TL;DR
- Zarude was available through limited-time newsletter codes and Pokemon GO special research ending in 2021
- The mythical Pokemon ranks as top-tier grass type and strong dark type in Pokemon GO battles
- Current availability is zero with no confirmed future distribution events planned
- Strategic resource allocation depends on your existing legendary Pokemon roster
- Future opportunities may include trading or potential anniversary events

Zarude represents one of the most distinctive mythical Pokemon introduced in Generation VIII, standing as the sole mythical creature from this generation currently available. This jungle-dwelling primate Pokemon has captured trainer interest with its unique design and battle capabilities across both main series games and Pokemon GO.
As a particularly elusive Pokemon, Zarude has maintained exclusive event-only distribution since its debut. Trainers previously accessed multiple acquisition opportunities for this generation’s only mythical Pokemon, though distribution methods varied significantly beginning with Japanese cinematic promotions for Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle.
Many trainers wonder about the regional distribution differences between North America, Europe, and Japan. Additionally, questions persist about current availability windows and potential future distribution cycles. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to understand about Zarude’s availability in Pokemon Sword and Shield alongside Pokemon GO.
Promotional codes for Zarude reached trainers through two primary channels: the official Pokemon newsletter distribution system and select Pokemon Trading Card Game release events across Europe.
While Japanese Pokemon enthusiasts acquired Zarude on Nintendo Switch by attending theatrical screenings of Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, trainers in European and North American regions obtained access through more conventional digital distribution methods. Zarude promotional codes designed for the in-game Mystery Gift functionality were strategically distributed to incentivize newsletter subscriptions.

The initial distribution occurred in December 2020, providing a standard version promotional code. Concurrently, specific European retail partners offered promotional code access tied to the Pokemon TCG’s Vivid Voltage expansion, marking Zarude’s inaugural appearance in the trading card game universe.
A subsequent newsletter promotional code distribution launched in October 2021 featuring the “Dada” Zarude iteration, characterized by its pink scarf commemorating the Netflix debut of Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle. This distribution package included a complementary shiny Celebi promotional code.
These promotional codes maintain permanent validity but restrict usage to single redemption attempts. This implementation necessitated individual trainer newsletter registration to secure Zarude access, leaving unregistered trainers without acquisition pathways once distribution windows closed.
Trainers can acquire Zarude within Pokemon GO exclusively through the time-limited “Search for Zarude!” special research questline.
The Search for Zarude! special research became accessible exclusively to players who logged in during specific timeframe windows, concluding permanently on October 10, 2021. This research narrative presented a relatively accessible progression system with rewards thematically aligned with Pokemon featured in the Secrets of the Jungle cinematic experience.
Get ready for adventure, Trainers! In celebration of the global release of Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle on Netflix, you can enjoy an event featuring Special Research that’ll lead to an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon Zarude. https://t.co/6x9bpkk6t9 pic.twitter.com/iMYDBOhTa6
— Pokémon GO (@PokemonGoApp) September 21, 2021
Completion of the questline rewards trainers with an encounter opportunity with wild Zarude, supplemented by 10 Zarude Candies and 1,000 Stardust resources.
Zarude demonstrates sufficient combat prowess in Pokemon GO to justify power investment decisions.
This mythical Pokemon achieves maximum Combat Power thresholds of 4,334 at trainer level 50. When considering both released and unreleased Pokemon species, Zarude occupies the 15th position for highest potential CP ceilings across the entire game roster.
Zarude establishes itself as the premier grass-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, surpassed only by Mega Venusaur. It additionally ranks among the elite dark-type combatants, trailing solely behind Mega Gyarados, Hoopa Unbound, and Mega Houndoom. Statistically, it demonstrates nearly identical CP performance compared to Tyranitar while benefiting from superior type matchup advantages.

However, individual trainer resource allocation decisions require careful consideration of existing roster composition.
Similar to most mythical Pokemon classifications, Zarude cannot match the raw offensive capabilities possessed by primary legendary Pokemon in Pokemon GO. Mewtwo, Groudon, Kyogre, Zekrom, and Reshiram all achieve significantly higher maximum CP thresholds, while shadow legendary variants including Ho-Oh, Lugia, and Zapdos can outperform Zarude in damage output metrics. Trainers possessing Shadow Mewtwo should prioritize rare candy allocation to this superior attacker.
Numerous inferior options exist when considering Pokemon candidates for rare candy expenditure. If trainers seek to maximize a Pokemon specifically for raid battle dominance, they should select from the more potent legendary options. However, for trainers with established legendary rosters seeking additional lineup reinforcement, Zarude represents a respectable secondary option.
Currently, Zarude remains completely unavailable to Pokemon Sword and Shield trainers alongside Pokemon GO participants.
Zarude promotional codes for Pokemon Sword and Shield were exclusively allocated to trainers registered for the official Pokemon newsletter before predetermined cutoff dates. Similarly, Pokemon GO trainers who failed to log in during the special research availability period cannot access this content presently.
Both distribution scenarios present uncertain future re-release timelines. Pokemon Sword and Shield trainers likely face multiple years before legitimate acquisition opportunities resurface, while Pokemon GO participants must anticipate potential follow-up research mission implementations. In both gaming platforms, trainers should not expect imminent Zarude availability.
Action Checklist
- Monitor official Pokemon channels for potential Zarude re-release announcements
- Evaluate your existing legendary Pokemon roster before investing rare candies in Zarude
- Research trading communities for potential Zarude acquisition opportunities
- Analyze type advantages for Zarude in your current battle team compositions
- Develop long-term collection strategy accounting for potential future mythical distributions
No reproduction without permission:Game Guides Online » How to get Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Shield, and Pokemon GO Complete guide to obtaining Zarude in Pokemon Sword/Shield and GO with battle strategies and future availability insights
