Apex Shadow Lugia is making its Pokémon Go debut during the Johto Tour. To collect it, trainers will need to clear the event's Masterwork Research.
A new Apex Shadow Lugia is making its presence known in Pokémon Go. Shadow Lugia has been a staple in the Pokémon series for several generations. Initially making its debut in Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, Shadow Lugia was the final legendary Pokémon from trainers to capture. Its skin was a dark purple and it shot out a violent black beam whenever it attacked. Since then, Shadow Lugia has made smaller appearances throughout the series. With Pokémon Go, Shadow Pokémon make a return and it's up to the player to return the light back into their hearts.
The thing that makes Apex Shadow Lugia different than the normal Shadow Lugia is its boosted attack power. Instead of knowing Aero Blast, it will know Aero Blast+, a new type of move that further increases how much attack damage is done. Aero Blast+ will do 170 power during trainer battles while doing 200 power for gyms and raid battles. After Apex Lugia has its heart purified, the move will change again to Aero Blast++, boosting only its gym and raid attack power from 200 to 225. Regardless, trainers should seek out this Pokémon when it becomes available.
In order to capture Apex Shadow Lugia, trainers will need to have a Pokémon Go Johto Tour ticket. This event will take place at the end of February and will task trainers with capturing as many Johto Pokémon as possible. It will cost about $11.99 and will give access to a new Masterworks Research. These are designed to take a long time to complete and the exact list of tasks is not yet available. Although, after completing the Masterworks Research, the player will be able to capture both Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh.
At the start of the event, the player will need to choose which version of the game they are playing. They have the option between Pokémon Gold and Pokémon Silver. Depending on which one the player chooses will determine which Pokémon are attracted to an Incense throughout the day. Although, regardless of which version the player chooses, Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh can both be captured. Since this is the first time where every Johto Pokémon will have its Shiny form available in the game, Johto Tour is going to be a big event for Pokémon Go.
There's even stuff to do for those who don't pick up a ticket. The Pokémon Go Johto Tour itself will run from Saturday, Feb. 26, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. local time. Although, certain locations in the real world will have in-person events to attend the following day. They'll be photo opportunities, swag, and more Pokémon-related content to those who attend. Fortunately, trainers don't need to visit these locations to receive any in-game bonuses. But, a ticket is required to unlock the Masterworks Research needed to capture both Apex Lugia and Apex Ho-Oh.
Pokémon Go is available now on iOS and Android.
