Legendary Pokémon have always played a special role in the Pokémon games and mythos. From the very first generation that introduced household names like Articuno and Zapdos, these rare and powerful creatures have captured the imaginations of players worldwide. But what exactly makes Legendary Pokémon so unique and revered?
In this blog post, we will cover different types of legendary Pokemon, evolution over the years, methods of capture, battle advantages, and potential limitations.
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What are Legendary Pokémon?
Legendary Pokémon are a special group of rare and powerful Pokémon that play important roles in the stories and lore of the games.
They typically have very high base stats ranging from 600 to 720 and often possess unique abilities, forms, or evolutions that set them apart. Legendary Pokémon serve as central figures throughout each generation of Pokémon games.
Different types of Legendary Pokémon
There are several categories of Legendary Pokémon found in the games. One main grouping includes Sub-Legendary Pokémon.
1. Sub-Legendary Pokémon
Sub-Legendary Pokémon are those Legendary Pokémon that have slightly lower base stats ranging from 534 to 670. Despite this, they still retain many Legendary traits and abilities.
While not quite as overwhelmingly powerful as other Legendary varieties, Sub-Legendary Pokémon perform very well in competitive play and can still provide trainers with an edge in battle.
2. Legendary Pokémon
Legendary Pokémon make up the primary group of legendary creatures featured prominently in games. Often depicted proudly on the box art, these Legendary Pokémon possess base stats ranging from 600 to 720 and frequently have abilities that make them truly formidable in battle.
While banned from some competitive formats due to their unparalleled power levels, Legendary Pokémon nonetheless play vital roles as both formidable foes and allies throughout each generation’s quest.
Their immense strength and one-of-a-kind talents cement their status as truly rare and revered figures among all Pokémon.
Mythical Pokémon represent an even more exclusive class of legendary creatures. Traditionally only obtainable through limited-time promotional events, these Pokémon are now sometimes available through special in-game methods. Often central to beloved lore, each Mythical Pokémon possesses unique characteristics setting them apart.
With immense power rivaling even Legendary Pokémon, Mythical varieties like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi are among the rarest of all to encounter. Their scarce and elusive nature has made Mythical Pokémon especially revered among dedicated Pokémon fans worldwide.
Evolution of Legendary Pokémon Over The Years
The Legendary Pokémon roster has seen much evolution over the years and generations of games. When the series began, only a handful of legendary creatures existed such as Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. However, with each new region and story introduced, more Legendary Pokémon have been unveiled to players.
By the time the 7th generation rolled around, the number had ballooned to a total of 81 different Legendary varieties cataloged and available to trainers. New legends like the Legendary Birds of Alola showed how even classic Pokémon could receive Legendary regional forms.
More recent games like Sword & Shield brought the first Legendary duo of Zacian and Zamazenta. Then, the latest generation took things further with the open world of Paldea, showcasing brand new Legendary titans like Koraidon and Miraidon.
This steady expansion of the Legendary ranks has allowed each new game to further expand the rich mythology of the Pokémon universe. Where once there were only a small handful, now trainers can encounter over 80 unique Legendary figures.
The progression has given players new powerful allies to recruit, as well as challenging super boss battles against living legends. It’s clear that as the Pokémon franchise continues evolving, the Legendary Pantheon will continue growing into the future.
Methods of Catching Legendary Pokémon
There are various approaches for trainers looking to catch Legendary Pokémon. Within Pokémon GO, players have several options available to them.
Ways to Catch Legendaries in Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO trainers can attempt to catch Legendary Pokémon through challenging 5-star raids, completing Special Research tasks, and prevailing against Team GO Rocket leader Giovanni.
Certain events may also offer Legendary encounters as rewards. Using a Daily Adventure Incense can expose the unique Galarian forms of the Kanto birds for a chance at capture, too.
Strategies For Catching Legendary Pokémon in Core Series Games
Here are some common strategies for catching legendary Pokemon in core series games are as follows:
- Prepare a Pokémon with status-inflicting moves like Sleep Powder or Thunder Wave to increase your catch rate. Moves like False Swipe also help by avoiding knockouts.
- Stock up on healing items like Potions and Full Restores, as well as different Poké Ball types like Timer Balls, Dusk Balls, and Ultra Balls, which boost capture rates.
- Save your game before the encounter and try multiple times if the Legendary breaks out of balls to avoid a long reset process.
- Study the Legendary Pokémon’s base stats and moves to strategically weaken it without knocking it out. Paralysis can double catch rate chances.
- Level up your party and lead Pokémon as much as possible to withstand the Legendary’s powerful attacks and status conditions.
- Learn the location and spawn trigger of the Legendary to efficiently hunt it down and initiate battles. Come prepared with items and Pokémon strategies tailored to the encounter.
Benefits of using Legendary Pokémon in battles
Legendary Pokémon provide several perks in the trainer’s battles. Their immense power can help turn the tides in all sorts of competitive scenarios.
Advantages in Raid Battles
Legendary Pokémon provide several perks in the trainer’s battles. Their immense power can help turn the tides in all sorts of competitive scenarios. In raid battles, Legendary Pokémon like Groudon and Kyogre deal out massive damage with their high base stats ranging from 600 to 720.
This allows players to take down raid bosses faster and earn more Premier Balls for better catch chances at obtaining the raid reward Pokémon.
Effectiveness in PvP battles
Legendary Pokémon also see success in PvP battles. With their strong stats and unique move combinations, many Legendaries dominate the Great and Ultra Leagues. In the hands of a skilled trainer, these powerful Pokémon can overcome opponents with superior type advantages or force shield reliance.
Even though they are restricted from Master League play, certain legendaries still appear regularly due to their versatility in dealing with and receiving damage. Their rare and prized status alone can intimidate competitors.
Synergies When Using Multiple Legendary Pokémon Together
Using multiple Legendary Pokémon together can create advantageous synergies on a team. Their uniquely strong stats and abilities lend to diverse strategies. Weather inducers like Groudon and Kyogre empower one another while Rayquaza’s presence extends their effects.
Offensive powerhouses like Yveltal and Xerneas cover each other’s weaknesses. Defensive walls like Blissey and Chansey make ideal partners to take pressure off Legendary attackers. With careful planning, trainers can maximize Legendary Pokémon’s strengths when deployed as a coordinated squad.
Potential Drawbacks of Relying on Legendary Pokémon
While Legendary Pokémon provide immense power and rare status, overdependence on them can present some drawbacks:
- Legendaries are not always easy to obtain, requiring special events, promotions, or online trades, making consistent usage difficult.
- Reliance on Legendary Pokémon may limit teambuilding creativity and discourage the use of other Pokémon varieties.
- If a Legendary gets knocked out in battle, it can be challenging to replace due to its scarcity compared to other Pokémon.
- Certain competitive formats like Battle Spot restrict the use of Legendary Pokémon to promote greater team diversity.
- Players may become too focused on catching every Legendary instead of enjoying other aspects of the games.
- An all-legendary team leaves fewer slots to support Pokémon, which can undermine type coverage and strategies.
- Not every Legendary is competitively viable, so some end up just taking up space in boxes.
- Newer or inexperienced players may feel they “need” Legendaries to succeed when regular Pokémon can perform well, too, with strategy and skill.