Shiny Galarian Slowpoke Guide

Latest posts by Kara Phillips-Ashman (see all)

Shiny Pokemon have been part of Pokemon fanatics’ experience with the franchise since it was first discovered. I’ve been a victim of it myself and shamelessly poured considerable time into it. When a new regional variant is announced, I’m always excited to see its shiny variation. The same can be said for the new Pokemon in general!

The release of Pokemon Sword and Shield provided regional variants of many classics, Gen One Pokemon, so when the DLC was released, I was incredibly excited to see a Galarian Slowpoke introduced. More so, it’s beautiful, golden, shiny form!

Bottom Line Up Front

Even though Slowpoke has been a cherished member of the Pokemon community since Generation One, its regional variant wasn’t introduced to Galar until the DLC was released for Pokemon Sword and Shield. Since then, alongside many fanatics of the franchise, I have been falling in love again with this dopey dino.

Additionally, with this new regional variant came an entire shiny redesign, which avid collectors and shiny hunters needed to get their hands on. I’ve spent a lot of time shiny hunting in Pokemon games, but I’m yet to try my hand at finding a shiny Galarian Slowpoke. So I’d love to add this rarity to my party, especially since it’s locked to one of my favorite regions in the PokeUniverse!

Here are some general facts about Galarian Slowpoke to get you started:

  • Generation: One
  • Pokedex Number: 079
  • Type: Psychic
  • Catch Rate: 190 (35.2%)
  • Gender Ratio: 50% Male 50% Female
  • Base Friendship: 70

What Is a Shiny Pokemon?

Shiny Pokemon
Image from Wiki Fandom

There isn’t any reasoning behind why a Pokemon has a ‘shiny’ variation. Shiny Pokemon have co-existed with their standard equivalents since the beginning of time in the game and the anime. As a result, they are scarce. However, if you are fortunate enough to come across one, some signifying features separate shiny Pokemon from their regular appearance.

I have never had much luck with shiny Pokemon—saying that I’ve never had much luck in shiny hunting in general. I’ll cover the techniques I’d use in detail later on, but note now that shiny hunting isn’t a quick and easy task. Finding a shiny Pokemon will take hours, days, weeks, and even years. But trust me, the payoff is worth it.

The main appeal of getting these rarities is the color palette. Although it isn’t as prominent on every Pokemon, some species variations have a fantastic shiny alternative. For example, shiny Umbreon has blue accents instead of yellow – a minuscule difference, but it’s a stunning one. Likewise, some species have their full color changed, but some are a little more subtle.

How to Tell If a Pokemon Is Shiny

If the Pokemon you’re hunting has a more subtle shiny version, as I’ve just mentioned, then the surrounding animation will be what to look out for. It depends on the Pokemon game you’re playing, but the animation involves some glittery stars and a chime to accompany.

Additionally, a few stars will be visible next to the wild encounters name to emphasize that it’s not quite like the others. I don’t even want to think about how many shiny encounters I’ve overlooked because of a subtle color palette.

Shiny Galarian Slowpoke’s Appearance vs. Galarian Slowpoke’s Appearance

If you’ve been a fan of Pokemon for a while, much like I have, you’re probably already familiar with how Slowpoke tends to look. However, Galarian Slowpoke’s design is a little different from what we are all used to.

The base regional variant for Slowpoke maintains the classic pink coloring which Slowpoke is known for. He has the same design regarding his body and appearance, but there is a rather noticeable change in color towards the top of his head.

Rather than staying pink, the top half and ears of Galarian Slowpoke are bright yellow. Additionally, it has three lines across its forehead. The same yellow color covers the tip of its tail. Aside from these two elements, Galarian Slowpoke is the same as the Kantonian variant.

Galarian Slowpoke Appearance
Image from Wiki Fandom

However, the shiny equivalent of this regional form is entirely different regarding its color pallet. Once again, it has the same form and look as Kantonian Slowpoke but is doused in bright yellow.

