Catching Reshiram and Zekrom in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is a significant undertaking, requiring players to delve deep into the post-game content and prepare meticulously. These legendary Pokémon, tied to the lore of the Unova region, don’t just appear; they are unlocked through a specific questline that tests your battling prowess and exploration skills. This guide will walk you through every necessary step to ensure you successfully add these majestic creatures to your team.
Unlocking the Legendary Encounter: The Eon Ticket and More
Before you can even think about initiating the encounter with Reshiram or Zekrom, you need to have completed the main storyline of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. This means you’ve defeated the Elite Four and the Champion, and experienced the Delta Episode. The Delta Episode is crucial as it unlocks the Southern Island and provides access to the Eon Ticket, a key item that opens the path to a unique post-game adventure.
While the Eon Ticket was originally distributed via StreetPass or local wireless events, it has since become available through Mystery Gift downloads or through trading with other players who possess it. Once you have the Eon Ticket, head to the Lilycove City harbor. Speak to the sailor there, and you’ll be given the option to travel to Southern Island. Upon arriving, you’ll find yourself in a familiar yet slightly altered environment.
The Path to the Tao Trio: The Legendary Pokémon’s Domain
Southern Island isn’t just a scenic detour; it’s the gateway to encountering the legendary Tao Trio: Reshiram, Zekrom, and Kyurem. The legend goes that these three Pokémon are aspects of one single, powerful entity. In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, the method to obtaining one of the two duality legendaries (Reshiram or Zekrom) depends on the version of the game you are playing.
If you are playing Pokémon Omega Ruby, you will encounter Zekrom. Conversely, if you are playing Pokémon Alpha Sapphire, you will encounter Reshiram. This version exclusivity is a long-standing tradition in the Pokémon franchise, encouraging trading and interaction between players.
Once you’ve navigated Southern Island and made your way through its challenges, you’ll reach a special chamber. Here, you will find an altar or a mysterious presence that signifies the imminent arrival of the legendary Pokémon. Prepare your team for a challenging battle, as these are not Pokémon you can simply stumble upon; they are meant to be earned.
Preparing Your Team to Catch Reshiram And Zekrom
The battles against Reshiram and Zekrom are not to be underestimated. These are powerful, high-level Pokémon with significant attack stats and decent defensive capabilities. For a successful capture, meticulous preparation is paramount.
Level Advantage: Ensure your Pokémon are at a high level, ideally in the late 80s or even level 90s. This will significantly increase your chances of surviving their powerful attacks and landing your own.
Type Matchups: Understanding type advantages is crucial.
Reshiram is a Fire/Dragon-type. Its weaknesses are Ground, Rock, and Dragon. Pokémon with strong Ground-type moves like Earthquake or Rock-type moves like Stone Edge will be highly effective. Dragon-type Pokémon can also deal super-effective damage, but be wary as Reshiram’s Dragon-type moves will also be very strong against them.
Zekrom is an Electric/Dragon-type. Its weaknesses are Ice, Dragon, and Ground. Ice-type moves (like Ice Beam or Blizzard) are particularly effective. Again, Dragon-types can deal super-effective damage, but be cautious of Zekrom’s Dragon and Electric attacks.
Status Conditions: Bringing Pokémon that can inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can greatly aid in the capture process. A sleeping Pokémon can’t attack, and a paralyzed Pokémon has a chance to miss its turns. However, be mindful that legendary Pokémon can sometimes have abilities or moves that resist or cure status conditions.
Catching Strategy: The goal here is not to knock out the legendary Pokémon, but to weaken it significantly and then capture it.
False Swipe: A move like False Swipe is invaluable. It always leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP, ensuring you don’t accidentally faint it.
Status Infliction: As mentioned, sleep or paralysis can provide crucial openings.
Ultra Balls and Timer Balls: Stock up on Ultra Balls, the most effective Poké Ball type. If the battle drags on, Timer Balls can become increasingly more effective the longer the fight lasts. Dusk Balls can also be effective if you are battling in a cave-like environment, though Southern Island is more open.
The Battle and Capture: A Test of Will
Once you are on Southern Island and have reached the designated area, the legendary Pokémon will appear. Depending on your game version, it will be either Reshiram or Zekrom. Engage it in battle, and follow your prepared strategy.
Focus on weakening it without fainting it. Use your False Swipe users to bring its HP down to the red zone. If you have Pokémon with the ability Sturdy, they can endure a powerful hit and allow you to retaliate. Alternatively, Pokémon with the move Endeavor can also be useful in bringing the legendary’s HP down to match your own, making it easier to finish off with False Swipe.
Once the Pokémon is weakened, start throwing your Poké Balls. Be patient. Sometimes it takes many attempts, even with low HP and status conditions. If you are running low on resources or your team is too worn down, you can always retreat from the battle and return later. The legendary Pokémon will remain in its location until you successfully capture it or defeat it.
Post-Capture Considerations and Further Legendaries
After successfully catching either Reshiram or Zekrom, congratulations are in order! You’ve acquired a powerful ally for your team.
It’s worth noting that if you want to obtain the other* legendary Pokémon (the one not native to your game version), you will need to trade for it with a friend who has the opposite version of the game.
Furthermore, the Eon Ticket questline also opens the door to encountering Kyurem. After capturing Reshiram or Zekrom, you can return to Southern Island. You will find a new chamber, the “Outer Spacestation” (or a similar name depending on the exact legend associated with the area). Within this area, you will be able to battle and catch Kyurem, the third member of the Tao Trio. Kyurem can then be fused with either Reshiram or Zekrom using the DNA Splicers, which you can find by exploring the Giant Chasm (accessible after completing certain post-game events).
Catching Reshiram and Zekrom in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire is a rewarding experience that adds significant power and legendary status to your team. By following this guide, carefully preparing your Pokémon, and executing a sound battle and capture strategy, you’ll be well on your way to securing these iconic dragons.