Catch Kyurem in Pokémon Black or White is a pivotal moment for any trainer looking to complete their Unova Pokédex or simply add a legendary powerhouse to their team. This formidable Ice/Dragon-type Pokémon, the final boss of the original Black and White games, presents a unique challenge that requires strategy, preparation, and a touch of luck. Unlike many other legendaries that can be encountered through optional quests or specific in-game events, Kyurem’s capture is intrinsically linked to the game’s climax. Understanding its location, movepool, and the optimal ways to weaken and ensnare it is crucial for success. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to bring this magnificent creature into your party.
The Path to the Frozen Dragon: Accessing Kyurem
Your journey to catch Kyurem in Pokémon Black or White culminates at the Giant Chasm. This vast, icy cavern is only accessible after you have defeated the Elite Four and become the Pokémon League Champion. Following the events of the main storyline, particularly the confrontation with N and Reshiram or Zekrom, you’ll find yourself able to explore areas previously inaccessible. The Giant Chasm is located in the northeastern part of Unova, and you’ll need Surf to reach its entrance.
Once inside the Giant Chasm, prepare for a significant dungeon crawl. The area is filled with strong wild Pokémon, including various Ice-types, and trainers who will test your team. Navigate through the treacherous icy terrain, using Pokémon with moves like Flash to illuminate the darker areas. The deeper you venture, the colder it gets, and the more prepared you’ll need to be. The ultimate goal is to reach the deepest part of the chasm, a large, open arena where Kyurem awaits.
Preparing for the Legendary Encounter
Capturing a legendary Pokémon like Kyurem is not something to be rushed into. Proper preparation is key to avoiding frustration and ensuring a smooth capture.
Essential Items and Team Composition
Before you even step foot in the Giant Chasm, ensure your team is at an optimal level, ideally in the high 60s or low 70s. Kyurem is a level 75 Pokémon, and facing it with an under-leveled team will make the battle an uphill struggle. Consider bringing a variety of Pokémon to counter Kyurem’s typing.
Key Items to Stock Up On:
Ultra Balls/Dusk Balls: These offer the highest catch rates. Dusk Balls are particularly effective if you plan on battling Kyurem at night or in dark areas of the Giant Chasm.
Timer Balls: If the battle drags on, Timer Balls become increasingly potent.
Full Restores/Max Potions: Necessary to keep your Pokémon healthy during the prolonged battle.
Full Heals: Kyurem can inflict status conditions like paralysis and freeze, so these are vital.
Revives: Essential for bringing back fainted party members.
X Items (X Attack, X Defend, X Speed): These can provide crucial stat boosts during the fight, giving you an edge.
Recommended Pokémon Types and Moves:
Kyurem is an Ice/Dragon-type, making it vulnerable to Fighting, Rock, Steel, and Dragon-type attacks. However, its own dual-typing also grants it resistances. It’s particularly weak to Dragon-type attacks, but be mindful that it also has Dragon-type STAB moves.
Fighting-types: Pokémon like Lucario, Conkeldurr, or Mienshao can deal super-effective damage.
Steel-types: Pokémon like Metagross or Bisharp can resist many of Kyurem’s attacks and hit back hard.
Dragon-types: While risky due to Kyurem’s own Dragon typing, strong Dragon-type attackers can also be effective.
Key Moves to Consider:
False Swipe: Absolutely essential for weakening Kyurem to 1 HP without knocking it out. Ensure at least one Pokémon in your party knows this move.
Status-Inflicting Moves: Moves like Thunder Wave (paralysis), Spore (sleep), or Hypnosis (sleep) can significantly increase your capture odds. Be aware that Kyurem might have a Lum Berry or Guts ability to counter status.
Moves that lower stats: Such as Leer, Growl, or Harden can help prolong the battle and make Kyurem easier to catch.
The Showdown: Battling and Capturing Kyurem
When you finally reach the deepest part of the Giant Chasm, the legendary Pokémon Kyurem will appear. The battle is about to begin.
The Battle Strategy:
1. Initial Weakening: Begin by using your Pokémon with strong super-effective attacks (Fighting, Rock, Steel, Dragon) to chip away at Kyurem’s health. Focus on lowering its HP as much as possible without defeating it.
2. Status Application: Once Kyurem is at a manageable health level, switch in your Pokémon with False Swipe. Aim to bring its HP down to critical levels, leaving it with just 1 HP. Simultaneously, try to inflict a status condition like paralysis or sleep. Paralysis is often preferred as it doesn’t prevent the Pokémon from attacking as frequently as sleep, and it also lowers speed.
3. The Wait Game: With Kyurem weakened and potentially afflicted with a status ailment, begin throwing your best Poké Balls. This is where the Timer Balls truly shine if the battle is taking time. Continue to heal your Pokémon as needed and reapply status conditions if they wear off.
4. Patience is a Virtue: Legendary Pokémon have notoriously low catch rates. The battle can take a considerable amount of time. Do not get discouraged if your first few Ultra Balls don’t work. Keep throwing, and eventually, Kyurem will be yours.
Post-Capture Considerations
Congratulations! You have managed to catch Kyurem in Pokémon Black or White. This powerful Pokémon will undoubtedly be a valuable asset to your team.
Training Kyurem: Its base stats are immense, particularly its Special Attack and Special Defense. With proper training, it can become an absolute monster on the battlefield. Consider teaching it a diverse range of moves to capitalize on its Ice and Dragon typing, as well as its high offensive stats. Moves like Ice Beam, Dragon Pulse, Earth Power, and Aura Sphere are excellent choices.
Kyurem’s Forms (Black 2/White 2): It’s worth noting that in the sequels, Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, Kyurem can fuse with Reshiram or Zekrom to form Black Kyurem or White Kyurem, respectively. This introduces even more powerful forms and unique move sets, offering a whole new level of strategic depth if you decide to continue your journey in those games.
Catching Kyurem is a testament to your dedication and skill as a Pokémon trainer. The journey through the Giant Chasm and the subsequent battle are designed to be challenging, but with the right preparation and a persistent attitude, this legendary Ice/Dragon Pokémon will soon be proudly part of your Unova team.