish, but for legendaries this is generally not necessary due to the higher base stats.

Learn about Characteristics; they can usually help you determine the exact IV of at least one stat when combined with an IV calculator and the Stat list.

Make sure you have a maximum of five Pokémon in your party whenever you are about to fight a legendary. This allows you to check the nature and stats of your legendary while it is in your party, saving you a trip back to a Pokémon Center to check Bebe`s PC.

If you don’t like the Pokémon, press L + R + Start + Select simultaneously. This process is known as soft resetting. It is less stressful on your system than turning the power off and on again, and it saves time for you as well.

Keep realistic expectations. If you’re only willing to accept a legendary with quadruple 31 IVs, you could be there for a very long time. It is much harder to get a legendary Pokémon with great IVs than a bred one.

If you see an alternate coloured version of a legendary (accompanied by a blue sparkle), you may want to capture it, regardless of whether it has the nature and IVs you desire. Even if you don’t care much for "shinies" at the moment, you’ll probably end up regretting soft resetting later.

Watch the HP bars if you’re not using Master Balls. Compare the approximate damages done by your Pokémon to the HP of the legendary once you’ve caught it, and vice versa, with the legendary’s Attack/Special Attack. This should help you out; if you do too much damage on a defensive legendary, you can reset without the battling process. The same goes for if an offensive one doesn’t do enough damage to you.

Future Sight, an attack used my quite a few Diamond and Pearl legendaries, has damage determined by the Special Defense of the Pokémon that is targeted. So if Azelf uses Future Sight against a level 1 Bidoof, and you switch to a level 100 Blissey, you’ll still take massive damage when the attack hits.

If a legendary runs out of Power Points for all its moves, it will use the move Struggle. Struggle is a typeless attack that causes 25% recoil of the user's maximum HP. So once a legendary starts to Struggle, it isn't long for this world, especially if you have previously used False Swipe to lower it to 1 HP.


Catching the Legendaries

Now that you have some more knowledge, or at least something to reference, get out a piece of paper and a pencil. Be prepared to make a little tick mark every time a legendary uses a move, and put two ticks if your Pokémon has the Ability Pressure. This will be used to reference the amount of PP the legendaries have before Struggling, which is listed in this section. Note that if your sleep-inducing Pokémon is faster than the legendary, it will use a PP (or two with Pressure) the turn it is put to sleep; and of course it still uses PP the turn it wakes. PP is not used up while the legendary is asleep.

So, what order should you catch the legendaries in? Giratina is first of course, but after you have gotten the National PokéDex it’s a matter of personal preference. It’s logical to go for the lower leveled legendaries first, and work your way up. Doing the five “runners” (Mesprit, Cresselia, Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres) consecutively is likely going to be stressful however, and is not recommended. So let’s get started!


Giratina (Origin Forme)

Giratina is fought as part of the storyline. Fought at the end of the Torn World, you fight it after fighting Cyrus. This will be before you get the National Dex, so you most likely will not have the appropriate Pokemon to make catching Giratina with the appropriate stats hard. Giratina is at level 47, just like the dragons in Diamond and Pearl.

Giratina (Origin Forme)’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 212 -
Atk 118 132 145
Def 101 113 124
SpA 118 132 145
SpD 101 113 124
Spe 93 104 114

Giratina (Another Forme)’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 212 -
Atk 101 113 124
Def 118 132 145
SpA 101 113 124
SpD 118 132 145
Spe 93 104 114

Giratina’s Moveset

Ominous Wind (5 PP)
AncientPower (5 PP)
Dragon Claw (15 PP)
Shadow Force (5 PP)
Total PP = 30

That's right, only 30 PP. However, since Shadow Force is a Two Turn Attack, you have 35 turns until it starts to struggle. Shadow Force can do lots of damage, but you can switch to a Normal Type to prevent damage. Be careful, as both Ominous Wind and AncientPower can raise all of it's stats, making catching it a lot harder. As a plus, you can use Dusk Balls to catch Giratina, so that should make it a little easier, because Giratina still has a catch rate of 3. Also, note that you cannot attempt to catch it when it is invincible because of Shadow Force. If you want to get Griseous Orb, you need to return to Spring Path after beating the Elite Four. It is also worth noting that if you kill it the first time, then you can fight it again later in Spring Path in it's Another Forme.

