Unveiling the Shadow: A Comprehensive Guide to Finding Giratina in Pokémon Games

Giratina, the Renegade Pokémon, is a legendary Ghost/Dragon-type powerhouse that commands fear and respect. Its distorted form and intriguing lore make it a highly sought-after catch for any aspiring Pokémon trainer. However, finding Giratina is no easy feat, often requiring specific conditions and progress within the respective games. This comprehensive guide will delve deep into the different methods of encountering Giratina across various Pokémon titles, providing you with detailed steps and instructions to add this spectral dragon to your team.

Giratina: A Quick Introduction

Before we embark on our hunting expedition, let’s briefly touch upon Giratina’s significance. Introduced in the fourth generation of Pokémon games (Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum), Giratina is a member of the creation trio alongside Dialga and Palkia. It was banished to the Distortion World for its violent nature, a dimension where space and time are warped. This lore adds to its mysterious and powerful aura, making it a prized capture.

Giratina has two distinct forms: its Altered Forme and its Origin Forme. The Altered Forme is typically encountered in the regular world, while the Origin Forme is found within the Distortion World or when holding the Griseous Orb. These forms have different appearances and stat distributions, with the Origin Forme boasting significantly higher offensive capabilities.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum

Giratina’s debut was in the Sinnoh region. Its appearance and method of capture vary depending on the specific game.

Pokémon Diamond and Pearl

In Diamond and Pearl, Giratina is only encounterable in its Altered Forme, and it is only accessible after you become the Champion.

Steps:

1. Become the Pokémon Champion: The first and foremost requirement is to defeat the Elite Four and Cynthia, thus achieving the rank of Champion.
2. Obtain the National Pokédex: After defeating the Elite Four, you must see all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Pokédex (excluding the Mythical Pokémon). Then, head to Professor Rowan’s lab in Sandgem Town and he will upgrade your Pokédex into the National Pokédex.
3. Head to Turnback Cave: Fly to the route 214 and enter the cave directly north of it which is Turnback Cave.
4. Navigate Turnback Cave: Turnback Cave is a labyrinth with randomly generated rooms. The goal is to reach the end of the cave by entering each room which leads to another until you arrive in the final room. The final room is where the Giratina will be waiting. There are pillars with numbers on them, and you have to enter a certain amount of rooms before arriving at the Giratina. However if you enter more than 30 rooms you will get sent back to the beginning. The number of rooms required is based on how many rooms you have been able to enter with certain pillar numbers showing which number you have passed. You can get through the cave in as little as three rooms but it is very difficult to do and involves entering certain rooms with certain numbers on the pillars. The most common way to finish the cave is to enter around 15 to 20 rooms. Use the following sequence as a guide as the rooms are randomized. First, find a room with a pillar with the number 1. Then find a room with the number 2 pillar. Then find a room with the number 3 pillar. After the third pillar the next room should be where Giratina waits.
5. Engage Giratina: Once you reach the final room, Giratina (Altered Forme) will appear. It will be at level 70. Be prepared for a challenging battle!
6. Catch or Defeat Giratina: Use your best team and battle items to catch Giratina. If you accidentally defeat it, it will respawn after you defeat the Elite 4 once more.

Pokémon Platinum

Platinum offers a more involved and significant encounter with Giratina. It also allows you to obtain both its Altered and Origin Formes.

Steps:

1. Progress through the Game: Play through the main storyline until you reach Spear Pillar. The game will force you to do this so there’s no worries about missing this step.
2. Defeat Cyrus at Spear Pillar: You will have to face Cyrus at Spear Pillar to continue.
3. Enter the Distortion World: Following Cyrus’s defeat, a portal to the Distortion World will open. You will be entering the Distortion World with your rival as a partner.
4. Navigate the Distortion World: This dimension is unlike anything you’ve seen before. The landscape is distorted, gravity is unpredictable, and you’ll need to solve spatial puzzles to progress. Make your way through the world to reach the location where Giratina waits. The Distortion World is a unique maze where you can walk upside down and sideways.
5. Battle Giratina in its Origin Forme: Deep within the Distortion World, you’ll face Giratina in its powerful Origin Forme. This encounter is a crucial part of the main story, and Giratina is at Level 47, unlike the level 70 from Diamond and Pearl.
6. Capture Giratina: Engage in the battle and use your best team to weaken and capture Giratina.
7. Obtain the Griseous Orb: After you become champion, head back to the Distortion World entrance in Sendoff Spring. The Distortion World will be mostly the same from before, but there will be an item where you fought Giratina before which is the Griseous Orb.
8. Giratina Transformation: The Griseous Orb allows Giratina to switch between its Altered Forme and Origin Forme. You can use the orb and attach it to Giratina in your bag, where it will change into the Origin Forme, and remove the Orb to switch it back to the Altered Forme.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver

Giratina makes a return in the Johto remakes, though obtaining it requires venturing into the legendary Sinnoh region.

Requirements:

• You must have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion of the Johto Region.
• You must obtain the National Pokedex.
• You must obtain the Enigma Stone from a special distribution event.

