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The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Rarest Pokémon

The quest to catch ’em all! Finding the rarest Pokémon is a challenge that has captivated trainers for decades. While there’s no single answer, the truth is the rarest Pokémon are spread across different games, generations, regions, events, and even real-world promotions. Location isn’t always a physical place; it can refer to limited-time availability or stringent acquisition methods.

Understanding Pokémon Rarity

Before diving into specifics, it’s crucial to understand what constitutes “rare” in the Pokémon universe. Rarity can be influenced by several factors:

Availability: Limited-time events, promotional distributions, and region-locked Pokémon contribute heavily to rarity.
Encounter Rate: Pokémon with incredibly low spawn rates in the wild are considered rare.
Game Mechanics: Pokémon obtainable only through complex evolution methods, specific breeding requirements, or difficult challenges are often highly sought after.
Game Version: Some Pokémon are exclusive to specific versions of a game, making them rarer for players who own the alternate version.
Historical Significance: Older Pokémon, particularly those from early games or tied to specific events long past, become increasingly rare due to the passage of time and limited distribution.
Shiny Variants: The coveted shiny versions of Pokémon, with their alternate color palettes, possess significantly lower encounter rates, elevating their rarity.

Pinpointing the Rarest Pokémon: A Generational Breakdown

Let’s explore some of the most elusive Pokémon across different generations:

Generation I: The Birth of Legends

Mew: Initially only obtainable through promotional events or glitches in the original games, Mew remains a legendary icon of rarity. Its distribution was exceptionally limited back in the 90s, cementing its status.
Shiny Pokémon: Though not officially designated as “shiny” until Generation II, glitches could sometimes produce differently colored Pokémon in the original games. These are exceedingly rare and highly valued by collectors.

Generation II: Shiny Stars and Event Exclusives

Shiny Pokémon (Red Gyarados Excluded): With the introduction of shiny Pokémon, the base odds were approximately 1 in 8192, making encountering one a true test of patience and luck.
Celebi: Originally only accessible through the Japanese Mobile Adapter GB and associated events, Celebi was incredibly difficult for players outside of Japan to obtain. Later distributions made it more accessible, but its initial exclusivity adds to its mystique.

Generation III: The Era of E-Reader Cards and Faraway Island

Mythical Pokémon (Deoxys, Mew, Jirachi): While now distributed more regularly, obtaining these Pokémon in their original Gen III games was a significant challenge. Mew required distribution events or exploits, Jirachi was a Pokémon Channel exclusive, and Deoxys was obtainable through events linked to specific GameCube bonus discs.
Azurill and Wynaut: Hatching these pre-evolutions of Marill and Wobbuffet, respectively, required breeding with specific incense items, adding an extra layer of complexity and chance to their acquisition.

Generation IV: Arceus and the Sinnoh Myths

Arceus: Without an official distribution event for the Azure Flute, which was needed to trigger the Arceus encounter at the Spear Pillar, legitimately obtaining Arceus in Diamond, Pearl, and Platinum was impossible for many players.
Manaphy Egg: The Manaphy egg, obtainable only from the Pokémon Ranger game through a special mission, and then transferred to the main series games, was a unique and limited distribution method.

Generation V: Melodious Tunes and Hidden Grottos

Meloetta: Meloetta was primarily distributed through events and promotions, making it a time-sensitive acquisition. Its unique form change mechanic further contributes to its desirability.
Shiny Haxorus: While shiny hunting via the Shiny Charm is common now, the shiny Haxorus from the Nature Preserve in Black 2 and White 2 was among the first guaranteed shiny encounters in the main series games, yet still required effort to unlock.

Generation VI: Vivillon Patterns and Event Pokémon

Fancy and Poké Ball Vivillon: These unique Vivillon patterns were distributed through limited-time events, making them highly sought after by collectors. The Poké Ball Vivillon in particular required distribution via Nintendo Network Mystery Gift, and had very limited availability.
Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion: These Mythical Pokémon were exclusively distributed through event codes or serial numbers. Their unavailability for extended periods makes them precious additions to any collection.

Generation VII: Zeraora and Magearna

Zeraora: Zeraora was available through a limited-time distribution via Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, requiring players to participate in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
Magearna (Original Color): This variant was only available upon completing the Island Scan feature in Pokémon Sun and Moon, and only through the QR code distribution that coincided with the release of the movie Pokémon the Movie: Volcanion and the Mechanical Marvel.

Generation VIII: Galarian Birds and Eternatus

Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres: Distributed through Pokémon Sword and Shield via the Mystery Gift function as rewards for participating in the Pokémon Players Cup, these shiny variants were only accessible to those who met specific requirements and entered the competition.
Shiny Eternatus: Distributed in limited quantities at participating retailers, shiny Eternatus was an in-person code distribution event, making it especially challenging to obtain for players in remote areas or those unable to visit the participating stores.

