Do You Get Eternatus Before Zacian? Unraveling the Legendary Encounters in Pokémon Sword and Shield

Yes, you absolutely encounter and catch Eternatus before you obtain Zacian in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This is a key plot point in the game, with the legendary encounters designed to occur in a specific sequence tied to the game’s narrative. You’ll battle and capture Eternatus at a crucial moment right before your final face-off with Leon, the reigning Champion, while Zacian becomes available post-game, after you’ve secured your own champion title.

The Order of Legendary Encounters

Eternatus: The Pre-Champion Showdown

Your encounter with Eternatus is a climactic event that takes place at the Hammerlocke Energy Plant. This location is pivotal to the game’s storyline, representing the culmination of Chairman Rose’s plans and the energy crisis gripping the Galar region. As you progress through the narrative, you’ll find yourself at this power plant shortly before your ultimate showdown with Leon in the Champion Cup finals.

• Timing: You’ll battle and capture Eternatus just before facing Leon, making it a last-minute ally for the post-game battles to come. This encounter happens only after you’ve completed most of the main story.
• Capture: The game mechanics ensure you automatically catch Eternatus, meaning it has a 100% catch rate. There’s no chance of failing; you simply add it to your team. This is an important narrative and gameplay element designed by the developers to ensure that you can move forward in the game.
• Level: Eternatus is at level 60 when you capture it, with its typing of Poison/Dragon making it susceptible to Psychic and Dragon-type moves.
• Eternamax Form: During your battle at the energy plant, you’ll witness Eternatus’s powerful Eternamax form. This is a unique form only seen during this battle and unavailable for use in your own team. The lore implies that this form is due to the energy absorption from the Galar region.

Zacian: The Post-Game Reward

Unlike Eternatus, Zacian (and Zamazenta in Shield) is obtained after you become the Champion. These legendary Pokémon play a crucial role in the post-game narrative and are part of a separate quest line.

• Timing: Once you’ve defeated Leon and become the Champion, you unlock the events that lead you to encounter and catch Zacian (Sword) or Zamazenta (Shield).
• Capture: Catching Zacian or Zamazenta, depending on your game, requires a battle like other legendary Pokémon; it doesn’t have a 100% capture rate like Eternatus.
• Beast Ball: You cannot obtain a Beast Ball until after you’ve beaten the game.

This distinct separation in obtaining these legendary Pokémon creates a clear progression: you gain Eternatus as a powerful ally immediately before the final Champion battle, and then secure Zacian/Zamazenta as part of the post-game content, ensuring a different play experience in both phases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Eternatus and Zacian

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide you with further details about Eternatus, Zacian, and their places within the game’s structure:

1. Is Eternatus a legendary or mythical Pokemon?

   • Eternatus is classified as a legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It’s a main story component and obtainable in both game versions.

2. Is Eternatus the strongest Pokémon in terms of stats?

   • While Eternatus is formidable, its base stats don’t outclass all others. However, Eternamax Eternatus possesses the highest total stat points of any Pokémon, while in its standard form it is not the highest.

3. Why does Eternatus have a 100% catch rate?

   • The 100% catch rate is a story element; it’s essential to have Eternatus available for upcoming battles and plot points. The game ensures it by making the catch guaranteed.

4. Can you use any Poké Ball to catch Eternatus?

   • Yes, because of the 100% catch rate, you can use any Poké Ball. Many players choose a visually appealing one for this special catch.

5. What are Eternatus’s type weaknesses?

   • As a Poison/Dragon type, Eternatus is vulnerable to Ice, Ground, and Psychic-type moves.

6. Can Eternatus be shiny in the base game?

   • No, Eternatus cannot be shiny in the base game of Sword and Shield. The only way to obtain a Shiny Eternatus is through limited-time events, and it is received at level 100.

7. Can Eternatus Dynamax?

   • No, Eternatus cannot Dynamax into its Eternamax form by the player. The Eternamax form is only accessible in the battle with Rose.

8. What is Zacian’s primary type and weakness?

   • Zacian, in its Hero of Many Battles form, is a pure Fairy-type. It is vulnerable to Steel and Poison type attacks.

9. Why can’t Zacian Dynamax?

   • Zacian and Zamazenta play an anti-Dynamax role in the game. They are designed to counter Dynamaxed Pokémon with their signature moves, Behemoth Blade and Behemoth Bash.

10. Do Zacian and Zamazenta have better stats than Eternatus?

    • The stats of Zacian and Zamazenta are slightly higher individually compared to Eternatus’s regular form, but Eternatus has better move-set options.

11. Is Eternatus evil?

    • Eternatus acts as a villainous force in the story, similar to Necrozma. It’s an alien Pokémon that gathers energy with destructive potential.

12. What are some effective strategies against Eternatus?

    • Use Psychic, Ground, and Ice-type attacks to exploit its weaknesses. Make sure to prepare your team accordingly before engaging in the fight.

13. Can you battle Leon with Eternatus?

    • Yes, you can use Eternatus against Leon. There’s even special dialogue if you do so, although it’s not a requirement for the battle.

14. Can you get Zacian before you become the champion?

    • No, Zacian is only obtainable after becoming the champion in Pokémon Sword.

15. Do Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus need Dynamax Candy?

    • No, these legendary Pokémon do not need Dynamax candy, as they cannot Dynamax in battles you play.

Conclusion

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the legendary Pokémon are encountered in a specific order that aligns with the game’s story. You battle and catch Eternatus before facing Leon and before becoming Champion, making it a key part of the final act. The acquisition of Zacian or Zamazenta comes later, as a post-game quest, after your victory in the Champion Cup. These details help shape the narrative and give players a satisfying sense of progression within the game. Understanding this timing and the attributes of each legendary Pokémon will allow you to strategize effectively and enjoy your journey through the Galar region.