How to Catch Mimikyu in Pokémon Sun and Moon: A Comprehensive Guide
Mimikyu, the Disguise Pokémon, is one of the most popular and intriguing creatures introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Its sad backstory, unique typing (Ghost/Fairy), and signature Z-Move make it a sought-after addition to any team. However, catching Mimikyu isn’t as straightforward as encountering other Pokémon in the Alola region. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step required to find and successfully capture this elusive Pokémon.
## Why Catch Mimikyu?
Before diving into the ‘how,’ let’s briefly touch on the ‘why.’ Mimikyu offers several advantages:
* **Unique Typing:** Ghost/Fairy is an exceptional offensive and defensive typing. It’s immune to Normal and Dragon-type attacks and resists Bug, Ghost, and Dark, while being strong against Fighting, Dragon, Ghost, and Dark. This gives Mimikyu excellent coverage and survivability.
* **Disguise Ability:** This ability allows Mimikyu to tank one direct attack without taking damage. This is incredibly useful for setting up Swords Dance, using a Z-Move, or simply getting a free turn to heal.
* **Signature Z-Move:** Mimikyu’s exclusive Z-Move, Let’s Snuggle Forever, is a powerful Fairy-type attack that can deal massive damage, especially after a Swords Dance boost.
* **Story Significance:** Mimikyu plays a significant role in the game’s narrative, making it a Pokémon many players want to experience firsthand.
* **Just plain cool:** Let’s be honest, Mimikyu’s design and backstory make it one of the most memorable Pokémon in recent generations.
## Prerequisites: Reaching the Aether House
To even attempt catching Mimikyu, you must first progress the main story to a specific point. You need to be able to access the **Aether House** on **Ula’ula Island**. This happens naturally as you progress through the game, so simply keep following the main story objectives.
More specifically, you need to have completed the **Ula’ula Grand Trial** against Nanu. After beating Nanu, you’ll progress further into the Aether story arc and will eventually be able to enter the Aether House.
## Step-by-Step Guide to Catching Mimikyu
Now that you’ve reached the Aether House, it’s time to start the hunt for Mimikyu. Follow these steps carefully:
**1. Head to the Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site):**
* From the Aether House, head south towards **Po Town**. Before reaching Po Town, you’ll see a small, dilapidated building on your left. This is the **Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site)**. It’s a location crucial to the Mimikyu encounter.
**2. Entering the Thrifty Megamart (Abandoned Site):**
* Enter the Thrifty Megamart. The interior is dark and dusty, filled with dilapidated shelves and debris. This atmosphere adds to the spooky nature of the hunt.
**3. The Fourth Floor:**
* Your target is the fourth floor of the Thrifty Megamart. To reach it, you need to navigate through the building. Start by heading towards the back of the store on the first floor.
**4. Finding the Elevator Shaft:**
* Look for a hole in the floor near the back of the store. This is an **elevator shaft** that has collapsed. You can’t use it as an elevator, but you can use it to access the other floors.
**5. Descending to the Basement:**
* Jump down the elevator shaft. You’ll land in the basement. There are some items scattered around that you can pick up, including some helpful battle items.
**6. Ascending to the Higher Floors:**
* From the basement, look for a ladder or a set of stairs leading up. You’ll need to climb these to access the higher floors. The layout can be a bit confusing, so explore each floor thoroughly.
* Continue climbing until you reach the fourth floor. It’s marked by being the most dilapidated and cluttered of all the floors.
**7. Save Your Game!:**
* **Crucially, save your game before proceeding any further on the fourth floor.** This is vital. Mimikyu is a rare encounter, and you might faint it accidentally or run out of Poké Balls. Saving allows you to reload and try again.
**8. Investigating the Pikachu Display:**
* On the fourth floor, look for a **Pikachu display**. This is a cardboard cutout of Pikachu, and it’s the key to triggering the Mimikyu encounter. It’s usually near the back of the floor. It’s hard to miss because of its bright colors amidst the general gloom.
**9. Interacting with the Pikachu Display:**
* Approach the Pikachu display and interact with it by pressing the ‘A’ button. Your character will examine the display.
