How to Catch Gabite in Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
Gabite, the evolved form of Gible and the pre-evolution of Garchomp, is a highly sought-after Pokémon in various games across the franchise. Known for its powerful stats and dual Dragon/Ground typing, Gabite is a valuable addition to any team. However, catching one can be challenging, often requiring patience and specific knowledge of its habitat. This guide will provide detailed instructions on how to find and catch Gabite in several Pokémon games.
## General Tips for Catching Pokémon
Before diving into specific game instructions, here are some general tips that apply to catching any Pokémon, including Gabite:
* **Weaken the Pokémon:** Lower Gabite’s HP to increase your chances of a successful catch. Using moves that don’t cause fainting, such as False Swipe or Hold Back, is ideal.
* **Inflict Status Conditions:** Status conditions like Sleep and Paralysis significantly increase the catch rate. Moves like Sleep Powder, Thunder Wave, or Body Slam are useful.
* **Use Appropriate Poké Balls:** Different Poké Balls have varying catch rates. Ultra Balls, Dusk Balls (at night or in caves), and Timer Balls (after several turns) are generally the most effective.
* **Be Patient:** Catching rare Pokémon like Gabite often requires multiple attempts. Don’t get discouraged if your first few Poké Balls fail.
* **Stock Up on Supplies:** Ensure you have plenty of Poké Balls, Potions, and status healing items before heading out to find Gabite. You don’t want to run out of resources mid-battle.
* **Save Your Game:** Save your game before engaging with Gabite. This allows you to reset if you accidentally knock it out or run out of Poké Balls.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum
Finding Gabite in the Sinnoh region can be tricky, as it’s found in only one location with a relatively low encounter rate.
**Location:**
* **Wayward Cave:** Gabite can be found in the hidden area of Wayward Cave, located under Cycling Road (Route 206). The entrance to this hidden area is well-concealed and requires you to navigate through the main cave first.
**Steps:**
1. **Access Wayward Cave:** Head to Route 206, Cycling Road. Instead of going up the Cycling Road, look for a hidden entrance to Wayward Cave underneath the bridge. It’s located on the side, slightly obscured by grass.
2. **Navigate the Main Cave:** The initial part of Wayward Cave is dark, so using HM05 (Defog) is highly recommended to improve visibility. Navigate through the cave using Flash (HM05) to light your way and Strength (HM04) to move boulders. The path involves some simple puzzles and battles with trainers.
3. **Find the Hidden Area:** After entering Wayward Cave, head left, up, and around. Look for a small opening in the wall. This opening leads to the hidden area where Gabite resides. The entrance is intentionally difficult to find.
4. **Encounter Gabite:** In the hidden area, Gabite has a relatively low encounter rate (around 10-15%). Walk around in the tall grass or cave areas to trigger encounters. Patience is key here.
5. **Catch Gabite:** Once you encounter Gabite, weaken it with non-fainting moves like False Swipe or Hold Back. Inflict a status condition like Sleep or Paralysis. Use Ultra Balls or Dusk Balls (if it’s night) to increase your chances of catching it. If it breaks free, keep trying until you succeed. Remember to save your game before the encounter, so you can reset if necessary.
**Tips for Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum:**
* **Use Repels:** If you only want to encounter Gabite, use Repels in the hidden area to avoid battling other Pokémon.
* **Bring a Pokémon with False Swipe or Hold Back:** These moves are essential for weakening Gabite without knocking it out.
* **Consider using a Pokémon with a status-inducing move:** Sleep or paralysis will greatly improve your odds.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon Black and White / Black 2 and White 2
Gabite is not natively found in the wild in Pokémon Black and White. However, it can be obtained in Black 2 and White 2 through a specific method.
**Location (Black 2 and White 2):**
* **Reversal Mountain:** After obtaining the National Pokédex, Gabite can be found in Reversal Mountain, specifically in the interior cave areas. Reversal Mountain is accessible after completing the main storyline and is located near Undella Town.
**Steps (Black 2 and White 2):**
1. **Obtain the National Pokédex:** Complete the main storyline of Black 2 or White 2 to unlock the National Pokédex.
2. **Travel to Reversal Mountain:** Fly to Undella Town and head west to reach Reversal Mountain. You’ll need HM04 (Strength) to navigate some areas.
3. **Explore the Interior Cave:** Enter Reversal Mountain and navigate through the cave system. Gabite can be found in the interior cave areas. Its encounter rate is relatively low, so be prepared for some searching.
4. **Encounter Gabite:** Walk around in the cave areas to trigger random encounters. Gabite’s appearance rate is around 5-10%.
5. **Catch Gabite:** Once you find Gabite, weaken it using moves like False Swipe or Hold Back. Inflict a status condition such as Sleep or Paralysis. Use Ultra Balls or Dusk Balls (as the cave is dark) for the best chances of catching it.