After you capture your box legendary, gather up the rest of your supplies and prepare to catch the legendaries in whatever order you choose. How do you get the National Dex without catching the Psychic trio first? Lose against Uxie and Azelf, and trade for Mesprit. If you can’t do this, you will be limited to what you can use for Synchronize and capture.

Uxie

Uxie is found in Acuity Cavern, which is, guess where, in the middle of Lake Acuity. This is the lake just west of Snowpoint City. Simply spray a few Super Repels as you’re on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. Inside is the defensive one of the Psychic trio, Uxie. You can walk/bike right up to Uxie without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Uxie is fought at level 50.

Uxie’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 150 -
Atk 85 95 104
Def 135 150 165
SpA 85 95 104
SpD 135 150 165
Spe 103 115 126

Uxie’s Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Yawn (10 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Amnesia (20 PP)
Total PP = 65

Yawn can be a bother, but if you switch your Pokémon out, it will negate its effects. Being confused is never fun, but a 10% confusion chance isn’t anything to live in fear about. Before you leave Lake Acuity for good, check the land in the northeastern corner for a Poké Ball containing a TM14 Blizzard.

Azelf

Azelf is found in Valor Cavern, in the middle of Lake Valor. In case you’re too lazy to check the town map, this is the lake just southwest of Veilstone City. Simply spray a few Super Repels as you’re on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. The offensive one of the trio, Azelf resides here. You can walk/bike right up to Azelf without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Azelf is fought at level 50.

Azelf’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 150 -
Atk 130 145 159
Def 81 90 99
SpA 130 145 159
SpD 81 90 99
Spe 121 135 148

Azelf’s Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Uproar (10 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Nasty Plot (20 PP)
Total PP = 65

Uproar prevents Sleep status for 2 to 5 turns, though luckily it’s only 1 PP for that amount of time (2 under Pressure), and with Nasty Plot it can rip through your team if it’s underleveled. Before you depart from Lake Valor, check the land in the southeastern corner for a Poké Ball containing a TM38 Fire Blast.

Mesprit

Unlike most legendaries, Synchronize will not work on Mesprit. It is hiding at Lake Verity, but it won’t stay there for long. Be sure check the land in the southwestern corner for a TM25 Thunder, and set the Pokétch Map Application as your current App. This is obtained from the Pokétch Creator in Jubilife City, after you have won 3 Gym Badges. Go to Twinleaf Town, using a Super Repel as you’re on your way, and Surf onto the little rocky island that houses a cave. Inside is the balanced one of the trio, Mesprit. You can walk/bike right up to Mesprit without it attacking you, so go ahead and go into the space in front of it to save. Mesprit's nature and IVs are set when you talk to it. However, it will run off, and you’ll have to go through a dialogue with Professor Rowan every time it does. If you’re not using Master Balls, be sure it’s between 20:00 and 4:00.

Mesprit will jump to a random route on the map. It cannot appear at lakes, in cities, or in caves, but everywhere else is fair game. If you Fly somewhere, Mesprit appears to jump to a random route, but if you move onto a different route (or in longer routes, a different section of the same route) Mesprit will move to an adjacent route. If it tries to move through a city, cave, or any of the lakes, it may jump to a random location as well. Instead of chasing the thing all across Sinnoh, Fly to Jubilife city.

Now, get on your Bike and switch to the faster gear, if you aren’t on it already. Watch Mesprit’s location on the Pokétch (it’s marked by a little Pikachu head) and go from a route branching out from Jubilife back in. What you are doing is making Mesprit change location. Eventually, it will either appear in your route, or in a route around Jubilife. Remember that moving to the adjacent route will force Mesprit to switch, so if you’re in Jubilife and it’s in the route to the left, try heading into one of the other routes and hope it ends up there. A word of precaution : the route just above Jubilife has a cave in the middle, and the two sections of plain land are separate locations. If Mesprit is in the part of the route directly linked to Jubilife, it will appear right above the city, without a space. If your lead Pokémon is level 50 or below, spray a Super Repel to keep other wild Pokémon away. If your lead is over level 50, do not use any Repels, as that would prevent Mesprit from showing up. Luckily, Mesprit will have an increased chance of showing up in any area it's in. Mesprit is fought at level 50.

