How to Catch Shiny Haxorus in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2
Shiny Pokémon are among the most sought-after treasures in the Pokémon universe. Their unique color palettes set them apart, making them symbols of dedication and luck for trainers who manage to encounter and capture them. In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2, the Shiny Haxorus is a particularly prized possession, and thankfully, obtaining it isn’t entirely reliant on random chance. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to catch a Shiny Haxorus in these games, complete with detailed steps, tips, and essential information to maximize your chances of success.
## Understanding Shiny Pokémon and the Odds
Before diving into the specific method for obtaining Shiny Haxorus, it’s crucial to understand what Shiny Pokémon are and the probabilities involved in encountering them. A Shiny Pokémon is simply a Pokémon with a different color scheme than its normal counterpart. These alternate colors are purely aesthetic and don’t affect the Pokémon’s stats or abilities.
In Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 (as well as most mainline Pokémon games before Pokémon X and Y), the base encounter rate for a Shiny Pokémon is 1 in 8192. This means that for every 8192 Pokémon you encounter, you’re statistically likely to find one Shiny. This rate is incredibly low, making Shiny hunting a time-consuming and often frustrating endeavor. However, the method for obtaining Shiny Haxorus in Black 2 and White 2 bypasses this standard Shiny rate, making it significantly more accessible.
## The Nature Preserve and the Guaranteed Shiny Haxorus
The key to obtaining a Shiny Haxorus in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 lies within the Nature Preserve. This special location, accessible after completing the main storyline, offers a unique encounter that guarantees a Shiny Haxorus. However, there are specific requirements and steps you need to follow to unlock this opportunity.
### Prerequisites:
1. **Complete the Main Story:** You must defeat the Elite Four and Team Plasma to access the post-game content, including the Nature Preserve.
2. **Obtain the National Pokédex:** After defeating the Elite Four, you’ll need to see all 156 Pokémon in the Unova Pokédex. Seeing, not catching, is the requirement. This means you only need to have encountered each Pokémon in battle or through events. Trades also count towards seeing Pokémon. Once you’ve seen all 156, talk to Professor Juniper in her lab in Nuvema Town. She’ll upgrade your Pokédex to the National Pokédex.
3. **Receive the Permit from Professor Juniper:** After obtaining the National Pokédex, Professor Juniper will give you a permit to access the Nature Preserve. This permit is essential for entering the area.
### Accessing the Nature Preserve:
1. **Fly to Mistralton City:** Mistralton City has an airport where you can fly to different locations.
2. **Talk to the Pilot:** Inside the Mistralton City airport, talk to the pilot near the airplane. He will ask you if you have a permit to go to the Nature Preserve.
3. **Select “Yes” to Use the Permit:** If you have the permit from Professor Juniper, select “Yes.” The pilot will then fly you to the Nature Preserve.
### Understanding the Nature Preserve:
The Nature Preserve is a relatively small area designed to be a haven for Pokémon. It’s crucial to understand its layout and mechanics to effectively hunt for the Shiny Haxorus.
* **Hidden Grottoes:** The Nature Preserve contains several Hidden Grottoes. These are small, hidden areas where you can find rare Pokémon and items. These are not relevant to getting the Shiny Haxorus, but worth noting for post-game exploration.
* **The Dragon Den:** The most important feature of the Nature Preserve is the Dragon Den, located in the center of the area. This is where you’ll encounter the Shiny Haxorus.
### The Shiny Haxorus Encounter:
The Shiny Haxorus encounter is triggered after fulfilling specific conditions within the Nature Preserve. This encounter is guaranteed to be Shiny, making it a much more reliable method than random encounters.
1. **Defeat the Dragon Tamers:** Upon entering the Nature Preserve, you’ll find several Dragon Tamers roaming the area. You must defeat *all* of them. There are usually around 3-4 Dragon Tamers. They use Dragon-type Pokémon, so be prepared with appropriate counters.
2. **Enter the Dragon Den:** After defeating all the Dragon Tamers, enter the cave in the center of the Nature Preserve. This is the Dragon Den.
3. **Encounter the Shiny Haxorus:** Inside the Dragon Den, you’ll find a Haxorus. This Haxorus will *always* be Shiny. This is the guaranteed Shiny Haxorus encounter.
## Preparing for the Capture
While the Shiny Haxorus is guaranteed to be Shiny, catching it still requires preparation. You don’t want to accidentally knock it out and miss your chance.
### Recommended Pokémon:
* **Pokémon with False Swipe:** False Swipe is a move that always leaves the target with at least 1 HP. This is crucial for ensuring you don’t accidentally knock out the Shiny Haxorus. Pokémon like Scizor, Gallade, and Bisharp can learn False Swipe.
* **Pokémon with Status Moves:** Status moves like Sleep or Paralysis can significantly increase your chances of catching a Pokémon. Pokémon with moves like Spore (puts the target to sleep), Thunder Wave (paralyzes the target), or Sleep Powder (puts the target to sleep) are highly recommended. Be aware that Haxorus is a Dragon-type, so moves like Thunder Wave will be normally effective.
* **High-Level Pokémon:** A team of high-level Pokémon will help you defeat the Dragon Tamers quickly and efficiently.
### Essential Items:
* **Ultra Balls:** Ultra Balls have a higher catch rate than Great Balls or Poké Balls. Bring plenty of them.
* **Timer Balls:** Timer Balls become more effective the longer the battle goes on. They can be useful if you’re having trouble catching Haxorus with Ultra Balls.
* **Dusk Balls:** Dusk Balls are more effective in caves and at night. The Dragon Den counts as a cave, making Dusk Balls a good choice if you are playing at night, or you can manipulate the time in game.
* **Paralyze Heal/Awakening:** Bring these items to cure your Pokémon if they get paralyzed or put to sleep by the Dragon Tamers.
