Post-Game Content & Battle Mode
Congratulations, Snagem Master! Defeating Evice and dismantling Cipher's plans is just the beginning. Pokémon Colosseum offers a wealth of challenges and opportunities after the credits roll. This section will guide you through all the exciting post-game content, including snagging remaining Shadow Pokémon, revisiting familiar locations for new encounters, and mastering the Battle Mode.
I. Completing Your Shadow Pokémon Collection
Your primary goal post-game should be to snag all the remaining Shadow Pokémon you might have missed during the main story. There are 48 Shadow Pokémon in total, and many become available or re-available after defeating Evice.
A. Revisit Story Locations
Several trainers with Shadow Pokémon will reappear in locations you've already explored. have plenty of Ultra Balls and Timer Balls on hand, as some of these battles can be tough.
- Outskirt Stand: Head back to the Outskirt Stand. You'll find a trainer here with a Shadow Pokémon you might have missed.
- Pyrite Town: Explore Pyrite Town thoroughly. New trainers, some with Shadow Pokémon, will be scattered around. Check the Pyrite Building and the surrounding areas.
- The Under: The Under is a hotspot for post-game Shadow Pokémon. Navigate through the various sections, including the Under Subway, to find new challengers.
- Shadow Pokémon Lab: Return to the Shadow Pokémon Lab. There are still Shadow Pokémon to be found within its sinister walls.
B. Snagem Hideout
The Snagem Hideout becomes a crucial location for snagging specific Shadow Pokémon. After completing the main story, the Snagem Hideout will house trainers with Shadow Pokémon that were previously unavailable or are now re-encountered.
- Location: The Snagem Hideout is located in the desert, accessible from the Outskirt Stand.
- Strategy: Be prepared for a series of battles. Bring a balanced team and plenty of healing items like Full Restores and Max Potions. Focus on lowering the Shadow Pokémon's HP and inflicting status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis before attempting to snag them.
C. Mt. Battle Re-Challenge
Mt. Battle isn't just for leveling up; it also offers opportunities to snag Shadow Pokémon. After the main story, you can re-challenge trainers on Mt. Battle, and some will now possess Shadow Pokémon.
- Strategy: Work your way through all 100 trainers. This is an excellent way to level up your team and purify Shadow Pokémon you've already snagged. Keep an eye out for trainers with Shadow Pokémon, as their Pokémon will be indicated by the familiar purple aura.
II. Battle Mode Challenges
Once you've completed the main story, the Battle Mode opens up, offering a different kind of challenge. This mode allows you to test your team's strength against various trainers in a tournament setting, separate from the main story.
A. Accessing Battle Mode
From the main menu, select "Battle Mode." You'll be presented with several options.
B. Single Battle vs. Double Battle
Battle Mode offers both Single and Double Battle formats. While the main story primarily uses Double Battles, Single Battles provide a unique strategic challenge.
- Single Battle: You'll send out one Pokémon at a time. Focus on individual Pokémon strength and coverage.
- Double Battle: The familiar format from the story, where you send out two Pokémon simultaneously. Synergistic moves and abilities are key here.
C. Different Battle Modes
Within Battle Mode, you'll find various sub-modes, each with its own rules and rewards.
- Colosseum Battle: This is the standard tournament mode. You'll face a series of trainers, often culminating in a powerful final opponent. Winning these battles can earn you BP (Battle Points) and sometimes rare items.
- Story Mode Team Battle: This option allows you to use your story mode team to compete in battles. It's a great way to continue leveling and testing your main team's capabilities without the risk of losing progress in the story.
- Rental Battle: For a different experience, Rental Battle provides you with pre-selected Pokémon teams. This is excellent for experimenting with different Pokémon combinations and strategies without having to train them yourself.
D. Strategies for Battle Mode Success
- Team Composition: A balanced team with good type coverage is essential. Consider Pokémon that can support each other, such as those with stat-boosting moves or abilities that affect allies.
- Held Items: equip your Pokémon with held items like Leftovers, Choice Band, or Scope Lens to give them an edge.
- Move Sets: Ensure your Pokémon have diverse move sets that cover their weaknesses and exploit opponents' vulnerabilities. Consider moves that inflict status conditions like Thunder Wave or Sleep Powder.
- Leveling: While not strictly necessary for Rental Battles, a high-level team (ideally Level 100) is crucial for success in Colosseum and Story Mode Team Battles. Mt. Battle is an excellent place to grind experience.
- Purification: Fully purified Shadow Pokémon gain access to their full move sets and are generally stronger, making them invaluable in Battle Mode.
III. Other Post-Game Activities
A. Purifying All Shadow Pokémon
Beyond snagging them, purifying all 48 Shadow Pokémon is a significant post-game endeavor. The Relic Forest in Agate Village is your primary location for purification. Remember to use the Time Flute to instantly purify a Shadow Pokémon, but these are rare. Otherwise, walking around with them in your party and battling will slowly open their hearts.
B. Collecting All Items
Explore every nook and cranny of Orre. Many hidden items, TMs, and rare candies can be found in previously inaccessible areas or by speaking to NPCs who now have new dialogue and rewards.
- Phenac City: Revisit homes and talk to everyone.
- Agate Village: Check the houses and the Relic Forest thoroughly.
C. Training and Leveling
Mt. Battle remains the best place to train your Pokémon to Level 100. Repeatedly challenging the 100 trainers will provide massive experience and help you prepare for the toughest Battle Mode challenges.