Mesprit’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 155 -
Atk 112 125 137
Def 112 125 137
SpA 112 125 137
SpD 112 125 137
Spe 90 100 110

Mesprit’s Moveset

Swift (20 PP)
Lucky Chant (30 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Charm (20 PP)
Total PP = 85

Be sure to trap Mesprit right away; it will attempt to flee the very first turn of battle. Any status effects and damage done will be on it when you find it again.

Heatran

Heatran is found at level 50 in Platinum.

Heatran’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 166 -
Atk 99 110 121
Def 113 126 138
SpA 135 150 165
SpD 113 126 138
Spe 87 97 106

Heatran’s Moveset

Metal Sound (40 PP)
Crunch (15 PP)
Scary Face (10 PP)
Lava Plume (15 PP)
Total PP = 70 PP

Comments

Regigigas

Comments 1

Regigias's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 13 -
Atk 7 8 8
Def 6 7 7
SpA 5 6 6
SpD 6 7 7
Spe 6 7 7

Regigigas’ Moveset

Confuse Ray (10 PP)
Foresight (40 PP)
Knock Off (20 PP)
Dizzy Punch (10 PP)
Total PP =70

Comments

Dialga

Comments 1

Dialga’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 241 -
Atk 174 194 213
Def 174 194 213
SpA 212 236 259
SpD 149 166 182
Spe 136 152 167

X’s Moveset

Roar of Time (5 PP)
Heal Block (15 PP)
Earth Power (10 PP)
Slash (20 PP)
Total PP = 40

Comments

Palkia

Comments 1

Palkia’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 227 -
Atk 174 194 213
Def 149 166 182
SpA 212 236 259
SpD 174 194 213
Spe 149 166 182

Palkia’s Moveset

Spacial Rend (5 PP)
Heal Block (15 PP)
Earth Power (10 PP)
Slash (20 PP)
Total PP = 40

Comments

Cressila

Comments 1

Cressila’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 195 -
Atk 81 90 99
Def 126 140 154
SpA 85 95 104
SpD 135 150 165
Spe 94 105 115

Cressila’s Moveset

Mist (30 PP)
Aurora Beam (20 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Slash (20 PP)
Total PP = 85

Comments


Roaming Birds

Comments 1

Articuno’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 112 125 137
Def 128 143 157
SpA 123 137 150
SpD 155 173 190
Spe 112 125 137

Articuno’s Moveset

Agility (30 PP)
Ice Beam (10 PP)
Reflect (20 PP)
Roost (10 PP)
Total PP = 70

Zapdos’ Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 117 131 144
Def 112 125 137
SpA 155 173 190
SpD 117 131 144
Spe 128 143 157

Zapdos' Moveset

Charge (20 PP)
Agility (30 PP)
Discharge (15 PP)
Roost (10 PP)
Total PP = 75

Moltres’ Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 196 -
Atk 128 143 157
Def 117 131 144
SpA 155 173 190
SpD 112 125 137
Spe 117 131 144

Moltres' Moveset

Flamethrower (15 PP)
Safeguard (25 PP)
Air Slash (20 PP)
Roost (10 PP)
Total PP = 70
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Event Pokemon

Regirock

Comments

Regirock's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 66 74 81
Def 120 134 147
SpA 39 44 48
SpD 66 74 81
Spe 39 44 48

Regirock’s Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Rock Throw (15 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Comments


Regice

Comments

Regice’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 39 44 48
Def 66 74 81
SpA 66 74 81
SpD 120 134 147
Spe 39 44 48

Regice's Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Icy Wind (15 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Comments


Registeel

Comments

Registeel’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 97 -
Atk 53 59 64
Def 93 104 114
SpA 53 59 64
SpD 93 104 114
Spe 39 44 48

Registeel’s Moveset

Stomp (20 PP)
Metal Claw (35 PP)
Curse (10 PP)
Superpower (5 PP)
Total PP = 70

Comments

Manaphy

Manaphy is a special event Pokémon, and can be obtained in many different ways. This is the way to get it from Pokémon Ranger. This form of Manaphy is an egg, so be sure to have a Pokémon with Magma Body or Flame Armor in your party; Slugma and Magcargo can only have the two abilities, so it’s easiest to use it.

