When John Hanke and Niantic revealed the start dates for Moltres and Zapdos on their blog and Twitter recently, one big question has been in the back of the minds of many Trainers: Will Articuno be gone forever? Niantic revealed that the Legendary Birds will rotate out, with each being available for one week. So, is that it? Is that the only time we'll ever be able to acquire Articuno and the others?
The answer to this question is, most likely, not. First off, there are only 11 Legendaries / Mythicals currently programmed into Pokémon GO. To maintain diversity and interest, Niantic will constantly need to cycle out the Pokémon in Level 5 Raids. The Hoenn region will only add another ten Legendaries. Sinnoh will add 14, Unova will add 13, Kalos will add six, and Alola will add 18 (although these generations are far off).
Secondly, a week is not a very long time to acquire a Legendary, especially if occupations restrict Raiding to weekends. With trading not in the near future, rural players without large raid groups are severely disadvantaged. And even if non-urban players have Raid groups, capture success only has a three percent chance.
Thirdly, being the mascot of Team Mystic, it doesn't make sense to have it disappear forever on July 31. It makes perfect sense for Articuno to one day return to Raids, but it might be a long time. It is also worth noting that Lugia may one day rotate out for Ho-Oh, but no date has yet been given.
Get out and get Articuno while you can, Trainers! Moltres will be here on Monday!
The answer to this question is, most likely, not. First off, there are only 11 Legendaries / Mythicals currently programmed into Pokémon GO. To maintain diversity and interest, Niantic will constantly need to cycle out the Pokémon in Level 5 Raids. The Hoenn region will only add another ten Legendaries. Sinnoh will add 14, Unova will add 13, Kalos will add six, and Alola will add 18 (although these generations are far off).
Secondly, a week is not a very long time to acquire a Legendary, especially if occupations restrict Raiding to weekends. With trading not in the near future, rural players without large raid groups are severely disadvantaged. And even if non-urban players have Raid groups, capture success only has a three percent chance.
Thirdly, being the mascot of Team Mystic, it doesn't make sense to have it disappear forever on July 31. It makes perfect sense for Articuno to one day return to Raids, but it might be a long time. It is also worth noting that Lugia may one day rotate out for Ho-Oh, but no date has yet been given.
Get out and get Articuno while you can, Trainers! Moltres will be here on Monday!