
The Elusive Nature of Shiny Larvesta
Shiny Larvesta is widely regarded as one of the rarest and most sought-after Pokémon to hatch in the game, with its scarcity being a core part of the thrill that comes with attempting to find it. Despite special events designed to increase its appearance rate in eggs, it remains a notoriously difficult Pokémon to encounter in its shiny form. This rarity makes every attempt to hatch a Shiny Pokemon Go Larvesta a moment filled with anticipation, excitement, and sometimes even frustration. Players across the community have shared their experiences, and a common theme is the significant challenge involved in obtaining this elusive shiny variant.
The process of hatching Shiny Larvesta can be a test of both patience and persistence. One well-documented example comes from a YouTuber who detailed their experience of hatching over 150 event eggs. Despite the increased odds during the event, they encountered a vast number of regular Larvesta before finally finding the shiny version, which appeared toward the end of their hatching spree. This experience serves as a reminder that, even with the event’s increased chances, the rarity of Shiny Larvesta remains a significant hurdle. The challenge is not just about luck, but about the dedication and perseverance required to keep hatching egg after egg with the hope of seeing that coveted shiny sparkle.
The rarity of Shiny Larvesta has made it a symbol of both a player’s persistence and their success in overcoming the odds. Many players see hatching one as a badge of honor, signifying their determination and commitment. This pursuit often becomes a long-term goal for those who are passionate about shiny hunting. For these players, the journey is just as important as the destination. The rarity and excitement surrounding Shiny Larvesta contribute to its allure, making it a highly desired Pokémon in the community, and one that continues to drive players to embark on the hunt, egg after egg, hoping for that rare and special shiny moment.
Dissecting the Egg Pools
2km Eggs Kanto GrowlitheSlugmaHoundourMagbyDuring the Scorching Steps event, the egg pools for different distances were carefully curated to provide a variety of Pokémon, with some rare and exciting choices for players. The 2km eggs contained a mix of Kanto Growlithe, Slugma, Houndour, and Magby, with Larvesta being placed in the rarest tier of this egg pool. While these eggs had the shortest hatch distance, the overall pool—aside from the potential for Larvesta—was considered “mediocre” by many players. This made the hunt for a shiny Larvesta even more exciting, as it stood out among a range of more common options.
5km Eggs Hisuian GrowlitheDarumakaLitwickLitleoThe 5km eggs offered a slightly improved selection, featuring notable Pokémon like Hisuian Growlithe, Darumaka, and Litwick. Similar to the 2km eggs, Larvesta was also placed in the rarest tier within this egg pool, adding an extra layer of challenge for those hoping to hatch the shiny version. In addition to these egg pools, the event introduced a shiny boost for specific Pokémon like Slugma and Litleo, both of which could be found in the 5km eggs and through research tasks. This made the 5km eggs a bit more appealing, though still not quite as concentrated in rarity as the 10km eggs.
For players specifically seeking Larvesta, the 10km eggs during this event were considered the best option. Interestingly, the 10km egg pool was notably small, containing just Charcadet, Turtonator, and Larvesta, all within the same rarity tier. Although these eggs required the most walking distance to hatch, their concentrated pool significantly increased the chances of hatching Larvesta compared to the other egg distances.
10km Eggs CharcadetTurtonatorLarvestaThis made the 10km eggs an ideal choice for dedicated shiny hunters, as the odds of finding Larvesta were higher than in the other pools. The event also featured a significant bonus: half egg distance for the entire duration. This allowed trainers to hatch eggs at a faster rate, providing an important advantage in the pursuit of the rare shiny Larvesta.
The excitement surrounding Larvesta’s availability didn’t end with the Scorching Steps event. During the An Instinctive Hero event in May 2023, which marked the debut of Larvesta, it was also available in 2km, 5km, and 10km eggs collected during that event. Even after the event concluded, Larvesta continued to appear in these egg pools for the remainder of the Season of Rising Heroes. This ongoing availability kept the hunt for Shiny Larvesta alive throughout the season, encouraging players to continue hatching eggs and pursuing the rare Pokémon across multiple event periods.
Focus Pokémon and Shiny Odds
While the primary focus of the Scorching Steps event was on obtaining the highly coveted Shiny Larvesta, the event also provided a spotlight for other Pokémon, particularly Slugma and Litleo, which were given a unique emphasis during the event. Both of these fire-type Pokémon were highlighted as part of the event’s festivities and featured prominently in the egg pools and Field Research tasks.
The event introduced a potential shiny boost for these Pokémon, making them even more appealing to trainers who were looking for rare shiny variants. The shiny boost applied not only to the eggs players hatched but also to the special Field Research tasks, offering a diverse set of opportunities to encounter these Pokémon in their shiny forms.
