Secret to Catching Shiny Galarian Legendary Birds in Pokemon GO

The Galarian regional variants of the Legendary Birds Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos are not just rare in Pokémon GO, they’re some of the hardest Pokémon to catch. Now, with the introduction of their Shiny variants during the Galarian Expedition event, players are more eager than ever to add these elusive creatures to their collection. But how do you catch these rare birds, especially their Shiny forms? Let’s break it down.

Understanding the Galarian Legendary Birds in Pokémon GO

The Galarian Legendary Birds are already some of the most sought-after Pokémon, but their Shiny forms make them even more desirable. Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos each with unique designs and characteristics pose a significant challenge for Trainers, and their catch rates are notoriously low. To add to the challenge, they also boast sky-high flee rates, meaning they can escape after just one or two throws.

Now, with their Shiny forms making their debut, every Trainer has a new reason to pop a Daily Adventure Incense and embark on a hunt. But it’s not just about encountering them. Catching them, especially in their Shiny variants, requires strategy, preparation, and a bit of luck.

How to Find Shiny Galarian Birds in Pokémon GO

If you’re wondering how to encounter the Galarian Legendary Birds, the answer lies in the Daily Adventure Incense. This special item is essential for summoning these rare Pokémon. You can find it on the right side of your overworld map, and once activated, it will remain active for 15 minutes. During this time, your chances of encountering Galarian Legendary Birds significantly increase.

Timing is everything. Make sure to activate your Daily Adventure Incense when you’re out walking or commuting, as the spawns will be more frequent when you’re on the move. The key is to keep walking and cover as much ground as possible. A straight route works best, as it helps you avoid backtracking and wasting valuable time.

But here’s a pro tip: If you have an Origin Forme Dialga with the move Roar of Time, you can pause the Daily Adventure Incense timer for up to two hours. This gives you more time to encounter these elusive Pokémon, but be sure to stock up on Candy and Stardust, as this move consumes them.

Keep an Eye on Your Spawns

One of the easiest mistakes Trainers make is walking right past a Galarian Bird without noticing. Always keep a close watch on the Pokémon that spawn on your map when the Daily Adventure Incense is active. Missing out on one of these Legendary Birds, especially a Shiny, is a Trainer’s worst nightmare!

Starting from October 4, 2024, during the Galarian Expedition event, any Galarian Legendary Bird you encounter has a chance of being Shiny. These Shiny forms will have different colour schemes, so keep your eyes peeled. You’ll also know you’ve encountered a Shiny when the shiny symbol appears next to the bird’s name during the catch screen.

How to Catch Shiny Galarian Birds in Pokémon GO – Use Golden Razz Berries and Master Your Throws

Encountering a Galarian Bird is just the beginning. The real challenge lies in catching them. With their low catch rates, even the best Trainers will struggle to secure one. If you’re lucky enough to find a Shiny Galarian Bird, the good news is that they won’t flee from the catch screen. This gives you the freedom to throw as many Poké Balls as you need, without worrying about them running away.

But here’s the tricky part: you’re likely to run out of Poké Balls before you successfully catch one. To improve your chances, use Golden Razz Berries or Silver Pinap Berries to boost your catch rate, and aim for Excellent Curveball Throws. Landing these throws will give you the best chance of catching these Legendary Birds, though they can be hard to master.

If you find Excellent Curveball Throws difficult, focus on achieving Great Curveball Throws instead. These are slightly easier and still provide a decent catch rate boost. At the end of the day, hitting the catch ring is better than missing entirely.

The Master Ball Solution

Sometimes, no amount of strategy or practice will help, and that’s when the Master Ball comes into play. The Master Ball guarantees a catch for any Pokémon, but they’re incredibly rare. Most Trainers will only have a few opportunities to obtain a Master Ball in Pokémon GO, typically through long-term Special Research or Masterwork Research quests.

During the Galarian Expedition event, there will be another chance to get a Master Ball by purchasing a Masterwork Research: Master Ball quest from the in-game shop. It costs $7.99, and upon completion, you’ll receive a single Master Ball. Keep in mind, though, that Masterwork Research quests are designed to take weeks to complete, so don’t expect an instant reward.

What Do Shiny Galarian Birds Look Like?

One of the most exciting aspects of catching Shiny Galarian Birds is their return to the color schemes of their Kanto region counterparts. Let’s take a closer look:

• Shiny Galarian Articuno adopts an icy blue design, reminiscent of the original Articuno from Kanto.
• Shiny Galarian Moltres takes on a fiery orange hue, similar to its fiery Kanto version.
• Shiny Galarian Zapdos becomes electric yellow, much like the original Zapdos we all know and love.

These visual transformations add even more excitement to the hunt, as catching a Shiny version brings a nostalgic feel for long-time fans of the series.

Tips to Improve Your Chances of Catching a Shiny Galarian Bird

Now that you know the basics, let’s dive into some advanced tips that could make all the difference in your hunt for Shiny Galarian Birds.

Plan Your Route

Walking in a straight line, as mentioned earlier, maximizes the number of spawns you’ll encounter during the 15-minute window of the Daily Adventure Incense. Try to plan routes in open spaces where you’re less likely to be interrupted or forced to turn back. Parks or long pathways work well.

Stock Up on Berries and Poké Balls

Before you activate your Daily Adventure Incense, make sure you’re fully stocked on Ultra Balls, Golden Razz Berries, and Silver Pinap Berries. These items are your best tools for increasing your catch rate. Also, having a good supply of Max Potions and Revives will keep your team battle-ready in case you encounter a tough opponent along the way.

Walk with Friends

Teaming up with other Trainers can increase your chances of encountering a Galarian Bird. If a friend spots one, they can alert you, and vice versa. It’s always more fun to hunt as a group, and you might even learn new strategies from other players.

Use Weather Boosts to Your Advantage

Check the weather in your area before activating the Daily Adventure Incense. Certain weather conditions boost the chances of specific Pokémon appearing. For example, Windy weather might increase your chances of encountering a Galarian Articuno, while Sunny weather could boost the likelihood of a Galarian Moltres spawning.

Catching the Shiny Galarian Legendary Birds in Pokémon GO is no small feat. It requires strategy, preparation, and a fair bit of patience. By making the most of your Daily Adventure Incense, mastering your throws, and utilizing key items like Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls, you can improve your chances of adding these coveted Pokémon to your collection. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on a Master Ball, don’t hesitate to use it when you encounter one of these rare birds.

With the Galarian Expedition event just around the corner, there’s never been a better time to go bird-watching in Pokémon GO. Who knows? You might just encounter the Shiny Galarian Bird of your dreams! Keep your fingers crossed, stock up on supplies, and good luck out there, Trainers!