Unearthing the Elusive: The Rarest Pokémon in Pokémon Sword
For dedicated trainers venturing into the Galar region in Pokémon Sword, the thrill of the hunt is often amplified by the pursuit of the rarest creatures. While many Pokémon can be found with a bit of patience, some stand out due to their exceptionally low encounter rates, unique acquisition methods, or limited availability. So, what exactly is the rarest Pokémon you can get in Pokémon Sword? Let's dive deep into the world of elusive critters and shed light on these legendary finds.
The Top Contenders for Rarity
Pinpointing a single "rarest" Pokémon can be tricky, as rarity can be defined in several ways: by natural encounter rate in the wild, by being a special event-exclusive, or by being a specific form that's incredibly hard to obtain. However, some Pokémon consistently rank at the top of the list for their sheer difficulty to acquire in Pokémon Sword.
Mythical Pokémon: The Pinnacle of Rarity
When we talk about true rarity in Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon always come to mind. These are Pokémon so rare that they are often not obtainable through normal gameplay but are instead distributed through special events, promotions, or mystery gifts. While most Mythical Pokémon are not exclusive to Pokémon Sword specifically (often being available across multiple games with different distribution methods), their inherent nature makes them incredibly scarce.
- Zarude: This is arguably one of the rarest Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Zarude was primarily distributed through special codes tied to movie promotions or other limited-time events. Without these specific codes, obtaining Zarude through normal gameplay is impossible. Its unique Dark/Grass typing and powerful abilities make it a highly sought-after creature.
- Meltan and Melmetal: While not technically Mythical in the strictest sense (they are event-exclusive Mythical Pokémon that can evolve), obtaining Meltan in Pokémon Sword typically requires transferring it from Pokémon GO. This process involves linking your Pokémon GO account to Pokémon HOME and then transferring Meltan. The steps and the limited nature of obtaining Meltan in GO make its presence in Sword quite rare. Melmetal, its evolution, is even more exclusive as it requires a significant amount of Meltan Candy obtained through GO.
Legendary Pokémon with Extremely Low Encounter Rates
Beyond Mythicals, certain Legendary Pokémon within Pokémon Sword also boast incredibly low natural encounter rates, making them exceptionally difficult to find in the wild. These often require specific weather conditions, time of day, or are found in hidden areas.
- Eternatus (Shiny Form): While you are guaranteed to encounter Eternatus during the main story, obtaining its Shiny (differently colored) form is an entirely different challenge. The Shiny version of Eternatus is unobtainable through normal gameplay during the story encounter. To get a Shiny Eternatus, you typically need to participate in specific Max Raid Battles that feature Shiny Eternatus as a rare prize. These raids are often limited-time events, further increasing its rarity.
- The Treasures of Ruin (Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu): These four Legendary Pokémon were introduced in the DLC "The Crown Tundra" (which is also accessible in Sword and Shield). While they are obtainable through gameplay in the DLC, their encounter rates are intentionally designed to be very low. Finding them requires careful exploration and often specific conditions within their respective habitats. Trainers may spend hours searching for these powerful beasts.
What About the Sword Exclusives?
It's important to distinguish between "rare" and "exclusive." While some Pokémon are exclusive to Pokémon Sword and cannot be found in Pokémon Shield (and vice versa), this doesn't automatically make them the rarest. For instance, while Zacian is exclusive to Sword, it's a guaranteed Legendary encounter during the story. However, finding its Shiny form, like Eternatus, would elevate its rarity significantly.
The True Rarity Equation
Ultimately, the "rarest" Pokémon in Pokémon Sword often boils down to a combination of factors:
- Event-Driven Availability: Mythical Pokémon like Zarude are the prime examples. If you missed the distribution window, they are effectively unobtainable.
- Extremely Low Wild Encounter Rates: Legendary Pokémon within the DLC, with their intentionally low spawn chances, fall into this category.
- Shiny Forms of Story-Relevant or Event Pokémon: The Shiny versions of Pokémon like Eternatus, which require specific raid battles or event participation, are incredibly rare.
For the average player seeking to complete their Pokédex without relying on trading or external events, encountering and catching a Legendary Pokémon with a very low wild spawn rate, like one of the Treasures of Ruin, would likely be their most significant challenge and, therefore, their "rarest" find.
However, if we consider Pokémon that are locked behind limited-time distributions and special codes, Zarude stands out as the most unequivocally rare Pokémon you can acquire in Pokémon Sword, often requiring participation in external promotions that are no longer active.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How can I get Zarude in Pokémon Sword?
Zarude was primarily distributed through special serial codes provided during limited-time promotions, often tied to movie releases or specific events. These codes have largely expired, making it extremely difficult to obtain Zarude through legitimate means now. Your best bet would be to trade with another player who received a code and is willing to part with their Zarude. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news channels for any future distributions, though these are rare.
Why is Shiny Eternatus so rare?
The Shiny form of Eternatus is unobtainable during its mandatory story battle in Pokémon Sword and Shield. To obtain a Shiny Eternatus, players must typically participate in special, limited-time Max Raid Battles that feature the Shiny variant. These raids are not always available, and the chance of encountering a Shiny Pokémon within them is still inherently low, making it a highly sought-after and rare creature.
Are the Treasures of Ruin obtainable in the base game of Pokémon Sword?
No, the Treasures of Ruin (Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu) are not obtainable in the base game of Pokémon Sword. They are part of the "The Crown Tundra" expansion pack, which is an add-on for the game. You need to purchase and download the Expansion Pass to access these Legendaries and their associated areas.
Is it possible to get a shiny Legendary Pokémon from a normal wild encounter in Pokémon Sword?
While it is possible to encounter shiny versions of many Pokémon in the wild, including some Legendaries found through specific means (like Dynamax Adventures in the DLC), the odds are incredibly slim. For most Legendary Pokémon obtained through story progression or guaranteed encounters, their shiny forms are often locked or require special event participation, rather than being found through regular wild spawns or static encounters in the base game.
