Chasing Shadows: The Elusive Mewtwo and Legendary Lads in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
You have your 3DS ready. Pokémon Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire is in. You aim to catch Legendaries. Mewtwo is at the top, right? Here’s the truth: Mewtwo isn’t catchable in ORAS. It’s like hoping for a Shiny in minutes—possible, but not here.
Mewtwo is not native to Pokémon Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. I know this is shocking. You can’t walk into a hidden cave and see Mewtwo there. If you wish to catch Mewtwo, you need to play a different game.
Mewtwo: The Interdimensional Traveler (of Games)
To catch Mewtwo, you must go back to Pokémon X or Y. Yes, Mewtwo is in the Kalos region. This region is where you can meet him. To add him to your team, you need to catch him in X or Y. Use Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Transporter to transfer him to ORAS.
Consider this a required journey. Catching Mewtwo shows dedication. This proves you’re more than a casual trainer. You ventured into another game just for him. He respects serious trainers.
Legendary Bonanza: ORAS is Still a Legendary Goldmine (Minus Mewtwo, Obviously)
Don’t lose hope! Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire are full of Legendary Pokémon. They packed many past Legendaries all in one place! While Mewtwo relaxes in Kalos, endless mythical beasts await in Hoenn, ready for battles.
Let’s look at the legendary finds in ORAS. This will guide you to these magnificent Pokémon.
Lugia and Ho-Oh: The Tower Titans (Exclusivity Alert!)
Lugia and Ho-Oh are not typical Mirage Legendaries. They are exclusive to specific versions. Lugia can only be caught in Alpha Sapphire. Ho-Oh is exclusive to Omega Ruby. Want both? You’ll need both games. Think of it as an investment.
Find them at Sea Mauville, the spooky ship on Route 108. This isn’t just about spooky vibes; it’s key for Lugia and Ho-Oh’s appearance. You need a Key Item called the Scanner. This serves as your radar. With it, Mirage Spots will appear near Sea Mauville. Here lies the path to find Lugia or Ho-Oh.
Dialga and Palkia: Rulers of Time and Space (Dimensional Rifts Required)
Want to experience bending reality? You can find Dialga and Palkia in ORAS too. They won’t show up easily. Search for them via Mirage Spots. Specifically, locate a Mirage Cave. To meet Dialga, have an Adamant Orb with you. For Palkia, you need a Lustrous Orb.
These Orbs are not easy to find. Explore the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City after taking care of the Groudon/Kyogre event. In there, you will find the orbs waiting for you. It’s a reward for your efforts. With your Orb, find the Mirage Cave and prepare for battle.
Rayquaza: The Sky High Serpent (Story-Mandatory!)
Rayquaza, the powerful Pokémon of the skies, is key to ORAS’s story. You cannot miss encountering it even if you try to hide. Rayquaza’s appearance is part of the Delta Episode, the post-game storyline full of excitement.
You must go to the Sky Pillar after awakening it. You need to catch Rayquaza to advance in the Delta Episode story. It’s essential to save the world once more. Get ready with Poké Balls because you are catching it!
Groudon and Kyogre: The Land and Sea Behemoths (Version Mascots!)
Groudon and Kyogre are the stars of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, respectively. They serve as version mascots and feature on the box art too. You’ll meet them during the main quest line—no special qualifications.
Groudon appears in Omega Ruby, while Kyogre shows up in Alpha Sapphire. Locate them inside the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City. Follow the path downwards through the cave until reaching them, like a line dance of legendary Pokémon.
Deoxys: The Mythical DNA Pokémon (Post-Delta Episode Surprise!)
Deoxys, the space DNA Pokémon, is available after you finish the Delta Episode. After saving the world, you can catch Deoxys again. “Recapture?” yes, he plays a big role in the Delta Episode. After everything settles, it’s possible to add him to your team again.
You will encounter Deoxys as part of the Delta Episode’s climax. Continue playing through it, and you’ll meet Deoxys without needing to search for Mirage Spots or conditions.
Reshiram and Zekrom: The Tao Trio (Level 100 and Mirage Spots!)
