How to catch all Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Platinum

Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Platinum guide artwork
Here’s how to catch all Legendary Pokemon on Pokemon Platinum. This guide will show you where to find and how to get all the Legendary Pokemon in the Nintendo DS game.

There is a different strategy to catching each of the 24 Legendary Pokemon in Pokemon Platinum. Below we will tell you how to catch these Pokemon and where to find them.

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Giratina

Giratina Legendary Pokemon artwork
Giratina (Renegade Pokemon, Level 47)
Location: Distortion World
How To Catch: Throw Quick Balls in the 1st turn, you might get lucky. Throw Dusk Balls continuously once his HP is down. Increase your success rate to catch him by putting him in a Sleep, Frozen or Paralysis state.
National DEX number: 487
Type: Ghost/Dragon
Signature Move: Shadow Force
Abilitiy: Pressure [Another Forme], Levitate [Origin Forme]

Here’s a video of the battle with Giratina. (thx to ShinobixNinja)

How to Get Origin Forme Giratina

Origin Forme Giratina Awesome Pokemon artwork!
While outside the Distortion World, Giratina will always remain in Altered Forme. However if you attach Giratina with a Platinum Orb, it will change to it’s Origin Forme. Get the Platinum Orb (or Griseous Orb) after beating the Elite Four and Champion, then go to Turnback Cave. Solve the puzzle here. A portal will appear. Going inside the portal will take you back to the Distortion World, where you should now find the Platinum Orb.

Here is a video guide on getting Origin Forme Giratina. (thanks to 3GameMasters)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Uxie

Uxie Legendary Pokemon artwork
Uxie (Knowledge Pokemon, Level 50)
Location: Lake Acuity near Snowpoint City (you can get him after the Distortion World events after you’ve talked to Professor Rowan). To get into the Lake Acuity Cavern you’ll need: HM Slave, Rock Climb, Surf
How To Catch: You’ll find Uxie in the middle of the Acuity Cavern. He has high defense, so don’t be afraid to attack with your strongest moves. Put him to Sleep or Paralyze him to make him easier to catch. Use Quick Balls on your first turn, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch him. Otherwise Dusk Balls can also be useful if you are fighting him at night.
National DEX Number: 480
Type: Psychic
Signature Move: None
Ability: Levitate

Here is a video guide on how to catch Uxie. (caution, loud annoying scream at start of video) [thx to Jimmy3148]

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Mesprit

Mesprit Legendary Pokemon artwork
Mesprit (Emotion Pokemon, Level 50)
Location: Lake Verity near your hometown of Twinleaf. Use Surf to reach the cavern. Engage once, it’ll run. Now use your Poketech Mark Map app to find it.
How to Catch: Use a Pokemon with Mean Look or Block (like Gastly, Haunter or Gengar) to prevent Mesprit from running away. This is the best strategy to use for all “running” Pokemon, who easily will run from the battle. Use Super or Max Repels so you don’t risk killing Mesprit in one hit. Key is to slowly drain it’s HP while preventing it from running away. Using False Swipes is a great way to do this. Do not use Burn or Poison, but do try to use Sleep or Paralyze. You’ll need lots of Ultra Balls, Timer Balls or Dusk Balls (if at night). If you’re really lucky, Quick Balls may help for first encounters.
National DEX Number: 481
Type: Psychic
Signature Move: None
Ability: Levitate

Here is a video guide showing you how to catch Mesprit. (thx to oilersrock112)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Azelf

Azelf Uxie Mesprit Legendary Pokemon artwork
Azelf (Willpower Pokemon, level 50)
Location: In the middle of Route 214, 213 and 222 at Lake Valor Cavern. After the Distortion World events it’ll be full of water again.
How to Catch: Has very high offense. As always, try to put Sleep or Paralyze on it. If you’re lucky enough, you may be able to catch it with a Quick Ball. Dusk Balls are useful at night.
National DEX Number: 482
Type: Psychic
Signature Move: None
Ability: Levitate

Here is a video guide on how to catch Azelf. (thx to superskarmory)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Dialga

