25 Gen 1 And 2 Pokémon That Are Absolutely Impossible To Catch (And How To Catch Them)
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Pokémon Gen 1 and 2 have some (nearly) impossible Pokémon to catch — these are pro tips from Pokémon Masters.
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Category : Pokemon
Pokémon has been around for more than two decades. Yes, the passage of time is too fast.
Debuting in 1996, Game Freak published Pokémon Red and Green/Blue on Nintendo’s original Game Boy. Generation I launched a long and lucrative franchise, but the earliest JRPGs hold a special place in the hearts of countless people. VGChartz lists the franchise’s opening games as the handheld console’s top-selling titles, a feat not easily accomplished when Tetris and Super Mario Land are also fighting for the prize. Despite being published more than half-a-decade after those two influential masterpieces, Pokémon outsold them both. Was it just a fluke? Considering Pokémon Gold and Silver are the third best-selling Game Boy properties, that is evidently not the case!
Recently, Nintendo returned to Generation I with Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! Remakes of 1998’s Pokémon Yellow, the JRPGs’ impressive commercial performances confirm the franchise has yet to lose its luster. Even though the mainline entries tend to adhere to the status quo, Game Freak consistently introduces new mechanics that slightly enhance the experience. Pokémon games tend to be of a reliably high standard; nevertheless, the brand’s central attraction will always be the catchable monsters. As the franchise’s inception, Generation I and II provided the initial taste for anyone interested in catching them all! The latter games might improve certain gameplay elements, but the classics are irreplaceable!
Here are 25 Gen I and II Pokémon that are absolutely impossible to catch (and how to catch them)!
25 Mewtwo
Acting as Generation I’s final legendary Pokémon, Mewtwo can be caught after completing the main quest and defeating the Elite Four. Due to holding a fixed location and appearing at a time when the player should have a rather strong party, the psychic Pokémon is not absurdly hard to catch. However, there is no room for failure. Found in the lowest level of Cerulean Cave, Mewtwo is level 70 and does not respawn after being defeated. If the Master Ball has already been consumed, stack up on Ultra Balls and prepare for a contest of endurance. With a 100% chance to put the target to sleep, Parasect’s Spore is a must!
24 Legendary Birds
Mewtwo might hog most of the limelight, but the legendary birds are far more useful for the actual storyline. If nothing else, they can be caught before facing off against the Elite Four; crucially, together they cover all the elemental basis. The strongest of the three and typically the first to be encountered, Zapdos can be found at the Power Plant. Next up is Articuno, although players are required to reach Seafoam Islands’ lowest floor. As the last legendary bird to make an appearance, Moltres is fought while traversing the Victory Road. All three Pokémon are level 50 and do not re-appear. Ultra Balls are a must, and we recommend going with Pokémon designed to take advantage of their elemental weaknesses.
23 Clefable
Certain Pokémon can only be obtained with the use of Evolutionary stones. There are four Generation I beasts that require the use of a Moon Stone, and Clefable happens to be one of them. These items cannot be purchased from any store, but five stones can be discovered in the wild. Unsurprisingly, Mt. Moon hides two such useful items. Once a stone is collected, the only thing left to do is catch a Clefairy. Luckily, this adorable monster can also be found in Mt. Moon. Consequently, one could simply enter this dungeon and leave with a Clefable. As this line’s baby form, Generation II’s Cleffa can only be obtained by breeding a Clefairy or Clefable.
22 Chansey
Everyone needs a Chansey in their lives! A born caregiver, this adorable egg-shaped Pokémon cannot help but aid those in need. She would make a good doctor, but Chansey’s fighting ability leaves something to be desired. Despite having the highest HP out of all Generation I Pokémon, Chansey’s ludicrously low attack and defense greatly diminish the monster’s viability. If this information has not completely zapped someone’s interest in catching Chansey, the gentle Pokémon can be found in the Safari Zone. Cerulean Cave is also home to a high leveled Chansey, although any strong attacks are likely to result in an instant KO.
21 Lugia
Stamped on the cover of Pokémon Silver, Lugia temporarily replaced Mewtwo and Mew as the exciting new legendary catch. Depending on the version being played, this Generation II Pokémon’s strength fluctuates accordingly; however, Lugia’s location is always fixed. Focusing on the monster’s own title, Lugia can be captured after Team Rocket is defeated in Goldenrod Radio Tower. As a reward, players are handed the Silver Wing, an artifact that triggers an encounter against the psychic Pokémon. With the item safely in the inventory, Whirl Islands should be the next section visited. Pokémon Gold and Crystal’s Silver Wing can be obtained from an old man in Pewter City.