While many trainers were focused on hatching Shiny Larvesta, the increased shiny rate for Slugma and Litleo meant that these Pokémon could also be encountered in their shiny forms more frequently. As a result, trainers had more chances to add shiny fire-types to their collections, which contributed to the overall excitement and sense of reward during the event. For many, the event wasn’t just about the elusive Shiny Larvesta; it also provided an opportunity to collect other desirable shiny Pokémon, making the event an even more enticing experience for shiny hunters.
The shiny boost for Slugma and Litleo sparked numerous success stories among players, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. One trainer, for instance, shared their experience of hatching a shiny Slugma after a considerable number of attempts, which highlighted the real impact of the shiny boost. Such stories added to the sense of achievement for players who were actively participating in the event, showing that the increased shiny rates were indeed making a difference.
In addition to the shiny boost for Slugma and Litleo, the presence of these Pokémon in both the egg pools and through research tasks provided variety, offering different avenues for trainers to encounter them. For trainers who may not have had the chance to hatch these Pokémon previously or for those who were specifically targeting shiny fire-types, this event created a valuable opportunity to fill gaps in their collections.
For players dedicated to shiny hunting, the Scorching Steps event became a well-rounded and rewarding experience, offering more than just a chance to find Shiny Larvesta. With the inclusion of Slugma and Litleo in the shiny boost, the event appealed to a wider range of players, ensuring that there was something for everyone, whether they were focused on the main event or were seeking out additional shiny fire-type Pokémon to add to their roster. The combination of shiny boosts, increased hatch rates, and the variety of Pokémon available during the event made it a memorable experience for trainers who were lucky enough to take part.
Navigating the Event-Exclusive Research
The Scorching Steps event not only focused on hatching eggs and shiny hunting but also introduced free Timed Research and Field Research tasks, adding extra layers of engagement and opportunities for trainers to encounter event-related Pokémon. These tasks were designed to complement the egg hatching process and provide additional rewards for players who enjoyed completing various objectives.
One of the Timed Research tasks required players to hatch three eggs, which rewarded an encounter with Turtonator, a fire/dragon-type Pokémon. Similarly, other tasks offered encounters with Pokémon that were tied to the event. Hatching one egg would grant a Slugma encounter, while hatching two eggs would result in a Litleo encounter, providing more chances to find shiny versions of these fire-type Pokémon.
While these tasks provided valuable rewards and added to the overall excitement of the event, one specific Field Research task stood out for trainers to be cautious about. The task to explore 3 km was noted as potentially something to avoid for those focusing solely on hatching eggs for Shiny Larvesta. This task reportedly rewarded either a Slugma or a Litleo encounter, both of which were already included in the event’s egg pools and featured shiny boosts.
For players dedicated to hatching eggs, particularly those prioritizing the rare Shiny Larvesta, the 3 km task may not have been the most efficient use of time or effort. Trainers seeking to maximize their chances of encountering Shiny Larvesta might have found other tasks more beneficial, as they were more directly related to egg hatching or other event-specific rewards.
While the variety of Field Research tasks was designed to cater to different playstyles and goals, it was important for trainers to assess which tasks aligned best with their priorities during the event. For those primarily focused on Shiny Larvesta, tasks that rewarded encounters with Pokémon outside of the egg pools—such as the one for Turtonator—were more appealing, while tasks that overlapped with the egg pools could feel redundant. This added layer of strategy allowed trainers to tailor their approach and ensure they were spending their time most effectively in pursuit of the event’s rarer rewards.
Larvesta Beyond the Scorching Steps: Go Fest
Looking beyond the Scorching Steps event, new information emerged about Larvesta’s presence in 7km eggs during specific Go Fest events, adding another potential avenue for trainers to encounter this rare Pokémon. One such event was the New York Go Fest, where Larvesta was included in the 7km egg pool, providing another opportunity for trainers to hatch it, and potentially its shiny form.
While there wasn’t much recollection of Larvesta hatching from 7km eggs during previous Go Fest events, such as in Sendai or Madrid, its inclusion in the New York Go Fest egg pool signaled that Larvesta’s availability might not be confined solely to events like the Scorching Steps event. This opened the door for trainers to potentially encounter Larvesta in other future events that feature similar egg pools or event-specific bonuses.
