Catching a Shiny Zorua in Pokémon GO can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Zorua, the tricky Dark-type Pokémon from Generation 5, made its debut during the Halloween 2023 event, and finding its Shiny version adds another layer of difficulty due to its unique mechanics. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you catch this elusive Pokémon.
Understanding Zorua’s Mechanics
For example, if you set a rare or Shiny Pokémon as your Buddy, Zorua will mimic that appearance. When you engage the disguised Pokémon in an encounter, it will still look like your Buddy until you catch it, at which point it reveals itself as Zorua. This mechanic is similar to the way Ditto behaves in the game.
Tips for Identifying Zorua
To make the process easier, select a Buddy Pokémon that doesn’t typically appear in the wild, such as a Legendary, Shadow, or Shiny Pokémon. This will make it obvious when Zorua appears, as seeing a rare Pokémon on the map that shouldn’t normally spawn can be a clear indicator that it’s actually Zorua in disguise.
Zorua’s spawn rate tends to increase during specific events. For instance, during Halloween or other themed events, you may notice more frequent sightings. It’s also beneficial to check the official Pokémon GO event announcements, as Niantic often releases Pokémon like Zorua during special in-game activities, boosting your chances of encountering it.
How to Increase Your Chances of Finding a Shiny
A Shiny Zorua differs from its standard version by color changes: its usual red markings turn turquoise, its dark gray fur shifts to a brown hue, and its eyes switch from blue to red. Encountering a Shiny version is largely a matter of luck, as its Shiny odds are comparable to other rare Pokémon in the game. Here are some strategies to maximize your chances:
- Farm Encounters: Since Zorua’s appearance is tied to your Buddy Pokémon, walk around with the game open to increase your encounter rate. Set your Buddy to a Pokémon that can easily be distinguished if duplicated.
- Use Lures and Incense: Items like Lures and Incense can help spawn more Pokémon around you, potentially increasing your Zorua encounters. However, Zorua spawns randomly, and these items do not guarantee finding one.
- Participate in Events: Pokémon GO often features themed events that increase the spawn rates of certain Pokémon, including Zorua. During these times, pay extra attention to your surroundings for any potential Zorua disguised as your Buddy Pokémon.
- Look for Community Days or Special Research Tasks: Occasionally, events like Community Day or Timed Research include increased spawn rates or tasks specifically tied to rare Pokémon. Stay informed about in-game events and take advantage of them to boost your encounter chances.
How to Catch and Evolve Zorua
Once you spot a disguised Zorua and initiate a catch encounter, treat it like any other wild Pokémon. Use Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries to improve your catch rate, and consider using Great or Ultra Balls. If you’re aiming for more Zorua Candy to evolve it into Zoroark, use Pinap Berries to double the Candy earned per catch.
To evolve Zorua into Zoroark, you’ll need 50 Zorua Candy. There are no special requirements for evolution beyond this, so catching multiple Zorua or walking with it as your Buddy can help you gather the necessary Candy faster.
Additional Considerations
As of now, Shiny Zorua is considered rare, and its appearance during events might be time-limited. If you’re interested in adding Shiny Zorua to your collection, stay updated with Pokémon GO’s latest news and event schedules. Knowing when spawn rates increase or when special themed events are happening will greatly improve your chances.
