Pokémon List / Pokédex

Welcome, aspiring Pokémon Trainer, to the definitive guide for completing your Unova Pokédex in Pokémon Black and White! This comprehensive section will walk you through the locations and strategies for encountering every Pokémon available in the region. Filling your Pokédex isn't just about bragging rights; it unlocks valuable rewards and enhances your journey through Unova.

Remember, some Pokémon are version-exclusive, meaning they appear only in Black or White. We'll highlight these differences to ensure you know what to look for and what you might need to trade for.

Understanding the Pokédex

The Pokédex is your essential tool for tracking all the Pokémon you've seen and caught. To "see" a Pokémon, you simply need to encounter it in battle. To "catch" it, you must successfully capture it using a Poké Ball. There are two main sections to your Pokédex:

• Unova Dex: This lists all 156 new Pokémon introduced in Black and White, from Victini (#000) to Genesect (#155).
• National Dex: After defeating the Elite Four and becoming the Champion, Professor Juniper will upgrade your Pokédex to the National Dex, allowing you to track Pokémon from previous regions that can be obtained through various methods (e.g., trading, special events).

Strategies for Completion

Completing your Pokédex requires a combination of exploration, battling, and strategic item usage. Here are some key tips:

1. Explore Every Corner

Wild Pokémon appear in specific areas. Thoroughly explore every route, cave, forest, and body of water. check:

• Tall Grass: The most common habitat for wild Pokémon. Some areas have darker, rustling grass where rare Pokémon or double battles can occur.
• Caves: Often home to Rock- and Ground-type Pokémon.
• Water: Use the Old Rod, Good Rod, and Super Rod to fish in various bodies of water. The quality of the rod affects the Pokémon you encounter. You'll receive the Old Rod from a Fisherman in Striaton City after defeating the first Gym Leader.
• Surfing: Use the HM03 Surf to traverse water and encounter Water-type Pokémon.
• Shaking Spots: In caves, look for shaking dust clouds. These often contain rare Pokémon or valuable items like Evolutionary Stones.
• Rustling Grass/Shaking Trees: On routes, some patches of grass or trees will occasionally shake. Entering these spots can lead to encounters with rare Pokémon or even items.

2. Battle Every Trainer

Battling trainers is crucial for seeing Pokémon you might not encounter in the wild. Many trainers use Pokémon that are version-exclusive or simply rarer to find. Pay attention to their teams!

3. Use Key Items Wisely

• Repels: Use Repel, Super Repel, or Max Repel to avoid weaker Pokémon when hunting for specific, higher-level encounters.
• Poké Balls: Stock up on various Poké Balls. Great Balls and Ultra Balls are essential for catching stronger Pokémon. Don't forget specialized balls like Net Balls for Bug/Water types, Dusk Balls for night/cave encounters, and Quick Balls for a high chance on the first turn.
• Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis significantly increases your catch rate. Teach a Pokémon a move like Thunder Wave or Spore.
• False Swipe: A Pokémon with False Swipe (e.g., Scyther, Gallade via TM) can reduce an opponent's HP to 1 without knocking them out, making them easier to catch.

4. Trading and Version Exclusives

To complete the Unova Dex, you will inevitably need to trade with a player who owns the opposite version of your game. Here's a quick overview of some key version exclusives:

• Pokémon Black Exclusives: Reshiram, Cottonee, Whimsicott, Gothita, Gothorita, Gothitelle, Vullaby, Mandibuzz, Rufflet, Braviary.
• Pokémon White Exclusives: Zekrom, Petilil, Lilligant, Solosis, Duosion, Reuniclus, Spritzee, Aromatisse, Swirlix, Slurpuff.

Organize trading sessions with friends or utilize online communities to acquire these Pokémon.

5. Evolution Methods

Many Pokémon evolve through various means beyond simply leveling up. Keep these in mind:

• Level-Up: The most common method.
• Evolutionary Stones: Use items like the Fire Stone, Water Stone, Thunder Stone, Leaf Stone, Moon Stone, Sun Stone, Dawn Stone, Dusk Stone, and Shiny Stone on specific Pokémon. These can often be found on routes, in caves, or purchased in certain cities.
• Trading: Some Pokémon evolve only when traded, sometimes while holding a specific item. For example, Karrablast evolves into Escavalier when traded for Shelmet.
• Friendship: Certain Pokémon evolve when they have high friendship with their trainer and level up.
• Specific Conditions: Some Pokémon have unique evolution requirements, such as evolving at a certain time of day or while knowing a particular move.

6. Legendary Pokémon

Legendary Pokémon are powerful and often require specific events or locations to encounter. Be prepared for a tough battle and bring plenty of Ultra Balls!

• Reshiram/Zekrom: These are the main legendary Pokémon for Black and White, respectively, and are encountered as part of the main story.
• Kyurem: Found in the Giant Chasm after defeating the Elite Four.
• Cobalion, Terrakion, Virizion: These three "Swords of Justice" can be found in specific locations across Unova after encountering Cobalion first.
• Victini: Requires the Liberty Pass event item to access Liberty Garden, where Victini resides.
• Meloetta, Genesect, Keldeo: These are event-exclusive Pokémon and cannot be caught through normal gameplay.

By following these guidelines, you'll be well on your way to becoming a true Pokémon Master and completing your Unova Pokédex!