Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are Legendary Pokemon obtainable in the post-game of Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen. Unlike Mewtwo, these Legendary Beasts can be found at every Pokemon Route location in the Kanto Region, especially in grassy fields and wet environments such as ponds. Each player can only track one Legendary Beast, which is determined by the Starter Pokemon they choose.
This Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen guide covers the best capture locations for Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in the Kanto Region, including their unlocking conditions in the post-game. Also, this guide recommends the best Pokemon and items for successfully catching each Legendary Beast. Lastly, we have listed instructions on how to catch Raikou, Entei, and Suicune effectively in both their normal and shiny forms.
Lost in your Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen journey? Make sure to check out our Kanto Region Interactive Full Map!
All Legendary Pokemon Locations in FireRed and LeafGreen
Here is how to find and catch all ten Legendary Pokemon in FireRed and LeafGreen.
How to Find Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Raikou, Entei, and Suicune are only encountered during the post-game storyline. All three Legendary Beasts can be discovered in any Kanto Route grassy terrain, while Suicune can also appear in pond areas.
Raikou is encountered by players who choose Squirtle as their starter Pokemon. Meanwhile, Entei will appear if Bulbasaur is picked. Alternatively, Suicune is met by players who choose Charmander instead.
Using HM Fly is the quickest way to return to any city near a grassy field or pond area, especially if they are in the main Kanto region. If players are coming from the Sevii Islands, they must first take the ferry back to Vermillion City before flying.
Route 2 and Route 7 are the most effective routes for hunting Legendary Beast Pokemon on the ground. Meanwhile, Suicune is available in the pond areas of Route 25. These Kanto Routes feature low-level wild Pokemon, as well as a limited number of Pokemon encounters in terms of species.
To find a Legendary Beast Pokemon, players must have completed the following activities first:
- Defeated the Elite Four and earned the Hall of Fame.
- Unlocked the National Dex update from Professor Oak.
-
Have completed the Sevii Islands quests:
- Obtained a Ruby from Mt. Ember.
- Acquired a Sapphire from Dotted Hole or Rocket Warehouse.
- Unlocked Celio's Network Machine.
How to Encounter Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in Multiple Route Locations
- Before leaving, obtain multiple Repel items, such as Super Repel or Max Repel, from a nearby Poke Mart.
- Assign a Pokemon as high as level 49 in the first party. Preferably, Gengar, Dugtrio, or Crobat.
- Pick a city within the Kanto Region and use HM Fly.
- Choosing Veridian City or Pewter City will lead players close to Kanto Route 2.
- Selecting Celadon City or Saffron City will bring players near Kanto Route 7.
- If players are coming from Cerulean City after catching Mewtwo, travel north and east to reach Route 25.
- After saving, head into the grassy fields or to the pond waters.
- Consume a Repel item (either Super or Max Repel) to ensure an encounter with a level 50 Legendary Beast Pokemon.
- Move randomly through the tall grass or waters for 10 to 20 seconds to come across Raikou, Entei, or Suicune.
- If players are still unable to face their respective Legendary Beast Pokemon, they can reload their save file, leave and revisit the area, or change Route locations.
Players can save near the tall grasses or waterways before facing Raikou, Entei, or Suicune.
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How to Prepare for Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Raikou Overview and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Level |
Pokemon Type |
Pokemon Moves |
Type Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Raikou |
Level 50 |
Electric |
|
|
|
Ability or Move |
Ability or Move Type |
Ability or Move Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Pressure |
Non-Hidden |
The Opponent's Moves against Entei use 2 PP instead of 1. |
|
Thunder Shock |
Electric |
An electrical attack that may paralyze the foe. |
|
Roar |
Normal |
Makes the foe flee to end the battle. |
|
Quick Attack |
Normal |
An extremely fast attack that always strikes first. |
|
Spark |
Electric |
An electrified tackle that may paralyze the foe. |
Raikou, the Thunder Pokemon has higher Special Attack and Speed stats than the other two Legendary Beasts.
Raikou Recommended Pokemon and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Pokemon Type |
Team Role |
Recommended Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rock/Ground |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Debuff |
|
|
|
Rhydon |
Ground/Rock |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Debuff |
|
|
Onix or Steelix |
Rock/Ground |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Debuff |
|
|
Dugtrio |
Ground |
Weakness Damage and Arena Lock |
|
|
Wobbuffet |
Psychic |
Chip Damage and Arena Lock |
|
|
Ghost |
Chip Damage, Arena Lock, and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Vileplume (FireRed) |
Grass/Poison |
Chip Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
Parasect |
Bug/Grass |
Chip Damage and Status Inflict |
|
Vileplume is a version-exclusive Pokémon for Pokemon FireRed. Meanwhile, Golem and Steelix are obtained through local or online trading on the Nintendo Switch. Aside from trading, Steelix requires the National Dex to be unlocked, as well as a Metal Coat held item equipped.
