Pokémon GO Rarity Chart: Spawn & Shiny Odds
Navigating the vast world of Pokémon GO can be daunting, especially when it comes to understanding the rarity of different Pokémon. From common spawns like Pidgey to elusive legendaries, each creature has a different likelihood of appearing. This rarity, coupled with the even rarer chance of encountering a shiny Pokémon, adds another layer of complexity to the game. This comprehensive guide will delve into the intricacies of Pokémon GO rarity, covering spawn rates, shiny odds, and factors that influence encounters.
Understanding Pokémon Rarity
Pokémon rarity in Pokémon GO is typically categorized into tiers, ranging from common to mythical. These tiers reflect the likelihood of encountering a specific Pokémon in the wild, during events, or through other means like raids and eggs. While Niantic doesn’t officially publish these rates, dedicated communities and data miners have compiled information to provide a general understanding of spawn rarity.
Common Pokémon
These Pokémon are the bread and butter of Pokémon GO. You’ll encounter them frequently in most environments. Think Pidgey, Rattata, and Sentret – they’re everywhere! This abundance makes them easy to catch and level up, perfect for beginners.
Uncommon Pokémon
A step up from common spawns, these Pokémon appear less frequently but are still relatively easy to find. Examples include Pokémon like Eevee, Oddish, and Paras. You might need to explore a bit more or visit specific biomes to increase your chances of encountering them.
Rare Pokémon
As the name suggests, rare Pokémon are less likely to appear than common or uncommon ones. They can be exciting finds and often possess better stats. Examples include Pokémon like Growlithe, Vulpix, and Machop. You might need to rely on events, specific locations, or even luck to add them to your collection.
Very Rare Pokémon
These Pokémon are significantly harder to come by and are considered prized catches. They might be regional exclusives, only appear during specific events, or have incredibly low spawn rates. Examples include Pokémon like Dratini, Larvitar, and Snorlax. Finding one of these can be a real accomplishment.
Legendary Pokémon
Legendary Pokémon are typically only available through raids or special research tasks. They are powerful and highly sought after. Their availability is often limited, making them even more desirable. Examples include iconic Pokémon like Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres. Successfully raiding and catching a legendary is a significant achievement in the game.
Mythical Pokémon
The rarest category of all, Mythical Pokémon are exclusively available through special research tasks or limited-time events. They are often associated with unique storylines and lore within the Pokémon universe. Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi are prime examples. Owning a Mythical Pokémon is a testament to dedication and participation in special events.
Shiny Pokémon: The Ultimate Prize
Shiny Pokémon are alternate color variations of existing Pokémon. They have the same stats and movesets but boast unique color palettes, making them highly coveted by collectors. The odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon are significantly lower than encountering their regular counterparts, adding another layer of rarity to the game.
Standard Shiny Odds
The base shiny rate in Pokémon GO is estimated to be around 1/500. This means that, on average, for every 500 encounters of a specific Pokémon species, one might be shiny. However, these odds can be influenced by various factors.
Boosted Shiny Odds
During certain events, such as Community Days, Niantic often boosts the shiny rates of specific Pokémon. This can significantly increase your chances of finding a shiny, sometimes as high as 1/25 or even better. These events are highly anticipated by shiny hunters. Check out the Pokémon GO Community Day list for more information on past and upcoming events.
Permanent Boosted Shiny Odds
Some Pokémon have permanently boosted shiny odds. This usually applies to rarer Pokémon, making their shiny forms even more elusive. Research and community resources can help you identify which Pokémon have these boosted shiny rates.
Factors Influencing Encounters
Several factors can influence the Pokémon you encounter in Pokémon GO. Understanding these factors can help you optimize your search for specific Pokémon, including their shiny variants.
Biomes
Different environments, or biomes, are home to specific types of Pokémon. Water-type Pokémon are more common near bodies of water, while grass-type Pokémon are more prevalent in parks and grassy areas. Knowing which Pokémon spawn in which biomes can help you target specific species.
Weather
The in-game weather can also affect spawn rates. Certain types of Pokémon are more likely to appear during specific weather conditions. For example, Electric-type Pokémon are more common during rainy weather. Paying attention to the weather can give you an edge in finding certain types.
Events
In-game events often introduce new Pokémon, increase spawn rates of existing Pokémon, and even boost shiny odds. Staying up-to-date on current and upcoming events is crucial for maximizing your chances of finding rare and shiny Pokémon. You can often find this information in the in-game News section.
Location
Some Pokémon are regional exclusives, meaning they only appear in specific parts of the world. Traveling to these regions can be the only way to catch these elusive Pokémon. Researching regional exclusives can help you plan your travels and complete your Pokédex.
Using Items and Features
Items like Incense and Lures can attract Pokémon to your location, increasing your chances of encountering rare spawns. Features like Pokémon GO nesting and using a Pokémon GO spawn map can also help you find specific Pokémon.
Conclusion
Understanding Pokémon rarity and shiny odds is essential for any serious Pokémon GO player. By utilizing resources, paying attention to in-game events, and exploring different environments, you can significantly increase your chances of encountering rare and shiny Pokémon. Happy hunting!