The Mythical Pokemon Zarude first made an appearance in Pokemon Sword and Shield following a theatrical debut in Pokemon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle, where players got a good look at this Pokemon's nature. This even extended into a brief event in Pokemon GO where, not only could players get Zarude for free, but also a Shiny Celebi, all to commemorate the release of this film.
Yet since then, Zarude hasn't been available under normal circumstances, leaving players who missed its release to the mobile title no way to add it to their collections. Fortunately, Niantic recently provided players another opportunity to encounter the Mythical Pokemon—if they were willing to pay.
As part of the recent Verdant Wonders event, celebrating the arrival of spring in the Northern Hemisphere, players were able to purchase an event-exclusive Special Research ticket that provided access to the "Rogue of the Jungle" research path. As Special Research, it will never expire, allowing players that purchased it to complete the steps at their leisure—though this time around, the steps aren't too arduous at all.
And at the end of this research lay an encounter with Zarude itself. Along the way, players are also rewarded for the premium nature of the Special Research with items like Incenses and Premium Battle Passes.
For those that purhcased the Rogue of the Jungle Special Research, here's a breakdown of the tasks required at each step, as well as the various rewards players can earn leading to Zarude. This research is no longer available to purchase from the in-game shop and is unlikely to return in the future.
Pokemon GO Rogue of the Jungle Special Research Steps and Rewards
In order for players to successfully complete this Special Research, they're going to have to find and catch a number of Grass and Dark Type Pokemon—both being the types of Zarude itself. Fortunately, the ongoing World of Wonders season places an emphasis on Grass Type Pokemon during the spring months, with many appearing as featured and increased spawns during other events.
Dark Type Pokemon, however, aren't too common this time of year. Players should keep an eye on Pokemon GO during the nighttime when these Pokemon normally spawn, as well as challenge Team GO Rocket Grunts, some of whom carry Dark Type Shadow Pokemon that can be captured.
Since Zarude will appear as a static encounter at the end of this research path, it is guaranteed to have a potential of at least two stars. Unfortunately, the potential that each Zarude has is random and cannot be changed, leaving it up to luck.
Step 1
- Complete 5 Field Research tasks
- Reward: 2 Silver Pinap Berries
- Catch 25 Grass Type Pokemon
- Reward: Encounter with Seedot
- Evolve 3 Grass Type Pokemon
- Reward: 20 Poke Balls
Completion reward: 1,000 Stardust, 10 Razz Berries, 2 Fast TMs
Step 2
- Explore 5km
- Reward: 2 Golden Razz Berries
- Catch 25 Dark Type Pokemon
- Reward: Encounter with Galarian Zigzagoon
- Evolve 3 Dark Type Pokemon
- Reward: 10 Great Balls
Completion reward: 1,000 XP, 5 Hyper Potions, 2 Charged TMs
Step 3
- Spin 25 PokeStops or Gyms
- Reward: 2 Silver Pinap Berries
- Power-up 5 Grass Type Pokemon
- Reward: Encounter with Cacnea
- Make an Excellent Throw
- Reward: 10 Ultra Balls
Completion reward: 1,000 Stardust, 5 Revives, 1 Incense
Step 4
- Use 5 super-effective Charged Attacks
- Reward: 2 Golden Razz Berries
- Power-up 5 Dark Type Pokemon
- Reward: Encounter with Scraggy
- Use 10 Berries to help catch Pokemon
- Reward: 5 Rare Candies
Completion reward: 1,000 Stardust, 2 Premium Battle Passes
Step 5
- Win 3 Raids
- Reward: 2 Silver Pinap Berries
- Catch 15 different species of Pokemon
- Reward: Encounter with Absol
- Defeat 5 Team GO Rocket Grunts
- Reward: 10 Zarude Candies
Completion reward: 1,000 Satrdust, encounter with Zarude, 3 Zarude Candies XL