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Entei Overview and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Level |
Pokemon Type |
Pokemon Moves |
Type Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Entei |
Level 50 |
Fire |
|
|
|
Ability or Move |
Ability or Move Type |
Ability or Move Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Pressure |
Non-Hidden |
The Opponent's Moves against Entei use 2 PP instead of 1. |
|
Ember |
Fire |
A weak fire attack that may inflict a burn. |
|
Roar |
Normal |
Makes the foe flee to end the battle. |
|
Fire Spin |
Fire |
Traps the foe in a ring of fire for 2 to 5 turns. |
|
Stomp |
Normal |
Stomps the enemy with a big foot. May cause flinching. |
Entei, the Volcano Pokemon, outperforms the other two Legendary Beasts in both HP and Attack numbers.
Entei Recommended Pokemon and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Pokemon Type |
Team Role |
Recommended Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Rock/Water |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Tyranitar |
Rock/Dark |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Status Inflict |
|
|
Water/Flying |
Weakness Damage, Tanking, and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Water/Ice |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Starmie (LeafGreen) |
Water/Psychic |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
Water |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Dugtrio |
Ground |
Weakness Damage and Debuff |
|
|
Golbat or Crobat |
Poison/Flying |
Chip Damage and Status Inflict |
|
Unlock the National Dex to evolve Golbat into Crobat. Meanwhile, obtaining Kabutops requires obtaining Dome Fossil from Super Nerd Miguel. To transform Eevee into a Vaporeon, you must use a Water Stone.
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Suicune Overview and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Level |
Pokemon Type |
Pokemon Moves |
Type Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Suicune |
Level 50 |
Water |
|
|
|
Ability or Move |
Ability or Move Type |
Ability or Move Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
Pressure |
Non-Hidden |
The Opponent's Moves against Entei use 2 PP instead of 1. |
|
Bubble Beam |
Water |
Forcefully sprays bubbles that may lower Speed. |
|
Rain Dance |
Water |
Boosts the power of Water-type moves for 5 turns. |
|
Gust |
Flying |
Strikes the foe with a gust of wind whipped up by wings. |
|
Aurora Beam |
Ice |
Fires a rainbow-colored beam that may lower Attack. |
Suicune, the Aurora Pokemon, has outstanding Defense and Special Defense stats.
Suicune Recommended Pokemon and Moves
|
Pokemon |
Pokemon Type |
Team Role |
Recommended Moves |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Electric |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Electric |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Electric |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Magneton |
Electric/Steel |
Weakness Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
Ghost |
Chip Damage and Status Inflict |
|
|
|
Sneasel (LeafGreen) |
Dark/Ice |
Chip Damage, Arena Lock, and Status Inflict |
|
|
Misdreavus (LeafGreen) |
Ghost |
Chip Damage and Status Inflict |
|
Misdreavus and Sneasel are also version exclusives to Pokemon LeafGreen. Meanwhile, Eevee and Pikachu need Thunder Stones to evolve into Jolteon and Raichu, respectively.
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Raikou, Entei, and Suicune Recommended Items
|
Pokemon Item |
Quantity |
Item Effect |
|---|---|---|
|
1 only |
The best Ball with the ultimate performance. It will catch any wild Pokemon without fail. |
|
|
Ultra Ball |
50 or more |
A very high-grade Ball that offers a higher Pokemon catch rate than a Great Ball. |
|
Timer Ball |
20 or more |
A somewhat different Ball that becomes progressively better the more turns there are in a battle. |
|
Max Ether or equivalent |
10 or more |
Fully restores a selected move's PP for one Pokemon. |
|
Max Repel or equivalent |
10 or more |
Prevents weak wild Pokemon from appearing for 250 steps. |
|
Full Restore or equivalent |
5 or more |
A medicine that fully restores the HP and heals any status problems of one Pokemon. |
|
Max Revive or equivalent |
5 or more |
A medicine that revives a fainted Pokemon, restoring HP fully. |
|
Leftovers |
1 or more |
An item to be held by a Pokemon. The holding Pokemon gradually regains HP during battle. (Recommended for Gengar, Vileplume, Dugtrio, Electabuzz, Crobat, and Sneasel) |
|
Quick Claw |
1 or more |
An item to be held by a Pokemon. A light and sharp claw. The holder may be able to strike first. (Recommended for Golem, Steelix, Kabutops, Tyranitar, Lapras) |
Other than Super Repel or Max Repel, players are also encouraged to carry other types of Pokemon items when facing Raikou, Entei, or Suicune. Max Restore and Max Revive help in ensuring the survival of each Pokemon, especially those that lock targets with Status Conditions. Then, Max Ether keeps the player's Pokemon moves available throughout the battle.