20 Celebi
Even if Nintendo and Game Freak forced Japanese players to jump through a couple of hoops to add Generation II’s final entry to the Pokédex, at least, Celebi could be obtained. Sadly, Western players were not extended the same courtesy. In order to hype up the release of new games, Nintendo loves to stage events and reward attendees with exclusive Pokémon. Celebi was handed out as a Nintendo Power special promo award, while Pokémon Crystal used Tinkerbell as an incentive to push the Pokémon Mobile System GB, a paid online service exclusive to Japan. Western players must rely on trading to add Celebi to their collection.
19 Blissey
Generation I’s evolutions seldom demand much in the way of thinking. With the exception of certain Pokémon who require stones or trading, leveling up is typically enough to trigger the next evolutionary step. Pokémon Yellow changed the game. Introducing the concept of Friendship, Pikachu’s performance varied depending on its affinity to the trainer. Generation II expanded this concept to all Pokémon, and Blissey can only be obtained with a high stat in this department. As Chansey’s final evolution, Blissey is barely worth the effort. Friendship can be raised by grooming, using vitamins, or applying Friend Ball when catching a Pokémon.
18 Mantine
Why is this flying fish so frustrating to catch? Putting aside the countless hours wasted screaming at the Game Boy’s screen because Mewtwo refused to join the team, legendary Pokémon should feel earned! Mantine is merely a decent but unspectacular Generation II creature, but its low catch rate seems disproportionate to the Pokémon’s rarity. Located exclusively on Route 41, Mantine’s catch rate is less than 4%! The Love Ball greatly improves the odds, but Mantine still requires far more effort than seems justified. Forget Lugia, the Master Ball has Mantine written all over it! Paralysis and other status effects are the way to go.
17 Skarmory
A metal robot with wings, Skarmory’s high defense is backed by respectable stats in most other categories. While the bird’s moveset is expanded considerably in the later games, Generation II’s iteration boasts a respectable array of attacks. Steel Wing is particularly effective. Pokémon Silver and Crystal present the opportunity to catch Skarmory on Route 45, although its depressing catch rate will test the patience of numerous trainers. Did you happen to purchase Pokémon Gold? Well, you are going to need to talk to a friend. Skarmory is not available in Ho-Oh’s version, and can only be acquired via a trade. It is almost like Nintendo wanted people to purchase more than one variant…
16 Tauros
The Safari Zone is the bane of any completionist’s existence. Game Freak permits a handful of tactics designed to improve the odds of a successful catch, but the Safari Zone eliminates any element of strategy in favor of luck. Provided with 30 Safari Balls, trainers are forbidden from damaging the wild Pokémon. As a replacement, Bait or Rocks can be used to either reduce the target’s likelihood of running away or to facilitate an easier catch. At the end of the day, the whole thing is reliant on luck. Out of the many Pokémon available in the Safari Zone, Tauros is the hardest to secure. Leave all 30 Safari Balls for this bull.
15 Abra
Abra’s inadequate moveset means this Psychic Pokémon is unlikely to be immediately useful. In fact, the only reason to catch an Abra is to trigger an evolution into Kadabra, which ultimately evolves into Alakazam. Do not worry, we will eventually discuss that particular annoyance. Abra is not much of a fighter, a fact illustrated by the creature’s constant use of teleport. Players with a slow team could very well fail to land an attack, as the Pokémon’s opening move tends to be a strategic retreat. A pacey fighter with a debilitating skill should diminish the frustration associated with this catch; alternatively, open the encounter with a Great Ball.
14 Mew
By this point, Mew is essentially a running gag. Regardless of the generation, Mewtwo’s base model tends to be an event exclusive. As the final entry in Kanto’s Pokédex, Mew was simply impossible to find in the original games. Nintendo gradually distributed the Pokémon during the late ’90s. Unfortunately, anyone outside of Japan was basically out of options. Consequently, trading ended up being the only method to obtain a Mew, but good luck finding someone willing to trade their psychic legend for anything less than actual cash. Want to know the most annoying part? Mew is not even that powerful of a Pokémon.
13 Legendary Dogs
Following in its predecessor’s footsteps, Pokémon Gold and Silver backed the central legendary monster with three elemental Pokémon. Despite the obvious similarities between the birds and dogs; Entei, Raikou, and Suicune are considerably more of a nuisance to catch! Rather than sticking to a single location, the legendary beasts randomly roam throughout Johto, therefore, preparing for an encounter can be difficult. While this varies from battle to battle, the Pokémon tend to run-away after a couple of turns. If a dog is encountered but manages to escape, their new location becomes visible on the map. Head to that area and jump into the grass!
