'Pokémon Go' dataminers find references to legendary Pokémon

In Pokémon Go, players are tasked with exploring their real-world surroundings in search of collectible critters — and particularly desirable beasties are often a fair few footsteps away. Now, there’s word that highly sought-after legendary Pokémon might be on their way to the game.

References to Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres — the three legendary birds that could be found in the original Pokémon games — have been found in the new game’s code, according to a report from The Daily Dot. However, it seems likely that these particular monsters will not be caught through normal means.

The legendary birds are among a handful of first-generation Pokémon that haven’t currently been caught in Pokémon Go. However, anyone that’s filled up their Pokédex past no. 147 will see that the three fierce flyers are included as part of the list.

Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres are represented elsewhere in Pokémon Go, too, as their silhouettes are used to represent the game’s three factions. As a result, it seems likely that earning these Pokémon will somehow related to the overarching competition between Team Mystic, Team Instinct, and Team Valor.

Currently, players pledge allegiance to a particular faction, then set out into their surroundings to claim gyms and leave fearsome Pokémon to defend the location. This offers up a reward in the form of the game’s Pokécoin currency, but it’s not difficult to imagine that an extension of this mechanic could earn players the legendary bird that corresponds to their chosen team.

The legendary birds aren’t the only future content that’s been uncovered in the game’s code. The player responsible for the information posted his findings on Reddit, and revealed that references to Mew and Mewtwo are present, as well as currently inaccessible items like Max Revives, Max Potions, and Master Balls.