When Can You Catch Solgaleo? A Comprehensive Guide
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The majestic Solgaleo, the emissary of the sun, is a coveted Pokémon in several iterations of the franchise. Pinpointing the moment you can add this legendary creature to your team depends entirely on the specific game you are playing. In the core Pokémon games, Solgaleo can be caught after defeating the Elite Four on Mahalo Trail outside of Iki Town on Melemele Island. This is specifically true for Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon. In Pokémon GO, Solgaleo can be acquired through evolution by feeding 100 Cosmog candies to Cosmoem during the day. These are the primary ways to obtain Solgaleo, with nuances and conditions varying between titles.
Solgaleo Across Different Pokémon Games
The method and timing for obtaining Solgaleo are not consistent across all Pokémon games. Each game presents a unique opportunity, often tied to specific story events or post-game content.
Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, the path to Solgaleo is more intricate. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
- Ultra Sun: You will encounter and eventually partner with Solgaleo as part of the main storyline.
- Ultra Moon: In Ultra Moon, you first need to catch Cosmog. This occurs after defeating the Elite Four. After entering Mount Lanakila, you will be directed to the Ruins of Conflict, where Lillie is waiting.
- Post-Game Encounter: In both versions, after the main story and the Elite Four challenge, you can return to Mahalo Trail to encounter Solgaleo (in Ultra Moon, this is after obtaining Cosmog). This is your opportunity to capture it.
Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, the acquisition of Solgaleo differs significantly:
- Evolution: Solgaleo is obtained by evolving Cosmoem, the evolved form of Cosmog.
- Cosmog Candies: Evolving Cosmoem into Solgaleo requires 100 Cosmog Candies.
- Daytime Evolution: The evolution must occur during the day to obtain Solgaleo. If you evolve Cosmoem at night, you’ll get its counterpart, Lunala.
Other Pokémon Media
- Pokémon Anime: In the anime, Ash encounters Solgaleo and Lunala but does not officially catch them. They play a significant role in the story, particularly when dealing with Necrozma.
- Pokémon TCG: Solgaleo appears in the Pokémon Trading Card Game as various cards, including Solgaleo GX.
Strategies for Catching Solgaleo
Regardless of the game, preparing for the encounter is crucial. Here are some general strategies:
Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
- Team Composition: Ensure your team has a diverse range of types to handle Solgaleo’s weaknesses. Ghost, Dark, Fire and Ground type moves can be super effective.
- Status Conditions: Utilize status conditions like paralysis or sleep to increase your chances of a successful catch.
- Poké Balls: Stock up on a variety of Poké Balls. Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, and False Swipe can be helpful.
- False Swipe: A Pokémon with the move False Swipe is invaluable, as it ensures you can lower Solgaleo’s health to 1 without knocking it out.
Pokémon GO
- Buddy System: Make Cosmog your buddy to earn candies as you walk.
- Raid Events/Special Research: Keep an eye out for special events or research tasks that offer additional Cosmog Candies.
FAQs: Catching Solgaleo
Here are some frequently asked questions about catching Solgaleo across different Pokémon platforms.
1. Can I catch Solgaleo before the Elite Four?
No, in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, Solgaleo cannot be caught before defeating the Elite Four. You need to complete the main storyline first.
2. Where can I find Solgaleo in Pokémon GO?
Solgaleo in Pokémon GO is not found in the wild. Instead, you must evolve Cosmoem into Solgaleo by using 100 Cosmog Candies during the day.
3. What is the first stage of Solgaleo?
The first stage of Solgaleo is Cosmog. It evolves into Cosmoem, and then finally into Solgaleo.
4. Can Ash catch Solgaleo in the anime?
While Ash encounters and befriends Solgaleo (specifically a Cosmog that evolves), he never officially catches it as one of his Pokémon.
5. Can I get both Solgaleo and Lunala in Pokémon GO?
Yes, but it requires either evolving a second Cosmoem at night (for Lunala) or trading with a friend who has the opposite evolution.
6. What Pokémon is best for Solgaleo?
This question can be interpreted two ways: what Pokémon is best to use against Solgaleo in battle, and what Pokémon benefits most from having Solgaleo on its team.
- To Use Against: The best Pokémon to use against Solgaleo in Pokémon GO would be Primal Groudon, Mega Charizard Y, and Mega Blaziken.
- To Have on a Team With: The answer to this question depends on the specific game and team strategy.
7. How do I get a second Cosmog?
In Pokémon GO, you can sometimes get a second Cosmog through special research events, such as the Starry Skies Special Research. These events are time-limited and offer opportunities to encounter and catch Cosmog.
8. What level should I be before the Elite Four?
For a comfortable challenge in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Moon, it’s recommended to have your Pokémon at least at level 60 or higher before challenging the Elite Four.
9. When can I catch Cosmog?
In Pokémon GO, Cosmog was initially available during the Season of Light event through special research tasks, such as “A Cosmic Companion”.
10. How do I merge Necrozma and Solgaleo?
In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you use the N-Solarizer item on Necrozma to fuse it with Solgaleo, creating Dusk Mane Necrozma.
11. Has Ash ever caught a shiny Pokémon?
Yes, Ash has caught a shiny Noctowl in the anime, making it one of his rarest Pokémon.
12. Is Shiny Cosmog legal?
No, as of Generation 8, Cosmog and Cosmoem cannot be legally obtained as shiny Pokémon in the core series games.
13. Which Poké Ball is best for catching Solgaleo?
This is largely subjective and depends on preference. Ultra Balls are generally reliable. Some players choose Timer Balls for longer battles or balls that match Solgaleo’s color scheme.
14. Is Solgaleo better than Metagross?
This depends on the specific role and battle scenario. Mega Metagross generally has better stats and a superior ability, but Solgaleo has its own strengths, such as a powerful Steel-type move.
15. Can you catch Solgaleo in Moon?
Yes, in Pokémon Ultra Moon, you can catch Solgaleo after defeating the Elite Four on Mahalo Trail outside of Iki Town on Melemele Island, but only after you have caught Cosmog.
Conclusion
Catching Solgaleo is a rewarding experience, requiring patience and strategic gameplay. Whether you’re traversing the Alola region or exploring the world of Pokémon GO, understanding the specific conditions and preparing accordingly will greatly increase your chances of adding this legendary Pokémon to your team. Remember that video games can provide educational opportunities for children and adults. To find out more about the relationship between gaming and learning, check out the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/, or GamesLearningSociety.org.