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Rayquaza(JP) is a species of Pokémon in the series of the same name. It is a dual-type Dragon/Flying legendary Pokémon that made its first appearance in the third generation games Ruby and Sapphire. It can Mega Evolve into Mega Rayquaza if it knows Dragon Ascent. Rayquaza served as the mascot legendary for Pokémon Emerald. Rayquaza also appears as a boss in the Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.

Rayquaza is a part of the Super-ancient Pokémon of Hoenn with Kyogre and Groudon, serving as its trio master. It serves to end the conflict between Kyogre and Groudon when Team Magma's leader Maxie and Team Aqua's leader Archie awakened them.

Physiology and Behavior[]

Rayquaza is a large, green, serpentine Pokémon that also resembles a missile. It has red-tipped, rudder-like wings on its shoulders and down its body, and similarly patterned fins on the tip of its tail. Yellow ring-like symbols run across the length of Rayquaza's body and it has an additional yellow ring on top of its head. Rayquaza has two limbs with three-clawed hands, and two long, flat, horn-like structures on its head, with two shorter horns along its jawline. It has small, yellow eyes with black pupils, prominent pink gums, and two discernible fangs in its upper jaw.

It is able to soothe the other members of the super-ancient Pokémon, even in their Primal Forms. Rayquaza is said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years in the ozone layer, where it feeds on water and other particles. Rayquaza is rarely seen by people; even in flight, its appearance is indistinguishable from that of a meteor. Rayquaza preys on the Minior in the Alola region. Rayquaza possesses some of the strongest attack power out of any Pokémon; it can easily summon cyclones to overwhelm its opponents. Rayquaza was worshiped by the Draconid people along with the people of Hoenn as the savior of the region. In the manga, the Draconids referred to it as their Dragon Lord. Thus, they built the Sky Pillar to honor it. It is one of the longest-lived Pokémon species. Rayquaza is bitter enemies with Deoxys, with the two often clashing with each other.

Mega Rayquaza[]

As Mega Rayquaza, its body becomes longer and gains more features. Its head becomes longer with the Δ symbol appearing on its forehead. Rayquaza's eyes now contain yellow pupils and red irises, and black, shichishito-shaped markings trail behind its eyes. Its red lips and teeth become gold, and the gold lines connect to those on its lower horns, which take on a broad, triangular shape. At the outer edges of its lower horns are long, golden, glowing tendrils that each extend to a green, fin-like structure; these tendrils have ring patterns that strongly resemble the yellow markings running along the length of Rayquaza's normal form. While in flight, these tendrils give Mega Rayquaza a Δ-shaped profile. Its two upper horns become longer with a gold line running over them in a V shape, and each upper horn has another glowing tendril that ends in a circular shape with a spike. Along the length of its body are golden, glowing orbs placed where its ring patterns used to be. The chin, part of the neck, and parts of its serpentine body are changed to the color black. The fins running along its body are now marked with gold lines; the fins on its tail become entirely yellow and substantially longer. Particles stream from the long tendrils that extend from its jutting jaw; these particles can control the density and humidity of the air, allowing Mega Rayquaza to manipulate the weather. Its green hide sparkles with an emerald-like quality.

Mega Rayquaza was said to have been born from humanity's wish for salvation, channeled through the Key Stone. Mega Rayquaza is the first recorded Pokémon to achieve Mega Evolution. Rayquaza is at its full power when in the Mega Evolved state. Inside Rayquaza's body lies an organ that contains the same power as a Mega Stone. A Devon Corporation scientist named this organ the mikado organ (Japanese: ミカド器官). By consuming meteoroids as it flies through the stratosphere, the mikado organ will be filled with enough energy to enable Rayquaza's Mega Evolution. Mega Rayquaza has the power to undo the Primal forms of Kyogre and Groudon. It is capable of destroying meteors bigger than itself as seen with the Grand Meteor Delta.

Appearances[]

Main Pokémon games[]

Rayquaza debuted in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire, appearing in the Sky Pillar after the player defeats the Elite Four. In Pokémon Emerald, Rayquaza played a larger role. Once the player progresses past the Magma and Aqua Hideouts, Kyogre and Groudon wake up and start fighting, with the Red and Blue Orbs unable to control them. It is eventually sought out at the Sky Pillar, and eventually forces the two to cease their battle.

In Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, Rayquaza is obtainable in the Embedded Tower that the Jade Orb is required. Rayquaza appeared in Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, it plays an important role during the Delta Episode and is required to be caught there to fight Deoxys. Starting in these games, it can Mega Evolve if Dragon Ascent is learned. From Eighth Pokémon generation onwards, its Mega form is removed from the games.

