You may want to find and catch specific Pokémon to fill up your Pokédex, collect Candy to power up one of your favorite Pokémon, or complete Research Tasks. Listed below are several ways to find a particular Pokémon (or types of Pokémon) and some important factors to consider during your search.
 

Using the Nearby Screen

One of the most reliable ways to find particular Pokémon is by using the Nearby screen, which shows you what Pokémon you can find vicinity, either in the wild or at Gyms.
 
Nearby Pokémon in the Wild
Tap the bar at the bottom right corner of the Map View to see which Pokémon are near your current location. Each Pokémon on the Nearby screen can be found near a PokéStop in your vicinity. Pokémon already in your Pokédex will appear in color, while those not in your Pokédex will appear as silhouettes.
 
 
Tap a Pokémon to enlarge the photo associated with the PokéStop’s PhotoDisk, and tap the Footprint button below the photo see the PokéStop’s location on your Map View. PokéStop will remain highlighted on the Map View with a footprint icon until the Pokémon flees.
 
Nearby Raid Bosses
Tap the Raid tab at top of the Nearby menu to see which Pokémon have taken over Gyms near you. Just as with the other menu, Pokémon you haven’t caught yet will display as silhouettes. Learn more about Raid Battles.
 

Considering Environmental Conditions

Environmental conditions also influence what types of Pokémon you’ll encounter in the wild.

Biomes

Biomes are real-world ecosystems (e.g. forests, beaches, mountains) that not only impact appearance, but also which Pokémon that will appear in that environment.

It’s best to look for Pokémon of a specific type in the biome that best matches its natural habitat, although they have been known to appear outside of these biomes during certain Pokémon GO Seasons or special events. For example:

  • The forest biome is home to grass- and bug-type Pokémon, such as Bulbasaur, Caterpie, Weedle, Oddish, and more.
  • The beach biome is home to water-type Pokemon, such as Squirtle, Psyduck, Seel, Magikarp, and more.
  • The mountain biome is home to ground-type Pokémon such as Sandshrew, Diglett, and more.

Weather

Weather conditions also affect what types of Pokémon appear more frequently. Rain, for instance, increases spawns of Water-, Electric, and Bug-type Pokémon. Tap the button in the top right corner of the Map view to the weather in your area see and types you’re more likely to find around you.
 
 

Exclusive Regional Pokémon

Some Pokémon can only be found in a particular part of the world, such as Tropius, which can only be found in Africa and some neighboring regions. Consider trading with other Trainers from different parts of the world to collect Pokémon exclusive to their regions.
 

In-Game & Live Events

In-game events like Community Days and live events like GO Fest are a great way to catch particular Pokémon. Events sometimes feature rare Pokémon or Pokémon not typically found in a given region and are a great opportunity to meet other Trainers. Visit our blog to see a list of all upcoming events and how you can take part.