Pokémon Go Latios Latias Photo Safari steps catch wild Hoenn Tour Timed Research

Latios and Latias are slipping through shadows in a photo safari like no other-track them across the wild, snap their dawn-lit silhouettes, and uncover how to lure these legendary migrators into the perfect capture.

How to catch Latios or Latias in Pokémon Go this weekend

Latios and Latias appear in the wild during the Photo Safari event, but they are very rare spawns. Boost your chances by exploring areas with plenty of PokéStops and active Incense. Use Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls to increase your catch rate once one appears. If you’re attending a Safari Zone location, keep your camera ready, as these Legendary Pokémon can appear during special event hours for photo opportunities and encounters.

Either Latios or Latias will appear in the wild during Go Tour Hoenn event hours once you have chosen Ruby or Sapphire as part of the “Primal Rumblings” Special Research.

You will encounter Latios if you choose Ruby, and encounter Latias if you choose Sapphire.

From here, they will spawn in the wild. Similar to the Galarian legendary encounters as part of Daily Incense, these are tough to catch, and will likely flee after a single throw. As such, make sure you aim to get at least a Great Curveball throw, and use a Golden Razz Berry to improve your chances.

However, you can guarantee a catch by snapshotting them during the encounter. This will complete the Photo Safari research, which has a reward to encounter the respective Pokémon.

Update (Feb 26): It has been confirmed shiny Latios or Latias can be discovered in the wild during the event. According to players on the Silph Road subreddit, though they won’t flee, they are still difficult to catch – with reports of some players using dozens of Berries and Balls first. If this happens to you, be persistent!

Latios or Latias Photo Safari research quest steps, rewards

The Latios or Latias Photo Safari research quest features a series of timed tasks focused on taking snapshots of wild Pokémon and capturing specific species during the event. Completing each step grants rewards such as Poké Balls, Berries, and encounters with Dragon- or Psychic-type Pokémon. Finishing all stages leads to a special encounter with either Latios or Latias, depending on the chosen research line, along with bonus Stardust and XP.

Depending on whether you picked Ruby or Sapphire in the “Primal Rumblings” Special Research, you’ll get either Latios or Latias Timed Research.

Ruby: Latios Photo Safari

• Take a snapshot of Latios in the wild (381 Stardust)

Reward: Latios encounter, 10 Great Balls, 3,800 XP

Sapphire: Latias Photo Safari

• Take a snapshot of Latias in the wild (380 Stardust)
• Reward: Latias encounter, 10 Great Balls, 3,800 XP

Best movesets for Latios and Latias in Pokémon Go

Latios and Latias are powerful Dragon/Psychic legendaries in Pokémon Go, excelling in raids and gyms with high DPS movesets. Their optimal setups prioritize Dragon Breath as the Fast Move for strong STAB damage.

Latios Movesets

Latios shines in raids and gyms with Dragon Breath and Psychic, delivering top DPS thanks to STAB on both moves.
For Elite TMs, Dragon Breath with Luster Purge ranks highly at 14.06 DPS.
Dragon Breath + Dragon Claw offers a faster-charging alternative for gym defense.​

Latias Movesets

Latias performs best with Dragon Breath and Outrage, providing the highest DPS for gym attacks and some PvP viability.
This combo leverages her Dragon typing effectively against common threats.​
Alternatives like Zen Headbutt are weaker due to lower energy generation.​

Comparison Table

Best movesets for Mega Latios and Mega Latias

Mega Latios and Mega Latias are elite Dragon/Psychic attackers in Pokémon Go raids and gyms, boosted by Mega Evolution for massive power spikes. Their top movesets emphasize Dragon Breath for fast energy and STAB Charged Moves like Dragon Claw or Outrage.

Mega Latios Movesets

Dragon Breath paired with Dragon Claw excels in raids and PvP due to quick spam and high DPS.​
Luster Purge (Elite TM) offers strong Psychic coverage as a secondary option.​
Zen Headbutt + Psychic works for pure Psychic damage but generates less energy.

Mega Latias Movesets

Dragon Breath and Outrage deliver top Dragon DPS, ideal for gym sweeping and raid bosses.​
Mist Ball (Elite TM) provides Psychic STAB for versatility against Poison or Fighting types.​
Avoid Charm, as it lacks STAB and underperforms.​

Comparison Table