The inclusion of Larvesta in the 7km egg pool during New York Go Fest suggested that its availability might be tied to specific, larger-scale events or curated egg pools that go beyond dedicated occurrences like the Scorching Steps event. This could mean that Larvesta, and possibly its shiny variant, could appear in different formats during various special events, offering trainers additional chances to obtain this rare Pokémon. Its appearance in these 7km eggs also reinforced the idea that, while events like Scorching Steps focused on particular egg distances, Larvesta could be introduced into various egg pools during other global celebrations or special event periods, allowing for a broader range of opportunities for trainers to encounter and hatch it.
This ongoing presence of Larvesta in special event egg pools, such as during Go Fest, highlights its status as a sought-after Pokémon that can make appearances outside of the more traditional event-focused egg pools. Trainers hoping to complete their collections or hunt for shiny versions of this elusive fire-type Pokémon should keep an eye on future events that may include Larvesta in various egg pools, as these moments offer another chance to encounter it in ways that aren’t always immediately obvious. Whether through 7km eggs or event-exclusive pools, the potential for obtaining Larvesta remains an exciting prospect for many dedicated trainers.
The Long Road to Volcarona: Candy Requirements
For those fortunate enough to hatch a Larvesta, the journey doesn’t end with simply acquiring the Pokémon; it continues with the exciting, yet challenging process of evolving it into its majestic final form, Volcarona. Evolving Larvesta requires a significant investment of 400 Larvesta Candy, a high candy requirement that underscores the rarity and value of the Larvesta line in Pokémon GO. This evolution milestone not only represents a notable achievement for trainers but also emphasizes the level of commitment needed to fully evolve Larvesta into Volcarona.
The high candy requirement for evolving Larvesta makes obtaining a Volcarona a considerable accomplishment in itself. Players must focus on accumulating a large amount of Larvesta Candy through a variety of methods such as catching more Larvesta, using Pinap Berries for higher candy yields, walking Larvesta as a buddy, or utilizing rare items like Rare Candies. This long process adds to the sense of satisfaction and pride when finally evolving Larvesta into Volcarona, as it is not something easily obtained.
Volcarona is a powerful and visually impressive Pokémon, known for its fiery, moth-like appearance and its strong presence in battles. As one of the rarer and more sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon GO, having a fully evolved Volcarona can be seen as a badge of honor for trainers, representing both the hard work invested in gathering Larvesta Candies and the dedication to completing this evolutionary journey. For many trainers, the evolution of Larvesta into Volcarona becomes a significant goal, further adding to the overall experience of collecting and evolving rare Pokémon in the game.
Strategies for Collecting Larvesta Candy
Given the substantial candy requirement for evolving Larvesta into Volcarona, trainers will need to employ various strategies to accumulate enough Larvesta Candy. The most straightforward method is, of course, to hatch multiple Larvesta from eggs. Each Larvesta hatched will yield a base amount of candy, and this can be further increased by using Pinap Berries during the catch encounter after the hatch. Pinap Berries double the amount of candy earned, making them a highly effective tool for speeding up the process of gathering Larvesta Candy. For trainers actively participating in events that increase the likelihood of hatching Larvesta, this becomes an especially valuable tactic.
Another highly effective strategy is to set Larvesta as your Buddy Pokémon. By walking with Larvesta as your buddy, you will gradually earn Larvesta Candy over time. The distance required to earn a candy depends on Larvesta’s buddy distance tier, which means the more you walk with it, the more candy you will accumulate. This method can be slow but consistent, making it an important part of a long-term strategy for collecting the necessary candy for evolution. If you’re actively playing and walking significant distances each day, this can be a reliable way to supplement the candy you gain from hatching.
In addition to hatching Larvesta and walking with it as a buddy, Rare Candies can be an invaluable resource in your quest to evolve Larvesta. These versatile items can be converted into candy for any Pokémon, including Larvesta, providing a flexible way to supplement your candy collection. Rare Candies are often awarded through various in-game activities such as completing certain Field Research tasks, participating in raids, and as rewards in the GO Battle League. Since Rare Candies are relatively easy to obtain and can be used on any Pokémon, they offer a great way to accelerate the evolution process, especially if you’re running low on Larvesta Candy or if you want to save time.
Together, these strategies offer trainers multiple ways to efficiently gather the necessary Larvesta Candy. Whether through hatching, walking, or using Rare Candies, the evolution of Larvesta into Volcarona becomes a manageable task for trainers who are committed to the long-term goal. By strategically combining these methods, trainers can ensure they have a Volcarona in their collection, a powerful and rare addition that represents a significant achievement in Pokémon GO.
Larvesta and Volcarona in the World of PvP
While the primary focus of the Scorching Steps event was on hatching Larvesta and evolving it into Volcarona, it’s also interesting to explore the potential of both Pokémon in Pokémon GO’s Player vs. Player (PvP) battles. Volcarona, with its Bug/Fire typing, has a favorable defensive profile, boasting more resistances than weaknesses. This gives it a unique advantage in certain matchups, as it can withstand attacks from various types better than many other Pokémon.
