How to Catch Wailord in Pokémon Emerald: A Comprehensive Guide
Wailord, the Float Whale Pokémon, is a massive and iconic creature in the Pokémon world. Catching one in Pokémon Emerald can be a rewarding experience, but it requires patience and a bit of preparation. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from obtaining the necessary items to locating and catching this gentle giant. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a newcomer to the Hoenn region, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to add Wailord to your team.
## Prerequisites and Preparations
Before you embark on your Wailord hunting adventure, there are several crucial items and milestones you need to achieve. Failing to prepare is preparing to fail, especially when dealing with a rare and powerful Pokémon like Wailord.
### 1. Defeat the Elite Four
This is non-negotiable. You must defeat the Elite Four and become the Pokémon League Champion. This unlocks several post-game features, including access to specific areas and events necessary for encountering Wailord.
### 2. Obtain the National Pokédex
After defeating the Elite Four, visit Professor Birch in Littleroot Town. He will upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex, allowing you to register Pokémon from other regions, including those required for the Wailord encounter.
### 3. Get the Super Rod
The Super Rod is essential for fishing up the Pokémon you need to trigger the Wailord encounter. You can obtain it from a fisherman in Mossdeep City.
* **How to get the Super Rod:** Head to Mossdeep City, located on an island in the eastern part of the Hoenn region. Find the house near the Pokémon Center where a fisherman resides. Talk to him, and he will give you the Super Rod.
### 4. Acquire a Pokémon with Dive
The Dive HM is necessary to access underwater areas where you will find Wailmer, the pre-evolution of Wailord. You receive HM08 (Dive) from Steven Stone in the house north of the Mossdeep City Pokémon Center, but only after defeating Team Magma/Aqua at the Space Center.
* **How to get HM08 (Dive):** After resolving the Team Magma/Aqua crisis at the Mossdeep Space Center, go to Steven’s house in Mossdeep City (north of the Pokémon Center). He will give you HM08 (Dive).
### 5. Obtain a Pokémon with Surf
Surf is required to navigate the open sea and reach the areas where you can use Dive. HM03 (Surf) is obtained from Wally’s father after defeating Norman in the Petalburg City Gym.
* **How to get HM03 (Surf):** After defeating Norman at the Petalburg Gym, head to Wally’s house in Petalburg City. Wally’s father will give you HM03 (Surf).
### 6. Gather Repels
Repels are your best friend when trying to find specific Pokémon in specific areas. They prevent weaker Pokémon from interrupting your search, saving you time and frustration. Stock up on plenty of them at any Poké Mart.
### 7. Prepare a Team for Battle
Wailord is a powerful Pokémon, so you need a strong team to weaken and catch it. Consider bringing Pokémon with the following:
* **Status Condition Inducers:** Sleep, paralysis, or freeze can make Wailord easier to catch.
* **False Swipe:** This move guarantees to leave the opponent with at least 1 HP, making it perfect for catching Pokémon without accidentally knocking them out. A Pokémon that learns False Swipe is Scizor.
* **Strong Water and Electric Type Moves:** While you want to avoid knocking Wailord out, you’ll also need moves to weaken it to a manageable HP level.
### 8. Stock up on Poké Balls
Don’t underestimate the importance of having enough Poké Balls. Ultra Balls are the most reliable for catching Wailord, but you can also use Great Balls or Net Balls (which are more effective against Water-type Pokémon). Having a Master Ball is a guaranteed catch, but it’s a rare item you might want to save for a legendary Pokémon.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Wailord
Now that you’ve completed all the necessary preparations, it’s time to start hunting for Wailord. Follow these steps carefully to maximize your chances of success.
### Step 1: Catch a Wailmer
Before you can get Wailord, you need to catch its pre-evolution, Wailmer. Wailmer can be found by fishing with the Super Rod in various locations throughout the Hoenn region. Here are some recommended spots:
* **Route 129:** This route is known for its high Wailmer encounter rate when using the Super Rod. Surf to this route and use your Super Rod in the deep water spots. The encounter rate with Wailmer is around 50%.
* **Route 130:** Similar to Route 129, Route 130 offers a good chance of encountering Wailmer. Surf around and fish with the Super Rod in the dark water tiles.
* **Route 131:** Another viable location with a decent Wailmer encounter rate. This route is located near Pacifidlog Town.
**Tips for catching Wailmer:**
* **Use Repels:** To avoid encountering other Pokémon while fishing, use Repels. This will increase the chances of encountering Wailmer.
* **Be Patient:** Fishing can be time-consuming, so be patient and keep casting your line.
* **Weaken Wailmer:** Once you encounter Wailmer, weaken it with attacks that won’t knock it out. Consider using moves like False Swipe.
* **Inflict a Status Condition:** Paralyzing or putting Wailmer to sleep can make it easier to catch.
* **Use Net Balls:** Net Balls are more effective against Water-type Pokémon, so they can be a good choice for catching Wailmer.
### Step 2: Train Wailmer to Level 40
Wailmer evolves into Wailord at level 40. This is the most time-consuming part of the process, but it’s necessary to obtain Wailord.
