Catching Zekrom and Reshiram in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is a highly anticipated milestone for many trainers. These legendary Dragon/Electric and Dragon/Fire-type Pokémon, respectively, are central to the overarching narrative of the games and represent incredible power. While obtaining them might seem like a daunting task, this guide aims to simplify the process, offering clear strategies and tips to ensure you can add these majestic creatures to your team. Get ready to embark on a legendary hunt!
The Path to Legendary Encounters
Before you can even think about catching Zekrom and Reshiram, you need to progress through the main story of Pokémon Black 2 and White 2. These legendaries are not available in the early or mid-game. Their appearance is intrinsically linked to the unfolding plot, specifically concerning the Legendary Pokémon that are central to Team Plasma’s ambitions.
In Pokémon Black 2, you will encounter Zekrom, while in Pokémon White 2, you will encounter Reshiram. The storyline will lead you to a pivotal moment where you have the opportunity to battle and potentially capture these powerful beings. It’s crucial to pay attention to the dialogue and events surrounding these encounters, as they often provide hints about the Pokémon’s significance and your role in their story.
Preparing for the Legendary Battle: Essential Items and Pokémon
Successfully catching Zekrom and Reshiram requires more than just reaching them. Proper preparation is key to avoiding frustration.
Key Items:
Ultra Balls/Great Balls: While Master Balls are always an option for guaranteed captures, saving them for truly elusive Pokémon is often advised. Ultra Balls offer the best catch rate for these legendary encounters if you’re not using a Master Ball. Great Balls can be a viable alternative for trainers who haven’t accumulated many Ultra Balls.
Timer Balls: If the battle goes on for a significant number of turns, Timer Balls become increasingly effective and can be a great alternative to Ultra Balls.
Full Restores/Hyper Potions: These legendary Pokémon pack a serious punch. Having ample healing items to keep your team healthy during the battle is non-negotiable.
Revives: If one of your Pokémon faints, you’ll want to be able to bring them back into the fight quickly.
Status-Inflicting Items (Optional but Recommended): Items like “X Accuracy” can be helpful if your attacks are missing, or “X Defend” if you’re struggling to survive their onslaught.
Strategic Pokémon:
Pokémon with Status-Inflicting Moves: Your primary goal should be to inflict a status condition like Sleep or Paralysis. This significantly increases your catch rate and gives you more opportunities to throw Poké Balls without the Pokémon immediately attacking. Pokémon with moves like Spore, Sleep Powder, or Thunder Wave are invaluable.
Pokémon with High Attack/Special Attack: You’ll need to whittle down their HP without knocking them out. Pokémon that can deal significant damage are essential.
Pokémon with False Swipe: This move is a game-changer. It always leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP, allowing you to safely lower their health to a critical level without the risk of accidentally knocking them out.
Resistant Pokémon: Having Pokémon that resist Dragon, Electric, and Fire-type attacks will help you survive longer. For Zekrom, Ground-type Pokémon are excellent as they are immune to Electric-type moves. For Reshiram, Water and Rock-type Pokémon are strong choices.
Catch Zekrom And Reshiram In Pokémon Black 2 And White 2: Step-by-Step Guide
The specific location and circumstances for encountering Zekrom and Reshiram differ slightly, but the strategy for catching them remains largely the same.
For Zekrom (Pokémon Black 2):
Your encounter with Zekrom will occur at the Dragonspiral Tower. After progressing through the story and reaching this ancient structure, you will be presented with a dramatic scene. Zekrom will appear, intent on confronting Team Plasma. You will have an opportunity to battle and attempt to catch it.
For Reshiram (Pokémon White 2):
Similarly, your encounter with Reshiram will also take place at the Dragonspiral Tower. The narrative will guide you to this location, where Reshiram will make its appearance. The battle and capture opportunity will follow.
The Catching Process:
1. Save Your Game: Before initiating the battle, it is highly* recommended to save your game. This allows you to restart the encounter if you accidentally knock out the legendary Pokémon or fail to catch it.
2. Initiate the Battle: Engage Zekrom or Reshiram in battle.
3. Lower Their HP: Begin by using Pokémon with False Swipe to carefully reduce their health to a sliver. If you don’t have a False Swipe user, be incredibly cautious with your attacks. Aim to leave them with only 1 HP.
4. Inflict a Status Condition: Once their HP is critically low, switch to a Pokémon that can inflict Sleep or Paralysis. Sleep is generally preferred as it lasts longer and doesn’t reduce the catch rate as much as Paralysis might in some games (though in B2/W2, both are very effective).
5. Throw Poké Balls: Begin throwing your Ultra Balls (or Great/Timer Balls). Continue throwing balls as long as the status condition persists and their HP is low.
6. Be Patient: Legendary Pokémon are tough to catch. Don’t get discouraged if it takes many attempts. Keep throwing balls, and eventually, you will succeed. If they wake up or their HP starts to recover, continue to weaken them and reapply the status condition if necessary.
7. If All Else Fails (Master Ball): If you’ve exhausted all your attempts and are worried about losing the opportunity, the Master Ball guarantees a capture.
Post-Capture Considerations:
Once you’ve successfully caught Zekrom or Reshiram, congratulations! These Pokémon have phenomenal stats and will be a significant asset to your team. Remember to check their Natures and potential IVs if you’re interested in competitive battling. They can learn powerful Dragon-type moves, as well as their signature Electric (Zekrom) or Fire (Reshiram) abilities, making them incredibly versatile attackers.
Catching Zekrom and Reshiram in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is a rewarding experience that solidifies your journey through the Unova region. With careful preparation and a strategic approach, you’ll be able to add these legendary dragons to your team and continue your adventures with unparalleled power.