Generation IX: Walking Wake and Iron Leaves

Walking Wake and Iron Leaves: These Paradox Pokémon were introduced as limited-time Tera Raid events in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Their limited availability and relatively difficult raid battles made them rare acquisitions.
Shiny Pokémon in the Wild: While not a specific Pokémon, shiny hunting in Paldea is arguably more difficult than in some previous games.

Pokémon GO: A World of Rarity

Pokémon GO adds a unique dimension to rarity due to its location-based gameplay:

Regional Pokémon: Pokémon like Tauros (North America), Mr. Mime (Europe), Kangaskhan (Australia), and Farfetch’d (Asia) spawn exclusively in specific regions, requiring travel or trading to obtain.
Event-Exclusive Pokémon: Special events frequently introduce Pokémon in limited quantities or with unique move sets. These Pokémon often become rare after the event concludes.
Shiny Pokémon: Shiny versions of Pokémon are highly sought after in Pokémon GO, and their rarity varies depending on the Pokémon. Some have boosted shiny rates during events, while others remain exceptionally rare.
Shadow Pokémon: Certain shadow Pokémon, obtainable through defeating Team GO Rocket leaders, are more elusive and have different stats than their regular counterparts.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the absolute rarest Pokémon of all time?

Defining the absolute rarest is subjective, but Mew from the original Red and Blue era, particularly those obtained through very early and specific distribution channels, is generally considered among the rarest. However, other Pokémon like Arceus before the Azure Flute event, or Celebi before it was more widely distributed, are also contenders.

2. How do I find shiny Pokémon?

Shiny hunting involves repeatedly encountering a Pokémon with the hope of finding its shiny variant. Methods include chaining encounters, using the Masuda method for breeding, and utilizing the Shiny Charm to increase shiny odds. Specific games like Pokémon: Let’s Go feature unique mechanics to further boost shiny rates.

3. Are Mythical Pokémon always rare?

Generally, yes. Mythical Pokémon are typically distributed through limited-time events or require special methods to obtain, making them less common than regular Pokémon.

4. What’s the best way to get regional Pokémon in Pokémon GO without traveling?

Trading with friends who have traveled or participating in global events that sometimes feature regional Pokémon are the most effective ways. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news for event announcements.

5. How does the Masuda method work?

The Masuda method involves breeding two Pokémon from different language versions of the game. This significantly increases the chance of hatching a shiny Pokémon.

6. What is a Pokémon event?

Pokémon events are special occurrences in the games or Pokémon GO that introduce new Pokémon, increase spawn rates, offer special rewards, or provide unique gameplay experiences.

7. What is chaining?

Chaining is a technique where you repeatedly encounter the same species of Pokémon consecutively. Maintaining a chain increases the odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon.

8. Are some shiny Pokémon rarer than others?

Yes. Shiny Pokémon that are typically encountered through random encounters in the wild often have a standard shiny rate, while Pokémon like Legendary or Mythical Pokémon (when shiny-locked) may be unavailable as shinies, and any shiny versions can be considered even more exclusive.

9. What is the Shiny Charm?

The Shiny Charm is an item that increases the probability of encountering shiny Pokémon in the wild or through breeding. It is typically obtained by completing the Pokédex.

10. How do I obtain event-exclusive Pokémon?

Keep up-to-date on Pokémon news through official channels, such as the Pokémon Company website, social media, and in-game announcements.

11. What is the best game to shiny hunt in?

Each game has its own advantages, but Pokémon Legends: Arceus is considered a strong choice due to its streamlined encounter mechanics and boosted shiny odds through research level completion.

12. Do older Pokémon games have shiny Pokémon?

Shiny Pokémon were introduced in Pokémon Gold and Silver (Generation II). While glitches could create differently colored Pokémon in Generation I, they were not officially designated as “shiny.”

13. What makes a Pokémon considered “competitive” or “meta”?

A Pokémon’s competitive viability depends on its stats, movepool, ability, and typing. Pokémon with favorable combinations of these traits often dominate competitive battles.

14. Are there any Pokémon that can only be obtained through hacking or cheating?

Yes. Some event-exclusive Pokémon that were never officially distributed in a particular region or those that have become inaccessible due to expired events might tempt players to resort to illegitimate methods. However, using these methods is against the game’s terms of service and is generally discouraged.

15. How do I trade Pokémon with other players?

Trading mechanics vary by game. In mainline games, you typically trade via local wireless or online connections through the in-game trading system. In Pokémon GO, you can trade with nearby friends who meet the required level and friendship level criteria.

Where is the rarest Pokemons?