It almost appears entirely golden! The patches of yellow on Galarian Slowpoke are still visible and appear as a darker yellow, almost making them look like a shadow rather than part of the design. The same three lines are visible on the Pokemon’s forehead.

Shiny Galarian Slowpoke Appearance
Image from Bulbapedia

I appreciate that shiny Galarian Slowpoke’s design isn’t subtle or easy to overlook. You can immediately register the fact it’s different from the standard design, and you don’t need to worry about potentially missing it. Shiny Galarian Slowpoke is as ‘in your face’ as you’d want a shiny to be. I’m desperate to find one!

Galarian Slowpoke’s Pokedex Entries

Galarian Slowpoke in Anime
Image from Bulbapedia

Due to being a regional variant of Galar, Galarian Slowpoke’s Pokedex entries are slightly different from the Kantonian variation. Most of Slowpoke’s Dex entries revolve around the clueless expression of the Pokemon and how no one knows what it thinks about so endlessly.

While the Galarian Dex entries support this, they also introduce a little more lore behind the expression and give more of an insight into the day-to-day life of this Pokemon.

Sword: Although this Pokemon is normally zoned out, its expression abruptly sharpens on occasion. The cause for this seems to lie in Slowpoke’s diet.

Shield: Because Galarian Slowpoke eats the seeds of a plant that grows only in Galar, their tails have developed a spicy flavor.

Slowpoke tails have been regarded as a delicacy since my first experience with the franchise. I remember reading about trainers eating Slowpoke tails when I was younger and feeling offended at the thought of this precious little guy being eaten. However, finding out that there are regional variants that have a different ‘flavor’ has piqued my interest.

Abilities and Hidden Abilities

Abilities
Image from YouTube

Interestingly, Galarian Slowpoke and its shiny variation have different abilities than its Kantonian counterpart. As I mentioned in its dex entries, there is much more of an emphasis on Slowpokes diet and edibility in Sword and Shield – which is only encouraged by its abilities.

The main difference between the regional variants is the first ability. Kantonian Slowpoke has Oblivious as its first ability, but the Galarian version hosts Gluttony. Aside from that, the other abilities are reasonably similar, and their hidden ability of Regenerator is shared.

I didn’t start making a note of the importance of these abilities until I began to use Pokemon Showdown to build teams perfect for battle. So, if you’re like me and used to relying on moves that hit hard and fast in battle, look at your Pokemon’s abilities and see how they can positively encourage your approach to battle! Honestly, it saved me so much stress when it came to intense gym battles!

Here are Galarian Slowpokes abilities and its hidden ability, accompanied by a description of their benefits:

(First Ability) Gluttony: If the Pokemon is holding a berry, it’ll consume it and benefit from its effects before its HP reaches 25% or lower. However, it does not affect berries that activate at other HP thresholds – such as an Oran Berry, which is immediately eaten at 50% HP or lower. Gluttony has no effect outside of battle.

(Second Ability) Own Tempo: This ability prevents a Pokemon from being affected by Confusion. If the Pokemon becomes confused, even if it is self-inflicted, this ability will cause the Pokemon to heal itself immediately. This is super helpful with a psychic-based Pokemon like Galarian Slowpoke! Additionally, as of Generation Eight, Own Tempo now prevents the Pokemon from being affected by Intimidate. Much like Gluttony, Own Tempo has no effect outside of battle.

(Hidden Ability) Regenerator: This hidden ability allows Galarian Slowpoke to regenerate a third of its HP upon switching out of battle, which interestingly activates alongside moves like Baton Pass and Whirlwind. The same can be said for other moves that switch the front-facing Pokemon to the next in your party. Much like Galarian Slowpokes other two abilities, Regenerator has no effect outside of battle.

Any ability that encourages HP restoration is a worthy addition to your party. I can’t even begin to explain the number of situations I would’ve benefited from having an ability like Regenerator on my team!

Galarian Slowpoke’s Base Stats

Base Stats
Image from YouTube

If you are lucky enough to stumble across a Shiny Galarian Slowpoke, and you’re keen to add it to your party, then you’ll need to consider its base stats. Much like its abilities, most of its base stats are shared with Kantonian Slowpoke. So if you’re going to take this beauty into battle, you need to consider these stats. Luckily, it has a high HP stat, so even if you’re finding your footing, your shiny can take a hit!

