Table of Contents

Do You Need Zeraora to Complete the Pokedex? A Comprehensive Guide

No, you do not need Zeraora to complete the Regional Pokedex or the National Pokedex in any main series Pokemon game to obtain in-game rewards like the Shiny Charm or completion certificates. Zeraora is a Mythical Pokemon, and these Pokemon are generally excluded from the requirements for Pokedex completion, although registering it will count towards the total number of Pokemon you’ve seen or caught.

Mythical Pokemon and Pokedex Completion: A Deeper Dive

The world of Pokemon is vast and teeming with hundreds of creatures, from common Pidgeys to legendary Articunos and elusive Mythical Pokemon. Distinguishing between Legendary and Mythical Pokemon is crucial when considering Pokedex completion. Legendary Pokemon are generally obtainable within the main game through specific events or story progression. Mythical Pokemon, on the other hand, are typically distributed through limited-time events, special promotions, or serial codes.

Because of their limited availability, requiring Mythical Pokemon for Pokedex completion would effectively prevent a vast majority of players from ever achieving it. This would be unfair and against the spirit of encouraging players to “catch ‘em all.” Therefore, developers consistently exclude these creatures from the core Pokedex completion criteria.

While Zeraora and other Mythical Pokemon aren’t needed for completion, they still hold significant value. They are powerful in battle, highly sought after by collectors, and often feature unique designs and backstories that enrich the Pokemon universe.

Why Mythical Pokemon Are Treated Differently

The decision to exclude Mythical Pokemon from Pokedex completion requirements stems from several practical and philosophical considerations:

Accessibility: As mentioned earlier, Mythical Pokemon are not readily available through normal gameplay. Relying on limited-time events and promotions creates artificial scarcity, making them inaccessible to many players who may join the game later or miss the distribution windows.
Fairness: Imposing completion requirements based on these limited distributions would be unfair to players who don’t have access to the specific events or promotional codes.
Game Balance: While powerful, Mythical Pokemon can sometimes disrupt the game’s balance, particularly in competitive settings. Excluding them from Pokedex completion ensures the focus remains on the creatures readily accessible within the game world.
Preservation of Rarity: The rarity of Mythical Pokemon adds to their appeal. They become trophies and symbols of dedication for players who actively participate in events and promotions. This rarity would be diminished if they were simply required for Pokedex completion.

The National Pokedex and Regional Variants

It’s important to distinguish between the National Pokedex and the Regional Pokedex. The Regional Pokedex focuses on Pokemon found within a specific game’s region. The National Pokedex, on the other hand, encompasses all Pokemon known to exist. While Mythical Pokemon aren’t required for completing either for in-game rewards, registering them in your Pokedex will still add them to your overall count of Pokemon seen and caught, and thus is something that collectors often strive for.

Another factor to consider is Regional Variants. These are Pokemon that have adapted to different environments, resulting in altered appearances and sometimes different types. For Pokedex completion, registering both the original form and the regional variant is typically required, but you won’t need Zeraora. For example, if the region has both Galarian and Kantonian forms of a Pokemon, you’ll need to catch and register both to truly complete that part of the Pokedex.

Connecting Pokemon Games and Services

The introduction of Pokemon HOME, a cloud-based service for storing and managing Pokemon, has further complicated the definition of Pokedex completion. While completing the National Pokedex in Pokemon HOME is a separate achievement with its own rewards, it doesn’t impact the in-game rewards in the individual Pokemon games. So, even if you transfer Zeraora to Pokemon HOME, it won’t suddenly become a requirement for getting the Shiny Charm in Sword and Shield.

The Importance of the Shiny Charm

The Shiny Charm is a key item for many players, particularly those interested in Shiny Hunting. This item significantly increases the odds of encountering Shiny Pokemon in the wild. Obtaining the Shiny Charm typically requires completing the Regional Pokedex, excluding Mythical Pokemon. This makes the Shiny Charm a tangible reward for dedicated players who invest time and effort into exploring the game world and capturing a wide variety of Pokemon.

For educators and learners interested in exploring the intersection of games, learning, and technology, be sure to check out the resources available at the Games Learning Society website. They offer valuable insights into how games can be leveraged for educational purposes. You can visit their website here: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Pokedex Completion

As the Pokemon franchise continues to evolve, the definition of Pokedex completion may also change. New games might introduce new mechanics, new Pokemon, and new challenges. However, the fundamental principle of excluding Mythical Pokemon from core completion requirements is likely to remain, ensuring accessibility and fairness for all players.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) regarding Pokedex completion and Zeraora:

Does registering Zeraora in my Pokedex count towards my total Pokemon seen/caught? Yes, registering Zeraora will increase your total count of Pokemon seen or caught, but not impact reward eligibility.
If I transfer Zeraora to Pokemon HOME, do I need it to complete the HOME Pokedex? No, Zeraora, along with other Mythical Pokemon, are excluded from Pokedex completion requirements in Pokemon HOME for rewards.
What is the Shiny Charm, and how do I get it? The Shiny Charm increases the odds of finding Shiny Pokemon. It’s usually obtained by completing the Regional Pokedex (excluding Mythical Pokemon) and talking to a specific NPC in the game.
Are Legendary Pokemon required for Pokedex completion? Yes, Legendary Pokemon are generally required for Regional Pokedex completion to get rewards like the Shiny Charm.
What’s the difference between Legendary and Mythical Pokemon? Legendary Pokemon are obtainable through regular gameplay, while Mythical Pokemon are distributed through limited-time events or promotions.
If I missed the Zeraora distribution event, can I still get it? The only way to obtain Zeraora after the official distribution ends is through trading with other players.
Do Regional Variants count separately for Pokedex completion? Yes, Regional Variants are typically registered as separate entries in the Pokedex and are required for completion.
Will future Pokemon games require Mythical Pokemon for Pokedex completion? It’s highly unlikely. Developers have consistently excluded them due to accessibility issues.
Is there any reward for completing the National Pokedex in a specific game? Rewards vary from game to game. Some games offer certificates or minor in-game items, but the primary reward is the satisfaction of completing the challenge.
How do I transfer Pokemon between different games? You can transfer Pokemon between compatible games using services like Pokemon HOME.
Can I use Zeraora in competitive battles? Yes, Zeraora is generally allowed in online battles, except in formats that restrict the use of Mythical Pokemon.
What are some tips for completing the Pokedex? Explore every area of the game, use online resources to track which Pokemon you need, and consider trading with other players to fill in the gaps.
Does completing the Pokedex unlock any special features in the game? Apart from the Shiny Charm, completing the Pokedex might unlock other minor features, like new trainer cards or cosmetic items.
Where can I find reliable information about Pokemon events and distributions? Official Pokemon websites and reputable Pokemon news sites are the best sources for information on events and distributions.
Is there an official complete checklist of Pokémon? While there isn’t a single official list, numerous community-created checklists and online resources provide comprehensive trackers for Pokedex completion.

This information should clarify the role of Zeraora and Mythical Pokemon in the context of Pokedex completion. Happy catching!

Do you need Zeraora to complete the Pokedex?