Finding Articuno in Pokemon GO has been quite the journey since the legendary ice bird first appeared in raids. Let me walk you through exactly how you can add this majestic Pokemon to your collection.
Catching Articuno Through Raid Battles
The primary way to catch Articuno is through Five-Star Raid Battles, but here’s the thing – it’s not always available. Niantic rotates legendary Pokemon in and out of raids periodically, usually during special events or seasons. When Articuno is featured, you’ll see it appearing in gyms as a Five-Star Raid boss.
What You Need to Prepare
Before you challenge Articuno, let me help you get ready:
– A strong team of Rock-type Pokemon (trust me, they’re your best friends here)
– At least 4-5 other trainers to raid with
– A good supply of Golden Razz Berries
– Plenty of Premier Balls (you’ll get these from the raid)
Best Counters for Articuno
Let me share a little secret from my raiding experience – Rampardos and Rhyperior are absolute powerhouses against Articuno. Other excellent choices include:
– Tyranitar with Smack Down
– Terrakion
– Mega Aerodactyl (if you have access to it)
Special Research and Events
Sometimes, Niantic releases special research tasks or events that feature Articuno. Keep an eye on the in-game news and community channels – I’ve seen several occasions where limited-time research gave players a chance to encounter this legendary bird.
Tips for Catching Articuno
Here’s something I’ve learned from countless raids: Articuno can be pretty tricky to catch. The secret is timing your throws when it’s just finished its attack animation. I always tell my friends to:
– Wait for Articuno to attack
– Start spinning your ball as the animation ends
– Throw a curveball when the circle is smallest
– Always use Golden Razz Berries
Seasonal Availability
If you’re wondering when to look for Articuno, it typically appears during winter-themed events or when Niantic features the original legendary birds. I’ve noticed it usually shows up at least once or twice a year, so don’t worry if you miss it the first time around.
Remember, patience is key when hunting legendary Pokemon. I always make sure to join my local Pokemon GO community groups – they’re invaluable for organizing raids when Articuno appears. Plus, it’s just more fun raiding with other enthusiastic trainers!
Keep your notifications on and stay connected with the Pokemon GO community. When Articuno does appear in raids, you’ll want to be ready to jump into action right away. Trust me, adding this majestic ice-type legendary to your collection is worth the effort!