Pokémon Go’s rarest Pokémon and how to increase your chances of getting rare Pokémon

Collecting rare Pokémon and completing the Pokédex is a primary goal in Pokémon Go. However, determining Pokémon rarity isn’t as straightforward as in the mainline series. Factors such as real-world locations and in-game events can significantly affect the availability of certain Pokémon.

With the Pokédex expanding from Gen 1 to Gen 9, knowing which rare Pokémon to look out for is crucial. This includes those found in the wild, during events, or via research quests.

Rare Pokémon List: What Are the Rarest Creatures in Pokémon Go?

This list highlights some of the most elusive Pokémon currently found in Pokémon Go. Keep in mind that rarity can vary based on your location and the frequency with which you play the game.

When hunting for rare Pokémon, remember that your environment plays a significant role. For instance, if you live near the coast, you’re more likely to encounter rare water-type Pokémon compared to someone in an urban area. Additionally, regular players often have better luck finding rare Pokémon due to higher Trainer Levels, which unlocks access to a broader range of Pokémon.

In-game events, such as Community Day, also impact the Pokémon that appear in raids and the wild, often boosting specific types or individual Pokémon.

Notable Rare Pokémon

Armored Mewtwo

Armored Mewtwo stands out as one of the rarest Pokémon, with the only current way to obtain it being through trading. This special costume variant was initially available in five-star raids back in July 2019 and has rarely appeared since.

Clone Pokémon

The Clone Pokémon, including Clone Venusaur, Clone Charizard, Clone Blastoise, and Clone Pikachu, were available for a limited time around Pokémon Day 2020. Currently, the only way to obtain them is through trading.

Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos, and Galarian Moltres

These legendary birds can only be found using Daily Adventure Incense, with a very low catch rate and a high flee rate, making them quite challenging to obtain.

Rotom

While Rotom has six forms, only five are available in Pokémon Go. Acquiring them generally requires trading, as they were released during specific events.

The Lake Guardians – Uxie, Mesprit, and Azelf

These legendary Pokémon are regionally exclusive and can be challenging to find due to their low spawn rate. They can only be found in specific regions and occasionally in five-star raids.

Origin Forme Dialga and Palkia

These forms of Dialga and Palkia were introduced during the Go Tour: Sinnoh event and are currently available only through five-star raids, making them quite rare.

Unown

Unown is known for its elusive nature, primarily appearing during special events. With 28 forms to collect, finding them all can be a lengthy endeavor.

Larvesta and Volcarona

Larvesta is difficult to hatch from eggs, and evolving it into Volcarona requires gathering a significant amount of candy.

Salandit and Salazzle

Salandit can be easily hatched, but only female Salandits can evolve into Salazzle, making the latter rare.

Kecleon

Kecleon can only be found at PokéStops where it appears mostly invisible. Its rarity is compounded by the fact that it requires specific conditions to catch.

Frigibax, Arctibax, and Baxcalibur

Frigibax is a rare wild spawn and can also be hatched from 10km eggs. Collecting enough candy for its evolution requires patience.

Charcadet, Armarouge, and Ceruledge

Charcadet is only available from hatching 10km eggs, and evolving it requires fulfilling specific conditions.

Meltan and Melmetal

Meltan can be obtained through the Mystery Box, which requires transferring Pokémon from other games. Evolving it into Melmetal is a lengthy process.

Yamask, Cofagrigus, Galarian Yamask, and Runerigus

Yamask is primarily available during the Halloween event, while Galarian Yamask has limited availability through raids and special research.

Spiritomb

Spiritomb can only be caught during Halloween events, making it a seasonal rarity.

Zygarde

Zygarde’s Complete Forme requires collecting Zygarde Cells, which can be challenging depending on local availability.

Wiglett and Wugtrio

Wiglett is a rare spawn within beach biomes, and evolving it into Wugtrio requires candy.

Varoom and Revavroom

Varoom is currently the rarest Pokémon in 12km eggs, requiring Team Rocket battles to obtain eggs.

Dusk Mane Necrozma and Dawn Wings Necrozma

These forms are obtained through a fusion mechanic, requiring specific Pokémon and energy, making them less accessible.

Ultra Beasts

Ultra Beasts appear in five-star raids and can be regionally exclusive, adding to their rarity.

Regionally Exclusive Pokémon

Some Pokémon are exclusive to certain areas, making them rare for players in different locations.

Shiny Pokémon

Shiny variants introduce another layer of rarity, with limited appearances during specific events boosting their catch rates.

Hisuian Pokémon

These regional variants can only be obtained through specific research tasks or events.

How to Increase Your Chances of Getting Rare Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Here are some effective strategies to enhance your chances of encountering rare Pokémon:

• Increase your Trainer Level: A higher Trainer Level unlocks a wider variety of Pokémon encounters. Regularly catch Pokémon, complete research quests, and use Lucky Eggs to maximize XP gain.
• Use Incense and Lure Modules: These items attract Pokémon to your location, increasing the chances of encountering rare ones, especially in rural areas.
• Use your Daily Adventure Incense: This tool can lead to rare Pokémon encounters, including Galarian birds, during its 15-minute duration.
• Trade with other players: Trading can help you obtain regionally exclusive Pokémon or rarities you lack, though mythical Pokémon cannot be traded.
• Hatch eggs: Prioritize 12km and 10km eggs for a chance at rarer Pokémon, while keeping an eye on the egg pool changes during events.
• Pay attention to in-game events: Events often feature boosted spawn rates for rare Pokémon and provide opportunities for special research and costume Pokémon.
• Certain types prefer specific habitats: Explore different locations to encounter Pokémon that thrive in specific environments.
• Use Remote Raid Passes for five-star raids: Remote Raids allow you to join legendary Pokémon battles from anywhere, expanding your chances of capturing them.
• Look for Pokémon nests: These areas feature clusters of Pokémon that appear repeatedly, offering a chance to catch many Pokémon quickly.
• Earn Catch Bonus medals: Leveling up Catch Bonus medals provides bonuses when catching specific types, enhancing your chances of finding rarer Pokémon.
• Complete your Special Research quests: Staying on top of these quests can lead to encounters with mythical Pokémon and shadow variants.
• You could always use a Master Ball: This rare item guarantees a catch but is limited, so use it wisely.
• Catch every Pokémon you see: All encounters contribute to XP and candy, which are essential for completing your Pokédex.

With persistence and strategy, you can significantly increase your chances of catching rare Pokémon and completing your Pokédex in Pokémon Go!