First, you must unlock the Manaphy mission in Pokémon Ranger. To do this, go to the Ranger Net after completing the game. When "Play a special mission" is displayed on the bottom screen, press the R and X buttons, as well as left on the directional pad simultaneously. The game will then tell you "Enter the password has been added." Tap the touch screen, and the game will save. The password menu is now unlocked, and can be found under the "Play a special mission" option. Upon choosing the new "Enter the password." option, you will be prompted to enter the password for the Manaphy mission. For the North American version of the game the password is P8M2-9D6F-43H7 and for the European version it is Mg35-Cpb8-4FW8. In Japan, you must download the mission via a special event.

After entering the code, the game will save and must be turned off. Restart your Pokémon Ranger game, and return to the Ranger Net. Go to the "Play a special mission" option, and select the mission "Recover the Precious Egg!". Complete this mission to obtain Manaphy’s Egg in the Pokémon Ranger game. Now, go to the Ranger Net once again, and select the new "Check the Egg" option. This is the part where the second DS system and your Pokémon Diamond or Pearl game comes in.

Turn on Pokémon Diamond/Pearl in your other DS system, and leave it at the main menu. Now, tap the screen in your Pokémon Ranger game, and press Send Message. A message saying Pokémon Ranger is trying to communicate will appear on Diamond/Pearl, so press the A button to confirm. Next, select "Link with Pokémon Ranger" on the main menu. On Pokémon Ranger, you should now see the option to transfer. Select this option, and the Manaphy Egg will be transferred to Platinum. Ranger is no longer required.

Once you go to a PokéMart in Platinum, you will find a man in a green uniform. This is the delivery man; the same man that gives you the items you transfer from Pokémon Battle Revolution, or the event Pokémon items. Save before talking to him; once you do, you receive the Manaphy Egg, and its IVs and Nature are set.

Next, go to a Pokémon Center computer, select "Bebe’s PC", then "Move Pokémon". Have a random Pokémon in the first slot of any box, then put your Manaphy egg in the first slot of the box that either directly proceeds or succeeds it. Go back to the first Pokémon, and let the hand cursor hover over it. Wait until its type is displayed in the bottom left corner of the screen for about three seconds, then press L (if the egg is in the preceding box) or R (if it is in the succeeding box). If you timed it correctly, you should see a flash Manaphy's nature. If it’s no good, soft reset and get the egg again. If you like it, then hatch it and Rare Candy it up to check IVs. If it’s no good again, soft reset, but if they’re good enough for you, take it! However, due to Manaphy being level 1, it is best you still Rare Candy it up a bit and put its stats in the IV Calculator. Due to being obtained in an egg, Manaphy's catch rate does not apply.


Darkrai

Darkrai is a special event Pokémon, and can be given out in multiple ways. This is the way to get it via the Member's Card Event. First, you must receive the Member's Card from the Nintendo Event, via the Mystery Gift. You may then go to any Pokémart in Sinnoh and talk to the deliveryman to get the item in your bag. Then, go to Canalave City, and go to the Harbor Inn, which is the last building to the north of the Pokémon Center. After talking to the man there, take a rest. When you wake up, you will be on Newmoon island, where Darkrai resides. It is found in a clearing, much like Cresselia. Darkrai is at level 40 when you battle it, and has a sleep-inducing move, so be careful.

Darkrai's Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 145 -
Atk 99 110 121
Def 99 110 121
SpA 139 155 170
SpD 99 110 121
Spe 130 145 159

Darkrai’s Moveset

Hypnosis (20 PP)
Faint Attack (20 PP)
Nightmare (15 PP)
Double Team (15 PP)
Total PP = 70

Comments


Shaymin

Shaymin is a special event Pokémon, and can be given out in multiple ways. This is the way to get it via the Oak's Letter Event. First, you must receive Oak's Letter from the Nintendo Event, via the Mystery Gift. You may then go to any PokéMart in Sinnoh and talk to the deliveryman to get the item in your bag. Then, fly to the upper Pokémon League. Surf back down to Victory Road, and follow the path that was once blocked. Here you team up with a trainer named Marley to get through. Once you reach Route 224, you will find Professor Oak at a stone tablet. He will ask you to write the name of the person that helped you most throughout your adventures on the tablet. You can put whatever you want here and it will extend the route, causing lots of flowers to appear. Shaymin will pop out to say hi, then run away. Follow the rather long Seabreak Path up to Flower Paradise. Shaymin will be standing atop a hill. Shaymin is level 30 when you battle it, and is the easiest to capture of all the legendaries. For whatever reason, it does not get the legendary music. Perhaps this is because it has a catch rate of 45; highest of all legendaries, and equal to Kricketune.

