Quick Links
Pokemon GO still has some time until they've included the entire Pokedex across all generations, but there's one advantage they have over mainline Pokemon games such as Sword/Shield and Scarlet/Violet. Mega Evolving was introduced back in Gen 6, and Swablu's evolution, Altaria, gained a Mega Evolution in Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire.
Swablu and Altaria debuted in Gen 3, and in mainline Pokemon games, they function more as defensive Pokemon rather than attackers. Even if Pokemon GO trainers don't want to use Swablu or Altaria for battling, there's Mega Altaria to consider, which can give players a huge advantage in battle. With various Dragon and Flying-type Pokemon to catch and choose from, here's what to know about the Swablu-line in Pokemon GO.
Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Virizion
Pokemon GO players can get a Shiny Virizon by following this detailed guide exploring potent Virizion raid counters.
Where to Find Swablu
Swablu has a higher chance of appearing in Pokemon GO during Windy or Partly Cloudy weather thanks to its Flying-typing. However, the frequency of Swablu appearing can also be influenced by the area. For example, Swablu may spawn more in the USA than it would in a different country.
Another way to get a Swablu Encounter is to see if it's the selected Pokemon for upcoming Spotlight Hour events. These will occur from 6:00pm - 6:59pm local. Of course, this method is less reliable as there's no guarantee that Spotlight Hour will select a Pokemon that trainers need to catch. Thus, it's better if trainers just keep an eye out for it during the appropriate weather.
Swablu isn't a Legendary Pokemon, so it's not difficult to catch. However, it'll flee just like any other Pokemon. It also has a habit of floating to the top of the screen to dodge Poke Ball throws. To prevent this, use a Nanab Berry. If players want to raise Swablu's catch rate/make it easier to catch, then feed it a Razz Berry or Golden Razz Berry. Finally, those looking to evolve Swablu will want to use a Pinap Berry or Silver Pinap Berry instead.
How to Get Swablu via Trading
If Swablu isn't spawning, trainers may want to consider trading with a friend. To use Pokemon GO's trading feature, both trainers will need to be level 10. The Friendship Level itself doesn't matter, as Swablu (or Altaria) can be traded regardless. However, the higher the Friendship Level, the less Stardust will be used in the Trade. If both trainers have Swablu registered in their Dex, the Stardust cost will be lower. Likewise, if one trainer doesn'thave it registered, the cost will be higher.
To initiate a Trade, here's what to do:
- Tap the trainer icon in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
- Select the Friends tab, then scroll down to the Friend who will be sending over the Swablu.
- Choose the Trade option, and select a Pokemon to give in exchange for Swablu.
There isn't a Surprise Trade feature in Pokemon GO , and players have to be friends with one another to even use the Trade feature. Also, while it's possible to exchange Friend Codes overseas , trading can't be done unless both players are physically next to one another. Thus, trying to trade Swablu with someone from (example) the UK and Japan overseas won't be possible.
Pokemon GO - All Ditto Disguises (July 2024)
You can catch a Ditto and Shiny Ditto in Pokemon GO July 2024 by following this detailed guide.
How to Evolve Swablu (How to Get Altaria)
In order to evolve Swablu into Altaria, players will need 400 Swablu Candy. It's an expensive investment and one that trainers may choose to ignore, especially if Swablu doesn't spawn in their area. Like Magikarp and Feebas, the best way to grind Swablu Candy is to catch every Swablu that appears and feed it Pinap Berries/Silver Pinap Berries before throwing a Poke Ball. However, this can be a problem for those who live in areas where Swablu hardly appears.
Getting Swablu Candy
If players have multiple Swablu, then they should Transfer them to Professor Willow. This can be done by holding down on Swablu's icon in the Storage, and then selecting Transfer at the bottom of the screen. The "hold down + transfer" method is a way to send Swablus in bulk without having to go into their summary page and transfer them one at a time.
When transferring, check Swablu's IVs and CP to avoid sending off a Swablu with good stats and power. Players can filter out 3-4 star Swablus in the Pokemon Storage Search Bar. Another thing to remember is to Transfer Swablus when GO is running an in-game event that doubles the Candy earned from Transfers .
The other, albeit much slower, way to get Swablu Candy is to set Swablu as a Buddy Pokemon. For every 1km walked, Swablu will find 1 Candy. It's not as quick as catching and transferring Swablus, but 1km is a lot shorter than a Pokemon like Eevee, which requires 5km just for 1 Candy.
Feeding a Poffin to Swablu will decrease the distance needed for Candy.
Another way to get Altaria is to defeat Mega Altaria in a Mega Raid. Pokemon GO's in-game events will determine Mega Altaria's appearance, so it won't just show up at random. Keep in mind that battling Mega Evolved Pokemon is impossible to do as a one-person team. Mega Raid Pokemon have CP as high as 50,000.
Pokemon GO: How To Get Shiny Zorua And Shiny Zoroark
Pokemon GO players can get Shiny Zorua and Shiny Zoroark by following this in-depth guide.
Is Altaria Any Good in Pokemon GO?
It doesn't look like much of a fighter, but Altaria is pretty useful in the Great League in Pokemon GO thanks to its Charged Attacks. It may struggle in the Ultra League due to the increased difficulty and Pokemon with more diverse "movesets," making it easier for them to take advantage of Altaria's type weaknesses.
Altaria can have any of one Fast Attack and one-two Charged Attacks:
Move | Damage | EPS | |
|---|---|---|---|
Fast Attacks: |
|
|
|
Charged Attacks: |
|
| N/A |
* Moonblast can only be obtained by using an Elite Charged TM.
Finally, Altaria has the advantage of Mega Evolving into Mega Altaria. Unlike regular Altaria, Mega Altaria is a Dragon/Fairy-type, negating its weakness to Dragon-type moves, but gaining weaknesses to Poison and Steel-type attacks. However, Mega Evolved Pokemon are always much stronger than Pokemon that aren't Mega Evolved - Altaria is no exception. As such, Mega Altaria is a great Mega Raid Battler and good to use against difficult Team GO Rocket leaders or Team GO Rocket's boss.
It will take 300 Altaria Mega Energy to Mega Evolve it for the first time. Afterwards, it will only require 60 Mega Energy .
Pokemon GO is available for mobile devices.
