Can You Recruit Kecleon in Mystery Dungeon? Unveiling the Elusive Enigma
Yes, Kecleon can be recruited in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, but it’s one of the most challenging feats a player can attempt. The conditions for recruiting Kecleon are notoriously difficult and vary depending on the specific game in the series. Prepare for a test of patience, strategy, and a healthy dose of luck! Let’s dive deep into the specifics.
The Elusive Kecleon: A Recruiter’s Nightmare
Kecleon’s appeal stems from its rarity and its potential power. A recruited Kecleon boasts access to a wide range of TMs, making it a valuable asset to any team. However, this power comes at a cost: an incredibly low base recruitment rate, often in the negatives. This negative rate signifies that you’ll need significant bonuses to even have a chance of recruiting it.
Specific Game Mechanics
The recruitment mechanics for Kecleon differ in each installment:
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team: In these games, Kecleon’s base recruit rate is a dismal -49.5%. To overcome this, you need to reach levels 90-100, equip a Friend Bow (increasing recruit rate), and even then, the recruit rate is only 0.1%. Stealing from the Kecleon shop is necessary to encounter them in dungeons.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky: Like the previous titles, Kecleon’s base rate is -49.5%. Again, achieving level 99 or 100 is critical. Crucially, the Fast Friend IQ skill must be active to even have a chance.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Gates to Infinity: Although recruitment mechanics were adjusted, Kecleon remained one of the tougher Pokémon to recruit.
- Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Rescue Team DX: This remake offers a slight glimmer of hope. Joyous Tower, in particular, presents the highest chance of encountering Kecleon. The Friend Bow is still vital, and leveling up is essential, but the recruit rate is boosted to 16.9% in Joyous Tower. Still a challenge, but notably improved.
The Friend Bow: Your Key to Success
Across almost all iterations, the Friend Bow is nearly indispensable. This item significantly boosts recruitment chances, without which, it’s almost impossible to overcome Kecleon’s negative recruit rate. Obtaining a Friend Bow often involves completing challenging quests or navigating difficult dungeons, adding another layer to the Kecleon recruitment challenge.
The Role of Level and IQ Skills
High levels, particularly reaching the maximum level, are fundamental. Levels directly contribute to your team’s overall recruitment potential. In some games, specific IQ skills, such as Fast Friend, are absolutely mandatory. These skills provide a considerable boost, making the impossible marginally possible.
Joyous Tower: A Beacon of Hope in Rescue Team DX
Rescue Team DX offers a specific location, Joyous Tower, where the spawn and recruit rates for Kecleon are notably higher than in other dungeons. Floors 76F-79F are considered the most promising, with floor 77 boasting a rate topping out at 11.76%. While still demanding, this offers a more targeted approach to recruitment.
Prepare for Battle (and a Lot of Persistence)
Even with all the right conditions, recruiting Kecleon is still largely reliant on luck. Be prepared to fight multiple Kecleon before one finally decides to join your team. Stock up on Reviver Seeds and other valuable items to withstand their powerful attacks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Kecleon’s base recruit rate in the original Mystery Dungeon games?
Kecleon’s base recruit rate in the original Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team is -49.5%. This exceptionally low rate is what makes recruiting it so difficult.
2. Is the Friend Bow necessary to recruit Kecleon?
In most Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games, the Friend Bow is virtually essential for recruiting Kecleon. It provides a crucial boost to the recruit rate, without which overcoming the negative base rate is extremely unlikely.
3. What level should my leader Pokémon be to recruit Kecleon?
Aim for level 90-100 in most games. Reaching the maximum level (often level 100) is generally recommended for the best chance of success.
4. Does the IQ skill “Fast Friend” help in recruiting Kecleon?
Yes, in Explorers of Time, Darkness, and Sky, the Fast Friend IQ skill is necessary to recruit Kecleon. It significantly increases your chances.
5. Where is the best place to find Kecleon in Rescue Team DX?
The Joyous Tower in Rescue Team DX offers the highest spawn and recruit rates for Kecleon, particularly on floors 76F-79F.
6. What items should I bring when trying to recruit Kecleon?
Bring plenty of Reviver Seeds, Oran Berries, and other healing items. Kecleon are strong, and you’ll likely face them repeatedly before a successful recruitment.
7. Does stealing from Kecleon shops affect recruit rates?
Yes, in the original Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, you need to steal from Kecleon to make them appear in dungeons so you can try to recruit them.
8. Can Kecleon evolve?
No, Kecleon does not evolve. It remains in its single, chameleon-like form.
9. What makes Kecleon a desirable team member?
Kecleon has access to a wide range of TMs, making it highly versatile and able to learn various powerful moves.
10. Is it possible to recruit multiple Kecleon in a single game?
Yes, it is possible to recruit multiple Kecleon, though it requires significant effort and persistence.
11. What are the key differences in recruiting Kecleon between the original games and Rescue Team DX?
Rescue Team DX offers a higher recruit rate in Joyous Tower, making it comparatively easier than the original games.
12. Are there any other Pokémon with similarly low recruit rates?
Yes, there are other Pokémon with low recruit rates, but Kecleon is often considered one of the most notorious due to its initially negative rate.
13. Do weather conditions affect Kecleon’s recruit rate?
In some Pokémon games, weather conditions can influence recruit rates. However, the impact on Kecleon specifically is generally minimal compared to the other factors discussed.
14. Where can I find more information about Pokémon game mechanics and strategies?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) is an excellent resource for understanding game mechanics and strategies. The Games Learning Society website offers valuable insights into the educational aspects of gaming, which can help you approach complex games like Pokémon Mystery Dungeon with a more analytical and strategic mindset.
15. Is recruiting Kecleon worth the effort?
Ultimately, whether recruiting Kecleon is “worth it” depends on your personal goals and playstyle. If you enjoy a significant challenge and want a powerful, versatile team member, then pursuing Kecleon is a worthwhile endeavor. However, be prepared for a time-consuming and potentially frustrating experience.