Latios is a powerful and elusive Legendary Pokémon that becomes available only after completing the main storyline in Pokémon Ruby. As a roaming Pokémon, Latios appears randomly in the overworld, making it tricky to find and even harder to catch—especially if you’re not using a Master Ball. This guide will walk you through two methods: one using a Master Ball and another for those who want (or need) to catch Latios without one.
Method 1: Catching Latios with a Master Ball
Step 1: Defeat the Elite Four
Latios won’t appear in the game until you’ve defeated the Pokémon League. After defeating the Elite Four and the Champion, you’ll be returned home to Littleroot Town. This is when the post-game events begin, including Latios becoming available as a roaming Pokémon in the Hoenn region.
Step 2: Watch the TV in Littleroot Town
After the credits roll, you’ll wake up in your room. Head downstairs and interact with the television when prompted. A special news report will mention a blue flying Pokémon spotted across Hoenn—this is your cue that Latios is now roaming the map.
Step 3: Use Your Master Ball
If you’ve saved your Master Ball—the Poké Ball that guarantees a catch—now is the time to use it. Latios tends to flee battle immediately, making the Master Ball the easiest and most reliable way to catch him. If you’ve already used your Master Ball, proceed to the next method.
Step 4: Go to an Open Area
Since Latios roams randomly, pick a convenient area with access to grass where wild Pokémon appear. Good locations include Routes with quick transitions, or areas near caves where you can move in and out to reset the wild Pokémon pool. You can also use Repels to avoid other encounters while searching.
Step 5: Search Until You Encounter Latios
Walk around the grass or wild Pokémon areas without engaging other battles. If Latios doesn’t appear within a few minutes, leave and reenter the area to trigger a new random chance. Latios’s location changes every time you move between routes, so repeat the process until you encounter him.
Step 6: Throw the Master Ball
Once you encounter Latios, don’t waste any time—immediately throw the Master Ball. This will bypass any chance of it fleeing the battle and secure your catch on the first turn. Congratulations! You’ve successfully added a Legendary Dragon/Psychic-type to your team.
Method 2: Catching Latios Without a Master Ball
Step 1: Prepare a Trapping Pokémon
To catch Latios without a Master Ball, you’ll need a Pokémon that can prevent it from fleeing. Wobbuffet (with the Shadow Tag ability) and Trapinch (with Arena Trap) are great options. Alternatively, use a Pokémon that knows Mean Look such as Golbat or Crobat. Equip this Pokémon with a Quick Claw and boost its Speed using items like Carbos to help it act first.
Step 2: Stock Up on Ultra Balls
Buy as many Ultra Balls as you can afford. These have a much higher success rate than regular Poké Balls and will be your primary tool for catching Latios. Avoid wasting time with standard Poké Balls, as they’re unlikely to succeed.
Step 3: Engage and Weaken Latios
Once you encounter Latios, act fast. If you’re using a Pokémon with Mean Look, use it immediately to prevent Latios from fleeing. If using Wobbuffet or Trapinch, their abilities will trap Latios automatically. Carefully reduce Latios’s HP without knocking it out. Use status effects like Sleep or Paralysis to improve catch rates. Then, start throwing Ultra Balls until you succeed. If Latios faints or escapes, reset your game or track it again using the Pokédex, which logs its current location after the first encounter—similar to how legendary dogs work in Pokémon Gold and Silver.
Conclusion
it may be elusive, but with the right approach and a little patience, you can add this Legendary Pokémon to your team—either instantly with a Master Ball or strategically with trapping moves and Ultra Balls. Regardless of your method, the effort is worth it. Latios’s powerful stats and unique typing make it a valuable ally in any battle.
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