Zarude isn’t just another Mythical Pokemon. It has a unique Dark/Grass typing, strong offensive stats, and exclusive moves inspired by its lore.
From Mew to Diancie in the older generation games, and now Zarude, there are always Pokemon that can never be obtained through normal story progression.
Perhaps you have tried searching the Wild Area, checking Max Raid dens, or assumed it is tied to post-game content, but had no luck finding Zarude.
In this guide, I’ll go through every legitimate way Zarude has been obtainable, why players can no longer get it normally, and what your realistic options are today if you want Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
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Can You Catch Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Shield? (Answered)
Unfortunately, no. Zarude cannot be caught anywhere in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
It does not appear in:
- The Wild Area
- Max Raid Battles
- Dynamax Adventures
- Post-Game Locations
Zarude was event-only and was never part of normal in-game encounters.
How to Get Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield (Time-Limited Event)
Zarude was distributed exclusively through limited-time Mystery Gift events.
There were two main distributions:
- Standard Zarude
- Dada Zarude (a special form wearing a scarf, which was featured in Pokemon The Movie: Secrets of the Jungle)
These events required players to receive a code and redeem it through the Mystery Gift menu while the event was active.
When the distribution period ended, there was no in-game replacement method added.
Redeeming Zarude By Claiming Mystery Gift
For players who had a valid code at the time, the process was:
- Open your WiFi connection and go to your game’s Menu.
- Select Mystery Gift.
- Choose Get with Code or Password.
- Input the Zarude code.
- Receive Zarude in your party or Boxes.
How to Get Codes for Zarude
Zarude was distributed mostly in western countries. You can get the Mythical Pokemon by using serial codes from various retail stores.
You could go to the physical store and get a distribution code or go through online shops if the stores aren’t open in your location.
However, depending on regions, the codes were only redeemable until March-April 31, 2021. Since then, Zarude has been completely unobtainable.
Can You Still Get Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Shield in 2026?
At the moment, there is no active and legal method of obtaining Zarude in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Your only legitimate option now is trading with another player who already has Zarude.
Obtaining Zarude Using PKHex
PKHex is a popular tool for editing Pokemon game saves. Using this tool, you can add items and Pokemon and write them into your save file. That includes even legendaries and Mythical Pokemon like Zarude.
If you want to learn how to do this, you should check out our complete and step-by-step PKHex guide.
But if you’re asking if this is a legitimate method, the answer is no. This is considered cheating/hacking, so it cannot be considered a valid way to obtain a Zarude.
Zarude: The Super Rare Mythical Pokemon
Zarude is a Grass/Dark-type Mythical Pokemon, often appearing as Dada Zarude with a scarf in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
- Type: Dark/Grass
- Species: Rogue Monkey Pokemon
- Ability: Leaf Guard
Base Stats
- HP: 105
- Attack: 120
- Defense: 105
- Special Attack: 70
- Special Defense: 95
- Speed: 105
- Total: 600
Zarude is a pretty strong Pokemon on par with most Legendaries. Its stat spread leans towards a chunky physical attacker with great physical offense, speed, and overall bulk.
| Method | Still Works | Legit |
|---|---|---|
| Event Code | ❌ No | ✅ |
| Trading | ✅ Yes | ✅ |
| PKHeX | ✅ Yes | ❌ |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Zarude required to complete the Pokedex?
No. Zarude is a Mythical Pokemon and is not required for Pokedex completion in Pokemon Sword and Pokemon Shield.
Can Zarude be Shiny?
No. Zarude is Shiny locked. All officially distributed Zarude are non-Shiny and any Shiny Zarude is considered hacked.
Can Zarude be bred?
No. Zarude cannot breed. Like other Mythical Pokemon, it doesn’t produce eggs at the Nursery.
What’s the difference between Dada Zarude and regular Zarude?
Dada Zarude is distinguished primarily by a pink cape/a ragged cloth worn around its neck. However, they are functionally the same in battles.
Will Zarude ever be available again?
There is no confirmed information about future distributions. If Zarude returns, it would probably be for a new game or event.
Conclusion
Zarude follows the long-standing Mythical Pokemon model. Pokemon like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, and Diancie were never meant to be part of normal gameplay.
Making them event-exclusive creates a clear separation between standard Legendaries and true Mythicals.
Limited-time distributions like these create urgency and engagement, keeping the franchise we all love alive and kicking.
In short, Zarude was never meant to be fair or accessible. It was meant to be special.
If you want more helpful guides for your Pokemon adventure, make sure you bookmark and visit Pokemoncoders regularly. If you have any questions at all, drop them in the comments below.
