Table of Contents

Mastering the Kanto Challenge: Your Guide to Earning the Platinum Kanto Medal in Pokémon GO

So, you’re eyeing that coveted Platinum Kanto Medal in Pokémon GO, huh? It’s a badge of honor, a testament to your dedication in revisiting the roots of Pokémon. To snag this prestigious award, you need to register the first 151 Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region in your Pokémon GO Pokédex. Simply put, you need to catch, hatch, or evolve all the Gen 1 Pokémon available in the game.

Your Path to Kanto Mastery: The Platinum Medal Decoded

The road to the Platinum Kanto Medal isn’t necessarily a sprint; it’s a well-paced journey filled with catching, evolving, and potentially trading. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know:

Understanding the Requirements

The core requirement is straightforward: fill your Kanto Pokédex. This includes all the familiar faces, from Bulbasaur to Mew. Keep in mind that while regional variants don’t count towards the original 151 (Alolan forms, for example, won’t help you get the original Kanto medal), Shadow Pokémon do count once you’ve purified them.

Proven Strategies for Catching ‘Em All

Community Days: Keep an eye out for Community Days featuring Kanto Pokémon. These events dramatically increase spawn rates and provide opportunities to learn exclusive moves.
Spotlight Hours: Similar to Community Days, Spotlight Hours shine the light on a specific Pokémon, increasing its spawn rate for an hour. Check the official Pokémon GO news for the schedule.
Research Tasks: Look for Field Research and Special Research tasks that reward encounters with Kanto Pokémon. Professor Willow often has tasks designed for this.
Raids: Certain Kanto Pokémon, especially the Legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres), may occasionally appear in raids. Be ready to team up with other trainers.
Trading: Trading with friends can be invaluable for acquiring Pokémon that are rare in your local area.
Nests: Utilize online resources (like the Silph Road subreddit) to find nests of Kanto Pokémon. These are locations where a specific Pokémon spawns frequently.
Incubators: Don’t underestimate the power of hatching eggs. 5 km and 7 km eggs sometimes contain Kanto Pokémon.
Events: Pokémon GO is known for its themed events. Many events feature increased spawns of Pokémon from specific regions, including Kanto.
Incense and Lures: While sometimes luck-dependent, using Incense and Lure Modules can boost Pokémon spawns around you and at PokéStops, respectively.

Evolving Your Way to Completion

Many Kanto Pokémon require evolution to complete your Pokédex. Stock up on Candy for common Pokémon like Pidgey, Weedle, and Caterpie, as they evolve quickly and cheaply. For rarer Pokémon, consider using Pinap Berries during encounters to double the Candy you receive.

The Mythical Hurdle: Mew

The mythical Pokémon Mew is a vital part of the Kanto Pokédex. To obtain Mew, you need to complete the “A Mythical Discovery” Special Research quest. This quest line is long and requires significant dedication, but the reward is well worth the effort.

Keep An Eye On Special Events

Special events will often allow you to catch a Pokémon that has eluded you. For example, a Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto was a special event that made all 151 of the original Pokémon available in the wild, through raids, research, and evolution, along with offering a chance to catch shiny versions of these Pokémon.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Platinum Kanto Medal

1. Does catching regional variants like Alolan or Galarian forms count towards the Platinum Kanto Medal?

No, only the original Kanto Pokémon forms count towards the medal. Alolan and Galarian forms are distinct from the original 151.

2. Do Shadow or Purified Pokémon count towards the Kanto Pokédex?

Yes, Purified Pokémon count. Catching a Shadow Pokémon doesn’t automatically register it. However, once you purify a Shadow Pokémon, it will register in your Kanto Pokédex if you haven’t already caught its regular form.

3. Is Mew necessary to obtain the Platinum Kanto Medal?

Yes, Mew is essential. As one of the original 151 Pokémon, Mew must be registered in your Pokédex to achieve the Platinum Kanto Medal.

4. What are the best ways to get rare Kanto Pokémon like Chansey, Porygon, or Snorlax?

These Pokémon can be obtained through various methods:

Events: These Pokémon often appear during special in-game events.
Eggs: Certain events may boost the chances of hatching them from eggs.
Research Tasks: Keep an eye out for research tasks that reward encounters.
Trading: Trading is also a valuable option if you have a friend who has one to spare.
Incense: Use Incense during events to increase your odds.

5. How often do the Legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres) appear in raids?

The Legendary birds typically appear in raids during special events, such as raid weekends or themed celebrations. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements for raid schedules.

6. Are there any Community Days planned that focus on Kanto Pokémon?

Niantic frequently rotates the featured Pokémon for Community Days. While there’s no guarantee, Kanto Pokémon do occasionally get their turn. Stay updated through the official Pokémon GO news feed and social media channels.

7. What’s the most efficient way to gather Candy for evolutions?

Pinap Berries: Use Pinap Berries when catching Pokémon you need Candy for.
Walking Buddy: Set the Pokémon you need Candy for as your Buddy Pokémon.
Raids: Participate in raids featuring Pokémon you want Candy for.
Transferring: Transfer unwanted Pokémon to Professor Willow for extra Candy.

8. Does trading count as “catching” a Pokémon for the medal?

Yes, trading counts. If you receive a Pokémon through trading that you haven’t already registered in your Pokédex, it will count towards the Platinum Kanto Medal.

9. Are there any tips for conserving resources while trying to complete the Kanto Pokédex?

Prioritize: Focus on catching Pokémon you need the most.
Optimize Incubators: Use Super Incubators for shorter egg distances.
Utilize Free Resources: Take advantage of daily free Raid Passes and Field Research tasks.
Be Patient: Don’t rush into unnecessary purchases. Sometimes, waiting for an event is the best strategy.

10. How can I find active local Pokémon GO communities for trading or raid assistance?

Discord Servers: Search for local Pokémon GO Discord servers.
Facebook Groups: Look for local Facebook groups dedicated to Pokémon GO.
The Silph Road: Check the Silph Road’s “League Map” for local communities.
In-Game Chat: Utilize in-game chat features during raids to coordinate with other players.

11. What happens if I transfer a Pokémon that I need for the Kanto Medal? Will I lose credit?

No, you won’t lose credit. Once a Pokémon is registered in your Pokédex, it remains registered even if you transfer it. The medal tracks the number of unique Pokémon registered, not the number you currently possess.

12. Is it still possible to get the Kanto Tour medal if I missed the event?

The original Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto event was a limited-time event that ended. However, the Pokémon and challenges associated with it often return during future events, making it possible to eventually complete your Kanto Pokédex and earn the Platinum Medal.

Final Thoughts

Earning the Platinum Kanto Medal in Pokémon GO is a challenging but rewarding accomplishment. By utilizing the strategies and resources outlined above, you’ll be well on your way to completing your Kanto Pokédex and proving your mastery of the original 151 Pokémon. Remember to stay patient, keep exploring, and most importantly, have fun! Good luck, Trainer!