Unleash the Ninja: Your Ultimate Guide to Getting Greninja in Pokémon GO (and the Quest for “Free”)
The burning question on every Trainer’s mind: How do you get Greninja in Pokémon GO without spending a dime? The most direct route is through evolution. Catching Froakie, evolving it into Frogadier, and then finally into Greninja requires 125 Froakie Candies in total. While the candy might require some effort, it does not require money. Let’s dive into the detailed strategies, tips, and tricks to maximize your chances of obtaining this popular Pokémon for free.
Catching Froakie: Laying the Groundwork
Embracing Events: Your Best Bet for Abundant Froakie
Pokémon GO events are your golden ticket to increased spawns. When Froakie is featured in an event, its spawn rate skyrockets. Keep a close eye on the official Pokémon GO news, in-game announcements, and reliable Pokémon GO communities. This is when you want to be actively playing, strategically using items, and focusing your efforts on catching as many Froakie as possible.
Maximize Candy Acquisition
- Pinap Berries are your best friends: Each successful catch with a Pinap Berry doubles the candy you receive, turning 3 candies into 6! Stock up on these berries before any Froakie-focused event.
- Mega Evolve for Bonus Candy: If you can Mega Evolve Blastoise, Slowbro, Gyarados, or Swampert, you’ll score additional Froakie Candy per catch. Plan your Mega Evolution timings strategically to coincide with periods of intense Froakie spawning.
- Trade Froakie for extra candy: If you have Froakie that are not perfect, trade with friends to potentially get increased candy.
Utilizing Incense and Lure Modules
Incense draws Pokémon to your location, increasing your personal spawn rate, while Lure Modules attract Pokémon to a specific PokéStop for all players in the vicinity. Using these during an event where Froakie spawns can be an extremely effective way to catch many Pokemon. These items can be obtained for free from level-up bonuses and Special Research.
Special Research Tasks: A Potential Goldmine
Keep a watchful eye on Special Research tasks. Niantic occasionally releases research tasks that reward encounters with specific Pokémon. These encounters often come with a guaranteed catch and a decent amount of candy.
Evolving Frogadier into Greninja: The Final Step
Once you have Frogadier, evolving it into Greninja requires 100 Froakie Candy. Continue using the candy-boosting strategies to make sure you have enough candy to evolve your Frogadier.
Understanding the Rarity of Froakie
It is true that Froakie can be rather elusive. During the initial release of Kalos Pokémon, other starters such as Chespin and Fennekin took turns being rare. While Froakie is not as common as some other Pokémon, targeted events make it considerably easier to find. Patience and strategic play will eventually reward you with enough Froakie to complete the evolution line.
Don’t Forget Pokémon HOME
While not strictly “free” (as it might involve resources from other Pokémon games), you can transfer a Greninja from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon GO. This might be an option if you have obtained Greninja in other Pokémon games.
FAQs: Deep Diving into the Greninja Quest
1. Can Froakie be found in Eggs in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Froakie can hatch from 5km eggs. However, the Pokémon that hatch from eggs change over time. Ensure you are incubating recent eggs to maximize your chances of finding Froakie.
2. Is there a trick to finding more Froakie in Pokémon GO?
Aside from events, there’s no guaranteed trick. However, playing near bodies of water may slightly increase your chances, as Froakie is a Water-type Pokémon. Always use Incense and Lure Modules during events.
3. Can I get a Shiny Froakie in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Shiny Froakie is available in Pokémon GO. Shiny rates are often boosted during special events, so keep an eye out for those announcements.
4. What is the best moveset for Greninja in Pokémon GO?
The best moveset depends on whether you’re using Greninja for Raids or PvP battles. However, a powerful combination includes Bubble (Fast Move) and Hydro Cannon (Charged Move).
5. How do I get Ash-Greninja in Pokémon GO?
As of the current game mechanics, Ash-Greninja is not directly obtainable in Pokémon GO. The Ash-Greninja transformation is specific to other Pokémon games like Pokémon Sun and Moon.
6. Is Greninja a good Pokémon to use in Pokémon GO?
Yes! Greninja is a strong Water-type and Dark-type attacker with excellent offensive stats. It can be a valuable addition to your raid teams and PvP battles.
7. How often does Froakie Community Day happen?
Community Day events are announced on a monthly basis by Niantic, and feature different Pokémon each time. Check for official announcements to know if or when a Froakie Community Day will occur again.
8. What are the advantages of evolving a high IV Froakie?
A high IV (Individual Values) Froakie will result in a stronger Greninja. IVs determine a Pokémon’s potential stats (Attack, Defense, and HP), so evolving a Froakie with high IVs ensures your Greninja will be more powerful in battles.
9. Can weather boost affect Froakie spawns in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Rainy weather boosts Water-type Pokémon spawns, which includes Froakie. Playing during rainy weather can increase your chances of encountering Froakie in the wild.
10. How do I track upcoming events in Pokémon GO?
Follow official Pokémon GO social media accounts, news websites, and in-game notifications. These are the most reliable sources for information about upcoming events and featured Pokémon.
11. What is the significance of Greninja in the Pokémon universe?
Greninja is one of the most popular Pokémon, thanks to its unique design, dual Water/Dark typing, and role in the Pokémon anime as Ash’s Greninja, which could transform into a special form. Its popularity translates into its desirability in Pokémon GO.
12. Are there any Special Research tasks that guarantee a Froakie encounter?
Periodically, Niantic introduces Special Research tasks. Keep an eye on official announcements to see if any upcoming tasks reward Froakie encounters.
13. Can I use Rare Candy to evolve Froakie into Greninja?
Yes, Rare Candy can be used in place of Froakie Candy to evolve Froakie and Frogadier. However, Rare Candy is a valuable resource, so use it strategically, especially if you’re short on Froakie Candy.
14. What role does the Games Learning Society play in understanding games like Pokémon GO?
The Games Learning Society explores the educational and social aspects of gaming. While they may not offer direct tips for catching Pokémon, their research highlights how games foster strategic thinking, problem-solving skills, and community engagement. Consider exploring their website, GamesLearningSociety.org, to learn more about the broader impact of games on society.
15. Are there any alternative ways to obtain Greninja in Pokémon GO besides evolution?
Occasionally, Special Research or Timed Research might offer encounters with fully evolved Pokémon, but this is not a common occurrence for Greninja. Evolution remains the most reliable method.
Becoming a Greninja Master
Securing a Greninja in Pokémon GO requires a combination of patience, strategic play, and utilizing available resources effectively. By focusing on events, maximizing candy acquisition, understanding spawn patterns, and staying informed, you’ll be well on your way to adding this powerful ninja Pokémon to your collection – without spending a single penny. Good luck, Trainer, and happy catching!