Catching a top-tier Pokémon feels like a unique achievement, as it requires dedication and luck to grab some of the rarest monsters, such as Shiny Guardian Articuno.
For the longest time, this Pokémon was so rare that most players didn’t even bother pursuing it, and those who wanted to catch it would spend days or weeks in its pursuit, sometimes ending up empty-handed.
Luckily, things have changed a bit as of late, and the Pokémon is no longer as rare as it once was. Unlike some other entries, you won’t have to join a large raid or perform tedious research tasks. Instead, you will focus on completing daily tasks to grab Zapdos, Moltres, and Articuno.
In this guide, we’ll show you how you can catch this majestic bird, so hopefully, by the end of the week, you’ll add it to your Pokédex!
The Hunt for the Three Galarian Birds
For a long time, the Galarian Legendary Birds were considered a myth. Many players claimed they had them in their Pokémon, but only a handful of them provided valid proof.
This all changed in late 2024, when Niantic made the shiny variants of Guadiant birds a permanent fixture in the game. Although still very rare, more and more people now have these Pokémon.
The thing about shiny Galardian birds is that you still need proper preparation to catch these monsters. Specifically, if you wish to catch Shiny Galarian Articuno, you’ll have to go through several hoops to do so.
The Daily Adventure Incense
The only way to encounter any of the Galarian birds, shiny or otherwise, is by getting the Daily Adventure Incense. It’s worth noting that this is a consumable item that you won’t acquire easily.
The blue Daily Adventure Incense is a special tool that grants you one 15-minute session per day to attract Pokémon that are otherwise unavailable in the wild.
To make the most of it, you need to be on the move. The incense rewards motion, spawning a new Pokémon every 30-60 seconds as you walk. This 15-minute period is your chance for a legendary encounter.
Every step you take could be the one that summons the Cruel Pokémon from the skies.
Consistency is your greatest asset here; using your Daily Adventure Incense every single day maximizes your chances.
A Game of Chance and Composure
In many ways, finding a Galarian bird is an achievement in itself. Even with the Daily Adventure Incense, they have an exceptionally low spawn rate, taking most trainers weeks to spot one. But when one does appear, the game changes entirely, especially if you see that tell-tale sparkle of a shiny.
The encounter mechanics for these birds are what separate the prepared from the disappointed. A non-shiny Galarian Articuno has a staggering 90% flee rate and a minuscule 0.3% base catch rate. This means if it breaks out of your first throw, it will almost certainly vanish. This makes it a high-stakes, all-or-nothing hunt.
However, there’s one important thing to note about this encounter. Unlike other Pokémon, a shiny Galarian legendary bird will not flee.
Once you’ve confirmed it’s a shiny, the pressure of its escape is gone. The encounter transforms from a frantic prayer to a battle of attrition. You are guaranteed to catch it, provided you have enough Poké Balls. This single detail boosts the hunt from a game of pure luck to a test of a Trainer’s preparation and calm.
Regular vs. Shiny Galarian Bird Encounters
Feature | Regular Galarian Articuno | Shiny Galarian Articuno |
|---|---|---|
Encounter Method | Daily Adventure Incense | Daily Adventure Incense |
Spawn Chance | Extremely Low | Extremely Low (1 in 20 of spawns) |
Base Catch Rate | 0.30% | 0.30% |
Flee Rate | 90% (Extremely High) | 0% (Will Not Flee) |
Recommended Strategy | One shot. Ultra Ball, Golden Razz Berry, Excellent Curveball, and hope. | Patience. It’s a guaranteed catch as long as you stay in the encounter and have Poké Balls. |
How to Create a Winning Strategy
Knowing the rules of engagement is one thing; executing flawlessly is another. To successfully catch Shiny Galarian Articuno, you need a strategy built on preparation and precision.
The Daily Ritual: Make the 15-minute Daily Adventure Incense walk a non-negotiable part of your day. Ideally, walk in a straight line or a large loop to maximize distance covered and, by extension, the number of spawns.
Master Your Resources: Before you pop that blue incense, check your inventory. You should be stocked with a healthy supply of Ultra Balls and Golden Razz Berries. Running out of resources mid-catch, especially during a non-fleeing shiny encounter, is a scenario to be avoided.
The Non-Shiny Encounter: When you see a standard Galarian Articuno, take a deep breath. You likely have one chance. Use a Golden Razz Berry. Select your Ultra Ball. Turn on AR+ for a potential catch bonus if you’re comfortable with it. Wait for the attack animation to end and throw an Excellent Curveball. If it breaks out and flees, don’t be discouraged. It’s part of the process.
The Shiny Encounter: The moment you see the flash of purple and the sparkle animation, everything changes. You won’t have to feel pressured as it won’t flee, unlike the regular variant.
Here are a few other things you must take into consideration:
Do Not Panic: Take your time, as it will break out of the ball. Even if it happens 50 times, it’s okay and normal.
Use Your Best Supplies: Continue using Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls to give yourself the best odds on each throw. After all, every successful catch attempt is a roll of the dice, and you want to load them in your favor.
Use the Master Ball: Should you use the Master Ball? Since a shiny Galarian bird won’t flee, the Master Ball isn’t strictly necessary. Instead, it’s a matter of preference. Using it offers immediate gratification and saves your Ultra Ball supply; however, holding onto it preserves it for a non-shiny version or another high-stakes catch.
The Complete Galarian Bird Trio
While the serene purple Articuno may be your primary target, remember that its counterparts, Galarian Zapdos and Galarian Moltres, are also available through the same method. The strategies are identical. The powerful orange-and-black of a Shiny Galarian Zapdos and the deep, smoldering pink of a Shiny Galarian Moltres are equally stunning prizes.
The same rules apply as with Articuno, meaning that their non-shiny forms have a high flee rate, while the shinies are yours to catch as long as you have the resources. Hunting for one means you are hunting for all three, turning every Daily Adventure Incense into a fun lottery for this legendary bird trio.
Your Next Pokémon GO Legend Awaits
The journey to obtain a Shiny Galarian Articuno is one of the most compelling pursuits in Pokémon GO today. Achieving one requires consistency, preparation, and a calm demeanor under pressure. It’s a challenge that rewards the dedicated, and the payoff is one of the most beautiful and respected Pokémon in the game.
As you embark on your hunt, remember that every step of your Pokémon GO journey can be enhanced, and for those looking to improve their experience, check the value of their hard-earned collection. Be sure to check out our accounts for sale at igitems.
Now, we want to hear from you. What’s the rarest Pokémon in your collection? Let us know!