Other Pokémon games[]

In Pokémon Pinball: Ruby & Sapphire, Rayquaza is the focus of the third and final Bonus Field. It can only be challenged after capturing Groudon or Kyogre and will then join the circuit of bonus fields. Rayquaza will bounce along from left to right, allowing the ball to roll under it if it is up. It will sometimes use Thunder to paralyze the ball if it is not moving fast enough, though it does stay still while it is unleashing the attack. Rayquaza will also sometimes use ExtremeSpeed to create two tornadoes that cause the ball to fly up into the air for several seconds if contact is made. Rayquaza must be hit 15 times in three minutes to win. After beating the round twice, Rayquaza will be captured.

Rayquaza appears as a final boss character in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Red Rescue Team and Blue Rescue Team, where the main team has to fight it in order to have it annihilate a falling star hurtling towards the planet. In Pokémon Mystery Dungeon: Explorers of Time and Explorers of Darkness, Rayquaza is the guardian of the Sky Melodica.

In Pokémon Super Mystery Dungeon, Rayquaza first appears early into the game, fleeing to space in fear of Dark Matter's influence. When Dark Matter attempts to take the Tree of Life to space, Rayquaza and Deoxys use their energy to try and slow its ascent from above, with Rayquaza even Mega Evolving. Ultimately, when Dark Matter regenerates itself for the first time, it unleashes even more energy, turning both Rayquaza and Deoxys to stone. At the conclusion of the event, Rayquaza turns back to normal and takes residence at Dragon Gate, and guards the Wind Looplet.

In Pokémon Ranger, Rayquaza can be captured in a bonus mission after the credits.

Super Smash Bros. series[]

RayquazaBrawl

Rayquaza in Super Smash Bros. Brawl, fighting Diddy Kong and Fox McCloud.

Rayquaza appears in the Adventure Mode of Super Smash Bros. Brawl, the Adventure Mode: The Subspace Emissary, in which it destroys Fox's crashed Arwing and captures Diddy Kong. It tries to attack Fox, but he reflects the attack back at Rayquaza and frees Diddy Kong. Together they defeat the Rayquaza.Like all other Subspace Emissary bosses, Rayquaza is later battled again in The Great Maze, and can be fought in the Boss Battles mode after the latter is unlocked. Rayquaza's attacks in battle include ExtremeSpeed, Thunder, Dig, Iron Tail, and Fly. Rayquaza cannot learn Dig in the Pokémon games.

Rayquaza Kalos Pokemon League

Rayquaza in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U

Rayquaza reappeared in Super Smash Bros. for Nintendo 3DS and Wii U and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate as a background character in the Dragonmark Chamber of the Kalos Pokémon League, alongside Garchomp, Hydreigon, Dragonite and Axew. Appearing rarely, it flies across the stage at various angles, dealing damage to fighters. Its path is shown briefly by lightning before it appears, giving players time to avoid it and also appeared as a Spirit.

Trophy description[]

Rayquaza (Brawl)[]

A Sky High Pokémon. It normally resides high up in the ozone layer where it flies endlessly, so it is rarely seen. However, when Groudon and Kyogre began to fight, it appeared to calm them down. It has the ability Air Lock, which blocks all weather-condition effects. It has exceedingly strong abilities, and its attack power is especially remarkable.

Rayquaza (Wii U)[]

This Dragon- and Flying-type Pokemon usually dwells high in the ozone layer, so it can't be seen from the ground. In the Kalos Pokemon League stage, it occasionally flies at great speed through the Elite Four's Dragon-type chamber, where any fighters in its path will be damaged and launched with great force.

In the anime[]

Rayquaza M07

Rayquaza in Destiny Deoxys

Shiny Rayquaza

Shiny Rayquaza in Pokémon Horizons: The Series

Rayquaza co-starred with Deoxys in the seventh Pokémon movie, Pokémon: Destiny Deoxys as the main antagonist. Four years prior to the main events of the movie, Rayquaza is nearly injured in the ozone layer by the passage of a meteor containing the essence of Deoxys. It seemingly destroys the Deoxys afterward, but it is eventually revived. Rayquaza goes after it again, but after being rescued by it, Rayquaza decides that it isn't an enemy, and returns to the atmosphere. The same Rayquaza from this movie had a cameo in the opening of Pokémon Ranger and the Temple of the Sea, where it was captured by Team Rocket, and its current status is unknown. It also briefly reappeared in a montage in The Rise of Darkrai, which chronicled the preceding nine movies.