* **Potions/Revives:** Keep your team healthy during the battles with the Dragon Tamers.
## The Capture Process: Step-by-Step
1. **Save Before the Encounter:** Before entering the Dragon Den, *save your game*. This is extremely important. If you accidentally knock out the Shiny Haxorus, you can simply reset your game and try again. This is often referred to as “soft resetting.”
2. **Initiate the Battle:** Enter the Dragon Den and interact with the Haxorus to start the battle.
3. **Use False Swipe:** Use False Swipe to reduce Haxorus’s HP to 1. This ensures you won’t accidentally knock it out.
4. **Inflict a Status Condition (Optional):** If you have a Pokémon with a status move, use it to inflict Sleep or Paralysis. This will further increase your chances of catching Haxorus.
5. **Throw Balls:** Start throwing Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, or Dusk Balls. Be patient, as it may take several attempts to catch Haxorus.
6. **Reset if Necessary:** If you accidentally knock out the Shiny Haxorus, or if it uses Roar to escape the battle, reset your game and try again from your save point before the encounter.
7. **Celebrate Your Success:** Once you’ve successfully caught the Shiny Haxorus, give yourself a pat on the back! You’ve just obtained one of the most sought-after Pokémon in the game.
## Understanding Haxorus’s Moveset and Stats
Knowing Haxorus’s moveset and stats can help you prepare for the battle and make informed decisions about which Pokémon and items to bring.
* **Level:** The Shiny Haxorus in the Nature Preserve is Level 60.
* **Ability:** Haxorus can have one of two abilities: Rivalry or Mold Breaker. Rivalry increases Haxorus’s Attack when facing a Pokémon of the same gender, but decreases it when facing a Pokémon of the opposite gender. Mold Breaker allows Haxorus’s moves to bypass abilities that would normally prevent them from working.
* **Moveset:** The Haxorus in the Nature Preserve knows the moves Dragon Claw, Earthquake, Swords Dance, and Crunch.
* **Dragon Claw:** A Dragon-type physical move with moderate power and accuracy.
* **Earthquake:** A Ground-type physical move with high power and accuracy. Can hit multiple opponents in Double Battles.
* **Swords Dance:** A Normal-type status move that sharply raises Haxorus’s Attack stat. Be wary of this move, as it can make Haxorus’s physical attacks much more powerful.
* **Crunch:** A Dark-type physical move with moderate power and a chance to lower the target’s Defense stat.
### Strategy Based on Moveset
* **Type Advantages:** Exploit type advantages. Fairy, Dragon, and Ice-type moves will deal super effective damage to Haxorus. Steel-type Pokémon are resistant to Dragon-type moves.
* **Status Conditions:** As mentioned before, inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can significantly increase your chances of catching Haxorus. Paralysis also reduces Haxorus’s Speed, making it easier to outspeed and attack.
* **Defense and Special Defense:** Haxorus has solid Attack and Special Attack, but its defenses are more moderate. Focus on using strong moves that exploit its weaknesses.
## Additional Tips and Considerations
* **Time of Day:** The time of day doesn’t affect the Shiny Haxorus encounter itself, but it can influence the effectiveness of Dusk Balls. If you’re playing at night or in a dark area, Dusk Balls will have a higher catch rate.
* **Pokémon Abilities:** Some Pokémon abilities can affect encounter rates or make catching Pokémon easier. For example, the ability Static can increase the encounter rate of Electric-type Pokémon, but it won’t affect the guaranteed Shiny Haxorus encounter.
* **Patience is Key:** Shiny hunting can be a test of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t catch the Shiny Haxorus on your first few attempts. Keep trying, and eventually, you’ll succeed.
* **Enjoy the Experience:** Shiny hunting can be a rewarding experience, but it’s important to remember to have fun. Don’t let the pursuit of Shiny Pokémon consume you. Take breaks, explore the game, and enjoy the journey.
* **Alternative Methods (Not Recommended):** While the guaranteed Shiny Haxorus encounter is the most reliable method, some players may consider alternative methods like breeding or using external devices. However, these methods are often unreliable, time-consuming, or even against the game’s terms of service. Sticking to the guaranteed encounter is the recommended approach.
## What to Do After Catching Shiny Haxorus
Congratulations on catching your Shiny Haxorus! Now that you have this rare and powerful Pokémon, here are some things you can do with it:
* **Use it in Battle:** Shiny Haxorus is a formidable Pokémon in battle. Its high Attack stat and access to powerful moves make it a valuable asset to any team. Use it in the Pokémon League, in online battles, or in battles against friends.
* **Show it Off:** Shiny Pokémon are a symbol of dedication and luck. Show off your Shiny Haxorus to your friends and other players online. You can trade with friends, and use it in online battles to flaunt your prized possession.
* **Breed It (Carefully):** While the Shiny Haxorus itself is guaranteed, you can breed it to potentially obtain more Shiny Axew. However, the standard Shiny rate still applies to breeding, so this is not the most efficient method for obtaining Shiny Axew. If you want to breed, it is generally recommended to use the Masuda method (breeding with a foreign Pokémon) and the Shiny Charm (obtained after completing the National Pokédex) to increase your odds.
* **Complete Your Pokédex:** Ensure that you have Haxorus registered in your Pokédex as a Shiny. This will add to your completionist achievement.
## Conclusion
Catching a Shiny Haxorus in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2 is a rewarding achievement that showcases dedication and patience. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can bypass the standard Shiny encounter rate and guarantee yourself a Shiny Haxorus. Remember to prepare your team, gather essential items, and save before the encounter. With a little patience and perseverance, you’ll soon be the proud owner of a magnificent Shiny Haxorus. Good luck, and happy hunting!