Pokemon GO Galarian Ponyta: How to Catch

Pokemon GO Galarian Ponyta will now be catchable through research breakthroughs for a limited time.
Pokemon GO Galarian Ponyta will now be catchable through research breakthroughs for a limited time. / Niantic Labs

Pokemon GO Galarian Ponyta will now be catchable through research breakthroughs for a limited time.

Galarian Ponyta made waves when its appearance was first revealed to trainers. It quickly became a fan favorite of the recently implemented alternate region forms due to its cotton-candy-like fluff and pastel unicorn coloring. Its evolved form, Galarian Rapidash, was greeted with equal and elegant enthusiasm. Now, trainers have the opportunity to get both through completing their usual research tasks.

Pokemon GO Galarian Ponyta: How to Catch

Currently, Galarian Ponyta is rarely found in the wild—if at all. Niantic only seems interested in bringing it out for special mythical events such as Luminous Legends and the corresponding celebration of the main series Crown Tundra DLC. Its most recent egg group was 7 k.m.

Trainers can encounter this Pokemon as a reward for earning research breakthroughs—completing several tasks over a period of days—throughout May 2021. Additionally, trainers may find it when completing individual tasks such as "Catch X Fairy Pokemon."

Despite debuting in October 2020, its shiny form didn't see a release until May 11 of this year.

Galarian Ponyta is a psychic-type in contrast to its Kanto-original counterpart as a fire-type. Like all alternate form Pokemon, Galarian Ponyta's PokeDex number does not change from its initial place at 77. However, its PokeDex description does differ, describing it as a compassionate healing Pokemon that cures wounds with the power in its horn.

This statement keeps with several real-world unicorn myths citing the creature, itself, as reserved yet kind and the horn sprouting from its forehead as its source of power. While unconfirmed, this was likely done to both keep with the feel of the Galar region and provide a mythological contrast to Kanto Ponyta's real-world equine reference.