Aron Hunting: Your Definitive Guide to Finding the Iron Armor Pokémon in Alpha Sapphire

So, you’re on the hunt for the sturdy Aron in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire? Look no further! You can find this Steel/Rock-type Pokémon primarily in Granite Cave. Specifically, Aron appears on floors B1F and 1F of the cave. Keep reading for tips on how to best encounter this powerful little Pokémon and train it into the formidable Aggron!

Aron’s Lair: A Detailed Look at Granite Cave

Granite Cave isn’t just a random spot on the map; it’s Aron’s preferred habitat. Understanding its layout and the Pokémon that share its space is crucial to a successful hunt.

Navigating Granite Cave

Granite Cave is located on Route 106, accessible by surfing west from Dewford Town. The cave itself consists of multiple floors, including the entrance, 1F, and B1F. Aron is most commonly found on the lower floors (B1F and 1F), so that’s where you’ll want to focus your efforts. Be prepared for random encounters; wandering around in the tall grass and rocky areas increases your chances of finding Aron.

Understanding Encounter Rates

Encounter rates determine how often a specific Pokémon will appear in an area. While Aron is present in Granite Cave, it’s not the only Pokémon. You’ll also encounter Pokémon like Zubat, Makuhita, and Geodude. Persistence is key! Aron’s encounter rate is around 20-30%, so be prepared to battle or run from other Pokémon as you search.

Strategies for Increasing Encounter Rates

While you can’t directly force Aron to appear, there are strategies to improve your odds. One method involves using a Pokémon with the ability “Illuminate” or “Arena Trap” in the first slot of your party. While these abilities don’t guarantee an Aron encounter, they do increase the overall frequency of wild Pokémon encounters, potentially leading to more Aron spawns. Pokémon with “Repel” can also be strategically used. If your lead Pokémon is a higher level than the common Pokémon in the area (but lower than Aron’s level), you can use a repel to avoid weaker encounters and increase the chances of encountering Aron.

Taming the Iron Armor: Catching Aron Effectively

Finding Aron is only half the battle; you need to catch it! Here are a few tips to help you secure this coveted Pokémon.

Choosing the Right Poké Ball

The type of Poké Ball you use can significantly impact your chances of catching Aron. A standard Poké Ball will work, especially if Aron’s HP is low, but for a higher success rate, consider using Great Balls or Ultra Balls. For a truly strategic approach, consider using Dusk Balls inside Granite Cave. Dusk Balls are particularly effective in dark environments, offering a substantial catch rate bonus. If you’re feeling lucky, a Quick Ball at the start of the battle could snag you an Aron immediately.

Weakening Aron Strategically

Before throwing your Poké Ball, weaken Aron without knocking it out. Status conditions like paralysis or sleep significantly increase the chances of a successful catch. Moves like Thunder Wave or Sleep Powder are excellent choices. Be mindful of Aron’s moveset; it can use Take Down, which causes recoil damage, potentially knocking itself out if it’s already weak. Using moves that inflict fixed damage, like Night Shade or Seismic Toss, can help you control the damage more effectively.

Considering Aron’s Nature and Stats

While catching Aron is the primary goal, keep an eye on its Nature and stats if you plan on using it competitively. A Brave or Adamant nature, which increases Attack and decreases Speed or Special Attack, respectively, can be beneficial for Aggron. Consider using a Pokémon with the Synchronize ability as your lead. If the Synchronize Pokémon has the Nature you want, there’s a 50% chance that wild Pokémon will also have that Nature. This can save you time and Poké Balls in the long run.

Beyond the Catch: Evolving Aron into Aggron

Catching Aron is just the beginning of its journey. Evolving it into the powerful Aggron is where the real fun begins!

Leveling Up Aron

Aron evolves into Lairon at level 32, and Lairon evolves into Aggron at level 42. Focus on battles to level up your Aron efficiently. The Exp. Share item can be invaluable, allowing your entire team to gain experience even if they don’t participate in battle. If you have access to the Lucky Egg, equip it to Aron to significantly boost its experience gain.

Aggron: A Competitive Powerhouse

Aggron, with its high Defense and Attack stats, is a formidable Pokémon in battle. Consider its moveset carefully to maximize its potential. Head Smash, Iron Head, Earthquake, and Stone Edge are all excellent choices. Keep in mind Aggron’s double weakness to Ground and Fighting-type moves. Strategic team building and move selection can help mitigate these weaknesses.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can Aron be found anywhere else besides Granite Cave in Alpha Sapphire?

While Granite Cave is the primary location for finding Aron, it’s also available through DexNav searching on Route 111 after defeating or capturing Groudon. However, Granite Cave is significantly easier to access early in the game.

2. What level is Aron typically when encountered in Granite Cave?

Aron in Granite Cave typically ranges between levels 6 and 8.

3. Is there a specific time of day that Aron appears more frequently?

No, Aron’s encounter rate in Granite Cave is not affected by the time of day. It can be found at any time.

4. Does using the DexNav make finding Aron easier?

Using the DexNav on Route 111 after the Groudon encounter can make finding an Aron with specific Abilities or moves easier, but it requires you to have already encountered Aron and can take time to master. In Granite Cave, it’s better to find him via random encounters.

5. What abilities can Aron have?

Aron can have the abilities Sturdy or Rock Head. Sturdy prevents one-hit KO moves, while Rock Head prevents recoil damage from moves like Take Down. The hidden ability is Heavy Metal, which doubles its weight, affecting moves like Heavy Slam.

6. Is Aron a rare Pokémon in Alpha Sapphire?

While not the rarest, Aron is not the most common Pokémon either. With an encounter rate around 20-30% in Granite Cave, you may need some patience to find one.

7. What are some good moves to teach Aron early on?

Early on, Headbutt, Rock Tomb, and Iron Head are decent options for Aron. These moves provide a good balance of damage and type coverage.

8. Is it worth it to use an Everstone on Lairon to delay evolution?

In most cases, no. While Lairon can learn some moves earlier than Aggron, Aggron’s superior stats make it a better choice for most battles.

9. Can I breed Aron in Alpha Sapphire?

Yes, Aron can be bred as long as you have a compatible Pokémon (usually Ditto). This is a good way to obtain Aron with specific Natures or Egg Moves.

10. What are some common mistakes people make when searching for Aron?

Common mistakes include not exploring all areas of Granite Cave (focusing primarily on B1F & 1F), not using strategies to increase encounter rates, and not being prepared with appropriate Poké Balls or status-inducing moves.

11. What items should I bring when searching for Aron?

Bring plenty of Poké Balls (Great/Ultra/Dusk Balls), Repels (if your lead is higher level), Potions, and status-inducing moves (like Thunder Wave) for weakening the Pokémon before catching.

12. How does Aron fare in competitive Pokémon battles?

Aggron can be a decent physical wall and attacker, but its double weakness to Ground and Fighting-type moves makes it vulnerable. With careful team building and move selection, it can be effective in certain situations. However, there are generally better Steel/Rock-type options available for competitive play.