This page explains how to encounter and catch 
Azelf in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP).
(1 of 2) Azelf resides in Valor Cavern, at the heart of Lake Valor.
Azelf resides in Valor Cavern, at the heart of Lake Valor. (left), It’ll battle you straightaway like Uxie. (right)
Azelf is part of the Legendary trio of Sinnoh–the guardian of Lake Valor. After stopping Cyrus at the Spear Pillar, Azelf will be waiting in Valor Cavern, in the center of Lake Valor. To battle Azelf, you simply interact with it inside the cavern.
Legendary Pokémon¶
(1 of 2) Azelf has better offensive stats compared to the other lake guardians.
Azelf has better offensive stats compared to the other lake guardians. (left), So try to field Pokémon that can tank a few hits. (right)
| Pokémon | Level | Type |
|---|---|---|
 Azelf |
50 |  |
As the final member of the lake trio, it should come as no surprise that Azelf excels in offense, with superior Attack and Special Attack. Like the other lake guardians, it’s carrying Psychic and Extrasensory for STAB, plus Imprison to lock your Pokémon from using any moves Azelf knows. Besides that, it can use Nasty Plot to greatly boost its Special Attack.
Against Azelf, a Dark-type is highly recommended. Unless you have some other way to deal with or cancel Nasty Plot. Even with +6 Special Attack from Nasty Plot, a Dark-type will take zero damage, allowing you to focus on weakening Azelf and capturing it. Useful Dark-types include 
Absol and the 
Sneasel line, since they have access to False Swipe via TM.
(1 of 2) Dark-types are ideal for walling, since Azelf only has Psychic attacks.
Dark-types are ideal for walling, since Azelf only has Psychic attacks. (left), With no need to worry about taking damage, you can toss balls to your heart’s content. (right)
So long as you’re not melting to Azelf’s attacks, this fight is very by-the-numbers. Ideally use False Swipe to get Azelf to 1 HP, while applying paralysis or sleep. If you anticipate a long fight, go for paralysis near the start. For example, by using Thunder Wave, then switching to Absol etc. Otherwise, after bringing Azelf down to 1 HP, you could switch to a Pokémon that can cause sleep. Like 
Mightyena with Yawn.
Once Azelf has low HP and is inflicted with a status condition, that’s your cue to bring out your best balls. Ultra Balls are always good, Timer Balls are great once 10 turns have passed and you’ve also got the option to use Dusk Balls since you’re in a cave. If you’re feeling lucky, you could even throw a Quick Ball on turn 1. Avoid using the Master Ball though.
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