Wandering Spirit is an ability in Pokémon GO that can be used solely by Yamask and its evolved form Runerigus. Here's a complete guide on how to get Runerigus in Pokémon GO and use the ability Wandering Spirit.
The Wandering Spirit Ability
The ability Wandering Spirit was introduced in Generation 8, and is the signature ability for the Galarian form of Yamask and its Gen 8 exclusive evolution Runerigus. The Wandering Spirit ability causes two Pokémon to switch abilities when they are hit by a contact move. This effect is nulled when the affected Pokémon is switched out.
The Wandering Spirit ability effect will still happen even if the Pokémon with the ability faints during battle. This means that even if your Yamask or Runerigus faints during battle, the Pokémon will Wandering Spirit will still be affected.
However, there are a couple exceptions to the Wandering Spirit Ability. The Wandering Spirit ability won't work if a Pokémon is Dynamaxed. The Wandering Spirit ability also doesn't work with certain abilities like:
As One, Battle Bond, Comatose, Commander, Disguise, Flower Gift, Forecast, Gulp Missile, Hunger Switch, Ice Face, Illusion, Imposter, Multitype, Neutralizing Gas, Power of Alchemy, Receiver, RKS System, Schooling, Sheilds Down, Stance Charge, Wonder Guard, Zen Mode, and Zero to Hero.
Bulbapedia has a detailed list of each of these abilities and the Pokémon that use them. Although this seems like quite a few abilities that Wandering Spirit doesn't work with, in reality this is only about 25 Pokémon that won't be affected by Wandering Spirit.
Wandering Spirit is an excellent ability to use against Pokemon that have abilities that provide immunities, health, or stat buffs. For example, players can use the Wandering Spirit ability to remove the Lightning Rod ability from Pokémon like Rhyperior, taking away their immunity to lightning moves.
Players can use Wandering Spirit in Pokémon GO to give their Yamask or Runerigus buffs. If a player is facing a Ninjask for example, they could steal the Speed Boost ability, applying the buff to their own Yamask or Runerigus.
Pokemon with the Wandering Spirit Ability
The Wandering Spirit ability to exclusive only to Galarian Yamask and Runerigus.
How to Get Yamask and Runerigus in Pokémon GO
Yamask and Galarian Yamask have two different evolutions in Pokémon GO, meaning players have to make sure they have the right form of Yamask to get Runerigus. Runerigus and Yamask's other evolution - Cofagrigus - have different methods of evolution as well. Here's how to get both variations of Yamask and their evolutions in Pokémon GO.
First, players need to capture both Yamask and Galarian Yamask to get both of their evolutions. Gen 5 Yamask has a red eye and is holding a small gold mask, whereas Gen 8 Yamask has a purple eye and is holding a small rune piece.
Players can take advantage of the Halloween events this year to make sure they capture both Yamask. Yamask and Galarian Yamask Research Day is October 19th, 2024.
Gen 5 Yamask evolves into Cofagrigus after players collect 50 candy. There are no other special actions players have to take to get Cofagrigus. If you're having trouble collecting enough candy, use Pinap Berries when catching Yamask to increase the amount of candy you get per capture. Players can also set Yamask as their buddy to increase their candy haul.
Gen 8 Galarian Yamask evolves into Runerigus with 50 candy and an extra step. Players must set Galarian Yamask as their buddy and win 10 raids. Only after winning 10 raids with Yamask as their buddy will the evolution button be activated to get Runerigus.
The easiest way to complete the 10 raids is by taking part in 1-star raids. 1-star raids are usually easy, and players can do them solo. Players can earn one free Raid Pass every day by visiting a gym, but players can complete the raids quicker if they have a Premium Battle Pass.
Players can get a Runerigus and use their Wandering Spirit ability in Pokémon GO by taking the following steps:
Catch a Galarian Yamask during the Yamask Research Day on October 19th
Collect 50 Galarian Yamask candy
Set Galarian Yamask as their Buddy
Complete 10 raids
Evolve Yamask into Runerigus
Use Runerigus' new Wandering Spirit ability
Players can take advantage of a ton of new Research Days and activities this Fall and Winter, including the new Giovanni Heatran quest and Shadow Pokemon raids.
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