How to Find & Catch Giratina in Pokemon Legends: Arceus

Giratina, the Renegade Pokémon, is one of the most iconic legendary Pokémon, and catching it in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is a significant achievement. This powerful Ghost/Dragon-type Pokémon has two distinct forms, each with unique stats and appearances. Obtaining Giratina requires progressing through the main story to a certain point and then undertaking specific post-game challenges.

You first encounter Giratina during the main story, specifically during Mission 26, "The Counterpart." However, this initial encounter is not a battle; it's a narrative event. To actually catch Giratina, you must first complete the main story and become the Champion of the Galaxy Team. After achieving this milestone, you will unlock new post-game content, including the ability to revisit the Turnback Cave in the Cobalt Coastlands.

To initiate the hunt for Giratina, you'll need to obtain the Griseous Orb. This special item is key to changing Giratina's form and is obtained by completing a series of requests from Professor Laventon and Cogita. Specifically, you'll need to catch all 242 Pokémon in the Hisui Pokédex. Once this monumental task is complete, speak with Cogita, who will then give you the Griseous Orb. This orb allows Giratina to switch between its Altered Forme and Origin Forme.

With the Griseous Orb in hand, return to the Turnback Cave. The entrance to Turnback Cave is located on a small island off the coast of the Cobalt Coastlands. You can reach it by using Basculegion. Inside Turnback Cave, you will find Giratina. Be prepared for a challenging battle, as Giratina is a very powerful Pokémon. Its Altered Forme has high defensive stats, while its Origin Forme boasts incredible offensive power.

Giratina's Battle Strategy:

Type Matchups: Giratina is a Ghost/Dragon-type. It is weak to Ghost, Dragon, Ice, Dark, and Fairy-type moves. Conversely, it resists Poison and Bug-type moves.
Recommended Pokémon: Pokémon like Garchomp (Dragon/Ground), Mamoswine (Ice/Ground), or Dragapult (Dragon/Ghost) can be effective. Consider Pokémon with strong STAB (Same-Type Attack Bonus) moves that exploit its weaknesses.
Status Conditions: Inflicting status conditions like Paralysis or Sleep can give you an advantage. However, Giratina's high stats might make it resistant.
Catching: It's advisable to weaken Giratina significantly without knocking it out. Once its HP is low, use strong Poké Balls like Ultra Balls or Sticky Balls. If you have trouble, consider using status conditions to make catching easier.

After defeating Giratina, you will have the opportunity to catch it. If you fail to catch it on your first attempt, you can leave Turnback Cave and re-enter to reset the encounter. Remember that the Griseous Orb is crucial for its form change; without it, Giratina will remain in its Altered Forme. Successfully catching Giratina is a testament to your dedication and skill as a Pokémon Trainer in Hisui.