Dialga Legendary Pokemon artwork
Dialga (Temporal Pokemon, Level 70)
Location: Satisfy the following conditions: Beat Elite Four, Talk to Elder in Celestic Town (Cynthia’s mother), collect the Adamant Orb and Lustrous Orb from Mt. Coronet from the 4F (Go right when you go up the first Rock Climb path on the snowy peaks). Waterfall is required to get both items (don’t forget to get the Stone Plate in the middle rock between the two orbs). Now you can find a blue portal at the far end of Spear Pillar. Save first. Now enter to fight Dialga.
How to Catch: EXTREMELY powerful at level 70. Earth Power will easily kill Fire or Electric types. Roar of Time is also deadly. He has weakness to Ground and Fighting moves. Try to Paralyze or use Hypnosis on him. Use Ultra Balls or a Master Ball. If you’re extremely lucky, a Quick Ball could catch him. If you fail to catch him, restart.
National DEX Number: 483
Type: Dragon/Steel
Signature Move: Roar of Time
Ability: Pressure

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Palkia

Palkia Legendary Pokemon artwork
Palkia (Spatial Pokemon, Level 70)
Location: See above on conditions. As soon as you’ve caught Dialga as listed above, exit Mt. Coronet and go back to Spear Pillar. Now you will see a pink portal instead of a blue one, on the right side. Save before entering, because you are about to fight Palkia!
How to Catch: Only weak to Dragon moves, even though he is part Water. Still he doesn’t have the same kind of resistance as Dalgia, making him easier to catch. Careful of his Signature Move, Special Rend (massive damage and high critical hit ratio). Use Net Balls, Ultra Ball or Timer Balls. If you don’t have many Net Balls, try using a Master Ball. As always, you can get lucky with a Quick Ball.
National DEX Number: 484
Type: Dragon/Water
Signature Move: Special Rend
Ability: Pressure

Here is a video guide on how to catch both Dialga and Palkia. (thx to chuggaaconroy)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Articuno

Articuno Legendary Pokemon Artwork by Michelle B2 thanks to Elfwood
Articuno (Freeze Pokemon, Level 60)
Location: Anyway Grass at Sinnoh
How to Catch: Do not use Grass, Ground or Rock Pokemon. Try to hit him with a powerful attack to drain as much HP as possible. Then try to Paralyze or Sleep as usual. If you let him run away, you can try again and use Dusk Balls (if at night) or Quick Balls, you may get lucky. You also might want to try using Mean Look or Block to prevent them from running.
National DEX Number: 144
Type: Ice/Flying
Signature Move: None
Ability: Pressure

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Zapdos

Zapdos Articuno Moltres Legendary bird Pokemon Artwork thanks to Pokemon Paradijs
Zapdos (Electric Pokemon, Level 60)
Location: Anyway Grass at Sinnoh
How to Catch: Zapdos may run from you, so Mean Look or Block is useful. Try to slowly drain it’s HP. Quick Balls can be useful if lucky. It’s recommended to try Ultra Balls as well.
National DEX Number: 145
Type: Electric/Flying
Signature Move: None
Ability: Pressure

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Moltres

Moltres Legendary Pokemon artwork
Moltres (Flame Pokemon, Level 60)
Location: Anyway Grass at Sinnoh
How to Catch: Has high offense, focuses on attacking. His Flamethrower move has a 10% chance of afflicting you with Burn. Use the same strategies as for the other Legendary Birds listed above (Articuno and Zapdos).
National DEX Number: 146
Type: Fire/Flying
Signature Move: None
Ability: Pressure

Here is a video guide showing you how to catch all three Legendary Bird Pokemon: Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres. (thx to ace2k1)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Cresselia

Cresselia Legendary Pokemon artwork
Cresselia (Lunar Pokemon, Level 50)
Location: Anyway Grass at Sinnoh
How to Catch: Once you approach the inner part of the island and confront her, she’ll be entered into your Pokedex but will then run away (leaving the Lunar Wing item, medicine for the Sailor’s child). She is a runner so use the same tactics as with other running Pokemon. She is somewhat weak, so use a medium range power attack so you don’t kill her. Don’t use Poison or Burn. Use Roar to make her easier to catch. Master Balls, Ultra Balls, and Timer Balls are all useful.
National DEX Number: 488
Type: Psychic
Signature Move: Lunar Dance
Ability: Levitate

Here is a video guide showing you how to catch Cresselia. (thx to oilersrock112)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Heatran

