The Galarian forms of the legendary birds Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres arrived in Pokémon Sword and Shield with the release of the Crown Tundra DLC. These regional variants have new designs and typings, making them highly sought-after additions for collectors and competitive battlers alike. But what really makes them stand out are their rare shiny versions, featuring alternate color schemes. Shiny Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres have plumage in teal, black, and scarlet, respectively. If you want to get your hands on these variant Shinies, here’s what you need to know.
Overview of the Shiny Galarian Birds
The Kantonian birds received Galarian makeovers in the Galar region, undergoing changes in appearance and typing. Here’s a quick rundown of how the Shiny Galarian legendary birds differ from the normal versions:
Articuno
- Normal: Psychic/Flying type with blue plumage
- Shiny: Psychic/Flying type with teal plumage
Zapdos
- Normal: Fighting/Flying type with orange and yellow plumage
- Shiny: Fighting/Flying type with black plumage
Moltres
- Normal: Dark/Flying type with orange and yellow plumage
- Shiny: Dark/Flying type with scarlet plumage
As you can see, the alternate color schemes make the Shinies stand out beautifully. Now let’s go over where you need to go to find them.
Where to Find the Shiny Galarian Birds
The legendary birds can only be encountered in Pokémon Sword and Shield if you have the Crown Tundra DLC installed. Here are the main methods of obtaining them:
Crown Tundra DLC
The Galarian birds roam around specific locations in the Crown Tundra. Articuno appears in the Frigid Sea, Zapdos in the Dynamax Adventure snowfield, and Moltres in the Giant’s Bed. If you have the DLC, explore these areas and you may randomly encounter one! They have a small chance of appearing as Shinies.
Dynamax Adventures
After becoming Champion, you can try Dynamax Adventures in the Max Lair. Each run has a chance of pitting you against a Galarian legendary bird, and they can be Shiny! Make sure to choose the path leading to Articuno, Zapdos, or Moltres to battle them. Catch them in a Poké Ball when possible.
Trading
If you don’t have the DLC or access to Max Lair, you can trade for the Shiny Galarian birds through the GTS or with friends. Offer valuable Pokémon in exchange, like other Shinies or Legendaries. This is the only way to get them in Pokémon Sword without the DLC.
How to Increase Your Chances
The base odds of finding a Shiny are 1 in 4096, but certain methods can improve your chances substantially:
Shiny Charm
Completing the Crown Tundra Pokédex rewards you with the Shiny Charm. This coveted item boosts your odds to 1 in 1365! Complete the Dex to start finding Shinies more easily.
Catch Combos
In Let’s Go Pikachu/Eevee, catch combos of the same species increase your chances. Get a catch combo of at least 31 to reach 1 in 273 odds! This can work for the roaming birds.
Hosting Raids
When you host a Dynamax Adventure run and defeat/catch the Galarian bird, you get improved 1 in 100 odds of it being Shiny! Host frequently to increase encounters.
Using Lures or Scents
Some items like Shiny Lures and Shiny Scent can attract Shinies more easily. Use these consumables when hunting to slightly improve your chances.
Using Poké Balls Effectively
Bring an optimal selection of Poké Balls tailored to the situation to catch the birds:
Quick Balls
These have an enhanced catch rate when used early in battle, which is perfect when encountering a roaming Legendary. Throw one right away!
Repeat Balls
If you fail to catch the Pokémon initially, throw a Repeat Ball in rematches. Its catch rate increases the more times fought.
Timer Balls
The longer the battle, the better the catch rate. If you’re struggling, Timer Balls get stronger over time. Use them in long fights.
Dusk Balls
These work best at night or in caves/dark areas. Use them when hunting the birds at night for an increased catch rate.
Having Patience and Persistence
Hunting for Shinies involves a lot of luck. Be prepared to encounter many normal birds before finding a Shiny. Have patience and persist through bad luck—eventually your chance will come! Take breaks to avoid burnout. With dedication, you’ll get that coveted alternate coloration.
Resetting Encounters
If you accidentally knock out or fail to catch the Shiny, reset your game to retry the encounter. This takes patience but lets you re-roll the RNG for better luck.
Taking Breaks
Shiny hunting can be tedious. Take breaks regularly to avoid frustration and burnout. Come back refreshed and motivated to improve your luck.
Shiny Hunting Communities
Joining groups of fellow hunters online can provide motivation and support during unlucky stretches. Share your successes and failures!
Hunting Tips and Tricks
Use these advanced strategies to push your Shiny hunting to the next level:
Manipulating Spawns
Leave and re-enter spawn areas to force new spawns. Travel between two locations to reroll for a Shiny repeatedly.
Tracking Outbreaks
If you spot signs of a mass outbreak forming, stay in the area and keep battling to increase spawns and possibly trigger a Shiny!
Passive Shiny Hunting
Encounter Pokémon during normal play instead of dedicated hunting sessions. Check each one you see for Shinies to accumulate encounters.
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Conclusion
Obtaining a Shiny Galarian legendary bird takes time and effort, but the payoff is worth it. Increase your odds by using the Shiny Charm, chaining catches, hosting Max Raids, having the right Poké Balls, and leveraging tricks to reroll spawns. More than anything, be patient and don’t get discouraged by bad luck. Persist and eventually you’ll encounter one of these rare Shinies. That alternate teal, black, or scarlet plumage will be a trophy demonstrating your dedication to Pokémon hunting!