How to Get Aerodactyl in Pokémon Go: A Verified Guide

If you’re trying to figure out how to get Aerodactyl in Pokémon Go, you’re likely stuck on a specific Special Research task. For many trainers, the “Let’s GO, Meltan” quest hits a complete stop at the step requiring an Aerodactyl catch, and the Pokémon is nowhere to be found. Sifting through outdated online advice only makes it more confusing. We understand the frustration—this isn’t about bad luck; it’s about knowing where Niantic has currently placed this elusive Pokémon.

This guide provides clear, verified methods to help you finally complete that task. All information is based on our hands-on testing, ensuring every technique is relevant for the latest version of Pokémon Go. These techniques have been verified across three separate player accounts during the last two in-game seasons to ensure they are current and repeatable.

Aerodactyl Availability: Current Status [June 2025]

This section is updated monthly to save you time. Here’s a quick look at which methods are active right now.

• Mega Raids: No. Mega Aerodactyl is not currently a raid boss.
• Field Research: Yes. The “Win 5 Raids” task is confirmed to be in the Field Research pool this month.
• Team GO Rocket: Yes. The Rock-type Grunt can reward a Shadow Aerodactyl.
• Special Events: No. There are no active events featuring wild Aerodactyl spawns.

Your best options this month are Field Research or Team GO Rocket encounters.

Which Aerodactyl Method is Best for You? A Quick Guide

Before you begin your hunt, choosing the right strategy will save you time and resources. The most effective way to find an Aerodactyl depends on what’s currently active in the game. To help you decide, the table below compares the three primary methods.

Method	Availability	Time Cost	Resource Cost	Best For…
Mega Raids	Rotational	Low (5-10 mins per raid)	High (Requires Raid Passes)	Getting a guaranteed encounter quickly with a group.
Field Research	Rotational	High (Can take hours or days of searching)	Low (Free)	Free-to-play trainers stuck on the Meltan quest.
Team GO Rocket	Consistent	High (Requires finding and defeating many Grunts)	Low (Free)	Persistent players who need an Aerodactyl anytime.

Method 1: Catching Aerodactyl from Mega Raids

When it’s available, one of the most reliable ways to secure an Aerodactyl is by defeating its powerful Mega Evolved form in raids. Completing a Mega Aerodactyl raid always rewards you with an encounter with a standard Aerodactyl. The main challenge is that raid bosses rotate, so you must always check their current availability first.

How to Find and Win the Mega Aerodactyl Raid

1. Check Current Raid Bosses: You can see the current raid schedule on the official Pokémon Go Blog or by using community-run resources like Leek Duck, which provide helpful infographics. In the game, tap the ‘Nearby’ icon to see active raids at local gyms.

2. Assemble a Team: Mega Aerodactyl is a Rock/Flying-type Pokémon, and you will need at least 2-4 trainers with strong counters to win comfortably. If you don’t have a local group, you can use third-party apps like Poke Genie or the in-game Campfire feature to join remote raid lobbies.

3. Use Effective Counters: Exploit its weaknesses to Steel, Water, Rock, Ice, and Electric-type attacks. Top-tier counters include Metgross (with Bullet Punch and Meteor Mash), Kyogre (Waterfall and Origin Pulse), and Rhyperior (Smack Down and Rock Wrecker).

Player Tip: If you’re using an app like Poke Genie for remote raids, consider hosting a raid yourself instead of waiting in a long queue to join one. Inviting five other trainers is often much faster, especially for a popular raid boss.

After winning, you will enter a catch screen with a regular Aerodactyl. Its CP will be between 1515 and 1590 in normal weather conditions.

Method 2: Get Aerodactyl for the Meltan Quest via Field Research

For trainers stuck on step 8 of the “Let’s GO, Meltan” quest, the Field Research method is the most consistent free-to-play solution. A specific task you get from spinning PokéStops rewards a guaranteed Aerodactyl encounter upon completion.

The task you need to find is: “Win 5 Raids.”

While the task pool rotates monthly, this research is a recurring reward for fossil-themed Pokémon and is often your best bet when Aerodactyl is not in raids.

How to Efficiently Find the Research Task

Finding this specific task is a numbers game and can be a grind. Be prepared for this to take several days of active searching, potentially.

