More recent months have seen the reveal of new shinies, including Shiny Pikachu, with more unique variants over time. Shinies are notoriously rare, as any veteran of the main series will gladly tell you, so what do we know about Pokémon Go Shinies, and how do you catch them? On this page: They won’t appear as a different colour in the field, so you have to attempt to catch them first. They of course can also appear in anywhere you’d find a Pokémon, not just the wild - so that includes hatching Eggs, Research task rewards and Raid bonus challenges. A Shiny creature is extremely rare, so it’s simply a case of checking every one you are looking for - such as Magikarp - in the hope it will be a different colour. Often, the variation is somewhat subtle. You can see the difference in Magikarp in the above comparison image, courtesy of Silph Road subreddit user skinnysnorlaz. Though the list has expanded greatly since the arrival of Magikarp and Red Gyarados, the number is small compared to the number of non-shiny creatures in the game. At a glance, here is every possible shiny creature you can get in the game right now (aside from additions since early February - you can see a more up-to-date list in chronological order later in the article) and their rarity according to a user survey (thanks to AirbenderProdigy on reddit for the research and image): Shiny Pikachu: August 2017’s Pokémon Go Park event in Japan revealed the second set of Shinies. Those within the event radius had a chance of catching a Shiny Pikachu, which much like the Red Gyarados, could also be evolved into a shiny Raichu. These have since been made available around the world, and was expanded on with a shiny hatted Pikachu as part of the 2018 Pokémon Day. Shiny Gen 3 Ghosts: As the Halloween event in 2018 - which introduced the first Gen 3 creatures - rolled on, shiny variations of all five new creatures (Duskull, Dusclops, Shuppet, Sableye and Banette) started to appear. Here is a video of shiny Duskull in action: Shiny Gen 3 Raids: With the arrival of 50 Gen 3 creatures in December 2017 came two Raid-specific catches, both of which offering Shiny versions. The remaining 48 also have Shiny models in the game code, though none have been found so far. Shiny Gen 3 Desert update: The Aron family of creatures all have shiny variants as part of their release in the Janary 2018 Gen 3 Desert update. Shiny Gen 3 Dragon update: Swablu is one of the few creatures available as a shiny Pokémon, changing its blue body colour into yellow. Evolving into Altaria will keep that same yellow colour scheme, as shown in this video by Cychreus Gaming: Valentine’s Day 2018: Alongside increased Luvdisc spawns came a shiny version: Otherwise, there are no other signs more Shinies will be added. The main games had shinies for every single creature, so there’s a chance every one in Pokémon Go will offer them at some point, but it makes sense Niantic would want to drip feed them for special occasions and make them more of an event. Lunar New Year event 2018: The increase in dog and dog-like spawns saw the introduction of a shiny Poochyena: Community Day: The creature a Community Day focuses on will release a shiny version at the same time. So far we’ve had:
Dratini (and evolutions Dragonair and Dragonite) Bulbasaur (and evolutions Ivysaur and Venusaur) Mareep (and evolutions Flaaffy and Ampharos) Charmander (and evolutions Charmeleon and Charizard) Larvitar (and evolutions Pupitar and Tyranitar) Squirtle (and evolutions Wartortle and Blastoise) Eevee (and evolutions Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon) Chikorita (and evolutions Bayleef and Meganium) Beldum (and evolutions Metang and Metagross) Cyndaquil (and evolutions Quilava and Typhlosion) Totodile (and evolutions Croconaw, Feraligatr) Piplup (and evolutions Prinplup and Empoleon)
2018 Shinies came thick and fast, including:
