top of page
Writer's pictureSarah Ertelt

How to Get Runerigus and Use the Wandering Spirit Ability in Pokémon GO

Updated: Oct 25

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 Generatifon 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, Pokémon GO trainers can use the Wandering Spirit ability to remove the Lightning Rod ability from Pokémon like Rhyperior, taking away their immunity to lightning moves.


Pokémon GO trainers 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 Pokémon GO trainers 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, Pokémon GO trainers 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.


Pokémon GO trainers 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.


This October, Pokémon GO trainers can also embark on a new Team GO Rocket Event. On October 8th, 2024, a new Team GO Rocket event launches and players will start encountering Team Rocket at PokeStops and hot air balloons.


Along with tons of Team Rocket Grunt battles and one to three-star raids, players can access a Special Research assignment to rescue a corrupted shadow Heatran from Giovanni. This quest line also gives players the chance to catch plenty of shiny shadow Pokémon, making this a huge opportunity to catch cool rare Pokémon!


This new event titled Galarian Expedition: Taken Over only runs from October 8th to October 11th, but the seasonal quest to catch Giovanni's Shadow Heatran will be available until December 3rd.


Gen 5 Yamask evolves into Cofagrigus after Pokémon GO trainers 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. Pokémon GO trainers can also set Yamask as their buddy Pokémon to increase their candy haul.


Gen 8 Galarian Yamask evolves into Runerigus with 50 candy and an extra step. Pokémon GO trainers must set Galarian Yamask as their buddy and win 10 raids. Only after winning 10 raids with Yamask as their buddy Pokémon 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 Pokémon GO trainers can do them solo. Pokémon GO trainers 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 participate in more raid battles and epic gym battles if they have Pokémon GO Plus.


Pokémon GO trainers 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


Pokémon GO trainers 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.


You may also be interested in these related articles:


Pokémon GO is a global gaming sensation recognized by the Game Developer's Choice Awards. The global gaming sensation allows players to join trainers in the real world and experience the world of Pokémon in real-life adventures. Pokémon GO is available on the Apple app store and on Andriod devices.










15 views

Recent Posts

See All
bottom of page