Catch Landorus in Pokémon Black and White: Your Definitive Guide
Embarking on the journey to catch Landorus in Pokémon Black and White is a rite of passage for many aspiring trainers. This legendary Pokémon, a member of the Forces of Nature trio alongside Tornadus and Thundurus, boasts immense power and a unique role in the Unova region’s lore. Capturing Landorus, however, is not a straightforward encounter. It requires specific conditions to be met and a keen understanding of its habits. This guide will break down everything you need to know to add this formidable Force of Nature to your team.
Understanding Landorus’s Significance
Landorus holds a special place in the Pokémon universe, not just for its power, but for its role as a protector. Legend has it that Landorus descends from the heavens to bring fertility to the land and quell disturbances. In Pokémon Black and White, its presence is tied to specific environmental elements within the game, making its appearance feel earned rather than random. Its dual Ground/Flying typing grants it an interesting set of resistances and weaknesses, making it a strategic asset in battles.
The Crucial Requirement: Accessing the Abundant Shard
The most significant hurdle in your quest to catch Landorus in Pokémon Black and White is gaining access to the Abundant Shard. This is not a location you can simply stumble upon. The Abundant Shard is a special area that only becomes accessible after a specific event in the game’s storyline. You must have completed the main story, meaning you have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion. Furthermore, you will need to have encountered both Tornadus and Thundurus.
How to Encounter Tornadus and Thundurus
Before Landorus will even consider appearing, you must encounter its two brethren. Tornadus and Thundurus have specific spawning conditions.
Tornadus: In Pokémon Black, Tornadus can be found in the outer areas of Route 13, often appearing during thunderstorms. In Pokémon White, Tornadus will only appear if you have the “Key Item” that allows you to summon it, which is obtained through specific in-game events or trading.
Thundurus: Conversely, in Pokémon White, Thundurus can be found in similar locations to Tornadus in Black, such as Route 13 during thunderstorms. In Pokémon Black, Thundurus requires the summoning Key Item.
The key takeaway here is that you need to have seen both of these legendary Pokémon. Some players opt to trade for one of them if they are having trouble finding both naturally within their version of the game. Once both Tornadus and Thundurus have been encountered, the path to Landorus opens up.
Locating the Abundant Shard to Catch Landorus
With the prerequisites met, head to Route 13. This is a sprawling route with various tall grasses and paths. The Abundant Shard itself is a specific, somewhat hidden area within Route 13. Navigate carefully through the route, paying close attention to the terrain. You are looking for a secluded area, often characterized by a slightly different visual or a more isolated feel within the larger Route 13 map. Once you enter this specific area, you will trigger the legendary encounter.
The Legendary Battle: Strategies for Capturing Landorus
Upon entering the Abundant Shard, you will see Landorus. Be prepared, as this is not a friendly NPC encounter; it is a battle. Landorus is a Level 42 Pokémon and will be the first wild Pokémon you encounter in this specific location.
Landorus’s Typing and Strengths: As a Ground/Flying type, Landorus is immune to Electric-type attacks and resists Poison, Rock, and Fighting-type moves. It is weak to Ice-type and Water-type attacks.
Recommended Pokémon and Moves:
Ice-type Pokémon: Pokémon like Lapras, Mamoswine, or even an Ice Beam TM on a versatile special attacker are your best bet. Ice-type attacks will deal super-effective damage.
Water-type Pokémon: Pokémon like Vaporeon, Samurott, or a Water-type attacker with Surf or Hydro Pump can also exploit its weakness.
Pokémon with Status Conditions: Having a Pokémon that can inflict Sleep or Paralysis can significantly increase your chances of capture. Sleep is generally preferable as it doesn’t wear off as quickly as Paralysis.
False Swipe: A move like False Swipe is invaluable. It allows you to lower Landorus’s HP to just 1 without fainting it, making it much easier to catch. Ensure the Pokémon using False Swipe is strong enough to survive a few hits but not so overpowering that it accidentally knocks Landorus out.
Catching Strategy:
1. Weaken Landorus: Focus on gradually lowering Landorus’s HP. Use Pokémon with super-effective moves, but be cautious. Alternatively, use a Pokémon with False Swipe to bring its HP down to the red zone.
2. Inflict Status: Once Landorus is sufficiently weakened, try to inflict Sleep or Paralysis. This will drastically improve your catch rate.
3. Begin the Catch Attempt: Start throwing Ultra Balls. If you have a good stockpile, these are your best option. If you’re running low, Great Balls are your next best bet. Timer Balls can also be a good option if the battle drags on.
4. Patience is Key: Capturing a legendary Pokémon can take many attempts. Don’t get discouraged if it breaks out of the first few balls. Adjust your strategy, potentially heal your Pokémon, and continue the process.
What Happens After You Catch Landorus?
Successfully capturing Landorus is a significant achievement. In Pokémon Black and White, Landorus is the third of the Forces of Nature trio. Once you have caught all three (Tornadus, Thundurus, and Landorus), you can take them to a specific location that will trigger a unique event and potentially alter Landorus’s form. This adds another layer of depth to the legendary Pokémon’s presence in the game.
Mastering the art of how to catch Landorus in Pokémon Black and White is a rewarding experience. It tests your knowledge of the game’s mechanics, your strategic planning, and your patience. With this guide, you should be well-equipped to bring this powerful and iconic legendary Pokémon into your team and dominate the Unova region. Good luck, trainer!