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When Can I Catch Thundurus?

You can typically catch Thundurus during specific Raid Events in Pokémon GO or within its designated roaming period in core Pokémon games. In Pokémon GO, watch out for announcements from Niantic regarding Legendary Raids featuring Thundurus. In main series games like Pokémon Black and White or their sequels, Thundurus appears as a roaming Pokémon after specific in-game conditions are met.

Understanding Thundurus’ Availability

Thundurus, the Bolt Strike Pokémon, is a powerful Electric/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon known for its incredible Special Attack stat. Its availability varies significantly depending on the Pokémon game you’re playing. This article will explore the intricacies of capturing Thundurus across different titles, including Pokémon GO and the core series games.

Thundurus in Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, Thundurus is primarily available through Legendary Raids. These raids feature a powerful version of Thundurus that trainers can battle and attempt to capture. The availability of Thundurus in raids is usually tied to specific in-game events.

Raid Events: Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, regularly announces special events that feature Legendary Pokémon in raids. These events are often time-limited, typically lasting for a week or two. Keep an eye on the official Pokémon GO news, in-game announcements, and social media channels for information about upcoming raid events featuring Thundurus.
Incarnate vs. Therian Forme: Thundurus has two different formes: Incarnate Forme and Therian Forme. Both formes appear in Pokémon GO raids, often during different events or at different times during the same event. Make sure to pay attention to the announcements to know which forme is currently available.
Remote Raiding: Pokémon GO allows trainers to participate in raids remotely using Remote Raid Passes. This feature is particularly useful for catching Thundurus, as you can join raids hosted by other players around the world, even if you can’t physically be at the raid location.
Shiny Thundurus: Occasionally, Niantic introduces the possibility of encountering a Shiny Thundurus during raid events. Shiny Pokémon are rare, differently colored versions of Pokémon. The odds of finding a Shiny Thundurus are usually around 1 in 20, but this can sometimes be influenced by special events or bonuses.

Thundurus in Core Series Pokémon Games

In the core series Pokémon games, such as Pokémon Black and White or their sequels, Thundurus typically appears as a roaming Legendary Pokémon. This means it’s not found in a fixed location but instead wanders around the map, making it a challenging catch.

Pokémon Black and White: In Pokémon Black and White, Thundurus appears after you’ve completed certain in-game requirements, usually involving advancing the main storyline and encountering specific NPCs. Once the conditions are met, Thundurus will begin to roam the Unova region. You can track its location using the Pokédex.
Pokémon Black 2 and White 2: Similar to Black and White, Thundurus roams the Unova region in Black 2 and White 2 after meeting specific criteria.
Legendary Clues: Many Pokémon games provide clues or hints regarding the appearance and location of Legendary Pokémon. Pay attention to in-game dialogue and information provided by NPCs, as these clues can be crucial for finding and capturing Thundurus.
Roaming Challenges: Catching a roaming Pokémon like Thundurus can be difficult due to its unpredictable movements and tendency to flee from battle. It is recommended to use moves like Mean Look or abilities like Shadow Tag to prevent Thundurus from escaping. Alternatively, the Master Ball can be used for a guaranteed capture.

Strategies for Catching Thundurus

Whether you’re battling Thundurus in a Pokémon GO raid or tracking it down in a core series game, preparation is key. Here are some strategies to increase your chances of success:

Pokémon GO Strategies

Assemble a Strong Team: When battling Thundurus in a raid, bring a team of Pokémon that are strong against Electric and Flying-type moves. Rock and Ice-type Pokémon are generally effective choices. Some ideal counters include Rhyperior, Rampardos, Glaceon, and Mamoswine.
Utilize Weather Boosts: Keep an eye on the weather in Pokémon GO. If the weather is windy, Thundurus will receive a boost, making it even more powerful. However, if the weather is snowy or sunny, your Rock or Ice-type attackers will receive a boost, giving you an advantage.
Throwing Technique: Aim for Excellent Throws during the capture phase to increase your chances of success. Practice your throwing technique and use berries like Golden Razz Berries to make Thundurus more likely to stay in the Poké Ball.
Raid Groups: Participating in raids with a group of other trainers significantly increases your chances of defeating Thundurus. Coordinate with friends or join online communities to find raid groups.