Shaymin’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 109 -
Atk 66 74 81
Def 66 74 81
SpA 66 74 81
SpD 66 74 81
Spe 66 74 81

Shaymin’s Moveset

Growth (40 PP)
Magical Leaf (20 PP)
Leech Seed (10 PP)
Synthesis (5 PP)
Total PP = 75

Leech Seed and Synthesis may be a bit of a pain, but Shaymin, at level 30, doesn't pose much of a threat. It can also be captured by Ultra Balls if you don't want to wait until 20:00-4:00.


Arceus

Arceus is a very special event Pokémon, and can be given out in multiple ways. This is the way to get it via the Azure Flute Event. First, you must receive the Azure Flute from the Nintendo Event, via the Mystery Gift. You may then go to any PokéMart in Sinnoh and talk to the delivery man to get the item in your bag. Then, you must climb Mt. Coronet once again, up to the Spear Pillar. Immediately, you will notice a mystic symbol, and the Azure Flute will begin making a noise. Play a melody with it, and a glowing stairway will appear. Climb it, but be sure to save before you reach the top; you will automatically approach Arceus in a scripted event as soon as you touch the upper platform. There, the Alpha Pokémon awaits. Arceus is level 80, so your party should be prepared.

Arceus’ Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 306 -
Atk 198 221 243
Def 198 221 243
SpA 198 221 243
SpD 198 221 243
Spe 198 221 243

Arceus’ Moveset

Refresh (20 PP)
Future Sight (15 PP)
Recover (10 PP)
Hyper Beam (5 PP)
Total PP = 50

Yes, the Alpha Pokémon does indeed use Hyper Beam. While it can cause massive damage to your Pokémon, Arceus also must recharge the next turn, giving you time to heal or lull it to sleep again. Future Sight is nothing to laugh at either, but not as much of a threat if your Pokémon are appropriately levelled. Recover can get annoying, but Refresh is pretty much a free turn for you; after all, you should be using the Sleep status, which cannot be cured with Refresh. The battle with the Alpha Pokémon will likely be the most difficult, but it's nothing a high-levelled party can't handle.

Note that Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus may all be given out as trades (making it impossible to soft reset), or Wondercard events. For a Wondercard event, if the legendary is not assigned a specific nature (it would be wise to research the event you are attending or downloading over Wifi), you may reset in front of the man in green like you would for a Manaphy Egg. The IVs and nature are set when you pick up the Pokémon; Synchronize does not work in this situation. These Pokémon may also be given out at different levels than the stats in their respective section may suggest; it is recommended to consult an online stat calculator when you learn the level your legendary will be at.
 
Starting this. Will credit Arseus, since i used his format and copy pasted the intro. Will work on and have most done by Sunday.

Edit:
List of legendaries:
Done:

Giratina-O (Lv 47)
Mesprit (Lv 50) (Runner)
Azelf (Lv 50)
Uxie (Lv 50)
Heatran (Lv 50)
Regigigas (Lv 1)
Cresselia (Lv 50)
Dialga (Lv 70)
Palkia (Lv 70)
Articuno (Lv 60) (Runner)
Zapdos (Lv 60) (Runner)
Moltres (Lv 60) (Runner)
(Note: The previous three have their IVs set when you talk to Oak)

-------
Need to do:
Event Legendaries:
Regirock (Lv 30)
Regice (Lv 30)
Registeel (Lv 30)
Manaphy (Lv 1, egg)
Phione (Breed)
Darkrai (Lv 50)
Shaymin (Lv 30)
Areceus (Lv 80)

Anything I'm missing?
 

