Lapras is an iconic Pokémon from Gen I, and trainers can catch this Pokémon in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl once they unlock the National Dex.

After unlocking Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl's National PokéDex, trainers can encounter 493 Pokémon in the Sinnoh region, including the super-rare Lapras. Initially introduced in Generation I, Lapras has become one of the most iconic Pokémon in the franchise, and it's known as the Transport Pokémon due to its love of ferrying people and Pokémon across the sea on its back. Lapras isn't a Legendary Pokémon, but its rarity presents a challenge for trainers as they work to complete every entry in their National Dex.

Lapras is a powerful Water/Ice-type Pokémon with high base HP and Sp. Defense stats, making it able to withstand most super effective moves without fainting. Its Attack stat is nothing to scoff at either, making Lapras a very well-rounded Pokémon to add to a team. Lapras can either have the Water Absorb ability, which restores its HP when hit with a Water-type move, or Shell Armor, which protects it from taking critical hits. Its hidden ability, 'Hydration,' allows it to heal status effects if it's raining. In addition, Lapras can learn a variety of powerful moves, like Thunder, Psychic, and Surf, which makes Lapras extremely versatile.

While trainers will be able to encounter Lapras in the wild of Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, there's only one location where it can be found, and it only has a 10% spawn rate, making it difficult to find and catch. However, once trainers defeat the Elite Four and unlock the postgame area of Victory Road, they'll be able to find Lapras by using the Hidden Move Surf. Lapras is also one of the Pokémon in the franchise that doesn't evolve, making it the only member of its evolutionary line in the PokéDex.

Catching Lapras In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

To catch Lapras in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl, players must first unlock the National Dex by encountering all 150 Pokémon in the Sinnoh Dex and speaking with Professor Oak in Sandgem Town. While this can be accomplished before defeating the Elite Four, players will also need to become Pokémon League Champion before they have access to Victory Road, where Lapras can be found. After entering Victory Road's postgame area, players will go down two sets of stairs before entering a foggy room that can be cleared with the Hidden Move Defog. In the middle of the room is a large pool of water, and players must Surf on the water to encounter Lapras.

With its Water/Ice-type, Lapras is resistant to Water and Ice-Type moves but weak against Grass, Electric, Rock, and Fighting. Fortunately, Lapras is not a Legendary and can be reencountered if players accidentally defeat it before it can be caught. Trainers can use Ultra Balls to catch it, but Net Balls and Dusk Balls will be more effective as Net Balls are incredibly effective for catching Water-type Pokémon, and Dusk Balls are the most effective inside caves. Trainers can also use a Pokémon with the move False Swipe as it will lower its HP without risking it fainting.

Next: How To Get Dragonite In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl

Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl are available now on Nintendo Switch.