how to catch thundurus in pokemon black

This guide details the proven strategies for successfully encountering and capturing the Legendary Pokémon Thundurus in the original Pokémon Black version. As one of the Forces of Nature trio, Thundurus presents a unique and challenging hunt that requires specific conditions, preparation, and patience. Mastering this encounter is a rewarding milestone for any Unova trainer.

Table of Contents

Prerequisites: Unlocking the Roaming Legend
The Hunt Begins: Tracking Thundurus's Movements
Optimal Team Preparation: Strategy Over Strength
The Decisive Encounter: Tactics for the Capture
Conclusion: Securing the Bolt Strike Pokémon

Prerequisites: Unlocking the Roaming Legend

Thundurus is not available through normal gameplay in Pokémon Black. Its appearance is triggered by an external event. After obtaining the National Pokédex, you must acquire the Legendary Pokémon's data. This is done by receiving the Reveal Glass from a man in a green suit in the gate connecting Route 10 to the Pokémon League. However, in the original games, this item was exclusively distributed via Nintendo events, which are no longer active. For modern players, the primary method to trigger Thundurus's appearance is through a DNS exploit that simulates these past events, or by using an Action Replay device with a corresponding code to flag the game as having received the necessary event. Once the game is flagged, the man in the green suit will provide the Reveal Glass. After obtaining it, Thundurus will begin roaming the Unova region.

It is crucial to understand that Thundurus is a roaming Pokémon. This means it does not reside in a fixed location. Upon entering any route, there is a chance Thundurus will be present on that same route. If it is, the game will display a brief weather cutscene—a dramatic swirl of clouds and wind—to signal its presence. Unlike stationary Legendaries, if you defeat or fail to capture it, Thundurus will flee and continue roaming, requiring you to track it down again. Saving your game after it flees but before tracking it anew is essential to prevent losing your progress.

The Hunt Begins: Tracking Thundurus's Movements

Efficient tracking is the cornerstone of this hunt. The most reliable tool for this task is the Marking Map app on your Pokédex. Once Thundurus is activated, its location will be marked here. It moves to a different route each time you change locations yourself, such as by flying to another city or entering a building. A highly effective strategy is to fly between two distant cities with single-route gates, like Undella Town and Route 10, or Nimbasa City and Route 16. Simply fly to one city, check the Marking Map to see if Thundurus is on the connecting route, and if not, immediately fly to the other city. This forces it to relocate, and you can repeat the process until its marker appears on your current route.

When the weather cutscene plays, Thundurus is on the same route as you. You must now initiate a wild encounter to find it. However, it will not appear in grass or dust clouds. You must walk or cycle through the route's tall grass or water (if surfing) until a random encounter begins. The chance of it being Thundurus is low, so persistence is key. Using a Pokémon with the ability Keen Eye or Illuminate at the front of your party does not increase the encounter rate with Thundurus specifically, but it does increase the general wild encounter rate, which can indirectly speed up the process. Repels are counterproductive, as they will prevent you from encountering Thundurus altogether.

Optimal Team Preparation: Strategy Over Strength

Defeating Thundurus is a failure state. Your goal is to capture it, which demands a team built for control and endurance, not sheer offensive power. The core of your team should include a Pokémon designed to trap and weaken the target. A Pokémon with the ability Shadow Tag or Arena Trap, like Gothitelle or Dugtrio, is invaluable as it prevents Thundurus from fleeing. Since these are uncommon in Unova, the more accessible strategy involves status conditions and movement restriction.

Status ailments are a catcher's best friend. Sleep and freeze are the most effective, as they dramatically increase catch rate and prevent movement. However, freeze is unreliable. A Pokémon like Butterfree or Vivillon with Compound Eyes and Sleep Powder is excellent, as Compound Eyes boosts the accuracy of Sleep Powder. Paralysis is a strong secondary option, as it reduces Thundurus's speed and has a chance to prevent its turn, though it offers a smaller catch rate bonus. Burn or poison should be avoided, as they will gradually whittle down Thundurus's HP, risking an accidental knockout.

Damage management is critical. Thundurus must be weakened, ideally to the red zone of its health bar. False Swipe is the perfect move for this, as it will never reduce a target's HP below 1. Teach this move to a reliable physical attacker like Swords Dance Scizor or a Pokémon with high defense. Furthermore, Thundurus knows the move Reversal, which becomes more powerful as its HP drops. At 1 HP, Reversal will deal massive damage. Therefore, using a Ghost-type Pokémon to tank Reversal is a brilliant tactic, as Ghost-types are immune to Fighting-type moves like Reversal.

The Decisive Encounter: Tactics for the Capture

When you finally encounter Thundurus, the battle sequence must be executed with precision. Start by sending out your status-inducing Pokémon. Immediately use Sleep Powder or Spore to put it to sleep. If using a trapper like Wobbuffet, switch it in first. Next, switch to your False Swipe user. Systematically use False Swipe until Thundurus's HP is at 1. Be mindful of its moves: aside from Reversal, it knows Uproar, which prevents sleep but also damages your Pokémon, and Heal Block, which is largely irrelevant. If it wakes up, switch back to your sleeper to re-apply the status.

With Thundurus at 1 HP and asleep, the capture phase begins. Your choice of Poké Ball is paramount. Dusk Balls are highly effective if the battle occurs at night or in a cave (though this hunt is on routes). Timer Balls become the best option after many turns have passed, typically exceeding 10 turns. Ultra Balls are your standard, reliable choice. For the highest probability, use a Fast Ball; while its effect is typically for Pokémon with high Speed, its catch rate modifier is still significant. Begin throwing your chosen ball. If it breaks free, ensure Thundurus remains asleep or paralyzed. Patience is essential; this process may take numerous attempts. Do not attack once its HP is at 1.

Conclusion: Securing the Bolt Strike Pokémon

Capturing Thundurus in Pokémon Black is a test of preparation, patience, and tactical execution. It transcends a simple boss battle, evolving into a region-wide pursuit that utilizes the game's tracking mechanics. Success hinges on understanding the prerequisites, mastering the route-cycling method for efficient tracking, and constructing a specialized team focused on control rather than conquest. The careful application of status, the strategic use of False Swipe, and the judicious selection of Poké Balls culminate in a thrilling and deeply satisfying capture. Securing this tempestuous Legendary is not just about adding power to your team; it is a demonstration of strategic mastery in the Unova region.

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