The mission Search for Zarude is now available in Pokemon GO

Pokemon GO has introduced an exciting new Special Research questline that puts trainers on the trail of Zarude, the mythical Rogue Monkey Pokemon. This limited-time opportunity represents one of the most significant content additions in recent months, offering players the chance to add this Generation 8 legendary to their collections.

Professor Willow leads this comprehensive five-stage investigation that will challenge your catching abilities and battle skills. Unlike typical research tasks, this questline requires substantial time investment and strategic planning to complete successfully.

Originally debuting in Pokemon Sword & Shield games, Zarude brings its unique Grass and Dark dual-typing to mobile gameplay. This combination creates both offensive opportunities and defensive vulnerabilities that experienced trainers must understand to maximize its potential.

How to get Zarude in Pokemon GO

To initiate your Zarude hunt, you must access Pokemon GO during the exclusive Secrets of the Jungle in-game event. This time-limited window is crucial—missing it means you’ll lose access to this Special Research entirely. Once you log in during the event period, Professor Willow automatically grants you the questline, beginning your journey toward capturing this elusive mythical creature.

The Zarude acquisition process unfolds across five progressively challenging stages, beginning with relatively simple catching tasks and escalating to more complex challenges. The initial steps focus on capturing diverse Pokemon species and photographing wild creatures, while later stages demand specialized type captures and direct confrontation with Team Rocket operatives.

Seasoned trainers should anticipate spending approximately 3-6 hours completing all requirements, depending on spawn conditions and personal skill level. The variety of tasks ensures that both casual and hardcore players will find aspects that challenge their abilities.

Search for Zarude – Step 1

• Catch 7 different species of Pokemon (reward: 1 Sun Stone)
• Catch 7 Pokemon (reward: Diglett encounter)
• Take 3 snapshots of wild ground-type Pokemon (reward: 15 Poke Balls)

Rewards: 250 Stardust, 10 Nanab Berries, and a Drillbur encounter.

Search for Zarude – Step 2

• Make 5 great throws in a row (reward: Pinap Berries)
• Catch 10 bug-type Pokemon (reward: Dwebble encounter)
• Take 3 snapshots of wild bug-type Pokemon (reward: 10 Great Balls)

Rewards: 250 Stardust, 10 Razz Berries, and a Combee encounter.

Search for Zarude – Step 3

• Use 20 berries to help catch Pokemon (reward: Sunny Cherrim encounter)
• Catch 30 grass or bug-type Pokemon (reward: Vileplume encounter)
• Take 3 snapshots of wild grass-type Pokemon (reward: 10 Great Balls)

Rewards: 500 Stardust, 10 Pinap Berries, and a Nuzleaf encounter.

Search for Zarude – Step 4

• Defeat 6 Team Rocket Grunts (reward: Ariados encounter)
• Catch 15 Pokemon with weather boost (reward: Butterfree encounter)
• Take 3 snapshots of wild flying-type Pokemon (reward: 10 Ultra Balls)

Rewards: 500 Stardust, 1 Poffin, and a Rufflet encounter.

Search for Zarude – Step 5

• Claim 1000 XP
• Claim 1000 XP
• Claim 1000 XP

Rewards: 1000 Stardust, 10 Zarude candy, and a Zarude encounter.

Is Zarude good in Pokemon GO?

Capturing Zarude provides access to a uniquely powerful combatant that stands apart from most other Pokemon in the game. As a Grass and Dark-type hybrid, Zarude delivers exceptional performance against Ghost and Psychic types, which frequently appear in raid battles and gym defenses. Its offensive coverage makes it particularly valuable in the current meta where these types dominate.

However, Zarude’s dual-typing creates significant defensive vulnerabilities that require careful management. The most dangerous matchups involve Bug-type opponents, where Zarude suffers quadruple damage due to type interactions. Additionally, trainers must avoid deploying Zarude against Fairy, Fighting, Flying, and Ice-type Pokemon, as these will exploit its natural weaknesses effectively.

These multiple vulnerabilities make Zarude a high-risk selection for Player versus Player combat, where skilled opponents can easily counterpick against it. In raid encounters or gym assault situations, however, Zarude becomes a formidable asset when matched against appropriate opponents that play to its strengths.

Strategic deployment requires understanding type matchups and anticipating opponent selections. For gym battles, Zarude works best as a specialist counter rather than a general-purpose attacker. Its movepool options allow for flexibility, but proper technique selection is essential for maximizing damage output while minimizing incoming harm.

Experienced trainers can significantly reduce completion time by preparing in advance for each research stage. For the bug and grass-type catching requirements, visiting parks or nature reserves during sunny weather dramatically improves spawn rates. Using Incense and Lure Modules strategically can cut hunting time by 40-60% for these specific tasks.

Quest Efficiency Techniques: Complete multiple tasks simultaneously by targeting Pokemon that fulfill several requirements. For example, certain bug/grass dual-types count toward both capture objectives simultaneously.

Power-Up Recommendations: The 10 free Zarude candies provide a starting point, but maximizing Zarude’s combat effectiveness requires additional investment. Participate in raids featuring Dark or Grass-type bosses to accumulate rare candies, and use Pinap berries during the capture encounter to double your candy yield.

Team Composition Advice: Pair Zarude with Pokemon that cover its weaknesses—Flying types handle Fighting opponents, while Fire types counter Bug threats. This complementary approach ensures you maintain battlefield advantage even when facing counter-picks.

Common Mistakes to Avoid: Many trainers waste resources by powering up Zarude immediately without considering its optimal move set. Research available fast and charged moves before committing Stardust and candy resources.

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