Rayquaza made recurring or minor/cameo appearances in the mainline anime, including its Mega Evolved form in the Mega Evolution specials. A Shiny Rayquaza appears in Pokémon Horizons: The Series, playing a major role in the series. In The Ancient Poké Ball, a Shiny Rayquaza that once belonged to Lucius emerged from Roy's Ancient Poké Ball before flying away. Finding it again provided Roy with inspiration to start traveling with the Rising Volt Tacklers.

A Shiny Mega Rayquaza appeared in Pokémon the Movie: Hoopa and the Clash of Ages, summoned by Hoopa alongside various Legendary Pokémon.

In Pokémon Generations, a Trainer's Mega Rayquaza destroyed the Grand Meteor Delta. It later battled a wild Deoxys that appeared from inside the Meteor, allowing its Trainer to catch it.

Rayquaza appeared in Pokémon Evolutions, caught by May.

Origin and inspiration[]

Rayquaza's design is probably based on the Chinese dragon and the Lindworm. Its role is similar to that of Ziz in Hebrew legends. Rayquaza matches the description of the Aztec god Quetzalcoatl, who was depicted as a flying serpent and created the boundary between the earth (including the oceans) and the sky. The markings on Rayquaza's body may be inspired from The Nazca Lines. Its trait of being capable of inhabiting the skies, and living there while subsisting on nothing but dew and particles for centuries, also bears aspects of the legendary Chinese xian hermit sages and East Asian dragons, specifically Japanese dragons, who are commonly depicted with three claws, as opposed to four in Chinese dragons.

Rayquaza may be derived from 裂空 rekkū (sky-rending), a word appearing in various media and merchandise that featured Rayquaza. The latter half may be derived from 座 za (seat), relating to compounds such as 星座 seiza (constellation) and 王座 ōza (throne). It may also involve רָקִיעַ rāqī́aʿ (Hebrew for firmament), ray, and quasar.

Rayquaza's mikado organ refers to 帝 mikado (emperor), another name for the Emperor of Japan.

In-game information[]

Pokédex entries[]

Title Entry
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ruby Rayquaza lived for hundreds of millions of years in the earth's ozone layer, never descending to the ground. This Pokémon appears to feed on water and particles in the atmosphere
Pokémon Sapphire Rayquaza is said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years in the earth's ozone layer, above the clouds. Its existence had been completely unknown because it lived so high in the sky.
Pokémon Emerald A Pokémon that flies endlessly in the ozone layer. It is said it would descend to the ground if Kyogre and Groudon were to fight.
Pokémon FireRed It has lived for hundreds of millions of years in the ozone layer. Its flying form looks like a meteor.
Pokémon LeafGreen It has lived for hundreds of millions of years in the ozone layer. Its flying form looks like a meteor.
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond It cannot be seen from ground level since it lives far up above the clouds in the ozone layer.
Pokémon Pearl It cannot be seen from ground level since it lives far up above the clouds in the ozone layer.
Pokémon Platinum It cannot be seen from ground level since it lives far up above the clouds in the ozone layer.
Pokémon HeartGold It flies in the ozone layer, way up high in the sky. Until recently, no one had ever seen it.
Pokémon SoulSilver It flies in the ozone layer, way up high in the sky. Until recently, no one had ever seen it.
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Pokémon White It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Pokémon Black 2 It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Pokémon White 2 It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Pokémon Y It flies in the ozone layer, way up high in the sky. Until recently, no one had ever seen it.
Pokémon Omega Ruby Rayquaza is said to have lived for hundreds of millions of years. Legends remain of how it put to rest the clash between Kyogre and Groudon.
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire It flies forever through the ozone layer, consuming meteoroids for sustenance. The many meteoroids in its body provide the energy it needs to Mega Evolve.
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.
Pokémon Shining Pearl It lives in the ozone layer far above the clouds and cannot be seen from the ground.


Game locations[]

