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Bruno Moraes

Are legendary Pokémon Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos in Pokémon Go?

Pokémon Go players are salivating for the chance to hunt for the game’s most powerful Pokémon.

 

Dennis Scimeca

Internet Culture

Posted on Jul 13, 2016   Updated on May 26, 2021, 11:16 am CDT

Even if you just discovered Pokémon for the first time, you can still beat 20-year veterans of the franchise at Pokémon Go by being the first person to catch the Pokémon ArticunoMoltres, or Zapdos.

YouTuber NesstendoYT on July 9 posted a video in which he claims to have discovered the names of three very rare Pokémon within the game code for Pokémon Go. Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos are collectively referred to as “the Legendary birds of kanto.” 

similar video posted on March 29 that claimed to be working off code from a Pokémon Go beta test also stated that all original 151 or “Gen 1” Pokémon would be included in the game. Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos are all Gen 1 Pokémon. The Pokédex, the listing of all available Pokémon, in Pokémon Go only has 148 entries, however.

Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos are difficult to catch in any game in the franchise, and will therefore probably be some of the rarest and finest catches you can make in Pokémon Go. Even a wisp of rumor as to their existence is enough to send Pokémon die-hards into a fit of excitement.

Keep an eye out for Articuno, Moltres, and Zapdos on your Pokémon safaris. And then make sure you post an image to social media if you catch one of the Legendary birds of kanto. Be prepared for a lot of people to ask you where you found them. You’ll be the talk of the Pokémon Go town!

NesstendoYT did not respond to our request for comment in time for publication.

Be sure to check out our Pokémon Go beginner’s guides for getting started, and learning how to battle!

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*First Published: Jul 13, 2016, 6:19 pm CDT