Heatran Legendary Pokemon artwork
Heatran (Lava Dome Pokemon, Level 50)
Location: On Stark Mountain. You can find him after beating the remaining Team Galactic at the mountain. Afterward, talk to Buck at the Survival Area. He’ll allow you to pass into the Top Trainer Cafe the Battleground. Now talk to Buck again, he’ll leave the cafe. You can now catch Heatran on Stark Mountain. You’ll need Rock Climb, Strength and Surf. Heatran can be either male or female.
How to Catch: Beware of Lava Plume which gives you 30% chance of Burn. Metal Sound can also lower your SP. Try to put Sleep or Paralyze on it as usual. Slowly chip away at it’s HP. Dusk Balls are useful at night. And even more so due to the dark cave setting.
National DEX Number: 485
Type: Fire/Steel
Signature Move: Magma Storm
Ability: Flash Fire

Here is a video guide on how to catch Heatran. (thx to migotto21)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Rotom

Rotom Legendary Pokemon artwork
Rotom (Plasma Pokemon, Level 20)
Location: Old Chateau to the North, close to the Eterna Forest exit. You’ll need Cut to get through the trees. Rotom will be available after you have beaten the Galactic Team at Eterna City at the Galactic Hideout.
How to Catch: This Pokemon is pretty easy to catch. Use Dusk Balls or Nest Balls. As well as Sleep or Paralyze Status Effects, and you should catch him easy enough.
National DEX Number: 479
Type: Electric/Ghost
Signature Move: None
Ability: Levitate

This video guide shows you how to get Rotom. (thx to oilersrock112)

How to Change Rotom Forme

Rotom Formes Legendary Pokemon artwork (Home Appliances)
You can change the Forme of Rotom if you have a “Secret Key” item. To get this item you will most likely have to cheat using an Action Replay device or whatnot, since it was only given out over Wi-Fi in Japan (we are not responsible for lost data if you try to cheat to change his Forme). Also note that just having the item doesn’t fulfill certain events that may be required.

Once you have the Secret Key, go to the Galactic Hideout in Eterna City (where you fought Jupiter for the first time), go into the building and to the room on the top left. Find the bookcase and press A on the wall to the left of it. The bookcase will open, revealing a hidden basement! Inside are five home appliances including a Refrigerator, a Lawnmower, an Oven, a Fan and a Washing Machine, these will change Rotom into different formes based on the appliance! Just make sure he’s in your party. Once changed, simply press A next to an empty appliance to change Rotom back to his Normal Forme.

1. The Fridge will turn Rotom into FROST ROTOM and he will learn BLIZZARD.
2. The Lawnmover will turn Rotom into MOW ROTOM and he will learn LEAF STORM.
3. The Oven will turn Rotom into HEAT ROTOM and he will learn OVERHEAT.
4. The Fan will turn Rotom into FAN ROTOM and he will learn AIR SLASH.
5. The Washing Machine will turn Rotom into WASH ROTOM and he will learn HYDRO PUMP.

Here is a video guide explaining the Rotom Formes event and how to get them. (thx to ChaosLink93)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Regigigas

Regigigas Legendary Pokemon artwork
Regigigas (Colossal Pokemon, Level 1)
You must have Regice, Regirock and Registeel in your party (trade via GTS or with friends who own Ruby, Sapphire or Emerald to get them). Now go to Snowpoint City and head to the temple in the North. After beating the Elite Four or if you’ve completed all the main quests, a women named Candice will allow you to discover the temple. Once inside the temple, you’ll find Regigigas on the bottom floor, asleep in the middle of the room.
How to Catch: He will be level 1, so you can’t attack him. Use False Swipe and status effects Sleep or Paralyze. Then use Dusk Balls (if at night) or Ultra Balls to catch him. Pokeballs won’t work.
National DEX Number: 486
Type: Normal
Signature Move: Crush Grip
Ability: Slow Star

This video guide will show you how to catch Regigigas. (thx to Jimmy31428)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Regirock

