If you’re trying to get Raikou in the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, there’s an important detail you need to know first:
which starter you choose determines which Legendary Beast appears in your game.
You cannot catch all three in one save file.
How to Unlock Raikou in FireRed & LeafGreen
Raikou becomes available in Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen only if you selected
Squirtle
as your starter Pokémon.
Here’s how to trigger Raikou’s appearance:
-
Defeat the Elite Four and become Champion.
-
Obtain the National Pokédex.
-
Complete the Sevii Islands questline and help Celio restore the Network Machine.
Read More: How to Get Dratini in Pokémon FireRed LeafGreen: Nintendo Switch
Once those requirements are met, Raikou will begin roaming the Kanto region.
How Roaming Legendaries Work
Raikou does not stay in one location. It moves between routes every time you change areas. The best way to track it is:
-
Check your Pokédex to see Raikou’s current route.
-
Fly to a nearby location.
-
Move between connecting routes to force it to relocate.
Raikou appears at
Level 50
and will attempt to flee on the first turn. Bring a Pokémon with Mean Look, Arena Trap, or a fast Sleep move to prevent escape.
Read More: How to Get Pikachu Early in Pokémon FireRed LeafGreen: Nintendo Switch
If you chose Bulbasaur or Charmander, Raikou will not appear in your game. You would need to trade from another file.
In FireRed & LeafGreen on Nintendo Switch, catching Raikou requires planning, patience, and the right starter choice from the very beginning.
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