How do I catch the roaming legendary beasts in Gold and Silver?

Patience, plus a way to stop them fleeing. After scattering from the Burned Tower, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune drift across Johto's routes at level 40, and all three run on the first turn you meet them. A move like Mean Look pins them down so you can wear them out, or just save the Master Ball for one.

Gold & Silver Roaming Johto

Once the Burned Tower wakes them, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune wander Johto's grass at random. Each bolts the instant you cross its path. Running all three to ground is the region's great chase.

Roaming Johto is in Johto. In the story it comes after Route 39 and before Olivine City.

ROAMING JOHTO MAP

Pokemon Encounters

Raikou, Entei, and Suicune all roam Johto in Gold and Silver, three legendary beasts that never hold still. Each one flees the instant the battle starts, so bring a Pokemon that can trap them and a bag full of Ultra Balls.

✦Special encounters3

#244Entei

Legendary Lv 40

#243Raikou

Legendary Lv 40

#245Suicune

Legendary Lv 40

Legendary

Roaming

#244

Entei

Fire

Level

EV yield

1 HP, 2 Attack

Acquisition

Legendary

Roams after the Burned Tower B1F release scene

Sealed locationRoaming JohtoView on map

One-of-a-kind. You only get a single shot per cartridge — knock it out or run, and it is gone for the run. Save before engaging.

Entei page →

Legendary

Roaming

#243

Raikou

Electric

Level

EV yield

1 Sp. Atk, 2 Speed

Acquisition

Legendary

Roams after the Burned Tower B1F release scene

Sealed locationRoaming JohtoView on map

One-of-a-kind. You only get a single shot per cartridge — knock it out or run, and it is gone for the run. Save before engaging.

Raikou page →

Legendary

Roaming

#245

Suicune

Water

Level

EV yield

1 Defense, 2 Sp. Def

Acquisition

Legendary

Roams after the Burned Tower B1F release scene

Sealed locationRoaming JohtoView on map

One-of-a-kind. You only get a single shot per cartridge — knock it out or run, and it is gone for the run. Save before engaging.

Suicune page →

Roaming Johto Guide

Patience, plus a way to stop them fleeing. After scattering from the Burned Tower, Raikou, Entei, and Suicune drift across Johto's routes at level 40, and all three run on the first turn you meet them. A move like Mean Look pins them down so you can wear them out, or just save the Master Ball for one.