**10. The Battle Begins:**
* After interacting with the Pikachu display, a battle will initiate against a Mimikyu. This is a guaranteed encounter, but it only happens once. If you faint it or run from the battle without catching it, you won’t get another chance on this save file (unless you reload).
**11. Battling and Catching Mimikyu:**
* Now comes the tricky part: battling and catching Mimikyu. Here’s a breakdown of strategies and tips:
* **Understanding Mimikyu’s Stats and Moves:** Mimikyu in this encounter is typically around level 24. It will likely know moves like Shadow Claw, Play Rough, and potentially some status moves. Its Disguise ability will protect it from the first direct attack.
* **Choosing the Right Pokémon:** Use Pokémon that are strong against Ghost and Fairy types. Steel and Poison-type Pokémon are excellent choices. However, be careful not to use Pokémon that are weak to Ghost or Fairy, such as Psychic or Dark types.
* **Lowering Mimikyu’s HP:** The goal is to lower Mimikyu’s HP to a critical level without knocking it out. Use moves that deal consistent damage rather than moves that have a high chance of causing a critical hit. Avoid using moves that cause status conditions like burn or poison, as these can eventually KO Mimikyu before you can catch it.
* **Status Conditions:** Inflicting a status condition like paralysis or sleep can significantly increase your chances of catching Mimikyu. These conditions make it easier to land Poké Balls and give you more time to throw them.
* **Choosing the Right Poké Ball:** Several types of Poké Balls are more effective than others in this situation:
* **Dusk Balls:** Dusk Balls are exceptionally effective in dark places, like the Thrifty Megamart. They offer a high catch rate and are a solid choice.
* **Timer Balls:** Timer Balls become more effective the longer the battle goes on. If you’re having trouble catching Mimikyu, using Timer Balls after several turns can increase your chances.
* **Ultra Balls:** Ultra Balls are a reliable, albeit less effective, option. They offer a decent catch rate and are readily available.
* **Quick Balls:** While tempting, Quick Balls are only really effective on the first turn. After that their catch rate plummets. Given Mimikyu’s Disguise ability which will absorb your first attack anyway, Quick Balls are not optimal.
* **Be Patient:** Catching Mimikyu can take time and several Poké Balls. Don’t get discouraged if it breaks out of the first few attempts. Keep throwing Poké Balls and adjusting your strategy as needed.
* **False Swipe:** If you have a Pokémon that knows the move False Swipe (TM54), it’s an excellent choice for catching Mimikyu. False Swipe always leaves the opponent with at least 1 HP, preventing you from accidentally knocking it out. It can be purchased at the Mount Hokulani Pokémon Center.
**12. Nicknaming (Optional):**
* After successfully catching Mimikyu, you’ll be given the option to nickname it. Choose a name that reflects its personality or your own preferences.
## Tips and Tricks for a Successful Catch
Here are some additional tips and tricks to increase your chances of catching Mimikyu:
* **Bring Plenty of Poké Balls:** Stock up on a variety of Poké Balls before heading to the Thrifty Megamart. You don’t want to run out of Poké Balls in the middle of the battle.
* **Use Healing Items:** Bring Potions, Super Potions, and other healing items to keep your Pokémon healthy during the battle. Mimikyu can deal significant damage, so be prepared to heal your team.
* **Bring Status Healing Items:** Paralysis Heals, Awakening, and Antidotes can all be extremely useful in case Mimikyu inflicts a status condition on your Pokemon.
* **Level Up Your Pokémon:** If you’re having trouble battling Mimikyu, consider leveling up your Pokémon before attempting the encounter. A higher level will give you an advantage in terms of stats and move power.
* **Be Aware of Mimikyu’s Moves:** Pay attention to the moves Mimikyu is using. This will help you anticipate its actions and adjust your strategy accordingly.
* **Check Your Team’s Type Matchups:** Make sure your team has good type matchups against Mimikyu. Avoid using Pokémon that are weak to Ghost or Fairy, and prioritize Pokémon that are strong against these types.
* **Turn Off Battle Animations:** This will speed up the battle significantly, letting you throw more Poké Balls in a shorter amount of time and save time resetting if you accidentally knock Mimikyu out.
