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Capturing the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys in Pokémon LeafGreen and FireRed is an adventure that calls for a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and careful preparation. During the Game Boy Advance era, these rare creatures were often restricted to special events, requiring players to unlock hidden locations, obtain exclusive tickets, and complete specific post-game tasks to even have a shot at encountering them.
In Pokémon LeafGreen and FireRed, Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys are not part of the standard storyline. To encounter these Pokémon, players must go beyond merely conquering the Pokémon League. Below is a comprehensive guide on the steps needed to capture each one of these legendary Pokémon.
Requirements to encounter Ho-Oh, Lugia, Deoxys in Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed
Before you can embark on the journey to catch Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Deoxys in Pokémon LeafGreen and FireRed, make sure you have fulfilled certain prerequisites:
By meeting these requirements, players will unlock access to additional islands and event-specific areas where these legendary encounters await.
- Defeat the Elite Four and become Champion.
- Obtain the National Pokedex from Professor Oak.
- Progress through the post-game storyline involving the Sevii Islands.
Completing these requirements ensures access to additional islands and event-based areas tied to Legendary encounters.
Also read: How to get Entei, Raikou, Suicune in Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed
How to get Ho-Oh and Lugia in Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed
Ho-Oh and Lugia are found at the same location, but which version you are playing determines which one of the two you encounter.
1) Obtain the MysticTicket: To reach these Pokemon, you need the MysticTicket. Originally, this item was distributed through official Nintendo events. Without it, the area where Ho-Oh and Lugia spawn is inaccessible in a regular play run.
2) Travel to Navel Rock: With the MysticTicket in your possession go to the port in Vermilion City, speak to the sailor to access the special destination and travel to Navel Rock.
3) Encounter the Legendary: Inside Navel Rock: Ho-Oh is encountered at Level 70 in the FireRed version and Level 70 Lugia appears in LeafGreen.
You must get through the cave, ascending for Ho-Oh and descending for Lugia, until you reach their respective static encounter chambers.
Tip: Bring plenty of Ultra Balls, status-inflicting moves (Sleep or Paralysis), and Pokemon resistant to Flying-, and Fire- or Psychic-type attacks.
Also read: How to get Master Ball in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
How to get Deoxys in Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed
Deoxys requires a separate event item and is located on a different island.
1) Obtain the AuroraTicket: Like the MysticTicket, the AuroraTicket was distributed through limited-time events. It unlocks access to a special island where Deoxys can be found.
2) Travel to Birth Island: After acquiring the AuroraTicket:
- Visit Vermilion City’s harbor.
- Sail to Birth Island.
3) Solve the Triangle Puzzle: On Birth Island, you will find a black triangle. Interact with it by approaching it from specific directions. Each correct interaction causes it to move. Continue activating it in the shortest possible path each time.
If done correctly the triangle turns red and Deoxys appears at Level 30.
Deoxys in FireRed and LeafGreen has a version-specific form:
- FireRed will encounter the Attack Forme.
- LeafGreen will encounter the Defense Forme.
Also read: How to get Zapdos, Moltres, Articuno in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Obtaining Ho-Oh, Lugia, Deoxys in Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed requires completing the post-game content and accessing event-specific islands. But with preparation, adding these Legendary Pokemon to your team is an incredibly rewarding achievement.
Also read: How to get Mewtwo in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Check out our other Pokemon LeafGreen and FireRed guides:
Edited by Aashish Victor