The release of Pokémon X and Y introduced the sixth generation of Pokémon games and brought players to the Kalos region, a land inspired by France. This region is filled with new adventures, challenges, and, of course, legendary Pokémon. The legendary Pokémon in Pokémon X and Y include Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde, each with unique abilities, types, and lore that tie into the game’s story. These legendary Pokémon play a crucial role in the game’s narrative and are highly sought after by trainers for their power and rarity. In this article, we will explore these legendary Pokémon, their abilities, locations, and tips on how to catch them.
Xerneas: The Life Pokémon
Xerneas is the legendary mascot of Pokémon X and is known as the Life Pokémon. It is a Fairy-type legendary Pokémon with the ability Fairy Aura, which boosts the power of all Fairy-type moves in battle. Xerneas is known for its majestic appearance, resembling a large deer with a glowing, multicolored set of antlers that radiate life energy.
Abilities and Stats
- Type: Fairy
- Ability: Fairy Aura (Boosts the power of Fairy-type moves for all Pokémon on the field)
- Base Stats:
- HP: 126
- Attack: 131
- Defense: 95
- Special Attack: 131
- Special Defense: 98
- Speed: 99
Xerneas is known for its high HP and offensive capabilities, making it a strong choice for both offensive and defensive roles in battle. Its signature move, Geomancy, requires a turn to charge but drastically boosts Xerneas’s Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed, making it a formidable opponent once set up.
Location and How to Catch Xerneas
In Pokémon X, Xerneas is encountered as part of the main storyline. Trainers will face Xerneas in Team Flare’s secret HQ during a pivotal moment in the game’s plot. After a brief cutscene, players will have the opportunity to battle and catch Xerneas. It’s recommended to save your game before the encounter, use status-inducing moves like Sleep or Paralysis, and bring plenty of Ultra Balls or a Master Ball to ensure a successful capture.
Yveltal: The Destruction Pokémon
Yveltal is the legendary mascot of Pokémon Y and is known as the Destruction Pokémon. This Dark/Flying-type legendary Pokémon has the ability Dark Aura, which boosts the power of all Dark-type moves in battle. Yveltal is often associated with death and destruction, counterbalancing Xerneas’s association with life.
Abilities and Stats
- Type: Dark/Flying
- Ability: Dark Aura (Boosts the power of Dark-type moves for all Pokémon on the field)
- Base Stats:
- HP: 126
- Attack: 131
- Defense: 95
- Special Attack: 131
- Special Defense: 98
- Speed: 99
Yveltal shares a similar stat distribution with Xerneas, emphasizing high HP and offensive prowess. Its signature move, Oblivion Wing, is a powerful Flying-type attack that also restores HP to Yveltal, making it difficult to take down in battle.
Location and How to Catch Yveltal
In Pokémon Y, Yveltal is encountered in a similar manner to Xerneas in Pokémon X. Players will face Yveltal in Team Flare’s secret HQ during a key moment in the storyline. As with Xerneas, it’s wise to save the game before this battle, use status conditions to weaken Yveltal, and prepare with plenty of Poké Balls. Ultra Balls and Timer Balls are good options if a Master Ball isn’t available.
Zygarde: The Order Pokémon
Zygarde is the third major legendary Pokémon in the Kalos region, known as the Order Pokémon. Unlike Xerneas and Yveltal, Zygarde is not directly involved in the main storyline of Pokémon X and Y but can be found in the post-game. It is a Dragon/Ground-type Pokémon that serves as the guardian of the ecosystem, maintaining balance between Xerneas and Yveltal.
Abilities and Stats
- Type: Dragon/Ground
- Ability: Aura Break (Reverses the effects of Fairy Aura and Dark Aura, weakening the power of Fairy-type and Dark-type moves)
- Base Stats:
- HP: 108
- Attack: 100
- Defense: 121
- Special Attack: 81
- Special Defense: 95
- Speed: 95
Zygarde has a balanced stat distribution with a focus on defense, making it more of a tanky Pokémon compared to Xerneas and Yveltal. Its signature move, Land’s Wrath, is a powerful Ground-type attack that targets all opponents in a battle.
Location and How to Catch Zygarde
Zygarde can be found deep within the Terminus Cave after the main storyline is completed. To reach Zygarde, trainers must navigate through the cave, which is filled with powerful wild Pokémon and challenging terrain.
Upon finding Zygarde, it’s crucial to save the game before the encounter. Using status effects and weakening Zygarde gradually with non-super effective moves will help in capturing it. Bring a good supply of Ultra Balls or Dusk Balls, which are effective in dark places like caves.
Legendary Trio of Kalos: Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde
Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde form a legendary trio, often referred to as the Aura Trio or the XYZ trio. Their names and themes reflect a balance of life, death, and order within the natural world. Xerneas represents life and creation, Yveltal symbolizes destruction and death, and Zygarde stands for balance and order, ensuring neither life nor destruction overpowers the other.
The Role of the Trio in Kalos Lore
In Kalos mythology, Xerneas and Yveltal are said to have appeared many years ago, bringing life and destruction, respectively.
Zygarde, observing from its cave, would only intervene when the balance of nature was threatened. This narrative is echoed in the games, where the presence of these Pokémon affects the events unfolding in the region, with Zygarde as a silent guardian watching over the equilibrium.
Tips for Battling and Using Legendary Pokémon
Building a Strong Team
When preparing to battle legendary Pokémon, it’s essential to have a well-rounded team that can handle various types and strategies. Pokémon with moves that can inflict status conditions like Sleep or Paralysis are particularly valuable, as they make it easier to catch legendaries.
Using Legendary Pokémon in Battle
Once captured, legendary Pokémon like Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde can become the cornerstone of a powerful team. Xerneas excels with its Geomancy move, Yveltal can sustain itself with Oblivion Wing, and Zygarde’s bulk and typing make it a reliable defensive option. Using these Pokémon strategically in battles, especially against opponents weak to their types, can turn the tide in a trainer’s favor.
Maximizing Potential with Items and Moves
To get the most out of these legendary Pokémon, trainers can use items like Choice Specs for Xerneas to boost its Special Attack or Leftovers for Zygarde to enhance its sustainability. Teaching them powerful moves via TMs and HMs, and choosing moves that complement their strengths and coverage, can maximize their potential in battles against both AI opponents and other players.
Other Notable Legendary Pokémon in Kalos
While Xerneas, Yveltal, and Zygarde are the primary legendary Pokémon in Kalos, other notable legendaries are also part of the broader storyline, including:
- Mewtwo: Found in the Unknown Dungeon, Mewtwo returns as a catchable Pokémon in Kalos, with mega evolution forms unique to Pokémon X and Y.
- Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres: Depending on the starter Pokémon chosen, one of these legendary birds will roam Kalos, making for a challenging chase.
- Diancie, Hoopa, and Volcanion: These mythical Pokémon were introduced through special events and add to the rich lore of the Kalos region.
Conclusion
Pokémon X and Y offer trainers a unique opportunity to capture and battle with some of the most iconic legendary Pokémon in the series. From the life-giving powers of Xerneas to the destructive force of Yveltal and the balancing presence of Zygarde, each legendary Pokémon adds depth to the game’s narrative and strategic complexity to battles.
Understanding their lore, abilities, and best strategies for capture ensures that players can make the most of their journey in the Kalos region. As trainers explore the mysteries of these legendary creatures, they become part of the timeless tale of balance, life, and destruction that defines the Pokémon world.