Caelum

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Mew doesn't satisfy your requirements as a "catcher" since you said they should have a sleep move >= 70% accuracy. Mew has the only 60% accurate Hypnosis. Unless, it got some new sleeping move I'm unaware of.

also,

Future Sight, an attack used by quite a few Diamond and Pearl legendaries, has damage determined by the Special Defense of the Pokémon that is targeted. So if Azelf uses Future Sight against a level 1 Bidoof, and you switch to a level 100 Blissey, you’ll still take massive damage when the attack hits.
 
I just copy and pasted the intro from the last one, i have yet to edit it for platinum changes.
 

Jibaku

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Note how unlike the case with Fly when facing Rayquaza in RSE, you can't throw a Pokeball at Giratina while it's invisible under Shadow Force

Giratina is fought as part of the storyline. Fought at the end of the Torn World, you fight it after fighting Cyrus, so be sure to save and heal before you talk to Giratina.
IIRC Cynthia heals your guys up so don't worry about healing

You missed Phione as an event legendary. IMO it still counts since its the offspring of a legend.
 

Colonel M

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Assuming that its in Platinum Quick Ball needs a mention in here I think. Though the chances of catching a legendary in under 5 turns are "low", using Hypnosis and throwing 3 Quick Balls isn't a horrible strategy from my experience. Well you have it listed but not alongside the other "Pokeballs".
 

Jumpman16

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Do we know yet about the IVs of the Legendary Birds being shitty (0-5) or not?
 
Note how unlike the case with Fly when facing Rayquaza in RSE, you can't throw a Pokeball at Giratina while it's invisible under Shadow Force

IIRC Cynthia heals your guys up so don't worry about healing

You missed Phione as an event legendary. IMO it still counts since its the offspring of a legend.
I didn't include Phione as an event legendary in my original Diamond/Pearl version due to the fact that I didn't personally consider it to be a legendary. It's in an interesting situation, I'll admit; the spawn of a legendary. However, ultimately there doesn't seem to be much to say on Phione other than "Breed a Manaphy/Phione with a Ditto", with perhaps a link to the Breeding Guide. In my opinion, it should probably be a small note at the end of Manaphy's section.

Mew doesn't satisfy your requirements as a "catcher" since you said they should have a sleep move >= 70% accuracy. Mew has the only 60% accurate Hypnosis. Unless, it got some new sleeping move I'm unaware of.
Sadly, Gallade, my personal favourite catcher no longer qualifies as well. Unless of course, the requirements are lowered to suit a 60% Hypnosis (this is what I did for FR/LG, so I wouldn't see it being too much of a hassle here).

EDIT: Also, there isn't any need for you to give me any credit for this. Since I am aware that you are using my introduction and presumably the write ups for the legendaries that remained the same in both versions, I don't feel like I would be "plagiarized" or anything. I just consider this an expansion of the original article, no need to credit me for doing pretty much nothing haha.
 
Do we know yet about the IVs of the Legendary Birds being shitty (0-5) or not?
I have been told no.

EDIT: Also, there isn't any need for you to give me any credit for this. Since I am aware that you are using my introduction and presumably the write ups for the legendaries that remained the same in both versions, I don't feel like I would be "plagiarized" or anything. I just consider this an expansion of the original article, no need to credit me for doing pretty much nothing haha.
Well, pretty much every legendary changed level or moves, so I have to accomidate for that, but I will try to say all the important info that you mentioned as well.
 
Confirming. My test Zapdos' IVs are approximately 15/22/14/22/5/27 Speed last, Gentle nature.
Correct me if I'm wrong Jibaku, but I also heard all the birds IVs and nature are set when you talk to oak, is this true?
 

Jibaku

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I'm not too sure what you mean by "when you talk to Oak". The birds IVs are set when Oak activates the event when you talk to him. I saved in front of Oak, talked to him, and then went and searched for a bird. First one I got was a Jolly Zapdos. I resetted, and talked to Oak again, and got a Gentle Zapdos.

If you mean by the IVs being set on your first encounter with the birds, then it is very likely that the IVs are set.

Last thing...the birds do not share the same IVs.
 

