How to get Galarian Zapdos in Pokemon GO, and can it be shiny?

Galarian Zapdos is one of the few Legendary Pokemon that players can find in the wild in Pokemon GO. However, it has always been exceptionally rare and is very likely to flee when it is encountered. With this in mind, it is one of the most valuable creatures among collectors.

Galarian Zapdos' rarity has led many trainers to wonder whether its shiny form is available in the mobile title. Niantic has answered this question by revealing that Shiny Galarian Zapdos will be coming to the game for the upcoming Galarian Expedition event starting on October 4, 2024.

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Tips for finding Galarian Zapdos in Pokemon GO

Galarian Zapdos can only be encountered through the Daily Adventure Incense (Image via Game Freak)

Galarian Zapdos can spawn in the wild, but only when players activate the Daily Adventure Incense in Pokemon GO. Like the name would imply, this item is given to every trainer daily and functions identically to the standard Incense. Despite it increasing the spawn rate of wild Pocket Monsters nearby, Galarian Zapdos is still incredibly rare.

The best way players can tip the odds in their favor is by hunting for Galarian Zapdos in cloudy or windy weather.

Thanks to the game's weather boost mechanic, certain weather conditions grant an increased spawn rate to creatures of different elemental typings. Cloudy and windy weather boosts the odds of Fighting- and Flying-type critters spawning, as well as their combat power when encountered.

Also check: Pokemon GO CP calculator

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When does Shiny Galarian Zapdos come to Pokemon GO?

Shiny Galarian Zapdos will become available starting on October 4, 2024 (Image via Niantic)

As briefly mentioned prior, Galarian Zapdos' shiny variant will become available to encounter and capture when the Galarian Expedition begins on October 4, 2024.

Galarian Zapdos, as well as the other members of its trio, will have a chance to be encountered in their shiny variants even after the event concludes.

One detail that many players are unsure of is whether or not the Pocket Monster will be unable to flee from an encounter when in its shiny variant.

Other Legendary Pokemon encountered in Pokemon GO are guaranteed catches, but this is because they are raid bosses. Given how flighty these creatures are in their standard variants, many shiny hunters fear that these Legendary Pokemon will still be capable of running away.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

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Is Galarian Zapdos good in Pokemon GO PvP?

Galarian Zapdos is only held in high regard thanks to its rarity. Aside from this, there is no reason to have it over its standard Kanto variant in terms of use in battles.

Galarian Zapdos' Flying typing somewhat harms its survivability as it provides a weakness to Electric and Ice attacks. Following recent nerfs to Counter, the creature's energy generation is much worse, leaving it vulnerable to tankier opponents, which is a problem considering its glass cannon stat spread.

Nevertheless, Galarian Zapdos still has some value thanks to its rarity, and there is always the possibility that its moveset receives an update.

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Check out other guides on Niantic's mobile game:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters