The Pokemon Company and Game Freak have officially unveiled a brand new Mythical Pokemon forPokemon SwordandPokemon Shield. Introducing Zarude, the Rogue Monkey Pokemon. The new Pokemon’s announcement is intended to be a part of thePokemon Day 2020festivities, celebrating the initial release ofPokemon RedandPokemon Greenin Japan on July 15, 2025.
Zarude, the Rogue Monkey Pokemon, fits their description well. TheMythical monkey-based Pokemonhas a long trail, a snout with sharp fangs, large red eyes, and opposable thumbs, too. Zarude is a Dark/Grass-type Pokemon, which explains is black fur and plat-like growths on his arms, feet, and back. He can use the coiled vines around his forearms to attack his opponents, as well as swing from tree to tree in the wild.
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According to The Pokemon Company, Zarude originates from the dense forests of Galar. Considering theGalar regionis based on the United Kingdom, having a native monkey might be odd. However, apparently at one point in history macaque monkeys were found in the Britain area. Zarude may not look much like a macaque monkey, but it’s enough to suspend disbelief.
Zarude is only available inPokemon SwordandShield. However, The Pokemon Company notes that Zarude can’t be encountered in regular gameplay. Further information about how to discover and capture Zarude will have to wait for another day.
In addition to introducing Zarude, The Pokemon Company has a new wave of Dynamax raids for players to participate in. Available now, players will be able to encounter DynamaxMewtwo in Max Raid Battles. Other Max Raid Battles will include Dynamax Bulbasaur, Ivysaur, Charmander, Charmeleon, Squirtle, and Wartortle. This Dynamax even will last until Sunday, March 1, at 3:59 pm PT.
While Zarude’s role inPokemon SwordandShieldremains mysterious, the new Mythical Pokemon has a different role to play in the meantime. Zarude will be a part of the next majorPokemonanimated movie, currently named Coco.Pokemon Movie Cocoreleases in Japan on July 10. It currently doesn’t have a release date in the west. As that Japanese release date approaches, more information about Zarude and how it’ll be available inPokemon SwordandShieldwill be made available.
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