Unlocking Galarian Birds in Pokémon Go: Are Shiny Variants Available?

Galarian Articuno, Galarian Moltres, and Galarian Zapdos have made their way into Pokemon Go. However, encountering these elusive Legendary Pokémon requires a specific item called the Daily Adventure Incense.

Acquiring a new Legendary Pokémon in Pokemon Go typically involves engaging them in a Raid Battle. Yet, the method to obtain the Galarian versions of Kanto’s Legendary birds differs significantly.

These three potent Pokémon—Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos—have been available in Pokemon Go for quite some time. Nonetheless, the Galarian variants are considerably harder to find.

Below, you’ll discover all the essential information you need for encountering Galarian Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos in Pokemon Go.

Daily Adventure Incense in Pokemon Go — Niantic

How to find Galarian Articuno, Moltres & Zapdos in Pokemon Go

Currently, the sole way to encounter Galarian Articuno, Galarian Moltres, or Galarian Zapdos in Pokemon Go is by utilizing the Daily Adventure Incense and exploring until one spawns.

Daily Adventure Incense is a unique item that remains active for 15 minutes and can attract some rare Pokémon to your vicinity. Plus, a free one will appear in your Items every day.

However, it’s important to note that the Daily Adventure Incense can be paused with an Adventure Effect. This effect requires Stardust and Candy, and the specific effect that pauses the Incense is known as Roar of Time. This ability can be activated by Origin Forme Dialga.

Before wielding the Daily Adventure Incense, make sure you complete the ‘A Mysterious Incense’ Special Research story.

A poster for the Mysterious Incense Special Research in Pokemon Go — Niantic

How to catch Galarian Articuno, Moltres & Zapdos in Pokemon Go

When you finally encounter a Galarian Articuno, Moltres, or Zapdos, the real challenge lies in catching it since these rare Legendaries boast a staggering 90% flee rate. If you miss your shot, there’s a high chance they will escape.

While catching them isn’t a guarantee, you can enhance your chances by utilizing Silver Pinap Berries or Golden Razz Berries followed by achieving Excellent Curveball Throws.

Fortunately, a new Daily Adventure Incense will be available in your inventory each day, ensuring that if you miss out on the Galarian Legendary bird, you’ll have another opportunity tomorrow!

Can the Legendary Galarian Birds be Shiny in Pokemon Go?

Yes, the Galarian versions of Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos will have their Shiny forms available in Pokemon Go starting in October 2024, coinciding with the Galarian Expedition event.

The Kanto variations of these three birds also feature Shiny versions.

How catching Shiny versions of Galarian Birds works

While the standard versions of Galarian Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos possess high flee rates, Niantic has confirmed that the Shiny variants will not flee from encounters during the Galarian Expedition event.

However, successfully capturing a Shiny isn’t guaranteed, meaning you might need several Poké Balls to catch one during your encounter.

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