A strong attacker has been missing in Pokémon GO for a long time. Those who missed Zarude back then have not had a new chance to catch this rare Pokémon until today.
What kind of Pokémon is Zarude? Zarude is classified as one of the mysterious Pokémon like Mew or Celebi and possesses the types Grass and Dark.
The monkey-like Pokémon originates from the 8th generation and thus from the Galar region. In Pokémon GO, it is considered one of the best Grass attackers out there.
The problem: Some trainers may have missed Zarude. Its debut was a long time ago – and since then it has not appeared in the game again.
When did Zarude appear in Pokémon GO?
This is how you got Zarude: The Zarude debut was part of the “Secrets of the Jungle” event, which took place in Pokémon GO to celebrate the corresponding movie. It started on October 1, 2021, and ended on October 10, 2021 – so two years and three months ago.
The event revolved around the jungle theme but also brought along the Team Rocket villains Jessie and James, whom you could encounter in the balloon. The most important aspect of the event, however, was the special research “Searching for Zarude”.
By completing this, you secured the only encounter with Zarude to this day. The problem: It was absolutely necessary to at least claim the research during the period from October 1 to 10, 2021.
If you played back then, you received it automatically. And once you had the special research, you had unlimited time to complete it. However, those who did not take part in the event or started playing Pokémon GO only after it likely have not encountered Zarude in Pokémon GO until today.
Is there a chance for a return?
From time to time, trainers in the online community ask about Pokémon GO whether Zarude will reappear again. There is currently no official information on this – only hints.
The clearest indication unfortunately points against a return: If you try to send Zarude from Pokémon GO to “Pokémon HOME”, you receive the warning that you cannot receive another Zarude in Pokémon GO. So, it seems difficult at the current moment.
On the other hand, there is still hope, as “one-time Pokémon” like Mew or Celebi have eventually been obtainable again – for example, through a Masterwork research that later brought the Shiny version. During the Johto Tour 2022, you also received a Celebi, years after its initial release in 2018.
It is conceivable that Zarude might return as part of a future Galar tour. Additionally, there is a Zarude form known as the “Dada form”. This, or a potential Shiny release, could possibly bring Zarude back at some point. However, this is just speculation.
Would you be excited about a return of Zarude? Do you already have the Pokémon, or do you still need it in your collection? Let us know in the comments! And to find out what else is going on in the game, check out the overview of Pokémon GO events in January 2024.