Regirock Regice Registeel Legendary Pokemon artwork
Regirock (Rock Peak Pokemon, Level 30)
In order to catch this Pokemon, you must have obtained a Regigigas from a Nintendo event (or using a cheat device. If you choose to use one, we are not held responsible for lost data or the consequences of cheating). having Regigigas will allow you to catch Regirock.
Location: You will find Regirock on Route 228 near the Resort Area. You’ll find a cave here. Inside you’ll find seven flashing orange buttons on the ground, with a big Pokemon statue in front of them. Step on all the orange plates, and then engage the statue to fight Regirock!
How to Catch: This Pokemon isn’t hard to catch at all. Though you may beware of the Superpower move. Simply follow the typical formula: whittle away it’s HP, try to use a Status Effect like Sleep or Paralyze, throw Dusk Balls if it’s night, or use Ultra Balls or a Master Ball.
National DEX Number: 377
Type: Rock
Signature Move: None
Ability: Clear Body

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Regice

Regice Legendary Pokemon Artwork
Regice (Iceberg Pokemon, Level 30)
In order to catch this Pokemon, you must have obtained a Regigigas from a Nintendo event (or using a cheat device. If you choose to use one, we are not held responsible for lost data or the consequences of cheating). having Regigigas will allow you to catch Regice.
Location:From Celestic Town, take Route 211 to Mt. Coronet. Make sure your Pokemon has Strength. Enter Mt. Coronet with your Regigigas and head down Route 216. You should find a cave before the exit. Inside is where you’ll find Regice. Like with Regirock, step on all the orange buttons then engage the statue.
How to Catch:
Extremely easy to catch, not tough or strong. Whittle away it’s HP, try putting on Status Effects, and use Quick Balls, Ultra Balls, etc.
National DEX Number: 378
Type: Ice
Signature Move: None
Ability: Clear Body

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Registeel

Registeel Legendary Pokemon artwork
Registeel (Iron Pokemon, Level 30)
In order to catch this Pokemon, you must have obtained a Regigigas from a Nintendo event (or using a cheat device. If you choose to use one, we are not held responsible for lost data or the consequences of cheating). having Regigigas will allow you to catch Registeel.
Location: To get Registeel, go to Canalave City and get ready to go to Iron Island. Once there, go inside and you’ll find a cave before the exit (where you picked up the Shiny Stone). As with the others, step on the orange buttons to awaken the sleeping Pokemon and get ready to fight!
How to Catch:
Use the typical strategies like listed above for the other “Reg” Pokemon. He shouldn’t be hard to catch.
National DEX Number: 379
Type: Steel
Signature Move: None
Ability: Clear Body

Here’s a video guide on getting Regirock, Registeel and Regice. (thx to 5DMaster)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Manaphy

Manaphy Legendary Pokemon artwork
Manaphy (Seafaring Pokemon, Level 1)
In order to get Manaphy, you must transfer a Manaphy Egg from Pokemon Ranger or Pokemon Ranger: Shadow of Almia via the event in those games. Of course, you can always trade for Manaphy with a friend who owns him. Once you have the Manaphy Egg, you will need to walk over 3,000 steps. When it hatches you’ll have your Manaphy.
National DEX Number: 490
Type: Water
Signature Move: Heart Swap
Ability: Hydration

Here is a video guide on how to catch Manaphy. (thx to PsycloneMasterY)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Phione

Phione Legendary Pokemon artwork
Phione (Drifter Pokemon, Level 1)
In order to get this Pokemon, a baby of Manaphy, you’ll have to breed your Manaphy with Ditto at the Solaceon Day Care Center.
National DEX Number: 489
Type: Water
Signature Move: None
Ability: Hydration

Here is a video guide showing you how to catch Phione. (thx to MASTEROFPLATINUM)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Darkrai

Darkrai Legendary Pokemon artwork
Darkrai (Pitch-Black Pokemon, Level 50)
This Pokemon must be activated with a Member Card from a Nintendo Wi-Fi event. Alternately, you can get him via a cheat device, which will activate the NewMoon Island event. (We are not responsible for lost data if you try to cheat to get Darkrai).
Location: You’ll find him deep within NewMoon Island (which you’ll find on the right side of Fullmoon Island). Fly to Canalave City, go into the house located above the Pokemon Center. Eventually you’ll end up at Newmoon Island, trapped there until you defeat Darkrai.
National DEX Number: 491
Type: Dark
Signature Move: Dark Void
Ability: Bad Dreams