**Tips for Black 2 and White 2:**
* **Use Repels:** Using Repels will help you encounter only higher-level Pokémon, but be aware that it also reduces the total number of encounters, potentially prolonging the search for Gabite.
* **Bring a Pokémon with Dig:** Dig can quickly escape the cave if you need to restock on supplies.
* **Patience is Key:** Gabite’s low encounter rate means it may take some time to find it. Keep exploring, and eventually, you’ll encounter one.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon X and Y
Gabite is also available in Pokémon X and Y, though its appearance is limited to a specific Friend Safari.
**Location:**
* **Friend Safari:** Gabite can only be found in the Friend Safari, specifically in the Ground-type Friend Safaris. The availability of Gabite depends on which friends you have registered in your 3DS friends list.
**Steps:**
1. **Add Friends:** You need friends who have registered their 3DS consoles and play Pokémon X or Y. The more friends you have, the more Friend Safaris you can access.
2. **Access the Friend Safari:** After adding friends, go to Kiloude City and enter the Friend Safari. You’ll need to have completed the main storyline to access it.
3. **Find a Ground-type Safari:** Look for friends who have Ground-type Friend Safaris. The specific Pokémon available in each safari are random and determined by the friend’s game.
4. **Encounter Gabite:** Enter the Ground-type Friend Safari and walk around in the tall grass to trigger encounters. If the Friend Safari contains Gabite, you’ll eventually encounter it.
5. **Catch Gabite:** Weaken Gabite with moves like False Swipe or Hold Back. Inflict a status condition such as Sleep or Paralysis. Use Ultra Balls for the best chance of catching it.
**Tips for X and Y:**
* **Communicate with Friends:** Coordinate with your friends to find someone who has a Ground-type Friend Safari with Gabite. Online forums and communities can also help.
* **Check Multiple Safaris:** Visit multiple Ground-type Friend Safaris to increase your chances of finding Gabite.
* **Shiny Charm:** If you have the Shiny Charm, your chances of encountering a Shiny Gabite are increased in the Friend Safari.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon Sun and Moon / Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon
In the Alola region, Gabite is found in a specific location that requires some progression in the game to access.
**Location:**
* **Haina Desert:** Gabite can be found in the Haina Desert on Ula’ula Island. The Haina Desert is accessible after completing the Ula’ula Island trial.
**Steps:**
1. **Progress to Ula’ula Island:** Continue through the main storyline until you reach Ula’ula Island.
2. **Complete the Ula’ula Island Trial:** You need to complete the trial at the Hokulani Observatory to access the Haina Desert.
3. **Enter Haina Desert:** After completing the trial, you can access the Haina Desert. The desert is a large, sandy area with varying terrain and weather conditions.
4. **Find Gabite:** Gabite can be found by searching through the desert. It’s relatively rare, so you may need to search for a while. Look in areas with rocky outcrops and higher elevations.
5. **Encounter Gabite:** Walk around in the desert until you trigger a random encounter. Gabite has a relatively low encounter rate, so be patient.
6. **Catch Gabite:** Weaken Gabite with moves like False Swipe or Hold Back. Inflict a status condition such as Sleep or Paralysis. Use Ultra Balls or Timer Balls (after several turns) to improve your chances of catching it.
**Tips for Sun and Moon / Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon:**
* **Use Repels:** If you’re overleveled compared to the other Pokémon in the desert, using Repels can help reduce random encounters and focus on finding Gabite.
* **Bring a Pokémon with high speed:** Having a fast Pokémon will ensure you can act first to weaken or inflict status conditions on Gabite.
* **Check the Weather:** The weather in Haina Desert can change, which may affect the Pokémon that appear. Gabite is available regardless of the weather, but be aware of the other Pokémon that might appear.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon Sword and Shield
Gabite’s availability in Pokémon Sword and Shield depends on the DLC expansions.
**Location (with DLC):**
* **The Crown Tundra (Dynamax Adventures):** Gabite can be found in Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra DLC. This method involves exploring Max Lair and battling Dynamax Pokémon.
* **The Crown Tundra (Giant’s Bed):** Gabite can also be found wandering in the Giant’s Bed area during intense sun weather.
**Steps (Dynamax Adventures):**
1. **Purchase and Access the Crown Tundra DLC:** Make sure you have purchased and installed the Crown Tundra DLC for Pokémon Sword or Shield.
2. **Go to the Max Lair:** Head to the Max Lair in the Crown Tundra. The Max Lair is where you participate in Dynamax Adventures.
3. **Start a Dynamax Adventure:** Speak to the scientist inside the Max Lair to start a Dynamax Adventure.
4. **Choose Your Path:** During the Dynamax Adventure, you’ll be given choices of which path to take, and each path has a different type of Pokémon associated with it. Try to choose paths that have Dragon or Ground-type Pokémon, as this increases your chances of encountering Gabite at the end.
