Newsletter emails containing a code for the Mythical Pokémon Zarude have started rolling out to players across Europe, allowing them to add the creature to their team in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
As we detailed back in December, players had the chance to sign up to the Pokémon Trainer Club newsletter to receive a code – those who had done so by 18th December would automatically be registered to receive Zarude via email.
If you signed up in time, you should find that very email popping up in your inbox shortly, if not already. Here's a screenshot of the email you'll receive – bear in mind that we've blanked out our own code:
As you can see, you'll have until 31st March to activate the code.
Have you received a Zarude in the mail? Will it be joining your winning team ASAP? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 28
Oh nice, checked my inbox, email arrived just after 4PM UK time! Didn't even realise I was subscribed to the Pokemon Trainer Club, so that's great news!
If it’s not accompanied by Sandstorm, it’s not legit.
@SimoneBelmont sadly it does not, but would have been quite funny if it did.
Close Combat - Power Whip - Swagger - Snarl
got my code too, now I can unsubscribe to the Newsletter lol
Is this usable together with the store code? Or does the game reconize this as the same event?
Never got mine in the US even though I have been subscribed forever.
@Zach777 I had the same problem and sent in a complaint. They tried to brushes me off initially. I told them, sternly but cleanly, at how disappointing it was that this happened. They finally acknowledged it was something other were complaining about. Supposedly, they were able to obtain extra codes somehow and sent me one.
@darkswabber I think it will recognize it as the same event. I think for each region, the first letter of the code indicates what region that code is specific to. So European codes start with an E. US codes start with a U. I tried redeeming a second european code and it said I had already received that Mystery Gift.
@UmbreonsPapa
Where did you communicate this to them?
Trash moveset.
It should have a moveset befitting an event exclusive titan: Celebrate, Hold Hands, Happy Hour, an throw in Splash to prevent if from being OP.
Arrived whilst at work, will be checking him out later
@Zach777 : @UmbreonsPapa probably sent the complaint to support.pokemon.com before Dec 12. After that date, the agents just throw you a canned response of "We apologize but we have no replacement codes for this promotion as of 12/22/2020" followed by unhelpful suggestions of how to re-subscribe, then close your case. I suspect there's only a limited number of codes and they simply sent to the top 100,000 (random number) on their mail list then automatically ignored the rest. I subscribed years ago, never missed any newsletter including previous codes, but just Zarude.
Any kind soul that has an extra European code you cannot redeem? I hate to beg but please throw me a bone too (hadaasharpedo at gmail dot com)
Got mine earlier. Completely forgot about this! Not a huge fan of the design but happy to add to the dex.
Now? Weird. Why make Europe wait so much longer for an email code?
NA got it weeks ago.
Well, it´s not like I could get one, they didn´t give me one.
@Heavyarms55 A lot of us didn't get one (see my post #13), and my theory is Europe is gauging NA's response to see what the minimum number of codes they can get away with. Like if 100,000 (made-up number) codes weren't enough, maybe a million this time etc.
I'm in NA, have been subscribed for promotional emails, and they STILL didn't send me my code. I emailed them and they said sorry they have no more codes to send out, better luck next time.
This promotion has been a disaster.
I don't know... In the past I didn't think twice about jumping through the hoops, but I just really don't care about this Mythical whatsoever.
@SimoneBelmont That makes me wish they would design a line of Grass Pokemon around a sand/desert theme utilizing Sandstorm.
@HADAA Weird. I assumed the codes would just be generated by a program and sent out as needed.
Hopefully Europe players don't get screwed out of a code like a good chunk of US players did so The Pokémon Company can reply essentially with 'oh well, it's not our fault we're inept. Wait another 3+ years for a chance to get it legitimately.'
@Zach777 same I’m pretty sure that they screwed a lot of people in the US over
@HADAA @Zach777 The whole thing was a pain and pretty involved and convoluted. I supposedly initially sent my complaint to the wrong support team (the ones who handle issues at the Pokémon Center) . So the response told me to go back to support.pokemon.com and pick the correct product, which was the Trainers Club or newsletter or something of the sorts. So I did that.
The first response I got back went on about how to make sure the box to receive emails and other stuff was checked. I told them it had been and as recently as a week before, I had received email from them. So there was no question it had already been checked.
Well, it was a back and forth and their responses were delayed. My first initial contact was on the 11th because codes started going out the day before. It wasn't until the 23rd when the reponse with the code came back. So it took almost two weeks. But yes, they were gracious enough to send me a code.
I will add that while I wasn't rude or vulgar, I was a bit overdramatic in how disappointing it was. But it was. Especially when it's a Pokémon you can't obtain through regular gameplay and you don't know when the next time it'll be available
Edit: @HADAA Did you try some of the European sites that were giving them away like Micromania and some of the European Gamestop sites? That's how I was able to get one prior to the US release
I never received a code. This was an unfortunate distribution method.
Never even got one in NA even though I've been subscribed to the trainer's club for probably a decade. It sucks, but I can't even say I care enough about legendaries enough to be upset. Zarude will probably sandstorm up in an event next gen or next game for sure.
The last one never materialised, second time lucky? 🤞🏻
@UmbreonsPapa I did not. I had faith in NA trainer's club so, thinking it was simply delayed, I waited a good week before contacting them on Dec 20ish. By that time the European registrations already ended. Now I'm just crossing my fingers that someone out there has an extra code, or trade me one (something affordable).
@Heavyarms55 I assumed so too based on past experience, but IIRC this is the first Trainer's club code distribution for Switch so perhaps they changed it to only give out a certain number of codes and screw the others.
If you missed this promotion, how are you supposed to get Zarude? Is there any other way to get it?
@xanderten50 Begging or trading as of now. Of course there's a possibility for future distributions but I don't rely on wishful thinking.
Tap here to load 28 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...