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What Legendary Pokemon Can You Catch in Pokémon Ruby?

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Pokémon Ruby, a cornerstone of the Game Boy Advance era, offers a captivating journey through the Hoenn region, complete with a rich storyline and, of course, the thrill of catching legendary Pokémon. Unlike some later iterations, Ruby’s legendary captures are fairly streamlined. In Pokémon Ruby, you can definitively catch Groudon, the mascot legendary, as part of the main storyline. After beating the Elite Four, you also have the opportunity to catch Rayquaza at Sky Pillar. After certain post-game events, you can also capture Latios in the wild after encountering him on TV.

Unlocking the Legendary Encounters

The path to catching these legendary Pokémon isn’t always straightforward, and each encounter has its own unique requirements. Here’s a breakdown:

Groudon: The Earth’s Fury

Groudon is practically unavoidable in Pokémon Ruby. As part of the main storyline, you’ll face Team Magma and their plot to awaken Groudon to expand the landmass. You’ll encounter Groudon in the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City. You must defeat or capture Groudon to progress in the game. It’s typically around level 70.

Rayquaza: The Sky High Guardian

Catching Rayquaza is a post-game objective but definitely worthwhile. After defeating the Elite Four, you’ll be able to access the Sky Pillar, located east of Pacifidlog Town. Navigating the Sky Pillar requires a Mach Bike due to cracked floors and specific tile patterns. Rayquaza awaits you at the top, also at level 70.

Latios: Roaming The Skies

Unlike Groudon and Rayquaza, Latios is a roaming Pokémon that can be encountered in the wild after you beat the Elite Four. First, you need to watch TV at your house and see a news report about a flying Pokémon. After this, Latios will begin to appear randomly in the wild. You can track its location using the Pokédex. It’s best to use a Pokémon with the Ability Arena Trap to prevent Latios from fleeing.

Post-Game Legendary Possibilities

While these are the primary legendaries you can catch directly in Pokémon Ruby, there are ways to expand your legendary collection:

Event Legendaries: A Blast from the Past

In the past, special events distributed through Mystery Gift allowed players to obtain tickets to access islands where Lugia and Ho-Oh could be found. These events are no longer active.

Trading: Bridging the Gap

Trading with Pokémon Sapphire is the easiest way to obtain Kyogre for your Ruby game. You can also trade for other legendary Pokémon from other games (via later generation titles that allow for cross-generational trading or through emulators/ROM hacks).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Legendaries in Pokémon Ruby

Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions about legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Ruby, designed to clear up any confusion and offer extra tips for aspiring trainers:

Can I catch Kyogre in Ruby? No, Kyogre is exclusive to Pokémon Sapphire. You can only obtain it in Ruby through trading. Kyogre is found within the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City in Sapphire.
Is it possible to catch Deoxys in Pokémon Ruby without events? No. Deoxys was originally obtainable via a special event on Birth Island. Without access to these events, you cannot legitimately catch Deoxys in Ruby. However, it is possible to capture Deoxys in Omega Ruby, the remake, after completing the Delta Episode.
What level are Groudon and Rayquaza when you encounter them? Both Groudon and Rayquaza are level 70 when you encounter them in Pokémon Ruby. Be prepared with a strong team and plenty of Poké Balls!
Should I use my Master Ball on Groudon or Rayquaza? Since Latios is a fleeing Pokemon, saving your Master Ball to use on Latios is recommended because it’s a difficult task that may waste other Pokeballs. Groudon and Rayquaza, being stationary legendaries, are easier to catch with Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, or other Poké Balls, especially if you inflict status conditions like paralysis or sleep.
How do I get to Sky Pillar to catch Rayquaza? You need to travel to Pacifidlog Town and surf east to reach the Sky Pillar. To navigate the Sky Pillar effectively, you must have the Mach Bike. The Mach Bike is essential for crossing cracked floors and ascending the tower’s many levels.
What is the best strategy for catching Latios? The hardest part about catching Latios is the fact that it likes to flee when encountered in the wild. Using a Pokemon with the Ability Arena Trap will keep Latios from fleeing during the battle. The move Mean Look will also prevent Latios from fleeing. Using a Masterball is the easiest way to catch Latios.
Are any legendary Pokémon shiny locked in Ruby? Yes, shiny hunting wasn’t as prevalent in Ruby as in later games. Therefore, Groudon and Rayquaza can be shiny. However, you have limited attempts at catching the shiny legendaries so be sure to save before battling them.
What other Pokémon games can I get legendaries in? Several Pokemon games have legendaries that can be caught. Legendaries found in the main games such as: Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Uxie, Mesprit, Azelf, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Deoxys. There are also Mythical Pokemon which were introduced in the main games, usually through events.
Can I transfer legendary Pokémon from Ruby to newer games? Yes, with the right tools and services, you can transfer Pokémon, including legendaries, from Ruby to newer generation games. The process generally involves using the Pal Park in Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, then the Pokémon Bank service, and finally Pokémon Home.
Do I need to beat the Elite Four to catch all legendaries in Ruby? No, Groudon must be caught to beat the game as he is part of the main story. However, catching Rayquaza and Latios is only possible after defeating the Elite Four, which unlocks new areas and events.
What happens if I accidentally defeat Groudon or Rayquaza? If you defeat Groudon, you’ll have to restart your game from your last save point. If you defeat Rayquaza, it will reappear after you beat the Elite Four again.
Are there any legendary birds in Pokémon Ruby? No, the legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres) are not found in Pokémon Ruby. They are typically available in the Kanto region games, such as Red, Blue, and Yellow, or their remakes.
How do I use the Eon Ticket? In past events for Pokémon Ruby, the Eon Ticket could be obtained through Mystery Gift. This ticket allows you to access Southern Island, where you can encounter and catch either Latias (in Sapphire) or Latios (in Ruby). This event is not active anymore.
Besides trading, are there any glitches or exploits to get other legendaries in Ruby? While some glitches and exploits may exist, they are often unreliable, can corrupt your save data, and are generally not recommended. Sticking to legitimate methods ensures a more enjoyable and stable gaming experience.
What are some resources for learning more about Pokémon Ruby strategies? There are many resources available online for learning about Pokémon Ruby strategies. Reputable websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia offer comprehensive information on Pokémon locations, move sets, and game mechanics. Additionally, gaming communities and forums like Reddit’s r/pokemon can provide valuable insights and tips from experienced players. The Games Learning Society also offers resources on game-based learning and engagement. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more.

Conclusion: Embark on Your Legendary Journey!

Pokémon Ruby offers a rewarding experience for trainers seeking to catch powerful legendary Pokémon. With the main storyline featuring Groudon, the post-game challenge of Rayquaza, and the elusive Latios, you have plenty to keep you engaged. Remember the tips and strategies provided here, and you’ll be well on your way to becoming a legendary Pokémon master in Ruby!