Galarian Slowpokes Base Stats are as follows:

  • HP: 90
  • Attack: 65
  • Defense: 65
  • Sp. Atk: 40
  • Sp. Def: 40
  • Speed: 15

With a name like Slowpoke, you’d expect its speed stat to be low. But I was honestly surprised when I realized just how low it was! So even I could beat this Pokemon in a race – and that’s saying something!

Type and Weaknesses Explored

Type, Weaknesses, and Resistances
Image from YouTube

Unlike its Kantonian cousin, water and psychic duel-type Pokemon, Galarian Slowpoke is an entirely Psychic build. There is no duel type for this Pokemon, despite knowing a few water moves. However, due to its type change, a few weaknesses need to be explored. I’d be keen to add such a golden, shiny Pokemon to my party, but its type makes it vulnerable to quite a few opposing types.

If you take your shiny Slowpoke into battle, you’ll need to know it can be damaged by almost every type of Pokemon. The only type it’s resistant to are fighting and psychic, so as you can imagine, there are a lot of gym leaders who could wipe you out in one hit.

However, Galarian Slowpoke can be damaged as per usual by the following types:

  • Normal
  • Flying
  • Poison
  • Ground
  • Rock
  • Steel
  • Fire
  • Water
  • Grass
  • Electric
  • Ice
  • Dragon
  • Fairy

Due to its psychic build, Galarian Slowpoke is hugely weakened by the following types:

  • Bug
  • Ghost
  • Dark

I’ve always loved having psychic Pokemon as a member of my party, especially those like Espeon and Alakazam. They can be incredibly beneficial members of a battle, but as you can imagine, and as you can see by the list you’ve just read, they have their weaknesses. Having a Shiny version proposes the same threats, but you’ll have the bonus of being seen with such a rarity!

How to Get Galarian Slowpoke

Galarian Slowpokes
Image from YouTube

There are two locations where trainers can collect Galarian Slowpoke. The first of which saves you any hassle and was introduced to the title following the announcement of the Sword/Shield DLC. Head to Wedgehurt station, and you’ll be greeted by either Klara or Avery, depending on your game.

They will be accompanied by a Galarian Slowpoke, which you can interact with and easily catch. This will be valuable to you should you decide to shiny hunt using the daycare center method!

However, if you want to use the battle chain method, you’ll need to find Galarian Slowpoke in the wild. Luckily it has a very high spawn rate, even in the DLC, and there are several locations you can visit to create your chain to a shiny!

Galarian Slowpoke can spawn in the following areas in Pokemon Sword and Shield:

  • Soothing Wetlands
  • Fields of Honor
  • Challenge Beach
  • Training Lowlands
  • Snowslide Slope
  • Path to the Peak
  • Giant’s Bed
  • Frigid Sea

How to Shiny Hunt for Galarian Slowpoke

Galarian Slowpoke
Image from Bulbapedia

The base chance of finding a shiny Pokemon in Pokemon Sword and Shield is one in 4096. I know those are some reasonably overwhelming statistics, but there are several methods you can use to increase your odds when it comes to hunting down this golden delight.

I’ve poured hours, if not days and months into shiny hunting across Pokemon games, however, Sword and Shield have some of the best odds. You can’t deny that the hunt doesn’t pay off when you hear that chime and see those sparkles.

There are four tried and tested methods to enhance your odds of finding a shiny Pokemon, so given you’ve got a shiny charm and you’ve collected a Galarian Slowpoke from Wedgehurst, you can start hunting with all four methods today!

Using a Shiny Charm:

If you’re not sure what a shiny charm is, there’s a chance you haven’t filled out your Dex in any Pokemon game. Don’t be ashamed if that is the case! Pokemon Shield was the first game I dedicated to filling my Pokedex solely with the intention of a shiny hunt.