Steps:

1. Obtain the Enigma Stone: You need to get the Enigma Stone from a special distribution or event (via Mystery Gift). As this event is now unavailable, you will need to use an emulator and obtain a save file that has the Enigma Stone or use cheat codes to obtain the item.
2. Travel to the Embedded Tower: With the Enigma Stone in hand, travel to the Embedded Tower which is located at the far north of route 47.
3. Insert the Enigma Stone: Inside the Embedded Tower, you will find a pedestal. Interact with it and insert the Enigma Stone, which will transport you to a new battle area.
4. Battle and Catch Giratina: Interact with the portal and a battle with Giratina (Altered Forme) level 70 will begin. Use your team wisely and try to capture it. This is your only opportunity to catch Giratina so be prepared.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

Giratina is available in the Unova region in the sequels to Black and White. Here, it has a more challenging method of obtaining than other versions.

Requirements:

• You must have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion of the Unova Region.
• You must obtain the National Pokedex.
• You must have caught both Dialga and Palkia.

Steps:

1. Catch Dialga and Palkia: Obtain Dialga and Palkia. Dialga can be obtained in Black 2 and Palkia in White 2 but you can get both through trades. Once you have both of these Pokemon, head to the Abyssal Ruins.
2. Travel to the Abyssal Ruins: Go to Undella Town, and from there use Surf to go south to the Abyssal Ruins. The Abyssal Ruins is a maze located under water that is accessible through Dive.
3. Traverse the Abyssal Ruins: The Abyssal Ruins have multiple levels and you must navigate it to reach the end. You must dive down from the first level to the second, from the second to the third and then from the third to the fourth. The way down each level is through an interactive stone on each level. You will need the item Relic Passage in order to continue down. The Relic Passage can be obtained through a man in the Undella Town Pokemon Center once you have reached the Hall of Fame.
4. Reach the End of the Ruins: In the fourth level of the Abyssal Ruins, you will see a pedestal. Interact with it and with Dialga and Palkia on your team the Giratina battle will start.
5. Battle and Catch Giratina: Giratina (Altered Forme) will be level 70 in this encounter. Make sure you are prepared for a fight. This is the only chance you will have to catch Giratina in these games.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

Giratina makes an appearance in the Hoenn remakes, often through special portal events.

Requirements:

• You must have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion of the Hoenn Region.
• You must obtain the National Pokedex.
• You must have a team that has a level 100 Pokemon, Dialga, and Palkia on it.

Steps:

1. Obtain the Required Pokémon: You will need to transfer either Dialga or Palkia (or both) from another game like Pokémon X/Y to obtain both. You will also need to have a level 100 Pokemon on your team. If you don’t have a level 100 Pokemon, you can train one up.
2. Soar in the Sky: Once you have the required Pokemon and level 100 Pokemon, take to the sky using the Eon Flute.
3. Find the Space Rift: While soaring in the sky, you will see a giant black portal with red lighting called the space rift.
4. Enter the Space Rift: Fly to the Space Rift and enter it.
5. Battle Giratina: Inside the rift, you will find Giratina (Altered Forme) at level 50. Battle it and try to catch it.
6. Origin Forme: Giratina will automatically hold the Griseous Orb in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. So it will always transform into its Origin Forme in battle. It will revert to the Altered Forme in your box. When the Griseous Orb is held by Giratina, the Giratina will transform into its Origin Forme. Removing the item will transform it back to its Altered Forme.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

Giratina is catchable in Alola through the Ultra Wormhole system, offering another unique method.

Requirements:

• You must have defeated the Elite Four and the Champion of the Alola Region.

Steps:

1. Access the Ultra Warp Ride: After you defeat the champion, you will have access to the Ultra Warp Ride. This mechanic allows you to travel to different dimensions.
2. Navigate the Ultra Wormholes: You will travel on the back of Solgaleo or Lunala. Your goal is to navigate through the Ultra Wormholes. Ultra Wormholes have multiple colors, and finding the right ones is necessary. You must look for an Ultra Wormhole that has two rings and a blue color to it. The longer you stay in a wormhole, the higher the chance of a legendary Pokemon.
3. Enter the Ultra Space: Once you arrive at the destination of a blue ultra wormhole, enter it.
4. Battle and Catch Giratina: Inside the ultra space area, Giratina will be waiting. Battle it and attempt to catch it. Giratina will be level 60 in this encounter.
5. Giratina Forms: Giratina in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon can use its origin form if it holds the Griseous Orb. This can be obtained through trading or other methods, as the item is not naturally found in the game.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Sword and Shield (Crown Tundra DLC)

Giratina makes a triumphant return in the Crown Tundra DLC for Sword and Shield, as part of the Dynamax Adventures.

Requirements:

• You must have purchased the Crown Tundra DLC.
• You must have defeated the main story of the game.
• You must have completed the initial exploration of the Crown Tundra.