If you wish for some Unova flair in your legendary team, consider Reshiram and Zekrom available through Mirage Spots. To unlock their appearance, you must have a Level 100 Pokémon with you.
Once you have your level 100 powerhouse, seek a Mirage Spot near Mauville City called the Fabled Cave. Here lies Reshiram in Omega Ruby and Zekrom in Alpha Sapphire.. Get ready!
Grind to level up your favorite Pokémon. Then claim legendary dragons in the skies. It’s a grind. But bragging rights for a level 100 Pokémon and a legendary dragon? Priceless.
Hold on… Zekrom…? Seems like Zekrom is hiding in the details. Legendary Pokémon are elusive, even in documents.
Kyogre and Groudon: Cave of Origin
Just to restate, Kyogre is in Alpha Sapphire and Groudon is in Omega Ruby. They are in the Cave of Origin in Sootopolis City. Just go down those stairs until you find them. Remember, mandatory catches for the story!
Ho-Oh and Lugia: Scanner at Sea Mauville
Ho-Oh is in Omega Ruby and Lugia is in Alpha Sapphire. They appear in Mirage Spot rings near Sea Mauville. But first, you need the Scanner from within Sea Mauville. Without it, no legendary birds. It’s a “no Scanner, no Pokémon” rule. Explore, find the Scanner, and then go bird hunting!
Regigigas: The Colossal Pokémon
Regigigas is a puzzle to unlock. First, catch all three Regi Pokémon: Regice, Regirock, and Registeel. They are the keys to Team Regigigas.
After assembling your Regi trio, return to the Island Cave on Route 105 where you caught Regice. Your Regice must have a nickname and hold a “cold” item, like a Casteliacone. A literal ice cream cone. Have all three in your party. If conditions are met during the daytime, Regigigas should appear. Quite the checklist, but worth it for a colossal Pokémon, right?
Event-Only Pokémon: Hoopa and Jirachi
Let’s discuss the event-only Mythicals: Hoopa and Jirachi.
Hoopa: The Mischief Pokémon
Hoopa cannot be obtained through normal gameplay in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. Forget Mirage Spots. Forget special cave conditions. Hoopa is about events and Mystery Gift codes. You needed to enter a specific code via Mystery Gift for Hoopa from special events. If you missed the distribution, getting Hoopa in ORAS is impossible. A limited edition legendary.
Jirachi: The Wish Pokémon
Another Mythical Pokémon with a complicated history in ORAS is Jirachi. You can’t obtain Jirachi in ORAS through in-game methods. It’s event-only again. However, if you have the GameCube and Pokémon Colosseum Bonus Disc, you could get Jirachi from it. Technically, a Jirachi could transfer up through generations to ORAS. But that’s an archaeology project, not practical for most players. Jirachi remains largely unobtainable without unofficial methods.
Mew: The Original Myth
Now let’s discuss Mew. The original mythical Pokémon, ancestor of Mewtwo. Mew is also unobtainable in ORAS through regular means. Surprise! Like Hoopa and Jirachi, Mew has historically been distributed through special events. No Mirage Spots exist for Mew.
Shiny Locked Legendaries in ORAS
Shiny hunters prepare for disappointment. In Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, some Legendary Pokémon are shiny locked. It means no matter how much you reset, these Pokémon will never appear shiny. The shiny-locked culprits are: Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, and Deoxys. Yes, the main characters, essential legendaries. They are shiny locked. Don’t waste your time trying for a black Rayquaza; it’s not happening.
ORAS: The Legendary Collection Champion
Despite Mewtwo’s absence and shiny lock woes, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire still shine as games with numerous catchable Legendary Pokémon. ORAS and Pokémon X and Y often have the most catchable legendaries in the series, especially with post-game content. Here, a legendary buffet awaits you.
Mewtwo vs. Mew: Psychic Showdown
Mewtwo’s availability is limited in ORAS. Let’s discuss its lore and its origins.
Mewtwo: Cloned from Mew
Mewtwo’s backstory is far from natural in the Pokémon world. Mewtwo was cloned from Mew by scientists. Lab-grown Pokémon. An attempt to replicate Mew’s power led to creating the “ultimate” Pokémon. The result? Mewtwo, with immense psychic abilities and existential struggle.