* **Don’t Get Greedy:** Lower Mimikyu’s HP gradually. It’s better to take your time and avoid accidentally knocking it out than to rush and lose the encounter.
## What to Do If You Accidentally Knock Out Mimikyu
This is the unfortunate scenario we tried to prevent by saving earlier, but it can happen. Don’t panic! Here’s what to do:
* **Reload Your Save File:** If you accidentally knock out Mimikyu, simply reload your save file. This will take you back to the point before the battle, allowing you to try again. This is why saving before the encounter is so important.
* **Learn from Your Mistakes:** If you keep knocking out Mimikyu, analyze your strategy and make adjustments. Consider using different moves, switching Pokémon, or using different Poké Balls.
## Post-Capture: Training and Using Mimikyu
Congratulations! You’ve successfully caught Mimikyu. Now it’s time to train it and add it to your team. Here are some tips for training and using Mimikyu effectively:
* **Leveling Up:** Level up Mimikyu by battling other Pokémon or using Rare Candies. The higher its level, the stronger it will become.
* **EV Training:** EV train Mimikyu to maximize its stats. Focus on Attack and Speed EVs to make it a powerful offensive threat. The recommended spread is often 252 Attack, 252 Speed, and 4 Special Defense.
* **Move Set:** A popular and effective moveset for Mimikyu includes:
* **Swords Dance:** Boosts Mimikyu’s Attack stat by two stages.
* **Shadow Claw:** A powerful Ghost-type move that deals significant damage.
* **Play Rough:** A strong Fairy-type move that provides excellent coverage.
* **Shadow Sneak:** A priority move that allows Mimikyu to strike first, useful for finishing off weakened opponents.
* Other options include:
* **Wood Hammer:** Can be used for hitting Water and Ground types, but the recoil damage can be significant.
* **Leech Life:** Provides some HP recovery.
* **Held Item:** The most common held item for Mimikyu is:
* **Life Orb:** Boosts the power of Mimikyu’s moves but causes it to lose some HP with each attack. This synergizes well with its Disguise ability, allowing it to get off at least one powerful attack.
* Other options include:
* **Focus Sash:** Guarantees Mimikyu will survive with 1 HP if it’s hit by a one-hit KO move. Requires Mimikyu to be at full health.
* **Choice Band:** Boosts Mimikyu’s Attack stat but locks it into using the same move each turn. Risky but powerful.
* **Z-Move:** Use Mimikyu’s exclusive Z-Move, Let’s Snuggle Forever, to unleash a devastating Fairy-type attack. This Z-Move can be especially effective after a Swords Dance boost.
* **Battle Strategy:** Use Mimikyu’s Disguise ability to your advantage. Set up Swords Dance on the first turn to boost its Attack, then unleash powerful attacks to sweep through your opponents’ team. Be mindful of its weaknesses and switch out when necessary.
## Mimikyu in Competitive Battles
Mimikyu is a popular choice in competitive Pokémon battles due to its unique typing, Disguise ability, and powerful Z-Move. Here are some tips for using Mimikyu effectively in competitive play:
* **Team Synergy:** Build your team around Mimikyu’s strengths and weaknesses. Include Pokémon that can cover its weaknesses and support its offensive capabilities.
* **Predict Your Opponent’s Moves:** Anticipate your opponent’s actions and switch out when necessary to avoid unfavorable matchups. Use Mimikyu’s Disguise ability to scout your opponent’s moves and gain an advantage.
* **Use Status Conditions Strategically:** Inflict status conditions like paralysis or burn on your opponent’s Pokémon to disrupt their strategy and create opportunities for Mimikyu to attack.
* **Be Aware of Common Counters:** Be aware of common counters to Mimikyu, such as Steel-type Pokémon and Pokémon with moves that can break its Disguise ability. Have a plan for dealing with these threats.
## Conclusion
Catching Mimikyu in Pokémon Sun and Moon can be a challenging but rewarding experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you’ll be well-equipped to find, battle, and capture this elusive Pokémon. With its unique typing, Disguise ability, and powerful Z-Move, Mimikyu is a valuable addition to any team. So, head to the Thrifty Megamart, prepare for battle, and add this fascinating Pokémon to your collection! Good luck, and happy hunting!
