How To Catch Drampa In Pokemon Shield

Drampa, the Placid Pokémon, is a unique Dragon/Normal-type Pokémon introduced in the seventh generation of the series and is available in Pokémon Shield. Acquiring this powerful Pokémon can be a valuable asset to any team. This article details the steps required to successfully encounter and capture Drampa in Pokémon Shield.
Understanding Drampa's Habitat
Drampa is a relatively rare Pokémon, and its appearance is linked to specific weather conditions and locations within the game. Therefore, understanding these factors is paramount for a successful hunt.
Location
Drampa can primarily be found in one location:
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Lake of Outrage: This area, situated in the Wild Area, is the primary location where Drampa appears in Pokémon Shield.
Weather Conditions
Drampa's appearance is contingent on specific weather conditions in the Lake of Outrage. The correct weather is a prerequisite. Drampa only appears in the Overcast weather condition.
Overcast weather is identified by a sky filled with grey clouds. Unlike some weather conditions, it's less visually distinct. Pay careful attention to in-game weather announcements or visual cues to verify the correct weather before starting your search.
Preparing for the Hunt
Before embarking on the Drampa hunt, several preparations can increase the chances of a successful capture.

Pokémon Team Composition
Drampa is a Dragon/Normal-type Pokémon, making it weak to Fighting, Ice, Dragon, and Fairy-type moves. Consider including Pokémon in your team that can effectively exploit these weaknesses.
- Fighting-type Pokémon: Pokémon with moves like Close Combat or Brick Break can inflict substantial damage.
- Ice-type Pokémon: Ice Beam or Ice Punch are strong options. Be cautious, as Drampa can also know moves that can be super effective against Ice types.
- Dragon-type Pokémon: Dragon-type moves can deal heavy damage, but be mindful of a type-match.
Items to Bring
Stock up on essential items to facilitate the capture process.
- Poké Balls: Ultra Balls are recommended for their higher catch rate. Timer Balls can also be effective in prolonged battles.
- Potions and Revives: Ensure your Pokémon remain healthy throughout the encounter.
- Status Condition Inducers: Paralysis or Sleep can significantly increase the chance of catching Drampa. Moves that inflict these conditions, or items like Thunder Wave and Sleep Powder, can be invaluable.
Understanding Drampa's Moveset
Familiarizing yourself with Drampa’s potential moveset can help you anticipate its actions and strategize accordingly. While specific moves may vary, typical Drampa moves include:
- Hyper Voice: A powerful Normal-type move.
- Dragon Pulse: A strong Dragon-type attack.
- Extrasensory: A Psychic-type move that can inflict significant damage on Fighting types.
Locating Drampa in the Lake of Outrage
Once the Overcast weather is active and your team is prepared, proceed to the Lake of Outrage.

Navigating the Lake of Outrage
The Lake of Outrage is located in the northern part of the Wild Area. Trainers can access it via the Motostoke Riverbank or the North Lake Miloch zones. Once there, cross the lake using the Rotom Bike's water-traversing ability. The Lake of Outrage features several stone pillars. Drampa appears as a visible overworld spawn.
The Overworld Spawn
In the Lake of Outrage, Drampa does not appear in tall grass encounters. It appears in the open as an overworld spawn. This means you can see Drampa walking around the area.
Due to Drampa's rarity even in Overcast weather, its appearance rate is low. If you don't see Drampa upon arrival, you may need to cycle the weather conditions.
Cycling the Weather
If Overcast weather is not currently active in the Lake of Outrage, you can manipulate the game's internal clock to trigger the desired weather pattern. Note: Changing system settings can have unintended consequences in some games. Proceed with caution and be aware of the risks.
Date Manipulation Method
- Close the game completely: Ensure Pokémon Shield is not running in the background.
- Access system settings: Go to the Nintendo Switch's System Settings.
- Date and Time: Navigate to the Date and Time settings.
- Turn off "Synchronize Clock via Internet": This prevents the system from automatically correcting the time.
- Advance the date: Advance the date by one day. Different dates can correspond to different weather patterns.
- Launch the game: Start Pokémon Shield and check the weather in the Wild Area.
- Repeat: Continue advancing the date until Overcast weather appears in the Lake of Outrage.
This process may require several attempts. Consult online resources for a table of dates and corresponding weather patterns for the Wild Area to expedite the process.

Engaging and Capturing Drampa
Once you've located Drampa, initiate the battle.
Weakening Drampa
Lower Drampa's health to increase the capture rate. Avoid using moves that might knock it out in a single hit. Aim to bring its HP down to the yellow or red zone.
Inflicting Status Conditions
Inflicting a status condition like Paralysis or Sleep significantly boosts the catch rate. Use moves like Thunder Wave (Paralysis) or Hypnosis (Sleep), or items like Sleep Powder.
Choosing the Right Poké Ball
Use Ultra Balls for a high chance of success. If the battle drags on, Timer Balls become increasingly effective. Consider using a Quick Ball at the start of the encounter for a chance to catch it immediately.

Persistence
Capturing Drampa may require multiple attempts. Don't be discouraged if it breaks out of several Poké Balls. Keep weakening it and throwing Poké Balls until you succeed.
Post-Capture Considerations
After successfully capturing Drampa, evaluate its stats and Nature to determine its suitability for your team.
Checking Stats and Nature
Drampa's Nature influences its stat growth. A Modest Nature (increases Special Attack, decreases Attack) or a Quiet Nature (increases Special Attack, decreases Speed) are generally considered beneficial for Drampa's offensive capabilities. Use an Ability Capsule to change its Ability if necessary.
Training Drampa
Train Drampa to maximize its potential. Focus on increasing its Special Attack and HP through training and stat-boosting items. Consider its role in your team and teach it appropriate moves to cover its weaknesses and exploit its strengths.
Summary
Catching Drampa in Pokémon Shield requires patience and preparation. Locating it in the Lake of Outrage during Overcast weather is the primary challenge. Cycling the weather by manipulating the system's date and time can expedite this process. Prepare your team with Pokémon that exploit Drampa’s weaknesses and bring appropriate items. Weakening it, inflicting status conditions, and using effective Poké Balls are key to a successful capture. Acquiring Drampa provides a powerful Special Attacker to your team, making the effort worthwhile.