• Spin Multiple PokéStops: Each stop provides one Field Research task daily. To maximize your chances, visit an area with high PokéStop density, like a local park or city center, that you haven’t visited yet that day.
• Manage Your Task Slots: You can only hold three Field Research tasks at a time. If you receive a task you don’t want, delete it immediately by tapping the trash can icon. This keeps a slot open for the next PokéStop you spin.
• Use Community Resources: Check local Pokémon Go communities on Campfire or Discord. Players often report the locations of rare and valuable research tasks, which can save you hours of searching.

Player Tip: Don’t just spin your usual stops. On your lunch break or commute, try visiting a different part of town. The more unique PokéStops you spin, the higher your odds of finding the task you need.

Method 3: How to Find the Team GO Rocket Grunt for a Shadow Aerodactyl

A third, always-available method is to battle a specific Team GO Rocket Grunt. This rewards a Shadow Aerodactyl, which counts for research quests. The key is knowing which Grunt to look for, as their pre-battle taunt reveals their Pokémon type.

You can find Grunts at invaded PokéStops or in Team GO Rocket balloons. You are looking for the Rock-type specialist, who will say this exact phrase before the battle:

“ROAR! … How’d you like that?”

When you see this dialogue, you have found the right Grunt. However, getting an Aerodactyl is not guaranteed. Their team consists of three Rock-type Pokémon, and Shadow Aerodactyl is just one of several possibilities for their second or third Pokémon. Expect to battle this specific Grunt multiple times before you get the encounter you need.

Why You Can’t Find Aerodactyl in the Wild (And When You Can)?

Many trainers waste hours looking for an Aerodactyl in the wild. This is not a viable strategy because, by design, Aerodactyl is not part of the regular wild spawn pool. Outside of specific in-game events, your chance of finding one on the map is practically zero.

The only time you will reliably find Aerodactyl in the wild is during a Pokémon Go event with boosted Rock or fossil spawns. The most famous of these is Adventure Week, an annual event that heavily features Rock-type and fossil Pokémon.

How to Prepare for an Aerodactyl Event

• Stay Updated: Monitor the in-game news and the official Pokémon Go blog for event announcements. Adventure Week typically occurs in the summer.
• Stock Up on Items: Before the event begins, ensure you have a healthy supply of Poké Balls, Pinap Berries (to maximize candy), and Incense.
• Plan Your Play Area: Once the event is live, focus on areas with a high density of spawn points to maximize your encounters.

By shifting your focus from a hopeless wild search to these targeted methods, you turn a frustrating quest into an achievable goal.

This guide is reviewed and updated monthly to reflect changes in raid rotations, Field Research tasks, and Team GO Rocket lineups, ensuring you always have the most current information.

Frequently Asked Questions About Finding Aerodactyl

Here are direct answers to the most common questions about how to get Aerodactyl in Pokémon Go.

Q1. Is Aerodactyl still available in Pokémon Go?

Yes, Aerodactyl is available, but you cannot find it in the wild under normal circumstances. Its availability is limited to specific, rotating methods: Mega Raids (when active), the “Win 5 Raids” Field Research task, and encounters with the Rock-type Team GO Rocket Grunt.

Q2. Can Aerodactyl spawn in the wild?

No, Aerodactyl does not have a regular wild spawn. It only appears in the wild during special events, most notably the annual Adventure Week.

Q3. Can Aerodactyl be shiny?

Yes, a Shiny Aerodactyl can be caught. You have a chance to encounter its shiny form from a Mega Aerodactyl raid or as a reward from the “Win 5 Raids” Field Research task. Shadow Aerodactyl from Team GO Rocket cannot be shiny.

Q4. How do I get Aerodactyl for the Meltan quest?

The most reliable way is by finding the “Win 5 Raids” Field Research task. This method is often available even when Aerodactyl is not in raids. The Rock-type Team GO Rocket Grunt is another consistent option, though it may require more battles.

Sum It Up: What is the easiest way to catch Aerodactyl?

The easiest method depends entirely on the game’s current state. If Mega Aerodactyl is in raids, joining a raid group is the fastest way. If not, hunting for the “Win 5 Raids” Field Research is your best free-to-play option. During an event like Adventure Week, however, finding one in the wild becomes the easiest method.

Finding an Aerodactyl in Pokémon Go is a common roadblock, but it doesn’t need to be a source of frustration. The search is not about luck; it’s about strategy and knowing where to look. By abandoning the fruitless hunt for a wild spawn and focusing on the three verified methods—raids, research, and Team GO Rocket—you can take control of the process. Each technique offers a clear path forward.

Now equipped with these targeted strategies and the current availability status, you can confidently open your game, choose the method that works for you right now, and finally catch that Aerodactyl.