Can You Get the Same Legendary Twice? A Comprehensive Guide
The allure of Legendary Pokémon and other powerful, rare creatures in games is undeniable. A common question among gamers is: Can you get the same legendary twice? The answer, unfortunately, isn’t a straightforward yes or no, as it depends heavily on the specific game and its mechanics. Generally, in most core Pokémon games, obtaining multiple copies of the same Legendary Pokémon through typical gameplay is not possible within a single save file. However, there are exceptions, alternative methods, and nuances to this rule across various game titles and series. Let’s dive deeper into the complexities and clarify how this concept works across some popular game franchises.
Core Pokémon Series: One and Done (Mostly)
Single Save File Restrictions
In the main line of Pokémon games, the core principle is that once you’ve caught a Legendary Pokémon, that’s it. You won’t encounter it again in the wild or through a main storyline event within the same save file. This mechanic prevents players from building armies of identical legendary creatures. This is a deliberate design choice to maintain the uniqueness and value associated with these special Pokémon.
Exceptions to the Rule: Event and Mystery Gift
There are, however, a few ways to circumvent the “one per save” limitation. Special events, often distributed through Mystery Gift features, sometimes give players access to specific Legendary Pokémon or rare items that allow them to obtain multiple copies. These event Legendary Pokémon are often obtained with specific moves, abilities, or items, which separates them from the regular encountered ones. These distribution events are typically time-limited, and players need to actively participate to secure the additional Legendary Pokémon.
Trading is Key
The most consistent way to acquire multiple copies of a specific Legendary Pokémon is through trading with other players. This is especially common in games with online trading functionality, allowing you to connect with other gamers around the world. Players often trade to complete their Pokédex or to obtain specific Legendary Pokémon with desired characteristics.
Max Lair and Dynamax Adventures
While you can’t catch the same Legendary Pokémon twice in the wild in Pokémon Sword and Shield, the Dynamax Adventures in the Max Lair provide a unique twist. You can encounter any Legendary Pokémon during these adventures, but you can only catch it once. However, if you participate in further Dynamax Adventures, you can find the same species of Legendary Pokémon again, but you can’t catch it this time. This adds replayability while also maintaining the scarcity of the Legendary Pokémon in your boxes.
Beyond Pokémon: Other Game Series
The “one legendary” rule isn’t just isolated to Pokémon. Many games restrict the availability of powerful or unique characters and items. For instance, in Diablo IV, you can only use one of the same Legendary Aspect in your build; stacking them is not allowed. Games often implement similar mechanics to maintain game balance and character build diversity. The underlying concept is often the same; preserve the value of specific items, characters or features in the game.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into Legendary Encounters
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further illuminate the intricacies of obtaining Legendary or similar powerful entities in games:
1. Can you catch both Legendaries in Sword and Shield?
Yes, but not the same pair in the same playthrough. Pokémon Sword and Shield have version exclusives. You can catch Zacian in Sword and Zamazenta in Shield. Eternatus, however, can be caught in both versions. The other legendary you can obtain is Cosmog and its evolutions, where Cosmoem will evolve into Solgaleo in Sword and Lunala in Shield.
2. Can you catch a legendary again if you release it?
No, releasing a Legendary Pokémon does not make it re-appear. You must never have caught it to encounter it again. Releasing them doesn’t change the game’s memory of whether or not it has been caught.
3. Is Cosmog a legendary?
Yes, Cosmog is a Legendary Pokémon. It is a Psychic-type that evolves into Cosmoem and then either Solgaleo or Lunala, depending on the game.
4. Do Quick Balls work on legendaries?
While Quick Balls can sometimes work, they are not guaranteed to be effective against Legendary Pokémon due to their low catch rate. Legendary Pokémon usually have a base catch rate of 3, making them difficult to capture.
5. What is the best Pokeball to catch Legendaries?
The Heavy Ball can be particularly effective on large Legendary Pokémon, such as Dialga, Giratina, and Groudon. However, this does not mean that they will be guaranteed to work, and most other Pokeballs can still be effective, including the Ultra Ball.
6. Can you get multiple of the same legendary in Pokemon Go?
Yes, Pokémon GO allows you to catch multiple copies of the same Legendary Pokémon, especially during raids or special events. You can also trade them with other players.
7. Can I capture Eternatus?
Yes, Eternatus has a 100% catch rate once defeated. It will not be difficult to capture Eternatus, no matter which Pokeball you use.
8. Can you get both Solgaleo and Lunala in Sword and Shield?
While you can’t find both in one version, you can obtain Solgaleo in Pokémon Sword and Lunala in Pokémon Shield through the evolution of Cosmoem. If you have both versions, you can get both in their respective games.
9. Do Legendary Aspects stack in Diablo 4?
No, Legendary Aspects in Diablo 4 do not stack. You cannot use more than one copy of the same Aspect in your build.
10. Can you catch Zapdos more than once?
In some Pokémon titles, like Pokémon Yellow (and the Let’s Go remakes), Zapdos can be caught again after becoming the Champion. You need to obtain all eight gym badges before challenging the elite four and winning to make Zapdos appear again.
11. How rare is it to catch a legendary Pokemon?
The catch rates of Legendary Pokémon are very low. For example, in Pokémon GO, the average catch rate for a Legendary Flying-Type Pokémon is only around 0.3%.
12. Do you have to use a Master Ball on a legendary?
No, a Master Ball isn’t necessary to catch a Legendary Pokémon. It’s certainly the easiest approach, but with strategy and good Pokéball usage, you can catch them with regular Pokéballs too.
13. Can the Master Ball ever fail?
No, the Master Ball has a 255 catch rate which means it will not fail. This is unlike other Pokeballs that may not succeed.
14. Can you put Legendaries in gyms?
Generally, Legendary and Mythical Pokémon cannot be placed in Pokémon GO gyms. This is to keep gym battles fair. This is also true for certain other Pokémon games as well.
15. Can you breed Solgaleo with Ditto?
No, you cannot breed Legendary Pokémon like Solgaleo with Ditto or any other Pokémon. Legendaries are part of the “No Eggs Discovered” Group.
Conclusion
The question of whether you can get the same Legendary twice has a complicated answer. Generally, most games don’t allow you to obtain multiples of the same Legendary through typical gameplay in the same save file. However, the rules differ game to game, and there are some ways to obtain more through special events, trading, or specific gameplay mechanics. By understanding the nuances of each game, you’ll be better equipped to achieve your Legendary goals, or understand when they cannot be obtained more than once. Keep exploring, and happy gaming!