The Rarest Egg in Pokémon GO: A Deep Dive into Hatch Rates and Mysteries
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The question of what constitutes the rarest egg in Pokémon GO is a complex one, primarily because rarity is tied not just to the egg itself, but to the Pokémon it contains. While there isn’t a single egg type that guarantees the rarest Pokémon, currently, the 5km egg, specifically when hoping for a Larvesta, holds the title for the most frustrating and sought-after hatching experience for many players. The abysmal hatch rate for Larvesta, combined with its inability to be found in the wild, places it on a pedestal of exceptional scarcity. However, it’s also important to understand other aspects of egg rarity, such as the specific Pokémon available within different egg distances and their hatch probabilities. This article explores the intricacies of egg rarity in Pokémon GO, diving into specific Pokémon, egg types, and the mysteries that make some hatches far more elusive than others.
The Larvesta Phenomenon: Why It’s So Hard to Obtain
A Hatch-Only Enigma
What makes Larvesta so particularly rare? Unlike many other Pokémon, Larvesta cannot be caught in the wild. You won’t find it spawning at PokéStops, during special events, or anywhere else on the map. Its only method of acquisition is hatching from eggs, specifically 5km eggs. This immediately sets it apart, as you are entirely reliant on the luck of the draw.
The Disheartening Hatch Rate
Adding to the frustration, Larvesta’s hatch rate is exceptionally low. While the exact numbers are not officially released by Niantic, player data and community calculations suggest that the odds of hatching a Larvesta from a 5km egg are less than 1%. This means that, on average, players might need to hatch over a hundred 5km eggs, if not more, before finally encountering one. This low probability makes it incredibly difficult to obtain, cementing its status as one of the most elusive Pokémon in the game through eggs.
The Impact of Rarity on Gameplay
The rarity of Larvesta not only makes it a desirable addition to a player’s collection, but also affects gameplay. Larvesta evolves into the powerful Volcarona, a Pokémon with great battling potential. However, the difficulty in acquiring Larvesta makes the path to obtaining Volcarona a challenging and time-consuming one for most trainers. This rarity generates a lot of discussion and frustration among players who diligently hatch eggs in pursuit of this elusive creature.
Beyond Larvesta: Understanding Egg Rarity in General
The Role of Egg Distance
In Pokémon GO, different egg types are distinguished by their walking distance requirements: 2km, 5km, 7km, 10km, and 12km. Generally speaking, longer distance eggs tend to yield rarer Pokémon. However, within each distance category, there are variations in hatch rates, leading to a complex system where even some 2km eggs might contain Pokémon more challenging to acquire than some found in 5km eggs. The 12km “Strange” Eggs are particularly unique, as they are obtained by defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders and generally hatch Dark and Poison-type Pokémon.
Tiered Rarity Within Egg Pools
Within each egg type, Pokémon are often categorized into “tiers” of rarity. This is an unofficial system based on player experience, but it largely reflects the likelihood of encountering specific Pokémon when hatching eggs. Tier five Pokémon are the rarest within these pools and have roughly a two percent chance of appearing when it hatches. Larvesta is considered a tier five Pokemon, contributing to its elusive nature. Pokémon like Sandile, which was previously extremely rare from 12km eggs, now occupies a lower tier, demonstrating how the definition of “rare” can shift with game updates.
The Influence of Events and Updates
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, periodically hosts events that can affect the availability of certain Pokémon or temporarily boost the hatch rate of specific species. These events can temporarily make certain previously rare Pokémon easier to obtain, or introduce brand new Pokémon to certain egg pools. During certain events, like the An Instinctive Hero event, the game features double hatch candy bonuses which could incentivize players to hatch more eggs for resources, not necessarily to get the rarest Pokemon. These frequent changes to the meta ensure that egg rarity is always an evolving landscape.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Egg Rarity
What is the special egg in Pokémon GO?
Lucky Eggs are the closest thing to a “special” egg within Pokemon GO. These items double the amount of XP you earn for a limited period of time, typically 30 minutes but sometimes longer during special events. They are not related to hatching Pokémon, though they can help boost your trainer level if you hatch a lot of eggs while under their influence.
Where can I find rare eggs in Pokémon GO?
Pokémon Eggs are obtained randomly from spinning PokéStops. However, 7km eggs come from gifts sent by friends, and 12km “Strange” Eggs are awarded for defeating Team GO Rocket Leaders. The maximum you can carry in your bag is 9 eggs.
What can hatch from a 10km egg?
10km eggs can hatch a variety of rare Pokémon including: Amaura, Carbink, Deino, Frigibax, Goomy, Jangmo-o, Larvesta, and Rockruff. Note that this list can change with updates.
What are the best eggs for Larvesta?
Currently, Larvesta hatches exclusively from 5km eggs. In some cases it’s more worthwhile to hatch eggs that have less walking distance like 2km and 5km eggs especially if the event includes additional benefits like a double hatch candy bonus.
Is Larvesta still available in Pokémon GO?
Yes, Larvesta is still available within 5km eggs. It has not been removed from the game.
What is the mystery of Pokémon Eggs?
Mystery Eggs is not a standard term in Pokémon GO. However, in the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series, mystery eggs can be found in certain dungeons and hatch into unevolved forms of Pokémon, allowing the player to recruit them to their team.
What are the pink eggs in Pokemon Go?
Pink eggs in Pokémon GO indicate an easier raid boss will appear at that location than yellow ones.
Can you catch Mew in Pokemon Go?
Yes, Mew can be caught through completing specific Special Research tasks, which are different from regular quests.
What is a Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Lucky Pokémon are marked by a shimmer effect. They have guaranteed good stats and require half the stardust to power up, and you can only get them by trading with another trainer.
How do I get Larvesta?
Larvesta can only be obtained by hatching 5km eggs. It is the rarest hatch from that egg pool.
How rare is Sandile in Pokémon GO now?
Sandile is currently considered Tier 2 rarity in eggs, it is not as rare as it used to be when it was an extremely rare hatch from 12km eggs.
Does Giovanni give special eggs in Pokémon GO?
No, Giovanni does not drop Strange Eggs or any special egg for defeating him. He only provides an opportunity to catch his Shadow Legendary Pokémon.
How rare is Larvesta in Pokemon GO?
According to player calculations, Larvesta’s hatch rate is less than 1%, making it exceptionally rare.
What can hatch from a “Strange” Egg?
“Strange” Eggs, also known as 12km eggs, generally hatch Poison-type, Dark-type, or Pokémon that evolve into one of those types.
Is Larvesta a Mythical Pokemon?
No, Larvesta is not a Mythical Pokemon. It’s a standard Pokémon that has an extremely rare hatch rate.