Mew vs. Mewtwo: Who Would Win?
The question of who would win in a psychic battle often arises. Lore suggests that in a fight between Mewtwo and Mew, Mew would win. Despite Mewtwo’s raw power, Mew has superior intelligence. Mew is playful and adaptable. Mewtwo is driven by rage and purpose stemming from its origin.
Mewtwo’s Transformations:
No Pokémon evolves into Mewtwo. But Mewtwo has a unique ability to Mega Evolve into two forms: Mega Mewtwo X and Mega Mewtwo Y. Mega Mewtwo X becomes Psychic/Fighting type. Mega Mewtwo Y stays Psychic type, enhancing Special Attack.
respectively – and a Mega Bracelet. Mewtwo’s Mega Evolutions highlight its adaptability and strength. This makes it formidable in battle, even if you move it from another game to use it in ORAS.
Hoenn Hidden Gems: Beyond Legendaries in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire
Okay, we’ve looked at the legendary stars. But Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire feature more than just mythical monsters. There are unique Pokémon encounters in Hoenn that aren’t legendaries but are notable.
Wynaut and Togepi: Egg-cellent Surprises in Lavaridge Town
Lavaridge Town is famous for hot springs and its fiery Gym Leader. It also hides a couple of secret Pokémon Eggs. Visit Lavaridge. Look for the old woman at the sand baths. She is kind and will give you a Pokémon Egg. Carry it with you through Hoenn. Eventually, it hatches into a Wynaut. Cuteness overload, right? After you beat the Pokémon League, return to the same woman in Lavaridge Town. She gives you another egg. This egg hatches into a Togepi. Both Wynaut and Togepi can’t be found in the wild in ORAS. So, these egg encounters are the main way to get them in the game. Free Pokémon just for visiting hot springs? That’s Hoenn hospitality.
Johto Starters: A Birch-ing Experience Post-Delta Episode
Love Johto starters? Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile? ORAS has what you need. To obtain these Gen 2 classics, defeat the Elite Four and complete the Delta Episode. After saving the world (once again), leave your house in Littleroot Town. You’ll see Professor Birch being chased by a Shroomish. Sound familiar? Just like at the start of the game, you must save Professor Birch. As thanks, he allows you to choose one Johto starter. It’s a nice nod to the start of your journey and adds Gen 2 flavor to your team. Plus, Professor Birch clearly needs rescuing often. Maybe he needs a bodyguard Pokémon.
Kanto Starters: Event Flashbacks and Missed Opportunities
What about the original starters: Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur? The situation gets a bit… event-y. Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald held some event releases for Generation I starters. There was an event in February 2006 where a level ten Charmander was available for Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald, FireRed, and LeafGreen. Sadly, those events are long over. In ORAS itself, there are no direct methods to obtain Kanto starters. If you didn’t snag those event Pokémon, you’ll have to trade or transfer from other games for a Charmander, Squirtle, or Bulbasaur in Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. It’s a downer for Gen 1 fans, but at least you get the Johto options, right?
Hidden Pokémon: Stealth Encounters in Tall Grass and Water
Stay alert while exploring Hoenn! Sometimes, in tall grass or on water routes, you may see a Pokémon part sticking out. A tail flicking in grass or a fin surfacing in water indicates hidden Pokémon encounters. To engage these hidden Pokémon, you must sneak up quietly from behind. Move slowly using the Circle Pad. If successful, you’ll trigger a battle with a Pokémon you might not usually see in that area. It encourages exploration and rewards careful observation. Think of it as Pokémon hide-and-seek, with battles as the prize.
ORAS Gameplay Gimmicks: Secret Bases and Mega Evolution Mania
Beyond Pokémon encounters, Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire brought key gameplay mechanics that enhance your overall adventure.