Steps:

1. Access the Max Lair: You will need to go to the Crown Tundra and then to the Max Lair where Dynamax Adventures are available.
2. Participate in Dynamax Adventures: These are multi-battle sequences where you rent Pokémon and venture through a series of Max Raid battles. Each time you complete one it will be sent to your PC. It’s a great way to get some powerful Pokémon.
3. Choose the Path: The goal of a Dynamax Adventure is to find a legendary Pokemon. As you progress through a Dynamax Adventure you will be given different paths to go down. The path will have a icon indicating the types of pokemon that are on the path. Choose paths that have types that Giratina is weak to. Giratina is a Ghost and Dragon type, so ice, dragon, ghost, dark and fairy types are good choices.
4. Encounter Giratina: At the end of some Dynamax Adventures you might encounter Giratina (Altered Forme). This legendary encounter is not a guaranteed spawn.
5. Battle Giratina: You will only be able to capture Giratina at the very end of the Dynamax Adventure. This is the only point where you will be able to keep the pokemon on your team. The Giratina will be at level 75. Make sure you try to catch it with a good pokeball.
6. Origin Forme: Giratina in Sword and Shield can use its Origin Forme if it holds the Griseous Orb. This can be obtained through trading or other methods, as the item is not naturally found in the game.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

Giratina’s encounter is similar to the original games but with a few updates.

Steps:

1. Become the Pokémon Champion: Just like in the original Diamond and Pearl, the first requirement is to defeat the Elite Four and Cynthia.
2. Obtain the National Pokédex: You must complete the Sinnoh Pokédex and then Professor Rowan will upgrade the Pokedex.
3. Head to Turnback Cave: Fly to Route 214 and enter the Turnback Cave, located north of the route.
4. Navigate Turnback Cave: The Turnback Cave is a maze that requires players to go into different rooms and reach the end. In this remake, the numbers on the pillars are randomized, and the layout will be the same as in Diamond and Pearl. The final room can be reached in as little as three rooms, but the common path is between 15 and 20 rooms.
5. Encounter Giratina: When you reach the final room, Giratina (Altered Forme) will appear at level 70.
6. Battle and Catch Giratina: Be prepared for a challenging fight and make sure to catch it. If you defeat it, it will respawn after you defeat the Elite Four again.
7. Origin Forme: Giratina can be changed into its Origin Forme using the Griseous Orb. This is obtained by first completing the game, catching Giratina in Turnback Cave, and then heading to Ramanas Park. Go to the Distortion Room and interact with the pedestal, Giratina will revert to its Altered Forme and leave behind the Griseous Orb. This will be the only way to obtain the Griseous Orb. Then you can use the Griseous Orb to switch between forms.

Finding Giratina in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

Giratina has a notable presence in Legends: Arceus, with multiple encounters during and after the main story.

Steps:

1. Progress Through the Main Story: In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you will need to play through the main story, including capturing Dialga and Palkia.
2. Access Post-Game Content: The first time you encounter Giratina will be during the main story when it is controlled by Volo. After the main story is complete, you will need to unlock the post-game missions.
3. Talk to Cogita: Cogita will task you with defeating the remaining legendary Pokémon. Once you have finished this mission you will have access to the Giratina specific mission.
4. Investigate the Cobalt Coastlands: A new mission will show up where you will have to investigate the Cobalt Coastlands. There will be two locations to investigate, one is the Spring Path and the other is the Islespy Shore. After investigating both locations, you will be forced to return to Jubilife Village.
5. Engage with Volo: When you return to Jubilife Village, you will find Volo waiting. Volo will have a rematch battle with you and then he will retreat. Follow him to the Temple of Sinnoh.
6. Battle Giratina (Altered Forme): Go to the Temple of Sinnoh and you will battle Giratina in its Altered Forme at level 70.
7. Battle Giratina (Origin Forme): After defeating its Altered Forme, you will battle Giratina in its Origin Forme at level 70. Be prepared for the second fight. This fight will take place at the top of the Temple of Sinnoh and you should prepare to have multiple strong team members.
8. Capture Giratina: Try to capture Giratina. This is the only time you will have to catch it. If you accidentally defeat it, you will not be able to capture it.
9. Giratina Formes: Giratina will switch to its Altered Forme after the fight if caught. You will obtain the Griseous Orb during the battle, so you can switch between the two forms anytime after this by using the Griseous Orb on Giratina from your bag.

Tips for Catching Giratina

• Save Before Battle: Always save your game before initiating the battle with Giratina. This allows you to reset if you accidentally defeat it or if you run out of Poké Balls.
• Prepare Your Team: Bring Pokémon with high levels and types that are effective against Giratina’s Ghost/Dragon typing (Dark, Ice, Dragon, Fairy).
• Use Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis can significantly increase your chances of catching Giratina.
• Use the Right Poké Balls: Use Ultra Balls, Dusk Balls (if battling in a cave or at night), or Timer Balls for longer battles.
• Patience: Catching a legendary like Giratina can be frustrating. Do not give up! Keep trying and you will eventually succeed.

Conclusion

Giratina is a powerful and rewarding Pokémon to add to your collection. By following these detailed instructions for each game, you’ll significantly increase your chances of successfully encountering and catching the Renegade Pokémon. Remember to be patient and prepared, and with enough determination, you’ll have Giratina by your side, ready for any battle.