In Pokémon Emerald, the post-game is filled with legendary encounters. While some dragons can be found immediately after resolving the weather crisis, others require you to solve complex Braille puzzles or track down fluctuating weather patterns across Hoenn. In this guide, we break down exactly how, when, and where to catch every legendary Pokémon in the game.
When: Can be caught immediately after resolving the Sootopolis weather crisis (and receiving HM07 Waterfall from Wallace), before or after challenging the Elite Four.
Where: At the peak of the Sky Pillar on Route 131.
Step-by-Step Catching Guide:
- 1Bring the Mach Bike: The patched cracked floors of the Sky Pillar have collapsed again. You must ride your Mach Bike at full speed to cross the cracked tiles on the 2nd and 4th floors without stopping or turning.
- 2Reach the Roof: Navigate the maze. On the 4th floor, you must intentionally drop down one of the center-left cracked tiles from the 5th floor to access the blocked ladder.
- 3Initiate Battle: Save your game in front of Rayquaza. It comes with Outrage, Extremespeed, Fly, and Dragon Dance. Bring high-defense Steel types (like Magneton) to absorb its moves, or throw your Master Ball instantly!
Can you catch BOTH Groudon and Kyogre in Emerald?
YES! One of the biggest upgrades in Pokémon Emerald compared to the original Ruby & Sapphire releases is that you can catch both Groudon and Kyogre on a single save file. You do not need to choose between them, and there is no version exclusivity for the weather duo in Emerald. Both are catchable at Level 70 in the post-game!
When: Post-game only (after defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion).
Where: In a temporary location called Terra Cave (spawns randomly on Route 114, 115, 116, or 118).
Step-by-Step Catching Guide:
- 1Locate the Weather Center: Go to the second floor of the Weather Institute on Route 119 and talk to the scientist at the computers.
- 2Look for the Drought: If the scientist mentions severe drought or extreme sunlight on a route, fly there immediately. Groudon has spawned!
- 3Enter Terra Cave: Search the specified route for a new cave opening in the rockface. Enter the cave and proceed to the lava pool to confront Groudon. If you take too long, the weather will shift and the cave will disappear.
When: Post-game only (after defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion).
Where: In a temporary location called Marine Cave (spawns randomly on Route 105, 125, 127, or 129).
Step-by-Step Catching Guide:
- 1Consult the Scientist: Speak to the Weather Institute scientist on Route 119. He will tell you about abnormal downpours/heavy rain on a water route.
- 2Find the Dive Spot: Go to the specified water route and look for a new dark patch of water. Use Dive to go underwater.
- 3Enter Marine Cave: Swim through the underwater cave opening, resurface, and follow the cavern path to the pool where Kyogre is resting. Bring Grass or Electric-type counters.
When: Can be done as soon as you have Surf, Dive, Dig, Strength, Rock Smash, and Flash.
Where: Ruins scattered across Hoenn, unlocked via the Sealed Chamber on Route 134.
Phase 1: Unlocking the Sealed Chamber
Ensure you catch a Relicanth (underwater grass near Sootopolis) and a Wailord (evolve Wailmer at Level 40). Put Wailord first and Relicanth last in your party.
- Surf west from Pacifidlog Town along the currents of Route 134. Hug the bottom currents to reach a calm patch of deep water.
- Use Dive to descend. Read the Braille wall, and resurface inside the Sealed Chamber.
- Go to the far back Braille wall and use Dig to open a door. Go inside.
- With Wailord first and Relicanth last, read the center back Braille wall. An earthquake will rumble, unlocking the three Regi ruins across Hoenn!
Solving the Individual Titan Ruins:
Regirock (Desert Ruins - Route 111 Desert)
Enter the ruins at the southern end of the desert. Read the Braille inscription at the back. Take 2 steps left, then 2 steps down, and use Rock Smash. The door to Regirock will slide open.
Regice (Island Cave - Route 105)
Surf to the cave on Route 105. Read the back Braille wall. Now, stay completely still and wait two minutes without touching any controls. The door to Regice will open.
Registeel (Ancient Tomb - Route 120)
Go to the tomb in the rainy grass on Route 120. Read the Braille. Walk to the exact center of the room (four steps down from the Braille wall) and use Flash. The door to Registeel will open.
When: Post-game (after defeating the Champion).
Where: Roaming randomly across all wild grass and water routes of Hoenn.
Step-by-Step Catching Guide:
- 1Set Your Color: Upon completing the game, return home to Littleroot Town. Watch the TV report downstairs. Your mom will ask you what color the flying Pokémon was.
Choose Red to make Latias roam Hoenn, or Blue to make Latios roam. (The other dragon is locked unless you have the Eon Ticket).
- 2Track Their Movements: Each time you cross a route gate or building threshold, the dragon's location will shift. Use the Pokédex map once seen to locate them.
- 3Trap Them: They will flee on the first turn of battle. Use a Pokémon with Mean Look (like Golbat) or a Pokémon with the **Shadow Tag** ability (like Wobbuffet) to lock them in battle, or throw a Quick/Ultra Ball instantly!