Become a DexNav Master: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire’s Search Tool

The DexNav, short for Pokémon Navigation System, is an invaluable tool introduced in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. It’s far more than just a Pokédex upgrade; it’s a powerful radar that allows you to search for specific Pokémon in the wild, check their potential, and even find Pokémon with Hidden Abilities and Egg Moves. Mastering the DexNav can drastically change your Pokémon catching experience, making it easier to build your dream team and complete your Pokédex. This guide will walk you through every aspect of the DexNav, from basic usage to advanced techniques, ensuring you become a DexNav expert.

What is the DexNav?

The DexNav is a feature accessed through the PokéNav Plus on the bottom screen of your Nintendo 3DS. Unlike the original PokéNav from Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, the PokéNav Plus includes several applications, including the AreaNav, PlayNav, and the DexNav. The DexNav specifically focuses on Pokémon searching and identification within specific areas. It allows you to:

• Locate Pokémon: Find Pokémon hiding in tall grass, water, caves, and other environments.
• Check Potential: See a Pokémon’s potential moves, abilities, and even IVs (Individual Values).
• Chain Encounters: Increase your chances of finding rare Pokémon, Hidden Abilities, and better IVs by chaining encounters.
• Fill Your Pokédex: Makes completing your Pokédex significantly easier and more enjoyable.

How to Obtain the DexNav

You’ll receive the PokéNav Plus relatively early in your adventure. After defeating Team Aqua/Team Magma at the Weather Institute on Route 119, you’ll automatically receive the PokéNav Plus from Mr. Stone. Once you have the PokéNav Plus, the DexNav functionality will be available.

Basic DexNav Usage: Searching for Pokémon

The core function of the DexNav is to locate and identify Pokémon in your current area. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using the DexNav for basic searching:

1. Open the PokéNav Plus: Tap the icon on the bottom screen of your 3DS to open the PokéNav Plus.
2. Select the DexNav: Choose the DexNav option from the PokéNav Plus menu. It’s represented by a magnifying glass icon.
3. Choose a Location: The DexNav will display a list of routes and locations you’ve visited. Select the area you want to search.
4. Check for Pokémon: The DexNav screen will show an overview of the area, along with icons representing Pokémon that can be found there. If you’ve already caught a Pokémon in that area, its icon will be displayed. If not, a question mark icon will appear.
5. Initiate a Search: Tap on the icon of the Pokémon you want to find (or the question mark if you haven’t caught it yet). The DexNav will show a small map of the area and start searching.
6. Approach the Pokémon: A rustling patch of grass (or disturbed water surface, in areas with water) will appear on the overworld. Quietly approach this rustling patch. Walk slowly and try not to run directly at it, as this can scare the Pokémon away.
7. Encounter the Pokémon: When you’re close enough, the Pokémon will jump out, initiating a battle.

Important Notes:

• Sneaking: Use the control stick to walk slowly and carefully towards the rustling grass or water. This significantly reduces the chances of the Pokémon running away before you can engage it in battle.
• Environment: Be mindful of the environment. Some Pokémon only appear in certain weather conditions or at certain times of day.

Understanding the DexNav Interface

The DexNav interface provides crucial information about the Pokémon you’re searching for. Here’s a breakdown of the key elements:

• Pokémon Icon: Displays the icon of the Pokémon you’re searching for. If you haven’t caught the Pokémon yet, a question mark icon will be shown.
• Area Map: Shows a small map of the current area, highlighting your location and the approximate location of the Pokémon you’re searching for.
• Search Level: Indicates how many times you’ve encountered this specific Pokémon using the DexNav. Higher Search Levels unlock additional information and improve the chances of finding rare Pokémon.
• Potential Moves: Displays the potential moves the Pokémon might know in addition to its standard moveset. This is a great way to find Pokémon with Egg Moves.
• Ability: Shows the Pokémon’s ability. If the Pokémon has multiple abilities, it will randomly display one of them. Sometimes, it will display a Hidden Ability, which is usually much rarer and more powerful.
• First Move: This is listed at the very top of the DexNav page for a specific Pokemon. This is the move most likely to appear if it has a potential move.
• Level: While not explicitly shown on the DexNav screen, the level of the Pokémon you encounter will often increase as you chain encounters and raise your Search Level.

