How to Find & Catch Darkrai in Pokemon Legends: Arceus
Darkrai, the Pitch-Black Pokemon, is one of the most elusive and sought-after Pokemon in Pokemon Legends: Arceus. Its legendary status and unique lore make it a prime target for dedicated trainers. Fortunately, there are specific conditions and locations where you can encounter and attempt to catch this mythical creature, though it requires a bit of patience and preparation.
To even have a chance at encountering Darkrai, you must first meet a crucial prerequisite: you need to have completed the main story of Pokemon Legends: Arceus and achieved a 10-star rank with the Galaxy Team. This means you've progressed through all the major plot points and have proven your worth as a trainer in Hisui. Once these conditions are met, you can then access the special event that allows for Darkrai's appearance.
The key to triggering Darkrai's appearance lies in a specific in-game event tied to a particular date and time. You will need to have the Gingko Guild's request related to Darkrai active. This request becomes available after you've completed the main story and have the right save data from Pokemon Brilliant Diamond or Pokemon Shining Pearl. If you have a save file from either of those games on your Nintendo Switch, the option to receive a special request related to Darkrai will appear.
Once you have the necessary save data and have completed the main story, head to the **Gingko Guild stall** located near the entrance of Jubilife Village. Speak to the merchants there, and if the conditions are met, they will offer you a special request that leads to Darkrai. This request will typically involve traveling to a specific location at a specific time.
The location where Darkrai can be found is the **Coronet Highlands**, specifically within the **Clamberclaw Cliffs** area. However, Darkrai does not appear here randomly. It will only appear during the nighttime and under the condition of a full moon. The game's internal clock and weather system determine when a full moon occurs. If it's not a full moon, you will need to wait or manipulate the in-game time.
To ensure you are there during the correct conditions, it is highly recommended to save your game before entering the Clamberclaw Cliffs area at night. If Darkrai does not appear, you can reload your save and try again. You can also change the in-game time by resting at your camp or in Jubilife Village. Sleeping until night will advance the time. If you are aiming for a full moon, you might need to cycle through several in-game days.
When you finally encounter Darkrai, it will be a high-level Pokemon, so be prepared for a challenging battle. It's advisable to have a strong team with Pokemon that have type advantages against Dark-type Pokemon, such as Fighting, Bug, or Fairy-type Pokemon. Darkrai's sature move, Dark Void, can inflict sleep, so having Pokemon with high Speed or status-healing items is also beneficial.
Catching Darkrai requires a strategic approach. You can attempt to catch it directly with Poke Balls, but due to its high level and potential to inflict status conditions, it might be difficult. Consider using moves that lower its stats or inflict status conditions like paralysis. Alternatively, you can use the stealth mechanics of the game to get behind it and throw a powerful ball like an Ultra Ball. Remember that Darkrai is a legendary Pokemon, so it will likely have a lower catch rate.
Catching Darkrai: A Summary
- Prerequisites: Complete main story, 10-star rank, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl save data.
- Trigger: Accept the special Gingko Guild request.
- Location: Clamberclaw Cliffs, Coronet Highlands.
- Conditions: Nighttime, Full Moon.
- Preparation: Strong team (Fighting, Bug, Fairy types), status healing items.
- Strategy: Lower stats, inflict status, use powerful Poke Balls.