What Are the Chances of Getting a King’s Rock in Pokemon GO?
The quest for evolution items in Pokémon GO can be both thrilling and frustrating. Among these coveted items, the King’s Rock stands out due to its rarity and the valuable evolutions it unlocks. So, what exactly are the odds of snagging a King’s Rock? The short answer is: less than 1% from spinning a PokeStop. This makes it one of the rarer items in the game, requiring patience and strategy to acquire. Let’s delve into the details, explore different methods of obtaining it, and answer some common questions to help you on your journey.
Understanding the Rarity of King’s Rock
The Low Probability from PokeStops
The primary method for obtaining a King’s Rock is by spinning PokeStops. However, this approach is largely based on luck. The game’s algorithm assigns a very low probability – less than 1% – to the chance of receiving a King’s Rock or any other evolution item from a standard PokeStop spin. This means you could spin hundreds of PokeStops without finding one, and it’s crucial to understand that this method relies entirely on randomness.
Why Are Evolution Items Rare?
The intentional scarcity of evolution items like the King’s Rock is designed to increase the challenge and the reward. It makes the process of evolving certain Pokemon more engaging and less predictable, encouraging players to explore different gameplay strategies and stay engaged with the game for a longer period.
Ways to Increase Your Chances
While the base probability is low, there are some strategies and specific events that can improve your chances of acquiring a King’s Rock.
Seven-Day PokeStop Streak
One of the most reliable methods to obtain evolution items is to maintain a seven-day PokeStop spin streak. By spinning a PokeStop every day for seven consecutive days, you are guaranteed to receive an evolution item on the seventh day. While you might not get a King’s Rock every time, this method significantly boosts your overall chances of getting one. It’s crucial to be consistent and spin a PokeStop each day to reap the benefits of this strategy.
Team Go Rocket Grunts
Another avenue, albeit with a low probability, is by defeating Team Go Rocket Grunts. Lucky players have reported receiving a King’s Rock as a reward for defeating Grunts. However, this method is also subject to randomness, and success is not guaranteed. Combining this with daily PokeStop spins can be a part of your hunt.
Special Events
Community Days and other in-game events sometimes feature increased drop rates for certain items, or offer specific rewards through Timed Research. During Poliwag Community Day, for example, players were able to earn King’s Rocks through timed research. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding special events that may increase your odds of obtaining King’s Rock.
What the King’s Rock Evolves
The effort you put into getting a King’s Rock is worth it due to the two powerful evolutions it unlocks:
- Poliwhirl evolves into Politoed
- Slowpoke evolves into Slowking
These two Water-type evolutions are quite sought after by trainers, making the King’s Rock a valuable asset.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is King’s Rock Available for Purchase in Pokémon GO?
No, the King’s Rock is not available for purchase in the Pokémon GO in-game shop. It can only be obtained by spinning PokeStops, defeating Team Go Rocket Grunts, or during specific events.
2. How Rare is the King’s Rock Compared to Other Evolution Items?
The King’s Rock is considered to be on par in rarity with other evolution items, meaning their drop rates from Pokestops are similar and less than 1%. They all follow the same pattern.
3. Can You Trade a King’s Rock in Pokemon GO?
No, evolution items like the King’s Rock cannot be traded between players in Pokémon GO.
4. How Can I Maximize My Chances of Getting King’s Rock from Pokestops?
To maximize your chances, spin as many PokeStops as possible every day, and be sure to spin one every day for your seven-day streak. Also, participate in any events that might feature increased drops for evolution items.
5. What Is the Seven-Day PokeStop Spin Streak Reward?
The seven-day PokeStop spin streak guarantees a reward of one evolution item, which can be any of the available items, including the King’s Rock.
6. Does Location Affect the Drop Rate of King’s Rock?
There is no evidence suggesting that location affects the drop rate of the King’s Rock. The probability appears to be universal across all PokeStops.
7. Is It Easier to Get a King’s Rock During Special Events?
Some special events, like certain Community Days or themed events, may offer increased chances to obtain evolution items, either through increased PokeStop drop rates or Timed Research rewards. Keep an eye on official announcements.
8. Can I Get a King’s Rock from Field Research Tasks?
While it’s not a common reward from standard Field Research, special Field Research events may occasionally reward players with King’s Rocks. Pay attention to event-specific research.
9. How Do I Evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed Using the King’s Rock?
To evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed, you’ll need one King’s Rock and 100 Poliwag Candies. Select Poliwhirl and then the evolution option.
10. How Do I Evolve Slowpoke into Slowking Using the King’s Rock?
To evolve Slowpoke into Slowking, you will need one King’s Rock and 50 Slowpoke Candies. Select Slowpoke, then the evolution option.
11. Why Can’t I Purchase King’s Rock in Other Pokémon Games?
In other Pokémon games like Scarlet and Violet, the King’s Rock becomes available for purchase at specific locations only after earning four Gym Badges. Pokemon GO does not offer it for purchase.
12. Are There Any Other Evolution Items Similar to the King’s Rock?
Yes, other evolution items include the Dragon Scale, Metal Coat, Sun Stone, Up-Grade, and Sinnoh Stone. Each item is used to evolve different Pokemon.
13. Does the King’s Rock Evolve Any Other Pokémon?
No, the King’s Rock is exclusively used to evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed and Slowpoke into Slowking in Pokémon GO.
14. How Do I Know if a Specific Event Will Offer King’s Rock?
Keep a close eye on official Pokémon GO announcements via social media, in-game news, or the official website.
15. Is King’s Rock Useful in Pokemon GO?
Yes, King’s Rock is useful as it allows players to evolve Poliwhirl into Politoed and Slowpoke into Slowking, which are sought after Water-type Pokemon.
Conclusion
Obtaining a King’s Rock in Pokémon GO requires perseverance, understanding the odds, and leveraging the best opportunities. While the low base probability from spinning PokeStops can be discouraging, strategies such as maintaining a seven-day streak and capitalizing on special events can significantly improve your chances. By staying informed, active, and patient, you can add these valuable evolutions to your roster. Good luck and happy hunting, trainers!