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Sparkling

Pokémon Sword and Shield players can receive shiny Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres by participating in a tournament

These shiny birds have the same color scheme as their original Kantonia counterparts.
Nadine Dornieden
14 Jan 2022

Galarian Articuno Zapdos MoltresSource: The Pokémon Company (screenshot)

What you need to know

  • Pokémon Sword and Shield is the eighth generation of Pokémon games, set in the Galar region.
  • Competitive tournaments take place for those looking for a bit of a challenge.
  • Anyone who participates in the 2022 International Challenge is eligible to receive Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.

Catching shiny Pokémon isn't always easy in Pokémon Sword and Shield. This is especially true for legendary Pokémon, which can sometimes be shiny-locked, meaning they can't be obtained in their shiny form without hacking. Many players dedicating dozens of hours to these alternate color pocket monsters. However, players will soon be able to obtain shiny variants of Galarian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres, according to a report by Serebii.

Serebii Update: Shiny Galarian Articuno, Zapdos and Moltres are to be given to players who participate in the International Challenge February, March & April online competitions. Details @ https://t.co/gDbXkHSvkT pic.twitter.com/4IAgoioYpR

— Serebii.net (@SerebiiNet) January 14, 2022

Players who enter and participate in the upcoming International Challenge tournament will be eligible to receive these legendary birds, whose shiny forms closely resemble the colors of their original Kantonian versions found in Pokémon Red, Blue, and Yellow. Players won't need to win any games, simply participating is enough.

The International Challenge runs across three months, from February to April. Articuno is distributed if you participated in February, Zapdos is given away to players who participated in March, and Moltres can be obtained by those participating in April. Here are the registration and battle time periods:

2022 International Challenge February (Galarian Articuno)

  • Registration starts from February 3 to February 17, 2022.
  • Battles take place from February 18 to February 20, 2022.

2022 International Challenge March (Galarian Zapdos)

  • Registration starts from February 24 to March 10, 2022.
  • Battles take place from March 11 to March 13, 2022.

2022 International Challenge April (Galarian Moltres)

  • Registration starts from March 31 to April 14, 2022.
  • Battles take place from April 15 to April 17, 2022.

Of course, you can participate seriously if you hope to win, but remember to use your favorite Pokémon and just have fun. Either way, you get a cool prize out of it!

Steel thy sword

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Welcome to the Galar region

Pokémon Sword follows the player around the all-new Galar region, a region based on the real-world United Kingdom. Catch Pokémon of all types and battle your way through the Pokémon League in an effort to become the very best, like no one ever was.

  • $60 at Amazon
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He protects you

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Defense can be a good offense

Pokémon Shield is the counterpart to Pokémon Sword, and features exclusive Pokémon not found in the other game. Perfect as a companion game for you and your friends. Go out there and begin trading to catch 'em all!

  • $60 at Amazon
  • $60 at Walmart

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more.

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