12 Snorlax
Snorlax is unavoidable. Pokémon Red and Blue literally cannot be completed without battling two variants of this perpetually drowsy creature. Fast asleep and caring little about anyone inconvenienced by its presence, the first Snorlax blocks Route 12 near Lavender Town. As a reward for defeating Team Rocket at the Pokémon Tower, Mr. Fugi presents players with the Poké Flute, which awakens Snorlax from its slumber. As this forms part of the main quest, an opportunity to fight Snorlax will always present itself. Stock up on Great Balls and prepare for a challenging fight! While the Pokémon is a tank, we recommend going easy on Snorlax. Remember, there are no third chances!
11 Ditto
Alongside the super rare Mew, Ditto is the only Generation I Pokémon capable of transforming into other monsters. Technically, Ditto could very well be the most overpowered Pokémon of all time. Even if that is not the case, the creature’s versatility is extremely useful in battle! Ditto might be unique, but it is not necessarily rare. Pokémon Red and Blue sprinkle the shapeshifter across multiple areas, and Ditto’s catch rate is not too outrageous. Comparitavely, Pokémon Yellow owners are slightly less fortunate. Pikachu’s game limits Ditto to Cerulean Cave and the Pokémon Mansion.
10 Alakazam
Pokémon loves to implement trading as a way to restrict access to some of the more coveted evolutions. Alakazam serves as a prime example. Generally speaking, third-form evolutions seldom appear in the wild, therefore, trainers must put in the work to attain perfection. While the process might be annoying, completing the chain is undeniably satisfying. However, trading is plainly annoying! Unless acquired from another trainer, Kadabra will refuse to evolve. Pokémon Red and Blue are principally single-player games, and it is unfair to limit certain evolutions behind a trading system. Nintendo, stop punishing us for not owning two consoles!
9 Machamp
Is there anything more frustrating than facing off against an incredibly cool Pokémon and then learning they cannot be caught? The final form of Machop, Machamp has the second highest attack and more than holds its own in most other categories. Sounds good? Okay! The only way to obtain this powerhouse is to trade for another player’s Machoke. Once the transaction is completed, Machoke will instantly evolve into Machamp. Pokémon Yellow bypassed this requirement by introducing an in-game trade. In the Underground Path linking Routes 5 and 6, there is a girl seeking to exchange a Cubone for a Machoke. The Pokémon evolves automatically once the switch is finalized.
8 Steelix
Determined to out frustrate the previous entries, Generation II introduced additional conditions governing trade-based evolutions. The only things standing in the way of a Machamp or an Alakazam were social skills or reasonable parents. Pokémon Gold and Silver opted to further increase the odds of screwing things up, as a Pokémon will only evolve if holding a specific item. In theory, this addition eliminated the risk that the recipient ends up with an undesired evolutionary form. While this explanation seems to hold weight, why would anyone ask for an Onix? The rock snake can be found in several locations throughout Johto, but the swapped Onix has to be carrying a Metal Coat or it will not evolve into Steelix.
7 Politoed
Machamp, Alakazam, Golem, and Gengar were the only Generation I entries locked behind a trade. Every other final form could be obtained within the campaign. In the case of Poliwrath, Poliwhirl only needed to be exposed to a Water Stone and the evolution would transpire. Available for a hefty price at certain stores, Poliwrath was simple enough to collect. Obviously, Generation II had to fix this shortcoming! Poliwrath can be secured following the same steps; however, Water Stones are no longer sold as items. Alternatively, Politoed was inaugurated during the franchise’s second string of RPGs, although this evolution required trading for a Poliwhirl carrying a King’s Rock.
6 Porygon2
Porygon’s main claim to fame might be an unfortunate incident that nearly derailed the brand’s anime adaptation, but the Pokémon has its uses. Generation II bestowed Porgyon with a second form, although the games opted to lock the evolution behind trading. The transformation is automatically activated once a Porygon carrying an Up-Grade is received. Compared to its contemporaries, Porygon2 is comfortably rarer than most other traded Pokémon. As Porygon is not available in the wild, players must gamble at the Celadon Game Corner to eventually purchase the Pokémon. Porygon is Pokémon Gold and Silver’s most expensive reward.
Mark Sammut grew up on the PlayStation 1 and has been playing games ever since, although he is no longer limited to just Sony consoles. Be it RPGs, shooters, platformers, or racing games, Mark’s area of expertise covers a wide range of genres and topics. That goes beyond video games as well, extending to mediums like anime and western cinema.
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