How to Get Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO

You know, for such noble, important Pokemon, Ho-Oh and Lugia sure seem to get themselves kidnapped and corrupted by evil organizations a lot. It’s admittedly not that strange for a Legendary to be captured by the bad guys at least once, but for Lugia alone, I’d say this about the fourth time at least. Oh well, guess we have to go bail them out again. Here’s how to get Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO.

Yesterday, ahead of the Pokemon GO Johto Tour that’s scheduled to start on February 26, Niantic revealed two new special variations of the Gen II Legendaries, Lugia and Ho-Oh: Apex Shadow versions. Apparently, Rocket Admin Arlo used a mysterious energy locked behind the equally mysterious giant door to infuse these Pokemon with shadowy energy on a scale never seen before.

Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh both have special shadowy auras that no other Pokemon possess, as well as signature moves that only they have access to. Like regular Shadow Pokemon, both Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh can be purified, which will change their auras and upgrade their signature moves further.

• Apex Shadow Lugia knows Aero Blast+, a stronger version of its usual Aeroblast, and if you purify it, it will upgrade into Aero Blast++
• Apex Shadow Ho-Oh knows Sacred Fire+, a stronger version of its usual Sacred Fire, and if you purify it, it will upgrade into Sacred Fire++

How to Get Apex Shadow Lugia and Ho-Oh in Pokemon GO

While the precise means by which you obtain these powerful Pokemon has not been outlined, since the Johto Tour event hasn’t started yet, Niantic has provided a general overview.

First and foremost, you’ll need to complete the Johto Tour’s Special Research Task. This does mean that you will need to purchase the Johto Tour ticket for $12 USD to have full access to the event. Incidentally, while you are required to choose between Silver or Gold versions of the Johto Tour ticket, this will not affect your ability to obtain Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh; both will be available to you no matter which version you choose.

After you clear the Special Research Task, you’ll unlock a subsequent Masterwork Research line that, when cleared, will lead to encounters with both Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh. While the Johto Tour event is a limited-time affair, the Masterwork Research line is not, so as long as you clear the Special Research Task, you can then take as long as you like to finish the Masterwork Research. Apex Shadow Lugia and Apex Shadow Ho-Oh will still be there for you when you’re ready.