Eternatus: Unraveling the Rarity of the Gigantic Pokémon
Yes, Eternatus is a rare Pokémon, particularly when considering its various forms and availability across different Pokémon games and media. While the initial encounter with Eternatus in Pokémon Sword and Shield is guaranteed, making the initial catch straightforward, its Shiny form is exceptionally rare due to its limited availability in official events. Furthermore, the Eternamax form is exclusive to a single battle and cannot be obtained by players, making it a unique and unattainable spectacle. Understanding Eternatus’ rarity requires delving into its lore, appearances, and distribution methods.
Decoding Eternatus’ Rarity
The rarity of a Pokémon isn’t always about catch rates or encounter percentages. It often stems from availability, event exclusivity, and even the unattainable nature of certain forms. Eternatus embodies this multifaceted definition of rarity.
The Guaranteed Encounter Paradox
In Pokémon Sword and Shield, players are destined to encounter and capture Eternatus during the game’s main storyline. The 100% catch rate ensures that every player progresses past this point, effectively making the base form of Eternatus relatively common within the game. However, this initial availability doesn’t negate its overall rarity.
The Elusive Shiny Eternatus
The allure of Shiny Pokémon lies in their alternate color palettes and extreme rarity. The Shiny form of Eternatus, however, is a different beast altogether. Shiny Eternatus distributions are generally tied to specific promotional events, often requiring players to redeem codes obtained from participating retailers. These events are limited by time and location, meaning that a Shiny Eternatus is significantly rarer than your average Shiny Legendary Pokémon.
The Unobtainable Eternamax
The Eternamax form of Eternatus, with its staggering base stat total of 1,125, represents the pinnacle of its power. This form is exclusively encountered during the climactic battle in Sword and Shield. The crucial point? Players cannot catch or obtain this form. Its existence is a one-time spectacle, making it the rarest manifestation of Eternatus simply because it’s unattainable.
Event-Driven Scarcity
Eternatus’ availability is often dictated by events. The distribution of Shiny Eternatus, for example, is heavily dependent on promotional campaigns. Missed events mean missed opportunities, contributing to its overall rarity.
Comparative Rarity with Other Legendaries
While some Legendary Pokémon are consistently difficult to find within games, Eternatus’ rarity is more about access. Pokémon like Mewtwo, for instance, have lower catch rates but can be encountered repeatedly. Eternatus, especially its Shiny form, might have easier catch mechanics during an event, but the event’s limited timeframe drastically reduces its overall availability, making it potentially rarer than some perpetually available Legendary Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Eternatus
1. Is Eternatus a Legendary Pokémon?
Yes, Eternatus is categorized as a Legendary Pokémon. It is a dual-type Poison/Dragon Pokémon introduced in Generation VIII (Pokémon Sword and Pokémon Shield).
2. What makes Eternatus unique?
Eternatus stands out due to its lore as an alien Pokémon, its towering Eternamax form, and its role as the main antagonist in Sword and Shield. Its high base stats and signature move, Eternabeam, also contribute to its uniqueness.
3. Can you catch Eternamax Eternatus?
No, the Eternamax form of Eternatus is exclusively for the final battle of Pokémon Sword and Shield and cannot be captured or used by the player.
4. How do you get a Shiny Eternatus?
Shiny Eternatus has been distributed through limited-time promotional events where players receive a code to redeem it in their Pokémon Sword or Shield game. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news for announcements.
5. Is Eternatus stronger than other Legendary Pokémon?
In its base form, Eternatus has high stats. However, Eternamax Eternatus possesses the highest base stat total of any Pokémon in the game, making it incredibly powerful, though only available during a single battle.
6. What are Eternatus’ weaknesses?
Eternatus is a dual-type Poison/Dragon Pokémon, making it weak to Ground, Psychic, Ice, and Dragon-type moves.
7. Is Eternatus a good Pokémon to use in battle?
Yes, Eternatus is a formidable Pokémon in battle, particularly due to its high stats and powerful moves like Eternabeam. Its unique typing also provides advantages in certain matchups.
8. Who is stronger, Zacian or Eternatus?
While Zacian and Zamazenta played a role in defeating Eternatus, they are not necessarily stronger. Zacian and Zamazenta have slightly higher individual stats than Eternatus’ base form, but Eternatus has a good move-set.
9. What is the significance of Eternatus’ Dynamax form?
Eternatus does not have a standard Dynamax form. Instead, it has the unique Eternamax form, which it assumes during the final battle against it in Sword and Shield.
10. How does Eternatus relate to the Darkest Day event in Galar?
Eternatus is the source of the Darkest Day, an event that threatened the Galar region with uncontrolled Dynamax energy. Its appearance triggered the rampaging of Dynamax Pokémon.
11. What role did Rose play with Eternatus?
Chairman Rose sought to harness Eternatus’ power to solve Galar’s energy crisis. However, his meddling caused Eternatus to absorb excessive energy, leading to its transformation into Eternamax.
12. Who caught Eternatus in the anime?
In the Pokémon anime, Goh and Ash work together to catch Eternatus. Afterwards, Eternatus’ Poké Ball was subsequently sealed away by Professor Magnolia.
13. Can Eternatus be used against Leon?
Yes, you can use Eternatus against Leon in the Champion Cup. Doing so unlocks special dialogue, adding an extra layer of engagement to the battle.
14. What are some strategies for battling Eternatus?
When battling Eternatus, focus on exploiting its weaknesses with Ground, Psychic, Ice, and Dragon-type moves. A strong team with diverse coverage can help overcome its high stats.
15. How does Eternatus contribute to Pokémon lore and narrative?
Eternatus enriches the Pokémon lore by introducing an extraterrestrial element, linking the Galar region’s energy crisis to a cosmic threat. Its role as a villainous Pokémon with an environmental impact adds depth to the game’s narrative.
Eternatus, with its guaranteed initial encounter but extremely rare Shiny form and its unique but unattainable Eternamax transformation, fits squarely within the definition of a rare Pokémon. Its availability is dictated by specific events and in-game milestones, making it an intriguing and sought-after creature in the Pokémon universe. The learning opportunities offered by games are well documented by the Games Learning Society, who explore the intersection of games and education. You can find more information on their website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.