Notes on Early Obtainable Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon Games

Introduction

• Legendary Pokémon often thought to be encountered at the climax of villain plot lines.
• Some Legendary Pokémon can be obtained much earlier, even with as few as three gym badges.

Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow

• Earliest Legendary: Zapdos (3 Gym Badges)
  • Articuno can also be obtained around the same time but requires 4 Gym Badges to access.
  • Requirements: Surf outside of battle, defeating Koga.
• Victory Road: Requires 8 Badges to access.

Accessing Zapdos and Articuno

• Both Pokémon are found once you can surf:
  • Seafoam Islands for Articuno.
  • Power Plant for Zapdos.

Pokémon Gold and Silver

• Earliest Legendaries: Raikou, Entei, and Suicune (3 Gym Badges)
  • They flee when encountered in the Burned Tower before battling Morty.
• Strategies for catching:
  • Sleep, freeze, or trapping moves required since they flee at the first chance.
• Crystal Version: Only Raikou and Entei can be caught early as Suicune is a static encounter at Tin Tower later.

Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire

• Earliest Legendary: (Tricky) Reggie Trio or Box Art legend (either Groudon or Kyogre).
  • Requirements: Dive after Gym Leader Liza.
• Progression: Regi’s quests do not require continuing the main story, making them earlier.

Bonus Disc and Mythical Pokémon

• Gera (Mythical) through special disc (pre-order bonus) with limitations.
  • Does not count as it involves extra equipment.

FireRed and LeafGreen

• Earliest Legendary: Zapdos (same as Gen 1).
  • Moltres is accessible later in the Sevii Islands.

Diamond and Pearl

• Earliest Legendary: Box Art Legends, Dialga or Palkia.
  • Caught at climactic battles at Mount Coronet.
• Lake Trio can be caught before 8th badge but after Dialga/Palkia.

Pokémon Black and White

• Earliest Legendary: Cobalion (6 Gym Badges)
  • Can be accessed after learning Surf from Alder.

Pokémon Black 2 and White 2

• Earliest Legendary: Cobalion (similar to Black/White).

Pokémon X and Y

• Earliest Legendary: Box Art Legends, Xerneas or Yveltal.
  • Obtained during climax of Team Flare story.

Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire

• Earliest Legendary: Latios/Latias (5 Gym Badges)
  • Encountered in a cutscene along with Steven’s storyline.

Pokémon Sun and Moon

• Earliest Legendary: Box Art Legends, Solgaleo or Lunala.
  • Acquired after defeating Lusamine.

Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon

• Multiple legendaries possible without immediate story progress.
  • Utilize Ultra Warp Ride to encounter various legendaries.

Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee

• Earliest Legendary (External Equipment): Mew (via Pokéball Plus).
  • $50 as the only means for Mew, therefore not considered as easily accessible.

Pokémon Sword and Shield

• DLC considerations:
  • Without DLC, earliest is Eternatus (forced capture).
  • With DLC, early access to Kubfu after trials.

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

• Earliest Legendary (Gift): Mew (with specific save data).
  • More reasonable than with Pokéball Plus in previous games.

Pokémon Legends: Arceus

• Earliest Legendary: Manaphy or Fion available before main plot legendaries.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

• Without DLC: Treasures of Ruin (can be encountered without badges).
  • Level compliance required for capture and obedience.
• With DLC: Ogrepon as the earliest Legendary Pokémon.

Conclusion

• Variety of ways to encounter legendaries across Pokémon games.
• Many require specific conditions, and earlier Legendaries depend on gym badge progress.
• Importance of Methodology: Only include legendaries that do not require external equipment for simplicity.