Title Location(s)
Third Pokémon generation
Pokémon Ruby
Sky Pillar
Pokémon Sapphire
Sky Pillar
Pokémon Emerald
Sky Pillar
Pokémon FireRed
Trade
Pokémon LeafGreen
Trade
Fourth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Diamond
Global Terminal (Trade)
Pokémon Pearl
Global Terminal (Trade)
Pokémon Platinum
Global Terminal (Trade)
Pokémon HeartGold
Embedded Tower (requires Jade Orb)
Pokémon SoulSilver
Embedded Tower (requires Jade Orb)
Fifth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Black
Poké Transfer, Event
Pokémon White
Poké Transfer, Event
Pokémon Black 2
Poké Transfer
Pokémon White 2
Poké Transfer
Sixth Pokémon generation
Pokémon X
Trade
Pokémon Y
Trade
Pokémon Omega Ruby
Sky Pillar
Pokémon Alpha Sapphire
Sky Pillar
Seventh Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sun
Trade
Pokémon Moon
Trade
Pokémon Ultra Sun
Ultra Space Wilds (Cliff World) (requires Kyogre and Groudon in party)
Pokémon Ultra Moon
Ultra Space Wilds (Cliff World) (requires Kyogre and Groudon in party)
Eighth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Sword
Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
Pokémon Shield
Max Lair (Dynamax Adventure)
Pokémon Brilliant Diamond
Ramanas Park (requires Stratospheric Slate)
Pokémon Shining Pearl
Ramanas Park (requires Stratospheric Slate)
Ninth Pokémon generation
Pokémon Scarlet
Great Crater of Paldea
Pokémon Violet
Great Crater of Paldea


Base Stats[]

Normal[]

Base Stats
HP 105
Attack 150
Defense 90
Sp. Attack 150
Sp. Defense 90
Speed 95
Total 680

Mega[]

Base Stats
HP 105
Attack 180
Defense 100
Sp. Attack 180
Sp. Defense 100
Speed 115
Total 780


Form Change[]

Rayquaza
Mega Evolve
with Dragon Ascent
Rayquaza
Mega Form
PKMNSV384 PKMN384-M


Moveset[]

Main article: Rayquaza/moveset

Gallery[]

  Main article: Rayquaza/gallery

Sprites[]

Sprites
Ruby Sapphire
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PKMNRS384-S

Emerald
PKMNE384


PKMNE384-S

Fire Leaf
PKMNFRLG384


PKMNFRLG384-S

Diamond Pearl
PKMNDP384


PKMNDP384-S

Platinum
PKMNP384


PKMNP384-S

Heart Soul
PKMNHGSS384


PKMNHGSS384-S

Black White
PKMNBW384


PKMNBW384-S

Black 2 White 2
PKMNBW2384


PKMNBW2384-S

X Y
PKMNXY384


PKMNXY384-S

Sword Shield
PKMNSS384


PKMNSS384-S

Brilliant Diamond Shining Pearl
PKMNBDSP384


PKMNBDSP384-S

Scarlet Violet
PKMNSV384


PKMNSV384-S

Mega[]
Renders
X Y
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PKMNXY384-M-S




Trivia[]

  • Rayquaza is only member of the Super-ancient Pokémon without a Primal form.
  • Rayquaza is the only Mega Evolved Pokémon that does not require a Mega Stone to do so in the games.
  • Mega Rayquaza has the highest base Attack and Special Attack stats and the highest base stat total of all Dragon-type and Flying-type Pokémon (not counting the non-playable Eternamax Eternatus). Mega Rayquaza is also tied with Mewtwo's Mega Evolutions for the highest base stat total of all Pokémon, with 780, excluding non-playable Eternamax Eternatus.
  • Mega Rayquaza is the tallest Mega Evolved Pokémon and also the tallest Flying-type Pokémon.
  • Rayquaza was the most voted Pokémon of all pre-Fifth Pokémon generation Pokémon in the Korean Pokémon Global Link promotion poll.
  • In the Pokémon of the Year poll held by The Pokémon Company in 2020, Rayquaza was voted the most popular Third Pokémon generation Pokémon, receiving 60,939 votes. It was also the eighth-most popular Pokémon overall. It was also voted as the most popular Legendary Pokémon, as well as being the only Legendary to make the top ten results.
  • Rayquaza is misspelled as "Rayquayza" at the player select screen of Pokémon Team Turbo.
  • Despite being the "Sky High" Pokémon who lives high in the ozone layer, Rayquaza in Super Smash Bros. Brawl seems to be able to live underwater (although in the game, it is capable of learning the move Dive) and attacks by burrowing underground (it cannot learn Dig in the games). The Pokédex says that Rayquaza never touches the ground, however, unless Kyogre and Groudon were to fight.
  • Aside from freezing attacks being the most effective, many of Rayquaza's weaknesses and resistances do not match its properties in the Pokémon games: it resists electric, grass, water, and dark attacks more than flame attacks, whereas its Pokémon typing dictates it takes regular damage from electric and dark, half damage from fire and water, and quarter damage from grass.
  • A glitch can happen when facing Rayquaza. It is unknown how this happens, but it can leave some of the playable character's model stuck frozen in the immediate foreground, moving with the camera. Any attack Rayquaza performs that targets the player's location go offscreen, failing to hit the almost-KO'ed player. This glitch lasts until the player quits the battle.

External links[]

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