Although we knew the Legendary Bird Trio from Generation I would be making their Galarian debuts in Pokemon Sword and Shield‘s Crown Tundra expansion for a minute now, the anticipation and hype in seeing the alternate Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres forms hasn’t been diminished in the slightest.
The Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra expansion DLC went live on October 22nd and with it came the return of the Legendary Bird trio in all of their newfound Galarian glory. Contrary to popular belief leading up to the expansion, Galarian Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres aren’t easy to find or catch, so here are some tips to help add the new twists on our old Pokemon favorites to your Sword and Shield PokeDex.
How to catch Galarian Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres
The Pokemon Sword and Shield Crown Tundra DLC presents the opportunity to catch Galarian Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres in a mission initiated at the Dyna Tree, which is located in the southern most region of the Crown Tundra When you reach this particular locale, a cut scene which shows the Galarian Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres battling ensues before they realize your presence and take off into the wilderness.
Galarian Zapdos
Galarian Zapdos can be found in the Wild Area of Galar. This variation on the Electric/Flying Legendary we all know and love from Generation I is a Fighting/Flying dual-type in Pokemon Sword and Shield and has some wheels; you’ll have to pursue Galarian Zapdos as he hauls tailfeather across the sprawling Wild Area terrain on your bike. The following video from Reddit user doodpool demonstrates an effective method in pursuing Galarian Zapdos across the Wild Area (sans the ending of course).
Alternatively, if you continue to pursue Galarian Zapdos it will tire out, slow down and you’ll be able to encounter it that way. Galarian Zapdos has Drill Peck, Reversal, Focus Energy and signature move Thunderous Kick in its move arsenal upon catching it. According to the Thunderous Kick move description: “The user overwhelms the target with lightning-like movement before delivering a kick. This also lowers the target’s Defense stat.”
Galarian Articuno
Unlike Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Articuno remains in the Crown Tundra, where it can be seen flying overhead until you approach it; when you draw close enough, Galarian Articuno will create duplicates of itself. Pokemon trainers will have to distinguish the real Articuno from its duplicates to trigger the battle with it. Galarian Articuno is a Psychic/Flying type Pokemon as opposed to the Ice/Flying Artiucno we’re all more familiar with from Generation I.
Galarian Articuno is equipped with the moveset of Hurricane, Psycho Cut, Psycho Shift and signature move Freezing Glare, with the following description: “The user shoots its psychic power from its eyes to attack. This may also leave the target frozen.”
Galarian Moltres
Galarian Moltres makes his home in the Isle of Armor. The Flying/Dark variation on the original Flying/Fire Legendary can be seen floating around the island, but to battle and catch it you’ll have to make yourself visible to it. After acknowledging you, Galarian Moltres will engage you in battle.
Galarian Moltres has the following moveset: Nasty Plot, Sucker Punch, Hurricane and signature attack Fiery Wrath, the latter of which may cause flinching.
What do you think of Galarian Zapdos, Articuno and Moltres in the Pokemon Sword and Shield DLC? Are they worthy of carrying on the tradition of the Legendary Bird trio from the first generation of Pokemon? Which one is your favorite? Let us know in the comments.
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