How to Catch Palkia in Pokémon Pearl

Last Updated: March 2, 2023

This is an article on how to catch Palkia in Pokémon Pearl version. Palkia, in case you didn't know, is the Pokémon featured on the front cover of the Pokémon Pearl box. And if you have Diamond don't feel left out - it has tips on catching Dialga as well.

Steps

1
Win against Cyrus (Team Galactic boss ) He will give you a masterball.
2
Follow his instructions.

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3
Buy a bunch of ultra balls (30 should be enough) and a couple of quick balls.
4
Go to Mt. Coronet.
5
Climb to the top to Spear Pillar. Beware wild Pokémon such as Bronzong.
6
Defeat Galactic Commanders Mars and Jupiter in a Double Battle with your rival.
7
Watch the cut scene, if you want.
8
Defeat Cyrus for the second time.
9
Save your game before you talk to Palkia. This way, if you fail to catch it, you can start over.
10
When catching, do NOT use a Masterball. The catch rate of this Pokémon is high for legendary Pokémon. Instead weaken with an attack and then chuck quick balls. Because quick balls lose their effectiveness after 5 turns, switch to ultra balls. You probably won't even need the ultra balls if it takes only one hit to get Palkia down to red.
11
Run north to get an Orb that powers up Palkia's attacks.

Community Q&A

Question

Why is it so hard to catch Palkia?

Community Answer

Palkia is a legendary. In general, legendaries have very low catch rates, and must be significantly weakened and afflicted with a status condition (such as paralysis, or, preferably, sleep) before they can be captured.
Question

How do I find Dialga in Pokemon Pearl?

Community Answer

Dialga makes no appearance in Pearl. Likewise, Palkia cannot be encountered in Diamond. They are mutually exclusive, and the only way to obtain the other would be through trading. Platinum, however, allows you to catch both.
Question

Where do I find Mt. Coronet?

Community Answer

You can find it right after Eterna City (2nd gym), but you need to beat the 5th gym to get to the pillar.

Warnings

Absolutely DO NOT waste your Masterball on this Pokémon. Keep the Masterball for Pokémon that flee or shiny wild Pokémon.

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Dragon-Type attacks will hit Palkia hard, and Ground- and Fighting-type attacks will put the hurt on Dialga, so try not to use these moves (unless they are weak ones like Rocksmash, or if your attacker is weak enough to utilize a powerful blow)

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Save your game before you battle it just in case it faints as you will never have another chance to catch it!

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