How to Catch Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf in Pokémon Diamond, Pearl and Platinum

Last Updated: February 6, 2022

So you want to catch the Lake Trio, also known as the Spirits of the Lakes. They are Uxie the Being of Knowledge, Mesprit the Being of Emotion, and Azelf, the Being of Willpower. Catching them requires skill, patience, and time.

Steps

1
Ensure you have defeated Team Galactic and stopped their plot to destroy the World. You do not need all eight Gym badges. If you prefer, as most people do, you can get the last badge before trying to catch the Lake Trio. You can even complete the League before you catch them. It's up to you. You will also need a Pokémon that knows Surf.
2
Go to one of the three lakes of Sinnoh. There is Lake Valor which is on Route 214, there is Lake Acuity which is near Snowpoint City, and there is Lake Verity near Twinleaf Town (your player character's home.)

Advertisement
3
Observe, while surfing on the lake, that there is a small island with a cave in the middle of the lake, land there.
4
Enter the cave on the land. You will see Azelf, Uxie, or Mesprit depending on which lake you went to (Lake Valor for Azelf, Lake Acuity for Uxie, and Lake Verity for Mesprit.)
5
Press A in front of the Pokémon in order to 'talk' to it and initiate a battle.
6
If you are battling Azelf, or Uxie, weaken them to a significant level and then (if you wish,) give them a status (Sleep or Paralysis works best for it.)
7
Throw Dusk Balls (as you are in a cave, these will be effective,) Ultra Balls (these are good anyway,) and Timer Balls (if the battle has lasted over 30 to 40 turns.) Of course, you don't have to use these balls, but they are recommended. Though if you have it at 1 HP you can catch it with multiple pokeballs, at least one player has caught them with regular pokeballs. It's not too hard.
8
Consider catching Mesprit before Uxie and Azelf, or after Uxie and Azelf. When you go to Mesprit to talk to it, you will see its picture (it will be added that you have seen it in your Pokedex.) It will then run away. Professor Rowan will come up to you and tell you that Mesprit wants to play and to chase it.
9
Use your Map Marker Poketch App in order to see where Mesprit is at that current time. Be aware every time you cross a route or try to fly to Mesprit, it will completely change where it is (see tips.)
10
Attempt to catch Mesprit; use Mean Look (although you need a very fast Pokémon to do so, like for example, a Golbat) to prevent It from running away every time you attack or attempt to catch it. Quick Balls are recommended once it is weakened enough and you encounter it again.
11
Enjoy your Lake Trio.

Community Q&A

Question

Are Quick Balls useful when catching that lake trio?

Lugia2453

Top Answerer

Within the first five turns of the battle, yes. It'll still be difficult to catch them, though.
Question

Are there certain times to catch the trio? When you kill them and they disappear, when do they come back?

Community Answer

There are no specific times, and they don't return.
Question

How long does it take to catch the trio?

Community Answer

It depends entirely on your luck. Sometimes it will take a long time, and sometimes it might take only a few minutes.

Warnings

Try not to knock them out. It can be hard to catch them. But if you save before battling, you can try again.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 10 Not Helpful 0
Don't get frustrated, whether it's looking for Mesprit, or trying to catch Azelf or Uxie while battling them, try not to get frustrated. If you find yourself getting increasingly annoyed, take a break, and relax for a moment.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0