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

Zamazenta arrived in Pokemon GO on August 21, 2021, during the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event. Since then, the Galarian Legendary Pokemon has appeared in multiple parts of the game, at least in its Hero of Many Battles form. But how can you get a Zamazenta of your own, and can it appear in its shiny form? The processes are pretty straightforward, and yes, Zamazenta can be shiny.

With that in mind, it's worth examining the ways to get Zamazenta in Pokemon GO as well as tips for finding its shiny form. The options are somewhat limited compared to other Pocket Monsters since Zamazenta is a Legendary species, but these methods may still be worth pursuing.

Also check: Pokemon GO Evolution Calculator

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Ways to get Zamazenta in Pokemon GO

Zamazenta in key art for Pokemon GO's 5th Anniversary (Image via Niantic)

As of Pokemon GO's Max Out season, Zamazenta can only be obtained in a few ways: From 5-star raids, as a reward encounter GO Battle League PvP, and by trading for it. These are the only options available so far, though Niantic may introduce the Pocket Monster in other capacities at a later date.

Don't expect many surprises though, as Zamazenta is still a Legendary Pokemon.

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5-star raids

Zamazenta has appeared as a 5-star raid boss on three occasions over the years, typically during events like its debut Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event. However, it briefly returned as a 5-star raid boss alongside Zacian during 2022's August Content Update.

Best of all, Zamazenta will be making a return as a 5-star raid boss during the Pokemon GO Galarian Expedition event taking place on October 4, 2024, at 10:00 am local time until October 11, 2024, at 8:00 pm local time.

By using Fairy-, Flying-, and Psychic-type counters and bringing along a few fellow trainers, you can defeat Zamazenta time and time again and capture it.

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GO Battle League Rewards

Zamazenta has appeared on occasion as a reward encounter upon winning battles in GO Battle League PvP. The Galarian Legendary has been added to the encounter pool at points in 2021 and 2022.

The latest opportunity to catch Zamazenta via PvP begins on October 4-14, when you'll be able to encounter the creature as a reward after reaching Rank 20.

With the right teams for Great League, Ultra League, and Master League, you can encounter Zamazenta multiple times to complement your success. Other Pokemon can appear as reward encounters too, but the prospect of finding and catching Zamazenta might help you find meaning in the PvP grind.

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Trading

Trading may be a last resort to get Zamazenta (Image via Niantic)

If all else fails, you may need to find another trainer who has obtained Zamazenta in order to obtain the somewhat elusive Galarian Legendary. This will require a decent amount of Stardust and one of your own Pokemon, but depending on the trade conditions, you can get a Zamazenta without giving up too much in return.

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Tips to get Shiny Zamazenta in Pokemon GO

Shiny Zamazenta has a pink coloration (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The best suggestion for finding Shiny Zamazenta in Pokemon GO at the moment would be to participate in the Galarian Expedition event as much as possible after it begins on October 4, 2024.

This way, you can face and defeat Zamazenta in 5-star raids throughout the event while also battling in PvP in your off time to reach Rank 20, where you can encounter the creature as a reward encounter.

As a legendary Pokemon found in 5-star raids, the base shiny appearance rate of Zamazenta should be 1 in 20 or 5%. This is quite high compared to most Pokemon, so if you're diligently PvPing and winning raids during Galarian Expedition, you should be in great shape to find Shiny Zamazenta. If not, it may be best to trade with a trainer who has.

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Also check: Pokemon GO CP Calculator