Although optional, Held Items are essential for catching rare and legendary Pokemon. Leftovers sustain the HP levels of Dugtrio, Gengar, and Crobat. Meanwhile, Quick Claw items increase the likelihood of Golem, Rhydon, Kabutops, Tyranitar, and Electabuzz taking their turn first in battle.
Assign the Quick Claw held item to Pokemon with a low base Speed, including Rhydon, Gyarados, and Raichu.
Raise Pokemon Levels to 49 or above
Before attempting to catch Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, players must raise their Pokemon levels to around 49 or above. Higher levels will ensure their survival against the Legendary Beast Pokemon's damaging moves.
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How to Capture Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
To catch Raikou, Entei, and Suicune successfully in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen, follow these steps carefully:
- Save the game before facing Raikou, Entei, and Suicune.
- Use Status moves or effects to hinder Raikou, Entei, or Suicune.
- Reduce the HP levels of Raikou, Entei, or Suicune to red.
- Throw the Ultra Balls at Raikou, Entei, or Suicune to capture it.
Raikou, Entei, and Suicune can all be captured early in the first turn with a Master Ball, especially if they are Shiny Raikou, Entei, or Suicune. However, if gamers desire a challenge or to save the Master Ball for another legendary Pokemon, such as Mewtwo, continue reading our guide below.
Save the Game Before Facing Raikou, Entei, or Suicune
As previously stated, players should save their progress before engaging Raikou, Entei, or Suicune. Saving before the Legendary Pokemon encounter helps players to correct errors in team composition and moveset, as well as execution and lack of battle items. It can also correct instances where the Legendary Beasts accidentally faint during battle.
Use Anti-Flee Moves Against Raikou, Entei, or Suicune from Running Away
Begin the battle with a Pokemon that can prevent a Legendary Beast from escaping right away. Dugtrio's Arena Trap and Wobbufet's Shadow Tag abilities inherently prevent Raikou, Entei, or Suicune from leaving the battlefield. Alternatively, players can also start with Gengar, Crobat, and Misdreavus, all of whom can use Mean Look, or with Sneasel, who can use Taunt.
In the Nintendo Switch version, Raikou and Entei will not permanently disappear from the map if they use their Roar move in battle.
Utilize Status Moves to Hinder Raikou, Entei, or Suicune
Next, use any Status moves to weaken the Legendary Beast Pokemon, making it vulnerable to upcoming attacks. Thrash, Confusion Ray, and Psybeam can cause Confusion status, while Hypnosis, Sleep Powder, and Spore can cause them to fall under Sleep. Then, Stun Spore, Shock Wave, and Thunder Wave can cause Paralysis conditions.
Some Status moves can also deal damage over time, which also prevents Raikou, Entei, and Suicune from fleeing in battle. Toxic or Sludge Bomb inflicts Poison effects.
Continue lowering the HP of Raikou, Entei, or Suicune to at least 10%
While under Status Conditions, carefully diminish the HP of the Legendary Pokemon. Ground moves are effective against Raikou, while Entei is weak against Ground, Rock, and Water moves. As for Suicune, it is weak against Electric and Grass moves.
If the STAB moves prove too powerful for the Legendary Beasts, turn to dealing chip damage instead. Shadow Ball, Mega Drain, and Giga Brain moves are good ways to reduce their HP without causing significant damage in battle.
Throw Ultra Balls or Timer Balls at Raikou, Entei, or Suicune
Once the HP level of Raikou, Entei, or Suicune is low, try capturing it with an Ultra Ball. Using Ultra Balls will require several attempts to succeed. Capturing a Legendary Beast Pokemon with an Ultra Ball will most likely be successful on the 50th attempt.
Ultra Balls are obtained through pick-up in various Kanto areas or by purchase at Poke Mart branches in Fuchsia City, Cinnabar Island, Indigo Plateau, and Sevii Islands.
How to Hunt Shiny Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in Pokemon FireRed and LeafGreen
Raikou, Entei, and Suicune, like other legendary Pokemon, are not Shiny locked. To encounter the shiny variation of the Legendary Beast Pokemon, carefully follow these instructions:
- Save near the Tall Grass or Pond area. Raikou, Entei, and Suicune in any Kanto Route location.
- Start the battle with Raikou, Entei, and Suicune to determine if they are shiny or not.
- If not, do a Soft Reset by pressing A, B, X, and Y simultaneously to return to the title screen.
- Reload the saved file and attempt to capture Shiny Raikou, Entei, and Suicune again.
Since the Shiny Charm is not yet implemented in Generation 3, players can only acquire Shiny Raikou, Entei, and Suicune by chance in battle.
- Released
- September 7, 2004
- ESRB
- Everyone 10+ / Mild Fantasy Violence, Simulated Gambling
- Developer(s)
- Game Freak
- Publisher(s)
- The Pokemon Company, Nintendo
- Multiplayer
- Online Multiplayer
