How to Get Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald: A Complete Guide – Catching Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald is a turning point for many players. As one of the most imposing and iconic “Legendary Pokémon”, Rayquaza is held at the Sky Pillar, where it waits for trainers who have the courage to engage with its strength. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to capture Rayquaza, from preparing your team to navigating the Sky Pillar and strategies for the battle itself.
What Makes Rayquaza Special in Pokémon Emerald?
Rayquaza is a Dragon/Flying-type Legendary Pokémon from Generation III. Impressions from its high stats and its availability in super powerful moves make an effective top tier choice for competitive and also in-game battle situations. It is equally extremely important to the story of Pokémon Emerald, as it affects the final fight between Groudon and Kyogre.
Base Stats: Base Stats:
HP: 105
Attack: 150
Defense: 90
Special Attack: 150
Special Defense: 90
Speed: 95
(Rayquaza’s phenomenal Attack and Special Attack stats can easily decimate its opponents thanks to moves like Outrage, Dragon Claw, and Hyper Beam).
When Can You Catch Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald?
As Rayquaza is capturable after you calm the battle between Groudon and Kyogre. Once the main part of the story moves into this section, it will be possible to reach out to the Sky Pillar and capture Rayquaza. Unlike Groudon and Kyogre which are fixed per player selection in the game, Rayquaza can be found in Pokémon Emerald regardless of player selections in the game.
How to Prepare for Catching Rayquaza
Do not go to the Sky Pillar unprepared.
- Stock Up on Poké Balls
Rayquaza is at Level 70, making it one of the highest-level Pokémon you’ll encounter in the game. Ultra Balls are the only option and for people with a Master Ball it will be much easier to catch Rayquaza.
- Train Your Team
Your party must have Pokémon the levels are at least 55 and above, to challenge the might of Rayquaza’s attacks, etc. Super effective damage with Ice, Dragon, or Rock-type moves against target.
- Bring Status-Inducing Moves
Moves like Thunder Wave, Spore, or Hypnosis are invaluable for paralyzing or putting Rayquaza to sleep. These statuses increase your chances of catching it.
- Save Before the Battle
Always save your game before initiating the battle with Rayquaza. If you accidentally knock it out or run out of Poké Balls, you can reload your save and try again.
How to Reach the Sky Pillar
To find Rayquaza, you’ll need to reach the Sky Pillar, located on Route 131. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Start from Pacifidlog Town
Fly to Pacifidlog Town, then surf eastward toward Route 131.
- Find the Entrance
Look for a patch of water with a cave entrance. This is the Sky Pillar.
- Navigate the Sky Pillar
The Sky Pillar consists of several floors, some of which require navigating cracks on the ground. You’ll need the Mach Bike to move quickly and avoid falling through the holes.
- Reach the Top Floor
After successfully navigating the tricky terrain, you’ll reach the top of the Sky Pillar, where Rayquaza is waiting.
Tips and Strategies
- Know Its Moves
At Level 70, Rayquaza knows powerful moves that can devastate unprepared teams. Be ready for moves like:
Fly
Rest
Outrage
Extremespeed
- Use Ice and Dragon-Type Moves
Rayquaza is weak to Ice, Dragon, Fairy, and Rock-type moves. Ice-type moves are especially effective, dealing 4x damage. Pokémon like Walrein, Glalie, or Regice can be excellent choices.
- Lower Its HP
Use False Swipe or other low-damage moves to bring Rayquaza’s HP down to 1. False Swipe is particularly useful as it leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP, preventing accidental knockouts.
- Inflict Status Conditions
Paralyzing or putting Rayquaza to sleep will make it much easier to capture. Moves like Thunder Wave, Spore, or Sleep Powder are ideal for this.
- Be Patient
Legendary Pokémon often have a low catch rate, so it may take many attempts before you succeed. Stay persistent, and don’t hesitate to reload your save if necessary.
Catching Rayquaza with a Master Ball
If you’ve saved your Master Ball, now is the perfect time to use it. A Master Ball guarantees a catch, saving you the trouble of a long and difficult battle.
What to Do After Catching Rayquaza
Once you’ve captured Rayquaza, you’ll have one of the most powerful Pokémon in the game at your disposal. Here are a few things you can do:
- Train and Level Up
Rayquaza starts at Level 70, but you can continue to train it to unlock its full potential.
- Use It in Battle Frontier
Rayquaza is an excellent choice for taking on challenges in the Battle Frontier, thanks to its versatile moveset and high stats.
- Teach It New Moves
Consider using TMs to customize Rayquaza’s moveset. Some excellent options include:
Earthquake
Dragon Claw
Flamethrower
Ice Beam
- Show Off to Friends
Rayquaza is a prized possession for many trainers. Show off your Legendary Pokémon to fellow players as a badge of honor.
Can You Shiny Hunt Rayquaza?
Yes! [If you want to hunt a Shiny Rayquaza], it is possible to save a copy of your game prior to interacting with the Pokemon and reset until it is Shiny. It is a laborious process, however, it is one that is certainly time well spent for sheen hunters.
Rayquaza’s Role in Pokémon Emerald’s Storyline
Rayquaza plays an important role in Pokémon Emerald, as it solves the battle between Groudon and Kyogre. Once called upon by the player, it plummets from the Sky Pillar to Sootopolis City, and any opposing Legendary Pokémon fighting with each other are brought to rest, and peace ensues.
Conclusion
To catch Rayquaza in Pokémon Emerald is an indication of a trainer’s level and preparedness. From training the team to going over the Sky Pillar, and ultimately capturing this legendary creature, each is an experience. Following this guide, you’ll be completely ready to integrate Rayquaza into your party and exploit its formidable potential.
Go get geared up, travel over to Sky Pillar and claim Rayquaza for yourself. It is a classic scene in Pokémon Emerald which it is impossible to forget!