After defeating all the gym leaders, overcoming the Elite Four, and completing Pokémon FireRed & LeafGreen, the most exciting part begins: catching every Legendary Pokémon in the game. When you finish the final challenge, you’ll find the Mystic Ticket in your Key Items bag, but there’s no immediate clue on how to use it.
To use the Mystic Ticket and access Navel Rock to catch Lugia and Ho-Oh, you must first complete a quest for Celio on the Sevii Islands. Doing this unlocks access to various Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
### How to Unlock Navel Rock
Start by defeating the Elite Four and registering at least 60 Pokémon in your Pokédex. Once that’s done, Professor Oak will approach you after restarting the game and give you the National Dex. This allows you to continue your adventure and catch more Pokémon species.
Next, return to the Sevii Islands, specifically Island One, where Celio will ask you to find a gem. To power the machine that grants access to Navel Rock and Birth Island, you need to locate a Ruby in Mt. Ember. Head east then north along Kindle Road on One Island to reach Mt. Ember. From there, you’ll need to navigate through Team Rocket’s overrun hideout and solve puzzles involving boulders and a strength boulder puzzle to proceed.
Once inside the mountain, go north through the Ember Spa, crossing the ocean to Mt. Ember. Progress through the mountain, defeat the Rocket Grunts moving along the carved path, and enter their newly created cave. Follow the linear route to solve the strength puzzle, then advance through the rooms, pushing boulders and navigating through a Braille puzzle.
In the Braille room, descend a ladder to find the Ruby that Celio requests. Claim the Ruby and backtrack out of the Braille room; if you have an Escape Rope, you can leave quickly. Otherwise, backtrack northeast then south, adjusting boulders along the way, and return to Celio. At this point, Celio will mention finding a Sapphire — but don’t worry about that just yet. You’ll be able to access Navel Rock to capture Lugia and Ho-Oh.
### Where to Catch Lugia & Ho-Oh
Once you reach Navel Rock, you’ll encounter a fork in the path. One path leads to Ho-Oh, a Fire and Flying Pokémon at level 70, and the other leads to Lugia.
#### How to Catch Lugia
When Lugia appears, weaken it carefully using Electric or Rock-type moves. Be cautious not to knock it out. Paralyzing or putting Lugia to sleep will greatly increase your chances. Using moves like Thunder Wave or Sleep Powder is highly recommended. A solid team for this includes Pokémon such as Jolteon, Dragonite, Hypno, Gengar, Snorlax, and Zapdos.
#### How to Catch Ho-Oh
Ho-Oh also requires a careful approach, as it’s a powerful Fire and Flying Pokémon at level 70. Lower its HP quickly and use status moves like Paralysis first. Paralyzing Ho-Oh, with moves like Thunder Wave, makes it easier to catch. Use a team including Jolteon, Dragonite, Hypno, Gyarados, Snorlax, and Lapras for the best chance.
Much like Lugia, capturing Ho-Oh benefits from paralyzing it first to optimize your chances. Aim to weaken it without fainting, then throw a Poké Ball at the right moment.