Core Series Strategies

Track Thundurus’s Location: Use the Pokédex to monitor Thundurus’s current location. The Pokédex will typically indicate the route or area where Thundurus is currently roaming.
Prepare for Battle: Carry a team of Pokémon with diverse movesets to handle any situation. Include Pokémon that can inflict status conditions like paralysis or sleep, which can make Thundurus easier to catch.
Trapping Moves/Abilities: Use moves like Mean Look or abilities like Shadow Tag to prevent Thundurus from fleeing from battle.
Stock Up on Items: Carry plenty of Poké Balls, Potions, and status-healing items. Consider using Ultra Balls or Timer Balls to increase your chances of capturing Thundurus. The Master Ball guarantees a capture.

FAQs: All About Catching Thundurus

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand how to catch Thundurus:

When does Thundurus typically appear in Pokémon GO Raids? Thundurus appears in Pokémon GO Raids during specific event periods announced by Niantic, usually lasting one to two weeks. Check official Pokémon GO channels for event announcements.
What are the best Pokémon to use against Thundurus in Pokémon GO Raids? Rock and Ice-type Pokémon are effective. Top counters include Rhyperior, Rampardos, Glaceon, and Mamoswine.
Can Thundurus be Shiny in Pokémon GO? Yes, Shiny Thundurus is available in Pokémon GO during certain raid events.
How do Remote Raid Passes help in catching Thundurus? Remote Raid Passes allow you to participate in Raids from a distance, so you can join raids even if you are not physically near the Gym.
What is the difference between Incarnate and Therian Forme Thundurus? Incarnate Forme is Thundurus’ original form, while Therian Forme has a different appearance and slightly different stats, with a focus on Special Attack in Incarnate and Attack in Therian.
How can I track Thundurus in Pokémon Black and White? Use the Pokédex to monitor Thundurus’s current location on the map. The Pokédex will indicate the route or area where Thundurus is roaming.
What moves should I use to prevent Thundurus from fleeing in core series games? Use moves like Mean Look or abilities like Shadow Tag to prevent Thundurus from escaping.
What is the best Poké Ball to use when catching Thundurus? Ultra Balls and Timer Balls are good choices. For a guaranteed catch, use the Master Ball.
Does weather affect Thundurus in Pokémon GO? Yes, windy weather boosts Thundurus, making it stronger. However, snowy or sunny weather boosts Rock or Ice-type Pokémon, giving you an advantage.
What level is Thundurus when encountered in raids or core series games? In raids, Thundurus’s level is determined by the raid level, usually around level 40. In core series games, it’s typically around level 40 or 50.
Are there any specific quests or missions required to encounter Thundurus in core series games? Yes, usually you need to advance the storyline and speak with certain NPCs to trigger Thundurus’s appearance.
Can I transfer Thundurus between Pokémon GO and other Pokémon games? No, Pokémon GO does not currently allow direct transfers to core series games. Transfers are possible to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to compatible Switch titles.
Is Thundurus stronger in Incarnate or Therian forme? It depends on the stat you’re focusing on. Incarnate Forme has higher Special Attack, while Therian Forme has higher Attack.
How often do Legendary Raid events occur in Pokémon GO? Legendary Raid events occur frequently, often multiple times a month. Keep an eye on official announcements.
What happens if I fail to catch Thundurus during a raid? You can try again if the raid is still active. You can also wait for Thundurus to reappear in future raid events.

By understanding Thundurus’s availability and employing effective strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of adding this powerful Legendary Pokémon to your collection. Good luck, and happy catching!

When can I catch Thundurus?