As soon as you have the charm in your bag, your chances of encountering a shiny are almost halved. To get the charm, you need to have 400/400 Pokemon captured in the base game of Sword and Shield – so this doesn’t count any Pokemon added through the DLC.

Once your Dex is complete, head to Chirchester, enter the doors west of Hotel Ionia, go up the elevator, and enter the room on the far left. When you speak to the director, he will reward you with a shiny charm!

Battle Chain:

Now you have a shiny charm; you’ll need to start a battle chain. This is the most tedious approach to shiny hunting since it can be messed up by a different Pokemon encounter so easily. But, it has some pretty reliable odds.

The following list showcases the odds of finding a shiny with and without a shiny charm and how many Pokemon you need to battle:

  • 50 battles – 1/2048 odds without a shiny charm – 1/1024 with a shiny charm
  • 100 battles – 1/1365.333 odds without a shiny charm – 1/818.2 with a shiny charm
  • 200 battles – 1/1024 odds without a shiny charm – 1/682 with a shiny charm
  • 300 battles – 1/819 odds without a shiny charm – 1/585 with a shiny charm
  • 500 battles – 1/682 odds without a shiny charm – 1/512 with a shiny charm

As you can see, the more you battle, the higher your odds. But, it’s important to note that one encounter with a different species of Pokemon will set your battle chain back to one. It’s frustrating, I know, which is why shiny Pokemon are so sought-after. The odds are slim, but I can’t even begin to describe how cool it is to see your first shiny.

Shiny Chain:

However, if you want to increase your odds further, 500 battles with the same species of Pokemon welcome the potential to create a Shiny Chain. Rather than continuing to battle, you can catch the next twenty-five.

A shiny chain of twenty-five is the maximum odds to shiny hunting that Sword and Shield allow. If you combine this with the previous two methods, having a shiny charm and battling 500 of the same Pokemon species, your odds will be cut from the base number of 1 in 4096 to 1/455, which seems like a walk in the park if you ask me!

Breeding for a Shiny:

If shiny hunting isn’t new ground to you, then you’ve probably heard of the daycare center tactic. To try your hand at this method, you’ll need a ditto and a Galarian Slowpoke, both of which will need to be in the daycare center in the Wild Area so they can produce eggs. I usually keep one hatched egg in my party and use the other slots to carry as many eggs as possible, making hatching time more efficient.

However, to make this approach more reliable, there is an interesting factor about your ditto. If you have a ditto from a different language, it cuts your odds again. For example, breeding two Pokemon from two different languages will make your shiny odds 1/683 without a shiny charm or 1/512 with a charm.

If you’re questioning how to get a ditto from a different language, then wonder trading is your best friend! The best thing to do is catch a ditto from your area, and send that out for trade in the hope of a decent return!

This method is my favorite when it comes to shiny hunting since you cant easily mess it up compared to both a battle chain and a shiny chain. Also, the odds are the same from the get-go – so it’s reliable, and all you have to do is cycle around hatching eggs for a few hours. The perk of this is you can do five at a time too!

FAQs

Question: Can a max raid battle Pokemon be Shiny?

Answer: Long story short, yes! Pokemon in a max raid battle can be shiny. That’s how I caught a shiny Magikarp. The odds are slim, but there is still a possibility. Especially if there is an event making the majority of Pokemon spawning a single species, this hasn’t happened for Galarian Slowpoke yet. Still, I’d love to see it in the future.

Question: Is Galarian Slowpoke in Pokemon Go?

Answer: Galarian Slowpoke is available in Pokemon Go, and the most common way to find it is through hatching 7km eggs! This regional variant was introduced to the game during the ‘A Very Slow Discovery’ event. Since then, there is a slim chance that you may see them spawn in the wild.

Question: Do I need to catch every Pokemon to get a shiny charm?

Answer: In Pokemon Sword and Shield, you need to catch all 400 Pokemon available in the base game before receiving a shiny charm. It’s not an item you can trade, nor is it something you can buy or find. The only way to get one is through filling the Pokedex, so yes. You must catch every Pokemon in the base game to get the charm.

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