Increasing Your Search Level

The Search Level is a crucial aspect of the DexNav. It represents how many times you’ve encountered a specific Pokémon using the DexNav. As your Search Level increases, you’ll unlock several benefits:

• Increased Information: You’ll be able to see more potential moves and abilities the Pokémon might have.
• Higher Encounter Rate: The chances of finding that Pokémon using the DexNav increase.
• Better IVs: Pokémon you encounter at higher Search Levels are more likely to have better Individual Values (IVs), which are crucial for competitive battling. At Search Level 100, the Pokémon is guaranteed to have at least one perfect IV.
• Hidden Abilities: The chance of encountering a Pokémon with its Hidden Ability increases significantly at higher Search Levels.

To increase your Search Level, simply encounter the same Pokémon repeatedly using the DexNav. Each encounter will increase the Search Level by one. The key is to chain encounters together.

Chain Fishing with DexNav: A Detailed Guide

Chain Fishing, when used in conjunction with the DexNav, can be a highly effective strategy for finding specific Pokémon and increasing your Search Level. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

1. Find a Fishing Spot: Locate a suitable fishing spot in the area where the Pokémon you want to find is located.
2. Use the DexNav: Select the Pokémon you want to find using the DexNav.
3. Start Fishing: Cast your line and reel in the Pokémon.
4. Chain the Encounters: After catching or defeating the Pokémon, immediately use the DexNav again to find another one. Repeat this process continuously.
5. Maintain the Chain: To maintain the chain and prevent it from breaking, follow these rules:
   • Don’t Move: Stay in the same location between encounters. Moving too far can break the chain.
   • Don’t Change Areas: Do not leave the area or enter a building, as this will reset the chain.
   • Don’t Save/Turn Off: Avoid saving the game or turning off your 3DS while chaining, as this will also reset the chain.
   • Reel it in: If you get a bite reel it in. If you don’t reel in something it will break the chain.
   • Be Quick: After catching or defeating the Pokémon, quickly use the DexNav again to find another one. Don’t wait too long between encounters.

Breaking the Chain: The chain will break if you fail to follow the rules above, if the Pokémon runs away, or if you accidentally encounter a different Pokémon. If the chain breaks, you’ll need to start over.

Advanced DexNav Techniques: Finding Hidden Abilities and Egg Moves

The DexNav isn’t just for finding Pokémon; it’s also a powerful tool for finding Pokémon with Hidden Abilities and Egg Moves. Here’s how to use the DexNav for these advanced techniques:

Finding Hidden Abilities

Hidden Abilities are special abilities that are rarer and often more powerful than a Pokémon’s standard abilities. Finding Pokémon with Hidden Abilities can significantly enhance their competitive potential.

1. Increase Your Search Level: As mentioned earlier, the higher your Search Level, the greater the chance of encountering a Pokémon with its Hidden Ability. Aim for a Search Level of at least 50 or higher for the best results.
2. Check the DexNav: When searching for a Pokémon using the DexNav, pay close attention to the “Ability” section on the DexNav screen. If the DexNav displays the Pokémon’s Hidden Ability, it means the Pokémon you’re about to encounter has that ability.
3. Encounter the Pokémon: Approach the rustling grass or water and engage the Pokémon in battle.
4. Confirm the Ability: After catching the Pokémon, check its summary to confirm that it indeed has the Hidden Ability displayed on the DexNav.

Finding Egg Moves

Egg Moves are moves that a Pokémon can only learn through breeding. They can provide a significant advantage in battles by giving your Pokémon access to unique and powerful movesets.