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Shaymin

Shaymin Legendary Pokemon artwork
Shaymin (Gratitude Pokemon, Level 30)
This Pokemon is only unlockable via a Toys R’ Us or other Nintendo Wi-Fi event, in which a special item called Oak’s Letter was given to you. This item unlocks the event that allows you to get Shaymin in the game. You can also try using a cheat device. We are not held responsible for lost data if you go that route.
Location: Beat the Elite Four. Make sure you take Pokemon with the moves Defog, Strength, Surf and Rock Smash. Go to Victory Road at the Pokemon League but go to the other side of it. Before beating the Elite Four, this path will be blocked by a fat guy, who is now gone. You’ll be in a foggy area that lowers your Accuracy, so use Defog. A girl named Marley will follow you. Get through the cave, and Marley will leave. Once you get through the area, you should be on Route 224. You’ll then meet Professor Oak and Riley . . . You’ll also meet Shaymin! After a cut-scene, you’ll need to go up the very long, flowery SeaBreak Path. This leads you to Flower Paradise. You’ll find Shaymin in the middle of Flower Paradise.
How to Catch: Shaymin is very easy to catch. Simply whittle away it’s HP slowly as always. Put her to Sleep or Paralyze as soon as you can. Use Dusk Balls if it’s night, or Ultra Balls if it’s daytime.
National DEX Number: 492
Type: Grass (Normal Forme), Grass/Flying (Skye Forme)
Signature Move: Seed Flare
Ability: Natural Cure (Normal Forme), Serene Grace (Skye Forme)

How to Get Sky Forme Shaymin aka Skymin

Skye Form Shaymin Skymin artwork by Keishinkae
Normal Shaymin has a new forme in Pokemon Platinum called Sky Forme. To change her into this forme (which has higher stats and makes her half Flying Type) you need to have the Gracedia Flowers item. Get this item by showing a character in Floaroma Town your Shaymin or a Shaymin from an event. Note though that you can only use the Sky Forme during morning or day, as it turns back into normal at night.

This guide video shows you how to get both Shaymin and Skymin! (thx to timaeus22222)

How to Catch Legendary Pokemon Arceus

Arceus Legendary Pokemon artwork

This Pokemon, the last number in the Pokedex is the highest level Wild Pokemon in the game (Alpha Pokemon, Level 80). The only official way to capture him is via a Nintendo event, where you are given the Heaven’s Pipe item. The only other way to get Arceus is via a cheat device or glitch. We are not responsible for lost date if you choose to go this route.
Location: You must have the Heaven’s Pipe item, this will activate the Halls of Origin quest. Now go to the Spear Pillar at the top of Mt. Coronet. Blow the flute (the game should ask you to do this). This will make the Halls of Origin stairway appear! These will lead you to Arceus, the Alpha Pokemon and ultimate Legendary!
How to Catch: The highest level Pokemon you will fight in the game, Arceus is extremely powerful at level 80. He is almost impossible to catch without a Master Ball. His moves include Refresh, Future Sight, Recover and Hyper Beam. It is very hard to afflict him with Status Effects or even to whittle down his HP due to his Recover move. But eventually he may run out of PP. If you have any Plates that you collected in Sinnoh, you can use them on Arceus to change him into that type of Plate via his move Multitype. Based on what plate you’ve attached, his Signature Move called Judgment will have different effects. Beware, this move has 100 power and 100% accuracy! To improve your chances of catching him, try this strategy. Catch a male and female Raticate on Route 225 that both know Endeavor, and have them breed at a Day Care. The egg should give you a Rattata with Endeavor. Now catch a Gastly at Old Chateau or Lost Tower and make him remember Hypnosis. Then be sure you have an Origin Forme Giratina (see above) who knows Heal Block. This will make it much easier to catch Arceus. Start off with Gastly and put him to Sleep as soon as possible. Then attack with Rattata’s Endeavor. Next use Giratina’s HealBlock. You now may be able to catch him with Dusk Balls, Ultra Balls or Timer Balls. Good luck!
National DEX Number: 493
Type: Normal
Signature Move: Judgment
Ability: Multitype

Last but not least, here is a guide video showing you how to catch Arceus! (thx to MASTEROFPLATINUM)

Here are the Action Replay codes he used to cheat and get the flute item in the video above:

+Azure Flute (L+R)
94000130 FCFF0000
62101D40 00000000
B2101D40 00000000
0000B5D4 0000000A
0000B5D8 00000000
D2000000 00000000

After entering the codes, press L+R. Now go to any PokeMart to get the item.