Catching 'em all is the dream of every Pokémon GO trainer, but some Pokémon are far more elusive than others. This guide delves into the world of rarity in Pokémon GO, exploring which Pokémon are considered the rarest and why, and providing insights into strategies for potentially encountering them. We'll go beyond simple lists to explore the factors influencing rarity and offer valuable tips for boosting your chances.
What Makes a Pokémon Rare in Pokémon GO?
Rarity in Pokémon GO isn't simply a matter of low encounter rates. Several factors contribute to a Pokémon's overall rarity:
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Regional Exclusives: Some Pokémon are only found in specific geographic regions. These Pokémon are inherently rare for trainers outside their native habitats. Travel is often the only way to obtain them.
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Event Exclusives: Many Pokémon are only available during specific in-game events. Missing these events means missing the chance to catch these time-limited Pokémon.
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Limited-Time Research: Special research tasks often reward rare Pokémon. Completing these tasks requires dedication and strategic gameplay.
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Low Spawn Rates: Even within a region, some Pokémon simply appear less frequently than others. This can be influenced by biome, weather, and other in-game mechanics.
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Shiny Pokémon: Shiny Pokémon are exceptionally rare color variations of regular Pokémon. Finding a shiny version of any Pokémon dramatically increases its rarity.
Which Pokémon are Considered the Rarest? (Based on Multiple Factors)
Pinpointing the single rarest Pokémon is difficult, as rarity can fluctuate based on events and updates. However, some consistently rank high on the rarity scale:
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Regionals: Pokémon like Tauros (originally North America), Kangaskhan (originally Australia), and Mr. Mime (originally Europe) are consistently rare for players outside their original regions. These require significant travel or trading to obtain.
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Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: These powerful Pokémon are typically only available through special events, raids, or research tasks, making them extremely difficult to catch. Examples include Mewtwo, Lugia, and many others that have appeared over the years.
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Shadow Raids: Pokémon obtained from Shadow Raids often have unique and challenging capture mechanics, making them comparatively rare even when the Raid itself isn't particularly difficult.
What are the chances of finding a Shiny Pokémon?
The chances of encountering a Shiny Pokémon are notoriously low, generally estimated to be around 1 in 450 or even lower depending on the Pokémon and any active events. Patience, persistence, and a bit of luck are key to finding one.
How Can I Increase My Chances of Catching Rare Pokémon?
While there's no guaranteed method, several strategies can improve your odds:
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Stay Active During Events: Events often increase the spawn rates of rare Pokémon. Keep an eye on the in-game news and participate actively.
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Utilize Community Day Events: Community Days usually feature a boosted spawn rate for a specific Pokémon, increasing your chances of finding a shiny variant.
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Participate in Raids: Raids are a primary method for obtaining Legendary and Mythical Pokémon.
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Explore Different Locations: Varying your play locations expands the range of Pokémon you can encounter, including regionals.
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Utilize Incense and Lures: These items temporarily increase Pokémon spawns in your immediate area.
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Join a Community: Connect with other players to share information about rare spawns and raid opportunities.
Are there any websites or apps to help find rare Pokémon?
While various third-party apps and websites claim to help locate rare Pokémon, it’s crucial to exercise caution and adhere to Niantic's terms of service to avoid account penalties. Many such tools rely on crowdsourcing, which can be inconsistent in its accuracy.
Conclusion
Catching the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a challenging but rewarding pursuit. By understanding the factors influencing rarity and employing strategic gameplay, you can significantly improve your chances of adding those elusive creatures to your Pokédex. Remember to enjoy the journey and the community aspect of the game!
