Galarian Bird Catch Rate Calculator
Optimize your strategy for Catching Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres (Sword & Shield)
Galarian Articuno (Psychic/Flying)
Galarian Zapdos (Fighting/Flying)
Galarian Moltres (Dark/Flying)
100% is full health, 1% is 1 HP left (False Swipe)
Poké Ball (x1.0)
Great Ball (x1.5)
Ultra Ball (x2.0)
Dusk Ball (Cave/Night) (x3.0)
Fast Ball (Speed > 100) (x4.0)
Timer Ball (10+ Turns) (x4.0)
Master Ball (Guaranteed)
None
Paralysis / Poison / Burn (x1.5)
Sleep / Freeze (x2.5)
Capture Chance Per Throw
0.00%
Modified Catch Rate (0-255)
0
How to Catch Galarian Birds in Sword & Shield
The Galarian variants of Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, introduced in The Crown Tundra expansion, are wandering Legendary Pokémon known for their low catch rates and specific roaming mechanics. Unlike standard encounters, these birds have a base catch rate of 3, making them some of the most difficult Pokémon to capture without a Master Ball.
The Catch Formula Mechanics
This calculator uses the Generation 8 catch formula to estimate your success rate. The probability of a successful capture depends on four main factors:
- Base Species Rate: All three Galarian birds have a base rate of 3.
- Remaining HP: The lower the HP, the higher the catch rate. Reducing the bird to 1 HP using moves like False Swipe drastically improves your odds.
- Ball Multiplier: Using specialized balls like the Fast Ball (effective on fast Pokémon like Galarian Zapdos) or the Dusk Ball (at night) provides multipliers up to x4.0, significantly better than an Ultra Ball (x2.0).
- Status Conditions: Sleep and Freeze provide a x2.5 multiplier, which is far superior to Paralysis (x1.5). Always aim to put the bird to sleep using Hypnosis or Spore.
Optimal Strategies per Bird
Galarian Articuno: It creates clones of itself. Engage it, use a Pokémon with high Special Defense, and inflict Sleep. Dusk Balls are excellent here if hunting at night.
Galarian Zapdos: It runs across the Wild Area at high speeds. Because of its high base Speed stat, the Fast Ball is often the best choice, offering a x4.0 multiplier immediately.
Galarian Moltres: Found in the Isle of Armor. It ignores terrain. Timer Balls become very effective (x4.0) if the battle drags on past 10 turns.