However, despite these defensive strengths, Volcarona’s performance in PvP battles is currently hindered by some significant drawbacks. These include its “flimsy frame,” which refers to its relatively low bulk, and its “slow-ish energy generation,” which makes it difficult for Volcarona to quickly charge up its charge moves. Additionally, its charge moves are either expensive in terms of energy or come with considerable drawbacks, making it challenging to utilize Volcarona effectively in higher-level PvP matches.
When it comes to Larvesta, its potential shines through in lower CP leagues such as the Great League and, especially, the Little League, where Pokémon with lower CP values can still perform well. Larvesta benefits from the fast move Ember and the charge move Flame Charge, which is a cheaper move that also buffs its attack. This makes Larvesta a more viable option in these restricted formats compared to its evolved form, Volcarona, which struggles with energy generation and costly charge moves. While Larvesta shares similar bulk and typing issues with Volcarona, it can still achieve some notable wins in the Great and Little Leagues, especially when played strategically and paired with the right teammates.
One interesting point from a PvP analysis suggests that the introduction of a cheaper charge move for Volcarona, such as a hypothetical move like “Mystical Fire,” could significantly improve its viability in competitive battling across different leagues. A move like this could provide Volcarona with the necessary tools to charge up its attacks more quickly, enabling it to take full advantage of its typing and resistances.
However, as of the time of the analysis, such a move was not yet available to Volcarona. This highlights the fact that while Larvesta and Volcarona are sought after for their rarity and beauty, their true utility in competitive PvP battling could evolve with future updates to their movesets or mechanics in the game.
For now, while obtaining Larvesta and evolving it into Volcarona remains a goal for many trainers, their performance in PvP battles may not be as dominant as that of some other Pokémon. Nevertheless, future updates or adjustments to their movesets could change the landscape of how these Pokémon perform in competitive play. For trainers who are dedicated to PvP, it’s worth keeping an eye on any potential changes that may improve the effectiveness of Larvesta and Volcarona, making them more viable options in the future.
The Thrill of the Hunt Continues
The Scorching Steps event offered a dedicated window for trainers to embark on the exciting yet challenging quest for Shiny Larvesta. The rarity of this Pokémon, combined with its presence in specific egg pools and the event bonuses, made the experience of hatching eggs even more thrilling. As trainers eagerly awaited the chance to hatch a Shiny Larvesta, the anticipation was palpable, and every egg hatched became a moment filled with excitement. However, obtaining Shiny Larvesta was no easy feat. It required a great deal of luck and persistence, as the chances of hatching the elusive shiny variant were low, even with the event’s bonuses in place.
To maximize the chances of obtaining Shiny Larvesta, trainers had to understand the mechanics of the event, particularly which egg distances offered the best odds. With Larvesta appearing in multiple egg pools, including 2km, 5km, and 10km eggs, knowing where to focus efforts was key. The 10km eggs, in particular, offered a higher chance of hatching Larvesta compared to the other distances. However, given the rarity of the shiny version, even with the right egg pool, luck played a significant role in determining success. Additionally, the event’s bonuses, such as the halved egg distance, made it easier and faster to hatch eggs, adding a layer of convenience to the otherwise challenging hunt.
In addition to focusing on the right egg pools, trainers also had to employ strategies to gather enough Larvesta Candy for evolution. This included walking Larvesta as a buddy to earn candy over time, using Pinap Berries to double candy rewards during catches, and utilizing Rare Candies to supplement the collection of Larvesta Candy. These strategies helped trainers make the most of their efforts and ensured that, even if they couldn’t obtain a Shiny Larvesta immediately, they would be well on their way to evolving it into the majestic Volcarona.
While obtaining Shiny Larvesta was a goal in itself, the event also provided valuable opportunities for trainers to engage with other aspects of the game, such as participating in Field Research tasks and enjoying the overall festivities of the event. The combination of event bonuses, egg-hatching excitement, and the potential for shiny hunting made the Scorching Steps event a memorable and rewarding experience. For trainers who didn’t manage to hatch the shiny during the event, the journey didn’t have to end there, as there were always future opportunities to encounter Larvesta and its shiny form in different events or egg pools.
So, for all the trainers out there, keep walking, keep hatching, and remember that while the odds may be steep, the rewards of adding a Shiny Larvesta and its evolved form, Volcarona, to your collection are well worth the effort. May the odds be ever in your favor, trainers!