Secret Bases: Your Personalizable Pokémon Pad
Want a customizable hangout in the Pokémon world? Enter Secret Bases. To create one, teach a Pokémon TM94 Secret Power. You receive this Technical Machine from Aarune on Route 111. Aarune is your Secret Base guru in Hoenn. After learning Secret Power, search for large trees, small wall holes, or grass piles around Hoenn. Interact with these “secret spots” to create your own base. Decorate it with furniture and items to form your ideal Pokémon space. You can even visit others’ Secret Bases through StreetPass or online. Like Pokémon Animal Crossing, it’s a fun side activity that adds personalization and social interaction.
Mega Evolution: Unleash the Power Within
Mega Evolution is a defining Gen 6 feature returning in ORAS. For Mega Evolution, two key items are needed: a specific Mega Stone for that Pokémon and a Mega Bracelet for you. Mega Stones are found throughout Hoenn, often hidden or acquired through story progressions. The story gives you the Mega Bracelet. In battle, if your Pokémon holds its Mega Stone and you have the Mega Bracelet, you may Mega Evolve that Pokémon once per battle. Mega Evolution temporarily transforms the Pokémon, boosting stats and possibly altering typing. It’s an important battle mechanic adding strategy and visual flair to battles. Unleash that Mega power!
Pokémon Power Plays: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Legendary Matchups
Let’s discuss the strengths and weaknesses of some legendary Pokémon and delve into their lore.
Arceus: The Alpha Pokémon, Stat Supreme
When discussing power, Arceus is deemed the strongest Pokémon, surpassing Mewtwo. This rests on both lore and stats. Arceus can change its typing using its Multitype ability and various Plates. It holds incredibly high base stats across the board. Essentially, it’s the Pokémon god, reflecting that divine status with its stats. Arceus stands out as the undisputed ruler of the Pokémon stat hierarchy.
Kyogre and Groudon: Natural Nemeses, Not Necessarily “Haters”
The rivalry between Kyogre and Groudon is legendary but not necessarily personal. Kyogre and Groudon aren’t “haters,” but natural opposites representing sea and land. Their clashes arise from territorial instincts, wanting to maintain nature’s balance. View it as forces of nature battling rather than hatred. They are powerful beings focused on sustaining dominion over their territories. Yet some Pokémon get caught in the chaos!
Primal Kyogre: Electric and Grass Type Vulnerabilities
Primal Kyogre is an advanced form of Kyogre and remains a Water-type Pokémon. Hence, it carries its Water-type vulnerabilities. Specifically, Primal Kyogre is weak against Grass- and Electric-type moves. Despite being an ocean giant, a well-placed Thunderbolt or Solar Beam can harm it. Type matchups matter even for primal legendaries.
Deoxys: Bug, Ghost, and Dark Type Deficiencies
Deoxys is a Psychic-type Pokémon. Like others of this type, it has weaknesses. Deoxys is vulnerable to Bug-, Ghost-, and Dark-type attacks. These types exploit psychic vulnerabilities, making them effective against Deoxys’s alien abilities. If battling Deoxys, bring out Bug Buzzing or Dark Pulse wielding Pokémon to gain an advantage.
Regigigas: Fighting Type Foe Focus
Regigigas is huge but has a weak point: Fighting-type moves. Fighting types work great against it in Raid battles or any encounter.
To beat Regigigas, use strong fighters like Terrakion (Double Kick, Sacred Sword) and Pheromosa (Low Kick, Focus Blast). These Fighting-types target Regigigas’s weakness. Fighting moves hit hard and are super effective against it.
Dialga: Ground and Fighting Type Foes
Dialga has a Dragon/Steel typing. This typing provides many resistances. Yet, it has two major weaknesses: Ground and Fighting. These types can overcome its Steel advantages. Use Ground and Fighting moves to deal good damage against Dialga.
Rayquaza: Story Significance and Battling Bravado
Catching Rayquaza is key to story progression in the Delta Episode of ORAS. It is a strong battler too. Its Dragon/Flying type gives a unique edge. With its high stats, it is strong. Mega Rayquaza is even more powerful. It is crucial for both story and battling.
Lugia and Ho-Oh: Version Exclusivity and Strategic Deployment
Lugia and Ho-Oh are version exclusives. Lugia appears in Alpha Sapphire while Ho-Oh is in Omega Ruby.