The Ultimate Pokémon Catcher in Black 2: Smeargle Reigns Supreme
The best catcher Pokémon in Pokémon Black 2 is undoubtedly Smeargle. While other options exist, Smeargle’s unique move-learning ability combined with its access to crucial utility moves makes it the most versatile and effective choice for reliably capturing almost any Pokémon in the game. Its access to moves like Spore for guaranteed sleep, False Swipe to reduce a target’s health to 1 without KO’ing, and moves that can prevent fleeing such as Spider Web, put it far ahead of other viable candidates. Furthermore, a Technician Smeargle with False Swipe can also increase the move’s damage for easy chip damage.
Why Smeargle is the Top Catcher
Smeargle’s effectiveness stems from its signature move Sketch. This move allows Smeargle to permanently learn any move it encounters. This flexibility opens up countless possibilities for a catcher build. Let’s break down the key moves that make Smeargle the best:
Crucial Move Set
- Spore: This is a 100% accurate sleep-inducing move. Sleep is the most reliable status condition for catching Pokémon, boosting capture rates significantly. Unlike other sleep moves which might have lower accuracy, Spore is certain, making capture attempts consistently easier.
- False Swipe: This is essential for bringing a target Pokémon’s HP down to 1 without knocking it out. A Technician ability, boosts the moves power to make it a bit stronger. This is vital when you get to catching stronger, legendary Pokémon.
- Spider Web (or Mean Look): This prevents the target from fleeing. This is a critical move when you are dealing with Pokémon that like to use “Roar” and/or “Whirlwind”. Having a move that can prevent fleeing greatly increases your odds.
- Fly: This move is optional, but useful to help traverse the map quickly.
Building the Perfect Smeargle Catcher
To maximize Smeargle’s catching potential, follow these steps:
- Catch a Smeargle: You can find Smeargle in the Pokémon Village on Route 19.
- Sketch your Moves: Find wild Pokémon that use the moves you need. For example, find a wild Paras/Parasect for Spore, and a Scyther for False Swipe.
- Level Smeargle: Leveling Smeargle will increase his stats and help him tank more hits.
- Hold Items: Have Smeargle hold a Quick Claw, allowing it to attack first, which can be useful to land a fast spore.
Alternatives and Why They Fall Short
While Smeargle is the top choice, other Pokémon are often mentioned as potential catchers. However, they don’t quite match up in terms of consistency and reliability:
- Breloom: Breloom can learn Spore and False Swipe, but it relies on Technician for False Swipe and it’s not as flexible as Smeargle.
- Parasect: While it can also learn Spore and False Swipe, it has a lower base Speed which may be a problem and can also unintentionally inflict status effects through Effect Spore.
- Gallade: Gallade has access to False Swipe and can learn Mean Look through breeding, it lacks sleep, which significantly lowers catch chances, it also requires breeding which is a hassle if you don’t have a set breeding Pokemon.
These options can work, but they are less consistent and versatile than a well-built Smeargle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to provide a more comprehensive understanding of Pokémon catching in Black 2:
1. What is the catch rate of most legendary Pokémon in Black 2?
Most legendary Pokémon in Black 2, including Terrakion, have a very low catch rate of 3. This means they are notoriously difficult to capture without using strategies such as status ailments and bringing them down to 1 HP.
2. What is the catch rate of Zekrom and Reshiram in Black 2?
Zekrom and Reshiram have a higher catch rate of 45 because they are required to be caught to progress the main story. This makes them significantly easier to catch than most other legendaries.
3. Can Zekrom and Reshiram be shiny in Black 2?
No, Zekrom and Reshiram are Shiny Locked in Black 2, which means they cannot be encountered as shiny versions in the game.
4. Is it better to use a Master Ball on Zekrom or Reshiram?
It’s not necessary to use a Master Ball on Zekrom or Reshiram due to their higher catch rate. Save it for another hard to catch Pokémon that you wish to catch, such as Kyurem.
5. Can you catch Kyurem in Black 2?
Yes, Kyurem can be captured in Black 2. You must first capture either Zekrom or Reshiram and then seek Kyurem. Kyurem can then be merged with either Zekrom or Reshiram into Black Kyurem or White Kyurem respectively.
6. What is the best Poké Ball to use for catching legendary Pokémon?
The Dusk Ball is the most effective Poké Ball when battling in a cave or at night, making it ideal for many legendary encounters. The Ultra Ball is a good all-around option, as well. Timer Balls work well if you get a fight that has gone on for several turns, as they can give the greatest capture rate after many turns in battle.
7. What is the best way to handle Pokémon that can flee?
Use moves like Spider Web or Mean Look to prevent Pokémon from fleeing. Abilities such as Shadow Tag or Arena Trap can also prevent fleeing, but these are less common and require you to use a different Pokémon.
8. What is the point of using False Swipe?
False Swipe is used to bring a target Pokémon’s HP down to 1 without fainting it, making it much easier to catch. This move is invaluable for capturing tough-to-catch Pokémon.
9. Is it possible to encounter shiny Pokémon in Black 2?
Yes, shiny Pokémon can be found randomly in the wild with a base chance of 1 in 8192. Shiny Pokémon have different colors than their standard counterparts.
10. What should you do if you accidentally knock out a legendary Pokémon?
Most legendary Pokémon in Black 2 respawn after defeating the Elite Four. You can try again after you beat them.
11. What moves are essential for a Pokémon Catcher?
Spore for guaranteed sleep, False Swipe to reduce HP to 1, and a move like Spider Web or Mean Look to prevent escape are essential moves. Having an ability like Technician is also nice to increase damage for moves like False Swipe.
12. Can you trade between Black and Black 2?
You cannot directly trade between Pokémon Black and Black 2. You can only trade with other Generation 5 games (such as Black, White, and White 2). However, you can transfer Pokémon from Generation 4 games to Generation 5 using the Poke Transfer Lab.
13. Is Black 2 better than Black 1?
Many players consider Black 2 to be an improved version of Black 1 due to its additional features, new locations, and improved gameplay. However, the original Black has a more memorable story for some.
14. What if you don’t want to use Smeargle?
Breloom and Parasect are good alternatives, though they are not as flexible. Just make sure that they do not have Effect Spore. Otherwise, Gallade is also viable, but it will need to be bred to have Mean Look.
15. Does Nature impact a Pokémon Catcher?
Yes, Nature does impact your Pokémon Catcher. A Nature that increases attack or speed can be helpful, such as Adamant or Jolly, but it is not critically important if your team is built well.
Conclusion
While the road to capturing every Pokémon in Black 2 is difficult, a well-trained Smeargle will significantly reduce the difficulty of doing so. Its flexible move set and access to critical capturing moves make it the best choice, hands down. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure success in catching any Pokémon you desire, and achieve the dream of catching them all!