Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee – Where to find Zapdos, Articuno and other rare Pokémon

Gotta catch ‘em all! If there’s one thing that Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee really wants you to do, it’s to catch a heck of a lot more Pokémon. Not just content with locking certain Pokémon behind once-off encounters, almost every single critter in the game has a chance of appearing in the wild. If you’re patient enough that is.

Not every Pokémon is equal though, because some are clearly better than others. Where can you find the rarest Pokémon around? At these very locations inside the game.

Charmander

While Charmander can be acquired from a trainer outside of Cerulean City provided that you meet their catching requirement. Charmander can also be found in the wild on Routes 3 and 4, as well as in Rock Tunnel.

Bulbasaur

Bulbasaur can be acquired from a trainer in Cerulean City if you happen to meet their catching requirements, but the seedy fella can also be found roaming Viridian Forest.

Squirtle

Over in Vermillion City, Officer Jenny will hand over a Squirtle, if you happen to have caught 60 or more Pokémon.

Kangaskhan

There’s only one location to catch a Kangaskhan, and that’s in the Rock Tunnel that connects Cerulean City to Lavender Town. Better bring some lures though, as this critter is a rare Pokémon to see in the wild.

Lapras

Route 18 and Route 20 are where you’ll find the icy mistress of the seas, as Lapras usually spawns here with a level of between 33 and 38.

Mr Mime

What, seriously? You’re weird for wanting this dude, but hey who am I to judge you. Mr Mime will pantomime his way on to Route 11, although there’s only a 5% chance of him popping up at any given time. You weirdo.

Electabuzz

Drawn to electricity, Electabuzz will pop up in the Power Plant zone to the East of Cerulean City, with chances of seeing the shocking pocket monster actually being fairly decent.

Magmar

On Cinnabar Island, the abandoned Pokémon Mansion has plenty of Magmar wandering its halls, so stock up on some Ultra Balls and get ready to catch the hot-blooded creature. I hope you brought some burn heals!

Pinsir

On Route 14 and Route 15, there’s a very very rare chance that Pinsir will show up. It’s still worth the hassle however, as sending multiple copies of the Insect-type brawler will net you plenty of Mighty Candies.

Scyther

In Let’s Go Pikachu, you can find Scyther on Route 14 and Route 15, although Pokémon Let’s Go Eevee players will have to trade for the mighty Insect-type warrior.

Tauros

On Route 14 and Route 15, there are plenty of Tauros roaming the wild regions of that area. Just don’t be like Ash and end up catching an entire herd of them, like in that one episode of the anime series that was never ever broadcast in the west.

Ditto

Feel like doing some easy breeding? Ditto’s malleable DNA is perfect for the job, and the blobby fella can be found inside the Pokémon Mansion on Cinnabar Island and inside of the Cerulean Cave once you’ve become Pokémon League champ.

Porygon

Unlike in the previous games, you won’t have to gamble to earn a Porygon! Instead, you can find one in the grass on Route 7, just waiting to be caught.

Omanyte

Depending on the fossil that you chose, you can get yourself a brand spankin’ new Omanyte once you have it revived in the Pokémon Lab on Cinnabar Island.

Kabuto

Depending on the fossil that you chose, you can get yourself a brand spankin’ new Omanyte once you have it revived in the Pokémon Lab on Cinnabar Island.

Aerodactyl

Once your partner Pokémon has discovered an ability that allows it to chop down trees, head back to Pewter City and work your way into the secret entrance of the Pokémon Museum. A museum assistant will hand you some Old Amber, which can be revived into an Aerodactyl on Cinnabar Island.

Snorlax

While you will have a chance to capture two Snorlax during the course of the game, the sleepy Pokémon can also be found dozing around inside of Cerulean Cave.

Articuno

East of Cinnabar Islands, lie the Seafoam Islands. You’ll need to surf there and have a Pokémon that is capable of using Strong Push, before you can even get to Articuno. Unlike other Pokémon catch encounters, Articuno needs to be beaten before you can start that mini-game, so whittle it down and chuck some Ultra Balls at the Legendary Ice-type once it has been weakened enough.

Outside of that encounter, you’ll also find Articuno afterwards on Routes 1-4, 6-8, 10-19 and 21-25, although only if you’re on a flying Pokémon and even then it’ll be an exceptionally rare encounter.

Zapdos

Zapdos is easy enough to find. Surf in the waters East of Cerulean City on Route 10 until you reach the Power Plant and inside you’ll find Zapdos. In the wilds after you catch Zapdos and while flying on a Pokémon, you can spot the thunderstruck Pokémon on Routes 1-4, 6-8, 10-19 and 21-25.

Moltres

On Victory Road, look for Office Jenny and you’ll spot a rock that can be pushed aside. Move it, descend deeper into the caves and you’ll be able to battle and capture a Moltres. In the wild, while flying, you can find Moltres on Routes 1-4, 6-8, 10-19 and 21-25.

Dratini

The best damn pure Dragon-type Pokémon may be a Dragonite, but you’ll need a Dratini that you can evolve into a Dragonair and then once again into its ultimate form before you can wield that ancient power. Head to Route 10, and you’ll have a slim chance of seeing the adorable dragon in the wild.

Dragonair

Much like Dratini, Dragonair also has a preference for hanging out on Route 10.

Dragonite

Bugger it, let’s just catch the main dude anyway. You can find Dragonite on Route 18, but with a super-rare chance at spawning.

Mewtwo

All roads led to Mewtwo, and much like in the original game, the mightiest Psychic-type in the franchise is spending his time in Cerulean Cave, waiting for a worthy challenger to face him.

Mew

Mew is possibly the hardest Pokémon to catch in Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, because the adorable little dude requires something other than a Master Ball to acquire: He’s only available as a bonus for players who actually plopped down cash for the Pokeball accessory.

Last Updated: November 20, 2018