How to Obtain Zacian in Pokémon Shield: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you’re a Pokémon Shield player with your heart set on adding the legendary Zacian to your team? Unfortunately, Zacian cannot be caught directly in Pokémon Shield. The primary method to acquire Zacian in Shield is through trading with someone who owns Pokémon Sword. This article will cover everything you need to know about obtaining Zacian in Pokémon Shield, and answer all of your pressing questions!
Understanding Version Exclusivity
Before diving into the specifics of acquiring Zacian, it’s essential to understand the concept of version exclusivity in Pokémon games. Nintendo releases two distinct versions with different Pokémon, promoting trading and collaboration among players. Zacian is the mascot legendary exclusively available for capture in Pokémon Sword, while Zamazenta is exclusive to Pokémon Shield. That’s the way of the world!
The Trading Route: Your Primary Option
The most common and straightforward method of getting Zacian in Pokémon Shield is through trading. Here’s a breakdown of how to do it:
- Find a Trading Partner: The first step is finding someone willing to trade their Zacian. This could be a friend who owns Pokémon Sword, a member of an online Pokémon community, or someone you meet in a local gaming group. Online forums and communities like Reddit’s r/PokemonTrades are great places to find potential trade partners.
- Pokémon Home: If you have access to Pokémon Home, you can use the Global Trade System (GTS) to search for trades. Be prepared to offer a valuable Pokémon in return, as Zacian is a highly sought-after legendary.
- In-Game Trading: Once you have a trading partner, connect to the internet in your Pokémon Shield game using the Y-Comm. Exchange friend codes and set up a link trade using a specific code to ensure only you and your intended partner connect.
Preparing for the Trade
Before initiating the trade, consider the following:
- What to Offer: Be ready to offer a desirable Pokémon in return for Zacian. Consider powerful or rare Pokémon exclusive to Shield, or a Shiny Pokémon. Keep in mind the potential trainer will be giving up their only Zacian, so make sure it’s worth their while!
- Legitimacy: Ensure the Zacian being offered is legitimate. Cloned or hacked Pokémon are common, and while they may function normally in-game, they are not considered legitimate by the Pokémon community. Always ask for proof that they obtained the Pokémon themselves.
Alternative Methods (Less Reliable)
While trading is the most reliable method, here are some other possibilities:
- Giveaways: Keep an eye out for giveaways in online Pokémon communities or on streaming platforms. Sometimes, content creators or generous players give away cloned or legitimate Zacian.
- Pokémon Home Wonder Box: While highly unlikely, there is a slim chance you might receive a Zacian through the Pokémon Home Wonder Box feature. This is essentially a lottery, so don’t rely on it.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 FAQs about Zacian and its availability in Pokémon Sword and Shield:
1. Can I catch Zacian in Pokémon Shield through any in-game event?
No, Zacian is exclusively available for capture in Pokémon Sword. There are no in-game events in Shield that allow you to catch it directly.
2. If I transfer a Zacian to Pokémon Shield, can I use it online?
Yes, as long as the Zacian is legitimate and doesn’t violate any online regulations (e.g., hacked stats), you can use it in online battles and trades in Pokémon Shield.
3. Can Zacian be used in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Shield?
Yes, once you have acquired a Zacian through trade or transfer, you can use it in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Shield.
4. Is it possible to get a Shiny Zacian?
While there have been distributions of Shiny Zacian in the past, officially, Zacian is shiny locked in the base game. This means you cannot find or hatch a naturally Shiny Zacian within normal gameplay. Be careful when trading!
5. Can I breed Zacian to get another one?
No, Legendary Pokémon cannot be bred, including Zacian. They are always infertile.
6. What is the best nature for Zacian?
The best nature for Zacian is usually Adamant, which increases Attack and decreases Special Attack. This is because Zacian relies heavily on physical attacks.
7. What are Zacian’s weaknesses?
In its Hero of Many Battles form, Zacian is a Fairy-type, making it weak to Poison and Steel attacks. In its Crowned Sword form, Zacian becomes Fairy/Steel type, giving it weakness to Fire and Ground attacks.
8. Can I catch Eternatus in Pokémon Shield?
Yes, Eternatus can be caught in both Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield during the main storyline. Its catch rate is guaranteed, so you can’t miss it.
9. What is the catch rate of Zacian?
Zacian has a base catch rate of 10, which translates to approximately a 3.9% chance of catching it with a standard Poké Ball at full health.
10. Can I use a Master Ball to catch Zacian?
Yes, you can use a Master Ball to guarantee a successful catch of Zacian in Pokémon Sword. If you have a trade partner willing to give up their Zacian, this is one way to have a guarantee the Zacian is safe!
11. Are Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus related?
Narratively, Zacian, Zamazenta, and Eternatus are considered the Darkest Day Trio. They play central roles in the Sword and Shield storyline and are connected by the events surrounding the Darkest Day phenomenon.
12. Can I transfer Zacian from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Shield?
No, Zacian cannot be transferred from Pokémon Go to Pokémon Sword or Shield at this time. Pokémon Go compatibility is limited to specific Pokémon and generations.
13. What held item is recommended for Zacian?
Zacian should always be given the Rusted Sword to transform it into its Crowned Sword form, which significantly boosts its stats and changes its typing to Fairy/Steel.
14. Are there any events where Zacian is easier to obtain?
Game Freak occasionally releases distribution events through Mystery Gift where players can obtain rare Pokémon, but there have been no events that directly offer an easier way to obtain Zacian in Pokémon Shield.
15. Where can I find a trustworthy trading community for Pokémon?
Reliable trading communities can be found on platforms like:
- Reddit: r/PokemonTrades
- Serebii.net Forums: The Serebii.net forums have a dedicated trading section.
- Discord: Many Pokémon-themed Discord servers have trading channels.
Remember to exercise caution and verify the legitimacy of the Pokémon before trading.
Conclusion
While you can’t directly capture Zacian in Pokémon Shield, trading remains the viable option. Arm yourself with patience, prepare a tempting offer, and explore online Pokémon communities to find a generous trading partner. Good luck on your journey to adding the legendary Zacian to your Pokémon Shield team! You should also check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find innovative and engaging ways to learn!