1. Increase Your Search Level: Similar to Hidden Abilities, the higher your Search Level, the greater the chance of finding Pokémon with Egg Moves.
2. Check the DexNav: When searching for a Pokémon using the DexNav, look at the “Potential Moves” section. This section lists the potential moves the Pokémon might know in addition to its standard moveset. If a move is listed that the Pokémon doesn’t normally learn at its current level, it’s likely an Egg Move.
3. Encounter the Pokémon: Approach the rustling grass or water and engage the Pokémon in battle.
4. Check the Moveset: After catching the Pokémon, check its moveset to see if it has the Egg Move listed on the DexNav.

Tips and Tricks for Maximizing the DexNav

Here are some additional tips and tricks to help you get the most out of the DexNav:

• Use Repels: Using Repels can prevent random encounters, allowing you to focus solely on finding Pokémon using the DexNav. This is especially useful when chaining encounters or searching for specific Pokémon in areas with a high encounter rate.
• Be Patient: Finding rare Pokémon, Hidden Abilities, and Egg Moves can take time and patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find what you’re looking for right away. Keep searching and your perseverance will eventually pay off.
• Explore Different Areas: Different areas have different Pokémon, so explore as many locations as possible to expand your Pokédex and discover new Pokémon to add to your team.
• Check Weather Conditions: Some Pokémon only appear in certain weather conditions, such as rain, sunshine, or thunderstorms. Pay attention to the weather and adjust your searching accordingly.
• Use the Right Poké Balls: Use appropriate Poké Balls for the Pokémon you’re trying to catch. For example, use Net Balls for Water and Bug-type Pokémon, Dusk Balls in caves or at night, and Quick Balls at the start of battle.
• Mark Locations: Use the map markers on the AreaNav to mark locations where you found rare Pokémon or Pokémon with Hidden Abilities. This will help you remember where to go back to in the future.
• Take Advantage of the Day/Night Cycle: Some Pokémon only appear during the day or at night. Use the in-game clock to your advantage and search for Pokémon at the appropriate times.
• Pay Attention to the Music: If the music changes when you’re near a rustling patch of grass or water, it could indicate that a rare Pokémon is nearby.
• Don’t Run: Running can scare away the Pokémon you’re trying to find, especially when you’re close to the rustling grass or water. Walk slowly and carefully to avoid spooking them.
• Use Smoke Bombs Carefully: Smoke Bombs can be used to quickly escape from battles, but they can also break your chain if you’re not careful. Use them sparingly and only when necessary.
• Experiment: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different strategies and techniques to see what works best for you. The DexNav is a versatile tool, and there are many different ways to use it effectively.

Troubleshooting Common DexNav Issues

Sometimes, you may encounter issues while using the DexNav. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Pokémon Not Appearing: If you’re having trouble finding a specific Pokémon, make sure you’re in the correct area and that the weather conditions are right. Also, try moving around to different locations within the area and searching again.
• Chain Breaking Unexpectedly: Double-check that you’re not moving too far between encounters, changing areas, saving the game, or turning off your 3DS. Also, make sure you’re not accidentally encountering different Pokémon.
• DexNav Not Working: If the DexNav isn’t working at all, make sure you have the PokéNav Plus and that you’ve progressed far enough in the game to unlock the DexNav functionality. If it’s still not working, try restarting your 3DS.
• Hidden Abilities/Egg Moves Not Appearing: Finding Hidden Abilities and Egg Moves can be challenging, even with a high Search Level. Keep searching and be patient. The more you encounter the Pokémon, the greater your chances of finding them.

Conclusion

The DexNav is a game-changing feature in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. By mastering its functions and utilizing advanced techniques, you can significantly enhance your Pokémon catching experience, build a powerful team, and complete your Pokédex with ease. Whether you’re a seasoned Pokémon trainer or a newcomer to the series, the DexNav is an invaluable tool that will help you become a true Pokémon Master. So, grab your PokéNav Plus, head out into the wild, and start your DexNav adventure today! Happy hunting!