Mario With Lasers

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Are you really sure that Dusk Ball works to catch Giratina? I was soft-resetting for it last month, and I only managed to catch two with Dusk Balls. According to that formula, I should have a ~46,7% chance of catching a 31 HP IV Giratina, reducing its HP to 1 and using Spore on it. However, I also have a ~44,7% of catching a 31 HP IV Darkrai, reducing its HP to approximately 10, and I can guarantee you that Darkrai is way more easy to catch than Giratina (I'm hard-resetting since December 2nd). However, if we consider that Dusk Ball doesn't work in Torn World, then the chances would be of ~11,7%, which seems to be much more real to me.
 
I'm not too sure what you mean by "when you talk to Oak". The birds IVs are set when Oak activates the event when you talk to him. I saved in front of Oak, talked to him, and then went and searched for a bird. First one I got was a Jolly Zapdos. I resetted, and talked to Oak again, and got a Gentle Zapdos.

If you mean by the IVs being set on your first encounter with the birds, then it is very likely that the IVs are set.

Last thing...the birds do not share the same IVs.
The PIDs and IVs are set when you go into Oak's house and talk to him.

These are generated IIRC in something like 14 consecutive PRNG calls. 4 for PID/IVs of Moltres, then another, then 4 for PID/IVs of Zapdos, then another and then 4 for PID/IVs of Articuno.
 

bugmaniacbob

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Shouldn't you mention Smeargle on your 'catchers' list? It's probably one of the best catchers in the game, although I prefer Breloom, personally.
 

Great Sage

Banned deucer.
I don't know why you would even suggest anything other than a Dusk Ball outside of a Master Ball. They're cheaper than Ultra Balls and available when you should be facing the first available legendary, and the condition that it be dark isn't an object, as you can freely change the DS time and many legendaries are in caves anyways.
 
OK, Quick Question for anyone with Platinum

Are all the IVs for the birds set when you talk to oak or when you run into them?

Also, working to get this done by Platinum's release
 
Palkia

Comments 1

Palkia’s Maximum Stats

Stat Max- Max Max+
HP - 227 -
Atk 174 194 213
Def 149 166 182
SpA 212 236 259
SpD 174 194 213
Spe 149 166 182

Palkia’s Moveset

Spatial Rend (5 PP)
Heal Block (15 PP)
Earth Power (10 PP)
Slash (20 PP)
Total PP = 40
It's Spacial Rend, not Spatial Rend.
 
Plus just tested on a ROM for me and aprently all three of the birds IVs and Natures get set at the same time in Platinum
 
Wanted to mention that it is possible to run from Giratina and face him later in Turnback cave with his IVs and Nature not being set. Or, at least that is what I saw in a thread here on Smogon (can't remember exactly, but I think it was you, RBGolbat who said so.) Just a good note for those who want to SR it.
 

mingot

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One thing worth mentioning for the birds is that if you capture one, and faint the rest, battle the E4, and then speak with Oak again that the remaining birds are re-released with new natures/IVs. Also note that they are NOT synchronizable.

This makes it possible to soft reset for all three of them.

From the DPPt RNG Thread:

The Legendary Birds (Pre E4)

The legendary birds are handled as Method 1 Pokémon, but the PID/IVs for all three of them are created at one time using 15 RNG Calls. 1-4 create Moltres, 6-9 create Zapdos, and 11-14 create Articuno. Please note that all RNG Advancement must be done immediately before releasing the Birds, as it at that time when the Nature and IVs are created.

Moltres
Frame: 1

Zapdos

Frame: 6

Articuno
Frame: 11

The Legendary Birds (Post E4)

Once you have beaten the elite 4 you may speak with Professor Oak and he will re-release any birds which have not already been captured. The remaining birds will be regenerated in the same order as they were originally (Moltres, Zapdos, and Articuno). If none were captured they will appear on frames 1, 6, and 11. If one was captured the remaining birds will appear on frames 1 and 6. If two were captured the remaining bird will appear on frame 1.
 

Expert Evan

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When trying to catch ghost pokemon such as rotom or giratina which are not affected by false swipe, I use the alternative night shade move which synchronizer natu/xatu learns by leveling up early on.

So if a level 47 giratina has 212 HP, I can have a level 70 xatu do night shade 3 times to get giratina's HP down to 2 HP at least.
 

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