Do You Have to Defeat Eternatus to Catch It? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, absolutely! In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you must defeat Eternatus before you can catch it. This isn’t a case of weakening it and hoping for the best; it’s a mandatory two-stage process. You’ll initially face Eternatus in a standard battle, but then you will transition into a Max Raid Battle after it transforms into its Eternamax form. Only after you have successfully defeated Eternatus in this Max Raid Battle will you be given the opportunity to catch it. Don’t even think about stocking up on Ultra Balls before that point; it won’t work!
The Eternatus Encounter: A Step-by-Step Breakdown
Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of how this pivotal battle unfolds:
-
Reaching Eternatus: You won’t stumble upon Eternatus early in your adventure. You need to have earned all eight gym badges and progressed through the main storyline to the point where you confront Chairman Rose at the Energy Plant. This is a critical juncture in the narrative, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown.
-
The Initial Battle: The first encounter with Eternatus isn’t a Max Raid Battle. It’s a standard Pokémon battle, albeit against a very powerful opponent. Focus on dealing damage and surviving its attacks. Don’t waste your time trying to catch it here.
-
The Eternamax Transformation: After you’ve inflicted enough damage, Eternatus will transform into its Eternamax form. This is where the battle shifts into a Max Raid Battle, and you’ll be joined by other trainers (both AI and potentially real players) to take down this colossal Pokémon.
-
The Max Raid Battle: This is the real test of your skills and team composition. Eternatus in its Eternamax form boasts incredible stats and powerful moves. Coordinate with your teammates, exploit its weaknesses (primarily Psychic and Ice-type moves**), and work together to deplete its HP.
-
Defeat and Capture: Once you’ve finally defeated Eternatus in its Eternamax form, the game will prompt you to throw a Poké Ball. Here’s the crucial part: Eternatus has a 100% catch rate at this point. That means any Poké Ball, even a basic Poké Ball, will successfully capture it.
Why This Two-Stage Process?
The developers at Game Freak likely designed this encounter to create a more dramatic and memorable experience. Eternatus serves as the primary antagonist of Pokémon Sword and Shield, and the battle is meant to be a climactic culmination of the game’s storyline. Forcing players to defeat it before capturing it emphasizes the threat it poses to the Galar region.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Catching Eternatus
Here are some common questions about catching Eternatus, providing you with a complete understanding of this special Pokémon.
Is Eternatus a Legendary or Mythical Pokémon?
Eternatus is classified as a Legendary Pokémon. This means it’s a powerful and rare Pokémon that plays a significant role in the lore of the Pokémon world. Mythical Pokémon are even rarer and often tied to special events or distributions.
Can You Get a Shiny Eternatus?
Unfortunately, no, you cannot obtain a shiny Eternatus in the main game. Eternatus is what’s known as “Shiny locked.” This means that the game is programmed to prevent Eternatus from ever appearing in its shiny form during the main story encounter. There have been distributions of a Shiny Eternatus.
What Happens If You Lose to Eternatus?
If you lose the initial battle against Eternatus or fail to defeat it in the Max Raid Battle, the game will simply allow you to retry the battle. You won’t face any significant penalties for losing. You can adjust your team, change your strategy, and try again until you succeed.
Can You Use Eternatus Against Leon?
Yes, you absolutely can! Furthermore, if you bring Eternatus into your battle with Leon, you’ll unlock unique dialogue both before and after the fight. It’s a fun little Easter egg that rewards players for using the Legendary Pokémon they captured.
What’s the Best Poké Ball to Use on Eternatus?
Since Eternatus has a 100% catch rate after being defeated, the best Poké Ball is entirely a matter of personal preference. Choose the ball that you think looks the coolest or has the most sentimental value. Some players opt for a standard Poké Ball for a classic look, while others go for something more unique like a Premier Ball or a Luxury Ball.
Can You Trade Eternatus?
Yes, Eternatus can be traded with other players. However, keep in mind that Eternatus is a highly sought-after Pokémon, so you’ll likely need to offer something of equal value in return.
Can You Dynamax or Gigantamax Eternatus?
Eternatus has two forms: its regular form and the Eternamax form. You encounter the Eternamax form during the battle at the Energy Plant. You cannot legitimately Dynamax or Gigantamax Eternatus into its Eternamax form after you catch it. The Eternamax form is exclusive to that specific battle.
What Types of Pokémon are Effective Against Eternatus?
Eternatus is a Poison/Dragon-type Pokémon. This means it is weak to Psychic, Ground, Ice, and Dragon-type attacks. Building your team with Pokémon that know these types of moves will give you a significant advantage in the battle. Games Learning Society highlights the strategic thinking inherent in such team compositions, illustrating how Pokémon is a platform for developing critical reasoning skills, similar to those fostered in educational games (see GamesLearningSociety.org).
Is Eternatus Stronger Than Zacian or Zamazenta?
While Eternatus boasts impressive stats, Zacian (especially in its Crowned Sword form) is often considered to be stronger due to its higher attack stat and powerful ability, Intrepid Sword. The battle between Eternatus and the legendary heroes Zacian and Zamazenta is a central part of the game’s story.
Does Eternatus Evolve?
No, Eternatus does not evolve into any other Pokémon. It is a fully evolved Legendary Pokémon.
What is Eternatus’ Signature Move?
Eternatus’ signature move is Eternabeam, a powerful Dragon-type move with a high base power. However, it also requires a recharge turn after use, so use it strategically.
Why is Eternatus so Big in the Eternamax Form?
Eternatus’s Eternamax form is so massive because it is actively absorbing the energy of the Galar region. This form represents the Pokémon at its most powerful and dangerous. Its sheer size and intimidating appearance emphasize the scale of the threat it poses.
How Do I Prepare for the Eternatus Battle?
Proper preparation is key! Level up your Pokémon to at least level 60. Stock up on healing items like Potions and Revives. Consider using X items to boost your Pokémon’s stats temporarily. Most importantly, build a team that is strong against Poison and Dragon-type Pokémon.
What Happens If My Pokémon Faints During the Max Raid Battle Against Eternatus?
If your Pokémon faints during the Max Raid Battle, you will need to wait for a turn before you can send out another Pokémon. Coordinate with your teammates to keep the pressure on Eternatus while minimizing the number of fainted Pokémon on your side.
Is Eternatus Really That Important to the Pokémon Sword and Shield Storyline?
Absolutely! Eternatus is the overarching antagonist of Pokémon Sword and Shield. Its presence is the reason for the Dynamax and Gigantamax phenomena in the Galar region. Defeating and capturing Eternatus is essential to saving the region from destruction.
By following these tips and strategies, you’ll be well-prepared to face and catch Eternatus, adding this powerful Legendary Pokémon to your team. Good luck, Trainer!