What Happens When You Knock Out Zekrom in Pokémon White?

In Pokémon White, the encounter with Zekrom is a pivotal moment in the storyline. Unlike some wild Pokémon battles where knocking out a legendary means a loss of opportunity, the situation with Zekrom is specifically scripted. If you knock out Zekrom during your first encounter before battling N inside Team Plasma’s Castle, it will simply revive with full HP, and you will be forced to re-engage in the battle. The game ensures that you capture this legendary Pokémon before progressing further in the narrative. It’s a narrative lock designed to keep you on the rails.

The Zekrom Encounter: A Deep Dive

The Zekrom encounter is more than just a fight; it’s a plot device that underscores the legendary status of the Pokémon and its significance to the story of Pokémon White. Because this encounter is integral to the plot, the game prevents you from bypassing the capture of Zekrom.

Scripted Storyline

The forced capture of Zekrom isn’t a bug or an oversight; it’s a deliberate choice by the game developers. This ensures players experience the intended story arc, where the player character harnesses the power of Zekrom to confront N and his ideals.

No Experience Points Gained

Another aspect of trying to defeat Zekrom before capturing it is that your Pokémon will not gain any Experience Points for battling and “defeating” it. This further discourages players from attempting to bypass the capture mechanic.

Reshiram in Pokémon Black

It’s important to note that the situation is similar, but mirrored, in Pokémon Black with Reshiram. In Pokémon Black, you’ll be forced to capture Reshiram before battling N.

Mastering the Capture

Since knocking out Zekrom isn’t a viable option, the focus shifts to capturing it. Here are a few tips to improve your chances:

• Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Paralysis or Sleep significantly increases the catch rate.
• Low HP: Lowering Zekrom’s HP without knocking it out is crucial. Moves like False Swipe, which always leaves the target with at least 1 HP, are invaluable.
• Ultra Balls: Using Ultra Balls will offer a better catch rate compared to regular Poké Balls.
• Patience: Legendary Pokémon are notoriously difficult to catch. Be prepared for a lengthy battle and numerous attempts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Black and White, covering respawning, shiny locks, Master Balls, and more.

1. Can Zekrom be shiny in Pokémon White?

No, Zekrom is shiny locked in Pokémon White. This means that the Zekrom encountered as part of the main storyline will never be shiny, regardless of how many times you reset the game. This also applies to Reshiram in Pokémon Black and Victini in both games.

2. What happens if you make Reshiram faint in Pokémon Black?

Similar to Zekrom, if you faint Reshiram before capturing it in Pokémon Black, it will revive, and you will have to battle it again until you successfully capture it. The game prevents you from progressing without capturing it.

3. Should I use my Master Ball on Zekrom/Reshiram?

While the Master Ball guarantees a capture, it’s generally advised to save it for a more challenging legendary Pokémon like Kyurem or a random shiny Pokémon you encounter that might flee. Zekrom and Reshiram can be caught with Ultra Balls and status conditions, albeit with patience.

4. Do other legendary Pokémon respawn in Black and White?

Yes, most other legendary Pokémon in Black and White will respawn if you knock them out or flee. After defeating the Elite Four, you can return to their locations and attempt to catch them again.

5. How long does it take for legendary Pokémon to spawn?

The spawn time for legendary Pokémon outside of scripted encounters can vary, but generally, in games where they roam the overworld, it can take anywhere from 12.5 to 29.16 minutes for a legendary Pokémon to appear.

6. Can you get both Reshiram and Zekrom in Pokémon White or Black?

No, you can only obtain Reshiram in Pokémon Black and Zekrom in Pokémon White through the main storyline. To get the other legendary, you’ll need to trade with another player or use Pokémon transfer services from older games.

7. What happens if you accidentally defeat a legendary Pokémon in other Pokémon games?

In many Pokémon games, if you accidentally defeat a legendary Pokémon, it will respawn at its original location after you defeat the Elite Four or complete a specific in-game event. This ensures you get another chance to capture it.

8. Can you catch the same legendary Pokémon twice in other Pokémon games?

In most main series Pokémon games, you can only catch one of each legendary Pokémon per save file. However, in games like Pokémon GO or certain Max Raid battles in Sword and Shield, you can catch multiple of the same legendary.

9. Does fainting a Pokémon weaken it?

Fainting a Pokémon does not directly affect its stats. However, it does reduce its happiness and prevents it from gaining experience points in that battle. Stats can only be permanently altered by training (EVs) or specific items like berries that reduce EVs.

10. Why does Ash Ketchum rarely catch legendary Pokémon?

The reasons for Ash not catching legendary Pokémon are varied. Some legendaries are too powerful or dangerous to train, while others prefer their freedom. Ash’s character also prioritizes friendship and mutual respect with Pokémon over simply catching them all. According to the Games Learning Society, narrative choices often prioritize character development and thematic consistency over completist gameplay.

11. Can there be more than one of a legendary Pokémon species?

Yes, lore in the Pokémon universe suggests that there can be multiple individuals within a legendary Pokémon species, although some legendaries may be unique. This is supported by Pokédex entries and anime episodes that depict multiple instances of certain legendaries.

12. Is it always necessary to use a Master Ball to catch legendaries?

No, it is not always necessary to use a Master Ball to catch legendary Pokémon. With the right strategy, including lowering their HP, inflicting status conditions, and using high-quality Poké Balls like Ultra Balls, you can successfully catch legendaries without using a Master Ball.

13. What should I do if I run out of Poké Balls while trying to catch a legendary?

If you run out of Poké Balls, you should flee from the battle and restock on Poké Balls at a Pokémon Center. Then, return to the location of the legendary Pokémon to try again. Remember to save your game beforehand to avoid losing progress if things go wrong.

14. Are there any moves that make catching legendary Pokémon easier?

Yes, moves like False Swipe are incredibly useful because they prevent you from knocking out the Pokémon, always leaving it with at least 1 HP. Other helpful moves inflict status conditions like Paralysis, Sleep, or Freeze, which significantly increase the catch rate.

15. What are the best strategies for catching a roaming legendary Pokémon?

Roaming legendary Pokémon require a different strategy because they move to different locations after each encounter. The best approach is to use moves that prevent them from fleeing, such as Mean Look or abilities like Shadow Tag. You can also track their location using the Pokédex and use status conditions to make them easier to catch. Quick Balls can also be effective at the start of the battle.

Conclusion

Encountering and capturing Zekrom in Pokémon White is a key part of the game’s narrative, and the game ensures that you can’t progress without adding this powerful Pokémon to your team. While some aspects of legendary Pokémon encounters may seem frustrating, understanding the mechanics and applying effective strategies will make the process more manageable and enjoyable. Happy catching! To learn more about the intersection of gaming and education, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.