5. **Battle Dynamax Pokémon:** Battle through the Dynamax Pokémon, choosing your Pokémon carefully to ensure you have a type advantage.
6. **Encounter Gabite (Rarely):** At the end of the Dynamax Adventure, you have a chance to encounter and catch one of the Pokémon you battled along the way. Gabite is a rare encounter in Dynamax Adventures, so it may take multiple attempts.
7. **Catch Gabite:** If you encounter Gabite, battle it and use Ultra Balls to catch it. The catch rate in Dynamax Adventures is guaranteed, so you’ll always catch the Pokémon you choose.
**Steps (Giant’s Bed):**
1. **Purchase and Access the Crown Tundra DLC:** Ensure you have the Crown Tundra DLC.
2. **Travel to Giant’s Bed:** Head to the Giant’s Bed area in the Crown Tundra.
3. **Wait for Intense Sun Weather:** Gabite only appears during intense sun weather conditions. You may need to wait or change the date on your Nintendo Switch to trigger this weather.
4. **Search for Gabite:** Wander around the Giant’s Bed area until you encounter Gabite.
5. **Catch Gabite:** Weaken Gabite and use Ultra Balls to catch it.
**Tips for Sword and Shield:**
* **Dynamax Adventures:** Dynamax Adventures offer a guaranteed catch, making it a reliable way to obtain Gabite if you can find it.
* **Weather Manipulation:** You can change the weather in the game by adjusting the date on your Nintendo Switch. Look up the specific date/time combination for intense sun in the Giant’s Bed.
* **Online Communities:** Join online Pokémon communities to find other players who are hosting Dynamax Adventures with Gabite or to get tips on weather manipulation.
## Catching Gabite in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus offers a more open-world approach to Pokémon catching, and Gabite is found in specific locations within the Hisui region.
**Location:**
* **Crater Terrace (Mount Coronet):** Gabite can be found in the Crater Terrace area of Mount Coronet.
* **Clamberclaw Cliffs (Mount Coronet):** Gabite can also be found at Clamberclaw Cliffs in Mount Coronet.
**Steps:**
1. **Progress to Mount Coronet:** Advance through the main storyline until you unlock access to the Mount Coronet region.
2. **Travel to Crater Terrace or Clamberclaw Cliffs:** Head to either Crater Terrace or Clamberclaw Cliffs within Mount Coronet.
3. **Find Gabite:** Gabite roams freely in these areas, so you’ll need to explore to find it. Look for it near rocky areas and cliffs.
4. **Catch Gabite:** You can catch Gabite in a few ways:
* **Stealth:** Approach Gabite quietly by crouching in tall grass and throw a Poké Ball to catch it without battling.
* **Battle:** Engage in a battle with Gabite. Weaken it with moves and then use Poké Balls to catch it.
**Tips for Legends: Arceus:**
* **Stealth is Key:** Use stealth to get close to Gabite without alerting it. This increases your chances of a successful catch.
* **Use Berries:** Throw berries to distract Gabite and make it easier to approach or to keep it in one spot for a quick Poké Ball throw.
* **Upgrade Your Star Rank:** Increasing your Star Rank with the Galaxy Expedition Team unlocks access to better Poké Balls, which improves your catch rate.
* **Time of Day:** Gabite’s spawn rate may be slightly affected by the time of day. Experiment with different times to see if you have better luck.
## Catching Gible and Evolving it into Gabite
In some games, catching Gible (Gabite’s pre-evolution) is easier than finding Gabite directly. Evolving Gible into Gabite is straightforward.
**Evolution Method:**
* **Level Up:** Gible evolves into Gabite at level 24. Simply train Gible by battling other Pokémon or using Rare Candies until it reaches level 24.
**Strategies for Catching Gible:**
* **Check Gible’s Locations:** Research where Gible spawns in the specific Pokémon game you are playing. Gible’s locations are often easier to access and have higher encounter rates compared to Gabite’s.
* **Use the Same Catching Techniques:** Apply the same techniques used to catch Gabite (weakening, status conditions, appropriate Poké Balls) to catch Gible.
* **Train Gible Efficiently:** Use efficient training methods, such as battling high-level Pokémon or using the Lucky Egg item (if available), to level up Gible quickly.
## Conclusion
Catching Gabite in Pokémon games requires patience, preparation, and specific knowledge of its habitat. Whether you’re exploring Wayward Cave in Diamond, Pearl, or Platinum, navigating the Friend Safari in X and Y, or searching the Haina Desert in Sun and Moon, this guide provides you with the necessary steps to add Gabite to your team. Remember to use the right Poké Balls, weaken the Pokémon, and inflict status conditions to maximize your chances of success. Good luck, and happy hunting!