The Galarian forms of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have captivated Pokémon GO players since their introduction. Their striking, regional variations and the coveted shiny versions have made them highly sought-after additions to any trainer's collection. This guide delves into everything you need to know about encountering and catching these elusive shiny Pokémon.
What are the Galarian Birds?
The Galarian Birds are regional variants of the legendary Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, originally discovered in the Galar region (Pokémon Sword and Shield). Unlike their Kanto counterparts, these Pokémon boast unique typings, appearances, and movesets. They're no longer Ice/Flying, Electric/Flying, and Fire/Flying types respectively. Instead, Galarian Articuno is Ice/Psychic, Galarian Zapdos is Fighting/Flying, and Galarian Moltres is Dark/Flying. These changes significantly impact their strengths and weaknesses in battle, adding a new strategic layer to Pokémon GO gameplay. Their shiny forms are equally striking, boasting vibrant color palettes that differ significantly from their standard counterparts.
How to Catch Shiny Galarian Birds in Pokémon GO
Unfortunately, there's no guaranteed method to obtain a shiny Galarian bird. Their appearance is entirely random and relies on chance. However, several strategies can increase your odds:
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Increased Shiny Rates: Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, occasionally increases the shiny rates of specific Pokémon during events. Keep an eye on official announcements and in-game news for boosted shiny chances during special events featuring the Galarian Birds. These events often include limited-time research tasks or increased spawn rates.
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Raid Battles: Galarian Birds frequently appear in five-star raids. Participating in these raids is a common method for encountering them, and the increased shiny rates during events often extend to raid encounters. Remember to coordinate with other players for successful raids.
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Research Tasks: Special research tasks sometimes reward encounters with Galarian Birds. Completing these tasks can offer another opportunity to encounter their shiny forms.
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Patience and Persistence: Ultimately, capturing a shiny Galarian Bird requires patience and dedication. The longer you actively participate in raids, events, and complete research tasks, the greater your chances of encountering a shiny variant.
What Makes Shiny Galarian Birds So Desirable?
The desirability of shiny Galarian Birds stems from several factors:
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Rarity: Shiny Pokémon are inherently rare, and the Galarian Birds are no exception. Their rarity increases their value within the Pokémon GO community.
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Unique Appearance: The shiny versions boast unique color palettes, making them visually distinct and highly sought after by collectors.
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Completeness: For many players, capturing all shiny forms of a Pokémon family is a significant achievement, and the Galarian Birds are a key part of that goal.
Are Shiny Galarian Birds Easier to Catch Than Regular Ones?
No, the catch rate for shiny Galarian Birds is the same as their regular counterparts. While the increased shiny rate during events boosts your chances of encountering a shiny, it doesn't change the inherent difficulty of actually catching it.
How Do I Know If I've Caught a Shiny Galarian Bird?
Shiny Pokémon are easily identifiable by their shimmering animation and altered color palette when they appear in the wild or during a raid. Look for a distinctive sparkle effect and a color change that deviates from the standard form. The in-game screen will also typically display "Shiny!" if you've encountered a shiny Pokémon.
Can I trade Shiny Galarian Birds?
Yes, you can trade shiny Galarian Birds with other players, provided you meet the friendship level and trade distance requirements.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of Shiny Galarian Birds in Pokémon GO. Remember that encountering these rare Pokémon requires patience, persistence, and a keen eye for those telltale sparkles! Good luck, trainers!
