Pokémon Go has consistently delighted trainers with exciting events, new Pokémon releases, and challenges that push players to explore their surroundings. One of the more recent and thrilling additions to the game is the introduction of the Galarian forms of the legendary birds: Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. These Galarian versions offer a unique twist on the classic Kanto trio, not only in appearance but also in their types and moves.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to find and catch the Galarian birds in Pokémon Go. We’ll delve into their origins, the mechanics of encountering them, the strategies for maximizing your chances of success, and what to expect when facing these elusive Pokémon in the wild.
What Are Galarian Birds in Pokemon Go?
Before diving into how to catch them, let’s first explore what makes the Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres so special. Originally introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield as part of the Crown Tundra DLC, the Galarian birds are reimagined versions of the original Kanto legendaries. Each Galarian bird has different types and abilities compared to their original forms:
- Galarian Articuno: Psychic/Flying-type
- Galarian Zapdos: Fighting/Flying-type
- Galarian Moltres: Dark/Flying-type
These new forms maintain the legendary status of their Kanto counterparts while offering unique strengths and moves that set them apart from their original versions.
How to Find Galarian Birds in Pokémon Go
Finding Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres in Pokémon Go isn’t as straightforward as spotting them in the wild. These legendary Pokémon are extremely rare, and encountering them requires a specific set of steps. The Galarian birds can only be found using the Daily Adventure Incense, which was introduced to the game in July 2022.
1. Activate the Daily Adventure Incense
To have a chance at encountering a Galarian bird, you must first activate the Daily Adventure Incense. This special item is different from a regular incense in that it lasts for only 15 minutes and can be used once per day. During this time, it attracts wild Pokémon as you walk around. What makes the Daily Adventure Incense unique is that it has the potential to spawn extremely rare Pokémon, including the Galarian birds.
- You can obtain the Daily Adventure Incense for free once every 24 hours. It can be found in your item bag and is ready to use as long as you haven’t activated one that day.
- Keep in mind that this incense only works when you’re walking, so you need to stay on the move during the entire 15 minutes to maximize your chances.
2. Walk in Areas with High Spawn Rates
While the Daily Adventure Incense can be used anywhere, it’s recommended that you use it in areas where there are typically higher spawn rates of Pokémon. Urban areas, parks, or places with plenty of PokéStops tend to yield better results. The more Pokémon that spawn, the higher your chances of encountering a Galarian bird.
3. Prepare for the Encounter
If you’re fortunate enough to encounter Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres, the next challenge is catching them. These Pokémon are known for being extremely difficult to catch due to their low catch rates and tendency to flee after only a few attempts. Here are some tips to help increase your odds:
- Golden Razz Berries: Always use a Golden Razz Berry before attempting to throw a Poké Ball. This greatly increases your chances of catching the Pokémon.
- Ultra Balls: Use Ultra Balls to maximize your chances of success. These have a higher catch rate than regular Poké Balls or Great Balls, and every little bit helps when trying to catch a legendary.
- Circle Lock Technique: The circle lock technique involves holding down the Poké Ball until the target circle shrinks to the desired size (usually Excellent or Great). Release the ball when the Pokémon is about to attack, and you’ll have a higher chance of landing a successful throw.
- Calm Down: Legendary Pokémon like Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are known for breaking free from Poké Balls. Don’t get frustrated if they escape on the first or second throw—stay calm and keep trying.
4. Repeat Daily
The key to catching any of the Galarian birds is persistence. They are rare encounters, and you may go days or even weeks without spotting one. However, by consistently using the Daily Adventure Incense every day and walking in areas with high spawn rates, your odds will increase over time.
Catch Rates and Challenges
Catching Galarian birds in Pokémon Go is no easy task. Even if you manage to encounter one, the catch rates are notoriously low. Many players report that even with perfect throws and the use of Golden Razz Berries, the birds often flee after just a few attempts. Here’s what you need to know about the catch mechanics:
- Catch Rate: The base catch rate for Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres is only 0.3%. This is incredibly low, making these birds some of the hardest Pokémon to catch in the game.
- Flee Rate: The birds have a high flee rate, which means they are likely to run away after only one or two failed catch attempts. The flee rate is around 90%, meaning you’ll have very few chances to capture them.
- Patience is Key: Given the extremely low catch and high flee rates, it’s important to remain patient. Not every encounter will result in a capture, but perseverance is the key to eventually adding these Galarian birds to your collection.
Best Strategies for Success
Catching Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres requires a combination of preparation, strategy, and a bit of luck. Here are some tried and tested strategies to improve your chances of success:
1. Stock Up on Supplies
Before activating your Daily Adventure Incense, make sure you’re well-prepared. Stock up on the following items to maximize your chances of catching a Galarian bird:
- Ultra Balls: These are the most effective balls for catching legendary Pokémon.
- Golden Razz Berries: These significantly improve your chances of capturing a Pokémon. Try to save them specifically for encounters with legendary Pokémon like the Galarian birds.
- Revives and Potions: While these are not directly related to catching the birds, having a healthy team ready to battle ensures you’re not caught off guard by other challenges along the way.
2. Use Pinap Berries Only If You’re Confident
If you’re confident in your ability to catch the bird, you can use a Pinap Berry instead of a Golden Razz Berry. This will double the number of Candies you receive upon capture, making it easier to power up or evolve the Pokémon later. However, keep in mind that using a Pinap Berry reduces your chances of a successful capture, so this is a high-risk strategy.
3. Practice Excellent Throws
Landing an Excellent throw greatly increases your odds of catching a Pokémon. Take some time to practice your throws on other Pokémon, ensuring that you can consistently hit the Excellent mark when it really counts.
4. Remain Persistent
Due to the rarity and difficulty of encountering and catching Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, persistence is your greatest asset. Continue using the Daily Adventure Incense daily, walk in high spawn rate areas, and be prepared for multiple attempts.
5. Join a Pokémon Go Community
Many players find success in joining local or online Pokémon Go communities. Not only can you share tips and strategies, but other players may also help you locate areas where Galarian birds have been spotted more frequently.
Galarian Birds’ Stats and Moves
Once you’ve managed to catch Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres, you’ll want to know how to use them effectively in battles. Each bird has a unique set of stats and moves that make them valuable assets in raids and PvP.
1. Galarian Articuno:
- Type: Psychic/Flying
- Max CP: 3,791
- Moveset: Galarian Articuno can learn powerful Psychic-type moves like Psyshock and Future Sight, making it an excellent counter to Fighting and Poison-type Pokémon.
2. Galarian Zapdos
- Type: Fighting/Flying
- Max CP: 3,898
- Moveset: Galarian Zapdos excels in Physical Attack and can learn Fighting-type moves like Close Combat and Counter, which are ideal for taking down Rock and Ice-type opponents.
3. Galarian Moltres
- Type: Dark/Flying
- Max CP: 3,876
- Moveset: Galarian Moltres is a strong Dark-type attacker, boasting moves like Foul Play and Brave Bird, which are perfect for defeating Psychic and Ghost-type Pokémon.
Conclusion…
Catching Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres in Pokémon Go is no easy task, but with patience, preparation, and persistence, you can get it.