**Training Strategies:**
* **Vs. Seeker:** The Vs. Seeker is a valuable tool for re-battling trainers, providing a reliable source of experience points. Use it to challenge trainers repeatedly.
* **Elite Four Rematch:** After defeating the Elite Four once, you can challenge them again. They will have stronger Pokémon, which means more experience points for your Wailmer.
* **Rare Candies:** If you have Rare Candies, you can use them to level up Wailmer quickly. However, Rare Candies are limited, so use them wisely.
* **Exp. Share:** Equip the Exp. Share to Wailmer and have it in your party while battling strong Pokémon. This way, Wailmer will gain experience points even if it doesn’t participate in the battle.
* **Battling wild Pokémon:** Look for wild Pokémon that give a decent amount of EXP for their level. Some good options are the psychic types on Route 125, or the higher-level water types on the routes around Dewford Town.
### Step 3: Evolve Wailmer into Wailord
Once Wailmer reaches level 40, it will automatically evolve into Wailord. Congratulations! You now have a Wailord.
## Alternative Method: Finding Wild Wailord (Rare)
While evolving Wailmer is the most reliable way to obtain Wailord, there’s a very small chance of encountering one in the wild. This method is extremely rare and requires a lot of luck, but it’s worth mentioning.
Wailord can be found in underwater areas using Dive. The specific location is:
* **Route 129 and Route 130 Underwater:** These routes have extremely low encounter rates for wild Wailord, around 1%. You’ll need to Dive in the dark patches of water and hope for the best.
**Tips for Finding Wild Wailord:**
* **Patience:** This method requires a lot of patience, as the encounter rate is very low.
* **Repels:** Use Repels to avoid encountering other Pokémon and increase your chances of finding Wailord.
* **Dive repeatedly:** Keep diving in and out of the dark patches of water to reset the encounters.
## Battling and Catching Wailord
Whether you’re battling a wild Wailord or the evolved form of your Wailmer, here are some tips for weakening and catching it.
* **Use Status Conditions:** As mentioned earlier, inflicting a status condition like sleep or paralysis can significantly increase your chances of catching Wailord. Pokémon with moves like Sleep Powder, Thunder Wave, or Stun Spore are useful.
* **Lower Its HP:** Gradually reduce Wailord’s HP using moves that won’t knock it out. False Swipe is ideal for this purpose.
* **Use Ultra Balls:** Ultra Balls are the most reliable type of Poké Ball for catching Wailord. Throw them strategically when Wailord’s HP is low and it’s affected by a status condition.
* **Use Net Balls:** Net Balls are more effective against Water-type Pokémon, so they can be a good choice if you’re having trouble with Ultra Balls.
* **Be Patient:** Catching a Wailord can take time, so be patient and keep throwing Poké Balls until you succeed.
* **If necessary, use the Master Ball:** While it’s best to save your Master Ball for a legendary encounter, if you’re having insurmountable difficulty capturing Wailord and really want it, the Master Ball is a guaranteed catch.
## Wailord’s Stats and Abilities
Understanding Wailord’s stats and abilities can help you use it effectively in battle.
* **Type:** Water
* **Abilities:**
* **Water Veil:** Prevents the Pokémon from being burned.
* **Oblivious:** Prevents the Pokémon from being infatuated.
* **Stats:**
* HP: 170 (Highest of all Water-type Pokémon)
* Attack: 90
* Defense: 45
* Special Attack: 90
* Special Defense: 45
* Speed: 60
Wailord has exceptionally high HP, making it a bulky Pokémon that can withstand many hits. However, its Defense and Special Defense are relatively low, making it vulnerable to strong physical and special attacks. Its Attack and Special Attack stats are decent, allowing it to deal moderate damage.
## Moveset Suggestions for Wailord
Here are some move suggestions for Wailord:
* **Water Spout:** A powerful Water-type move that deals more damage when Wailord’s HP is high.
* **Hydro Pump:** A strong Water-type move with high base power.
* **Ice Beam:** A reliable Ice-type move for coverage against Grass, Flying, Dragon, and Ground-type Pokémon.
* **Earthquake:** A powerful Ground-type move for coverage against Electric, Rock, Steel, Fire and Poison-type Pokémon.
* **Rest:** Allows Wailord to recover its HP completely, but it will fall asleep for two turns.
* **Sleep Talk:** Use this move while Wailord is asleep to randomly use one of its other moves.
## Why Catch Wailord?
Apart from completing your Pokédex, there are several reasons why you might want to catch Wailord:
* **Unique Design:** Wailord is one of the largest Pokémon in the game, making it a visually impressive addition to your team.
* **High HP:** Wailord’s exceptional HP makes it a bulky Pokémon that can take a lot of hits.
* **Water-type Strength:** Water-type Pokémon are useful in many situations, especially against Fire, Ground, and Rock-type Pokémon.
* **Completing the Pokedex:** For completionists, catching every Pokemon is the name of the game, and capturing Wailord brings you one step closer.
## Conclusion
Catching Wailord in Pokémon Emerald can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to obtain this massive and powerful Pokémon. Remember to prepare thoroughly, be patient, and have fun on your Wailord hunting adventure! Good luck, trainer!