Catching the Pokémon Lugia is impossible without using a cheat code or trading in Pokémon FireRed, but that doesn't mean there's no hope left. Originally, Nintendo made it possible to catch Lugia only by possessing a "Magic Ticket" that was obtained by participating in one of the many Pokémon events organized by Nintendo itself. However, this possibility is no longer viable today. Now there are only two options to be able to get a copy of Lugia: use a cheat code or exchange it with another user.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Get Lugia by trading it with another User
Step 1. Find out which Pokémon video games are where Lugia can be caught in the game world
There aren't many places to meet Lugia if you weren't able to attend the Nintendo event where the "Magic Tickets" were distributed to meet him in Pokémon FireRed. You can catch a specimen of Lugia by playing Pokémon Gold, Pokémon Silver, or Pokémon XD, then you'll have to work a little to be able to transfer Lugia to Pokémon FireRed.
- If you know someone who has caught Lugia in Pokémon Gold or Pokémon Silver, you can ask them to trade it. This is certainly the simplest way to get a specimen of Lugia. In this case, use a simple Game Boy code to transfer Lugia to Pokémon FireRed.
- If you own a GameCube and have a copy of Pokémon XD available, you can transfer Lugia in one step.
Step 2. Get everything you need to catch Lugia in Pokémon XD and transfer it to Pokémon FireRed
Unless you've completed Pokémon Silver, the only option you have to capture a Lugia specimen is to transfer it from Pokémon XD. To perform this step you will need the following tools:
- A GameCube and a copy of Pokémon XD;
- A Game Boy Advance and a copy of Pokémon FireRed;
- A cable to connect the Game Boy to the Gamecube;
- In order to transfer Lugia from GameCube (Pokémon XD) to Game Boy (Pokémon FireRed) you must have defeated the "Elite Four" and unlocked the "National Pokédex" in Pokémon FireRed;
- You must have defeated "Malvaro" in Pokémon XD.
Step 3. Complete Pokémon XD:
Dark Storm capturing Shadow Lugia on its way. It is much easier to catch Lugia in Pokémon XD than in Pokémon FireRed, so be sure to catch it before completing the game. Should you knock out Lugia, you can always try to catch him again by simply repeating the game level.
- You can encounter Lugia during the fight with "Malvaro".
- You should consider using a "Master Ball" to catch Shadow Lugia, as it is much more difficult without it.
Step 4. Purify your Shadow Lugia using the "Purifier"
Pokémon FireRed is not compatible with "Shadow" -type Pokémon, so you'll need to purify Lugia before you can trade it. To perform this operation, you will need to fill all nine chambers of the purifier and set the duration of the purification cycle to the maximum value, this means that in each chamber of the purifier there must be a specific selection of Pokémon based on the type. However, there is a simpler way to purify Lugia without having to catch a lot of different types of Pokémon:
- Access the "Pokémon Reserve";
- Capture 36 Hoppips of any level;
- Fill all the chambers of the purifier with the Hoppips specimens you have captured;
- Purify your Lugia Ombra by placing it in one of the tanks.
Step 5. Transfer Lugia to Pokémon FireRed using a cable to connect the Game Boy to the GameCube
After connecting the devices and starting the games, follow these instructions: access the ground floor of the "Pokémon Center" of "Diamantopolis" in Pokémon XD and in a "Pokémon Center" in Pokémon FireRed and click on the computer located in the right corner. You will find the "Network" option which will allow you to trade Pokémon. At this point you just have to transfer Lugia from Pokémon XD to Pokémon FireRed.
Method 2 of 2: Unlock Lugia Using a Cheat Code
Step 1. Purchase an "Action Replay" (AR) card for your Game Boy
Sometimes these cartridges are sold under the name "Game Shark" and allow you to use the so-called "cheat codes" within the games to unlock new levels, colors and Pokémon. If you missed the Nintendo promotional event that would have allowed you to catch Lugia and you don't own a GameCube, this is the only option you can use to get a copy of this Legendary Pokémon.
- Lugia is a level 70 Pokémon, so make sure your team is strong enough to handle it.
- In reality, the brands "Action Replay" and "Game Shark" belong to the same company. The current name of these game controllers is "AR", from "Action Replay".
Step 2. Insert the "Action Replay" tab into the Game Boy, then insert the Pokémon FireRed game cartridge into the "Action Replay" tab
The latter will act as a bridge between the video game and the Game Boy having the possibility to modify the data and therefore to vary the gaming experience based on the cheat code you choose to use.
Step 3. Turn on the Game Boy
The splash screen will appear, then you will be offered the option to enter the code you want.
Step 4. Enter the code that allows you to unlock Lugia
The codes you find below are used to get Lugia and two other legendary Pokémon. You can enter them all even while you are playing. Remember that you will only be able to visit the place where these three Legendary Pokémon live once throughout the game, so if you have chosen to enter only the code to unlock Lugia you will not be able to get the other two as well.
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Lugia and Ho-Oh:
82031CF0 0002.
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Deoxys:
82031CF0 3A02
Step 5. Start the game, then enter and exit any of the buildings in the game world
Now check your inventory. A new item called "Magic Ticket" should have appeared. At this point, save the game and get a "Pokéscafo".
Remember that if you turn off the game, the cheat codes you have entered will lose their effectiveness, so when you resume the game you will have to enter them again. However, you should still be in possession of your "Magic Ticket"
Step 6. Take a "Pokéscafo" to reach Navel Island
When the ferry man asks you for your ticket, you will have a chance to get to the island and catch your Pokémon. However, remember that you will only have one chance to reach Navel Island, once abandoned you will never be able to return, not even using the cheat code again. For this reason, make sure you have everything you need with you to be able to catch Lugia:
- A large number of "Ultra Balls" (30-50);
- The maximum health level;
- A team consisting of several Pokémon with a level equal to or higher than 70.
Step 7. Reach the end of the long tunnel that characterizes the "Monte Cordone"
Enter the mountain and go through the tunnel inside. At the end of the latter, on the first floor, you will find two stairs: the one on the right leads to the place where Lugia lives, while the one on the left leads to where Ho-Oh lives.
Step 8. Capture Lugia
It is a very strong Pokémon that fights very well, so be prepared for a long fight. Lugia can be caught just like any other Pokémon, but given its very high level it is hard to beat. Follow these tips to reach your goal:
- Use an attack that could cause a status problem in Lugia, such as "Sleep" or "Paralysis". This will make it easier to capture;
- Try to lower your health as slowly as possible using moves like "Tackle" or "False Swipe". Any move that can cause high damage runs the risk of knocking him out before you can catch him;
- Even if your "Ultra Ball" fails, don't give up, continuing to throw "Ultra Ball" increases the likelihood that the next one will succeed.
