Catching Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a core part of the game, but not all Pokémon are created equal. Rarity plays a significant role in determining how difficult a Pokémon is to find, and understanding this rarity can greatly improve your gameplay. This guide provides a comprehensive look at Pokémon GO rarity, breaking down the different rarity tiers and offering tips for catching rare Pokémon.
What Determines Pokémon Rarity in Pokémon GO?
Several factors contribute to a Pokémon's rarity in Pokémon GO. These include:
- Spawn Rate: This is the most straightforward factor. Common Pokémon spawn frequently, while rare Pokémon are much harder to encounter in the wild.
- Regional Exclusivity: Some Pokémon are only found in specific geographic regions, making them inherently rare for players outside those areas.
- Event Availability: Niantic often introduces limited-time events featuring specific Pokémon, temporarily altering their rarity. Pokémon normally rare might become more common during these events, or conversely, new, very rare Pokémon might appear.
- Nests: Certain locations, known as nests, tend to attract specific Pokémon species more frequently than others. These nests rotate periodically, so keeping an eye out for these shifting locations can improve your chances of finding less common Pokémon.
- Weather Boost: Weather conditions can impact the spawn rate of certain Pokémon. For instance, a rainy day might increase the appearance of Water-type Pokémon.
Pokémon GO Rarity Tiers: A Breakdown
While Niantic doesn't release an official, numerical rarity chart, we can categorize Pokémon into general tiers based on community observations and gameplay experience. Keep in mind that this is a generalization, and specific rarities can fluctuate based on events and location:
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Common: These Pokémon are incredibly easy to find. They appear frequently in various habitats and are often plentiful during events. Examples include Pidgey, Rattata, Weedle, and Caterpie (depending on your region and time of year).
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Uncommon: These Pokémon are more challenging to find than common ones but still relatively accessible. You'll encounter them regularly, but not as frequently as the common Pokémon. Examples can vary greatly based on location and time; many Pokémon can fit this category.
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Rare: These Pokémon are significantly harder to find in the wild. They typically have a low spawn rate and may require more dedicated searching. Examples often include region-specific Pokémon or those featured in special events with reduced spawn rates.
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Ultra Rare/Legendary: These Pokémon are extremely difficult to find. They are often only available through raids, research tasks, or very specific events. Legendaries are usually the strongest Pokémon and are highly sought after. Examples include Mewtwo, Ho-Oh, and other powerful legendary and mythical Pokémon.
What are the Rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Pinpointing the absolute rarest Pokémon is challenging because rarity can change over time and varies by region. However, some consistently stand out as exceptionally rare:
- Regionals: Pokémon exclusive to certain parts of the world remain highly sought-after globally. Trading can alleviate this, but obtaining them initially can be extremely difficult.
- Mythical Pokémon: Pokémon like Mew and Celebi are notoriously difficult to obtain, often requiring completion of special research tasks.
- Shadow Legendaries: These powerful Pokémon are captured from Team Rocket leaders and are not commonly encountered.
How to Increase Your Chances of Catching Rare Pokémon
- Utilize PokéStops and Gyms: These locations often have higher Pokémon spawn rates.
- Check Nearby Pokémon: The "Nearby" function can alert you to nearby Pokémon, even if they are not currently visible on your map.
- Explore Different Locations: Vary your hunting grounds to increase your chances of encountering Pokémon not found in your usual spots.
- Use Incense and Lures: These items can attract more Pokémon to your location.
- Participate in Events: Events frequently introduce rare Pokémon into the game, increasing your chances of encountering them.
- Join a Community: Connect with other players to share information about rare Pokémon sightings.
Are there any Pokémon GO rarity charts available online?
While Niantic doesn't officially release a rarity chart, many community-created resources exist online offering their interpretations of Pokémon rarity based on observation and player data. These should be viewed as guides rather than definitive statements, as rarity can change. Remember to use several sources to get a comprehensive view.
How do weather boosts affect Pokémon rarity?
Weather boosts affect the spawn rates of Pokémon, making some that are normally uncommon temporarily more frequent. While it doesn’t change the inherent rarity, it increases your chance of encountering these Pokémon during those weather conditions. This makes tracking weather patterns alongside Pokémon locations advantageous.
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed overview of Pokémon GO rarity. Remember that consistent play, exploration, and community engagement will significantly improve your chances of encountering and catching those rare and elusive Pokémon!
