Tidal Bell
Location Slateport City (Alpha Sapphire only) – Gift from Captain Stern for giving him the Scanner
In-game Description A very old-fashioned bell that makes a gentle ringing sound.

The Tidal Bell is a Key Item exclusive to Alpha Sapphire. You get it from Captain Stern when you give him the Scanner in the Slateport City Harbor.

In Alpha Sapphire, the Tidal Bell is used to encounter Lugia in Sea Mauville. While its counterpart, the Clear Bell, is used to encounter Ho-Oh in Omega Ruby.

Location

Firstly, you will need to get the Scanner from Sea Mauville. This is located in the fully submerged control room, which is only accessible by using Surf and Dive.

Getting the Scanner in the underwater basement of Sea Mauville.
Getting the Scanner in the underwater basement of Sea Mauville.

Once you have the Scanner, you can return to Slateport City. Then just speak to Captain Stern to give him the Scanner, and you’ll get the Tidal Bell in exchange.

Here’s where you can find Captain Stern:

Step 1: Start at the Pokémon Center in Slateport City then head northeast.

Heading to the Slateport City Harbor.
Heading to the Slateport City Harbor.

Step 2: In the northeast corner, you’ll find the Slateport City Harbor building. Go inside.

Finding the Slateport City Harbor.
Finding the Slateport City Harbor.

Step 3: Speak to Captain Stern (green hat) and you’ll get the Tidal Bell in exchange for the Scanner.

Obtaining the Tidal Bell from Captain Stern.
Obtaining the Tidal Bell from Captain Stern.

Using the Tidal Bell

The Tidal Bell is primarily used to encounter the legendary Pokémon Lugia, exclusive to Alpha Sapphire.

Once you obtain the Tidal Bell, simply return to Sea Mauville and go to the same underwater control room where you found the Scanner.

Note: You can only encounter Lugia after defeating Primal Kyogre.
Returning to the underwater basement in Sea Mauville.
Returning to the underwater basement in Sea Mauville.

Once you’re in the control room, head further down the stairs past where you found the Scanner.

You should find a portal there.

Tip: Save your game before entering the portal. If Lugia faints, you will have to battle the Elite Four and the Champion again for it to respawn.
The portal in Sea Mauville to encounter Lugia.
The portal in Sea Mauville to encounter Lugia.

Once you enter the portal, you will encounter a level 50 Lugia.

Encountering Lugia in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.
Encountering Lugia in Pokémon Alpha Sapphire.
Tip: In the Omega Ruby version, you will instead get the Clear Bell from Captain Stern. Returning to this same spot in Sea Mauville lets you encounter the legendary Pokémon Ho-Oh.
Back to: Key Items