How to Catch Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald: A Comprehensive Guide

Rayquaza, the Sky High Pokémon, is a legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon that is notoriously difficult to catch in Pokémon Emerald. The process involves several crucial steps, from navigating the treacherous Sky Pillar to weakening it for capture. Successfully obtaining Rayquaza requires patience, preparation, and a bit of luck.

Here’s a breakdown of the steps to catch Rayquaza:

1. Obtain HM03 Surf: You need to Surf across water to access various locations, including the Sky Pillar.

2. Defeat the Elite Four: While not strictly required to access Rayquaza, it’s highly recommended to have a strong team to withstand its powerful attacks during the encounter.

3. Sootopolis City Event: After dealing with Groudon and Kyogre’s weather-altering battle, head to Sootopolis City. Watch the cutscene involving Rayquaza calming the two legendary Pokémon, signifying that Rayquaza has returned to Sky Pillar.

4. Sky Pillar Access: Fly to Pacifidlog Town and Surf east to reach the Sky Pillar. Be prepared for tricky cracked floors that lead to lower levels; use the Mach Bike to quickly cross these unstable tiles without falling.

5. Ascending the Sky Pillar: Navigate the multi-level Sky Pillar. This involves carefully maneuvering through cracked floors, narrow pathways, and wild Pokémon encounters. It’s a test of patience and map awareness.

6. The Encounter: Reach the summit of the Sky Pillar to find Rayquaza. Save your game before interacting with it. This is crucial in case you accidentally knock it out or fail to catch it.

7. The Battle: Initiate the battle with Rayquaza. Its level is 70, so be prepared for a tough fight. Utilize Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves to inflict significant damage. Be careful not to knock it out.

8. Weakening Rayquaza: Lower Rayquaza’s health into the red zone without causing it to faint. Status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis greatly increase your chances of catching it.

9. Catching Rayquaza: Use Ultra Balls or the Master Ball (if you still have it) to catch Rayquaza. Throw Poké Balls while Rayquaza is under a status condition and has low health. Be patient, as it may take several attempts. Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries increase the likelihood of a successful catch.

10. Celebrate Your Success: Once you’ve caught Rayquaza, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve conquered one of the most challenging tasks in Pokémon Emerald.

Frequently Asked Questions about Catching Rayquaza

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further assist you in your quest to catch Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald:

What level is Rayquaza in Emerald?

Rayquaza is encountered at Level 70 in Pokémon Emerald. Be sure your team is adequately leveled to withstand its attacks and inflict sufficient damage.

What moves does Rayquaza have in Emerald?

Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald has the following moves: Fly, Rest, Extremespeed, and Outrage. Plan your strategy accordingly to counter these moves effectively.

Can you catch Rayquaza before the Elite Four in Emerald?

Yes, it is technically possible to access Rayquaza before beating the Elite Four, but facing it at such a low level would be tough. It is not recommended as it is exceptionally difficult.

Should I use my Master Ball on Rayquaza?

Using the Master Ball is the guaranteed way to catch Rayquaza. If you’re concerned about running out of Poké Balls or accidentally knocking it out, the Master Ball is a safe option. However, if you’re confident in your battle skills and have plenty of Ultra Balls, you can save the Master Ball for another hard-to-catch Pokémon.

What is the catch rate of Rayquaza?

Rayquaza has a low catch rate of 3. This means it’s one of the hardest Pokémon to catch in the game. Be prepared for a long battle and multiple attempts.

What type of Pokémon is best to use against Rayquaza?

Rayquaza, being a Dragon/Flying-type, is weak to Ice, Rock, Dragon, and Fairy-type attacks. Ice-type attacks are particularly effective due to the double weakness. Consider Pokémon like Mamoswine or Weavile if transferred from other games, or in-game Pokémon with Ice Beam.

What berries should I use to catch Rayquaza?

Razz Berries increase the catch rate, making it slightly easier to capture Rayquaza. Golden Razz Berries (if obtained through trading) significantly boost the catch rate. If Rayquaza is moving erratically, Nanab Berries can calm it down, making it easier to land Poké Ball throws.

Where is the Sky Pillar located?

The Sky Pillar is located east of Pacifidlog Town. You’ll need to Surf to reach it. The entrance is on a small island.

How do I navigate the cracked floors in Sky Pillar?

Use the Mach Bike to quickly cross the cracked floors without falling. Maintain maximum speed and stay on course to avoid dropping to lower levels.

Can Rayquaza be shiny in Pokémon Emerald?

Yes, Shiny Rayquaza is available in Pokémon Emerald, but it’s incredibly rare. The odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon are approximately 1 in 8192. Soft resetting (restarting the game after saving) can be used to repeatedly encounter Rayquaza in hopes of finding a shiny version.

What happens if I accidentally knock out Rayquaza?

If you accidentally knock out Rayquaza, reload your saved game before the battle. This is why saving before the encounter is crucial. Rayquaza will reappear, allowing you to attempt the catch again.

Is Rayquaza the strongest of the Weather Trio?

In terms of gameplay in Emerald, Rayquaza is generally considered more challenging to catch due to its location and level. Lore-wise, it is portrayed as the balancer of the trio. In terms of stats, Mega Rayquaza surpasses both Kyogre and Groudon.

What is the significance of Rayquaza in Pokémon lore?

Rayquaza plays a vital role in Pokémon lore as the guardian of the sky and the peacemaker between Groudon and Kyogre. It’s a powerful legendary Pokémon that maintains balance in the world.

What is the best ball to use if I don’t want to use my Master Ball?

If you want to save your Master Ball, Ultra Balls are the next best option. Stock up on plenty of Ultra Balls and be patient, as it may take many attempts to catch Rayquaza.

Where does Rayquaza go after the initial encounter in Sky Pillar?

Initially, Rayquaza flies away after you approach it at the top of Sky Pillar. It then appears in Sootopolis City to stop the fight between Kyogre and Groudon. After this event, it returns to the top of Sky Pillar, where you can battle and catch it.

Obtaining Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald is a rewarding experience that requires perseverance and strategic planning. By following these steps and answering these questions, you’ll be well-equipped to add this legendary Pokémon to your team. To learn more about the educational aspects of gaming and how games can be used for learning and research, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Go get ’em, Trainer!