Magby (and Magmar) Togepi (and evolution Togetic), and Wynaut (and evolution Wobbuffet) for Easter event Eggstravaganza Murkrow (for April Fools’ Day) Lugia (brought back for a limited time), and now Ho-oh in the same manner. Wailmer (and evolution Wailord) for the Earth Day event Makuhita (and evolution Hariyama) and Meditite (and evolution Medicham) for May’s Fighting event Aerodactyl, Kabuto (and evolution Kabutops), Omanyte (and evolution Omastar) for May / June’s Adventure Week Shellder (and evolution Cloyster) and Kyogre for June’s Water Festival event. Roselia and Articuno from the Dortmund Summer Tour 2018 leg Plusle, Minun and Zapdos from the Chicago Summer Tour 2018 leg Houndour, Houndoom, Snubbull and Granbull were introduced alongside August’s Field Research update Pineco (and Forretress), Nato (and Xatu) and Sunkern (Sunflora) were added following the introduction of Celebi and a Johto event. Wingull and evolution Pelipper from the Japan Summer Tour 2018 leg Growlithe and evolution Arcanine alongside September’s Field Research update Grimer and evolution Muk, plus Geodude, Graveler and Golem were available as part of the Kanto celebration in mid-September. Krabby and evolution Kingler alongside October’s Field Research update Drowzee and evolution Hypno alongside October’s Psychic event Nidoran♀, Nidorina, or Nidoqueen for October’s female event Shinx, Luxio and Luxray with the addition of Gen 4’s first wave. Drifloon and Drifblim, with their addition in October 2018’s Pokémon Go Halloween event. Pinsir, with the Bug-focused November Field Research Caterpie, Metapod and Butterfree also with the Bug-focused November Field Research Ponyta, Rapidash, Cubone and Marowak as part of the launch of Ingress Prime Budow with the addition of several Gen 4 creatures in early November Elekid, Electabuzz and Electivire with the introduction of Sinnoh Stone evolutions Magnemite and Magneton with the arrival of Meltan and the Let’s Go Kanto event in November 2018 Misdreavus and Mismagius with the arrival of December Field Research Sandshrew and Sandslash as part of an event in Tottori, Japan during December (via painofwrath on reddit) Holiday event 2018 additions Delibird, Azurill (and evolutions Marill, Azumarill) as well as Santa Hat Pikachu line (Pichu and Raichu)
Meanwhile in 2019, we’ve seen:
Taillow (and evolutions), Zigzagoon (and evolution) and Groudon as part of the Hoenn celebration Feebas (and evolution) following Feedbas Day Psyduck (and evolution Golduck) introduced as part of Brazil’s Safari Zone event Spoink (and evolution Grumpig) from the 2019 Lunar New Year event Meltan (for a limited time, and evolution Melmetal) Smoochum (and evolution Jinx) from the 2019 Valentine’s Day event Cleffa (and evolutions) from the 2019 Valentine’s Day event Swinub (and evolutions Piloswine and Mamoswine) from February Community Day) Pidgey (and evolutions) as part of February’s Pokémon Day celebrations Ratatta (and evolutions) as part of February’s Pokémon Day celebrations Clamperl (and evolutions) as part of February’s Limited Research Day Latias (from February’s special raid event) Machop (and evolutions) as part of March’s Battle Showdown fighting Pokémon event) Mankey (and evolutions) as part of March’s Battle Showdown fighting Pokémon event) Solrock and Lunatone, as part of March’s Equinox event Lotad (and evolution) as part of March’s Limited Research Day Castform (Normal form) as part of March’s Limited Research Day Treeko (and evolutions) as part of March’s Community Day Ash Hat Pikachu (and evolution) as part of 2019’s Photobomb April Fool’s Scyther (and evolution) as part of April’s Bug Out event Bagon (and evolutions) as part of April’s Community Day Latios (from April’s special raid event) Buneary (and evolution) as part of April’s Eggstravaganza event Shuckle as part of April’s Singapore Safari Zone Lapras as part of April’s Singapore Safari Zone Diglett and evolution Dugtrio as part of April’s Earth Day rewards. Seel and evolution Dugong at the start of May. Torchic (Combusken and Blaziken) as part of the May Community Day Aipom and evolution Ambipom with May’s Detective Pikachu Field Research and event. Bronzor (and evolution) for May’s Extraordinary Raid Week Cresselia, with its reintroduction to Raids in May 2019 Onix (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019 Anorith (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019 Lileep (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019 Lileep (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019 Slakoth (and evolutions) added as part of June’s Community Day Horsea (and evolutions) as part of Go Fest Chicago 2019 Alolan Pokémon Rattata, Sandshrew, Vulpix, Diglett, Meowth, Geodude, Grimer, and Exeggutor (and evolutions) as part of June 2019’s third birthday celebrations Spinda from the start of June. Nidoran Female as part of Go Fest Dortmund 2019. Mudkip (and evolutions) as part of July’s Community Day Ekans (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion Koffing (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion Zubat (and evolutions) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion Sneasel (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion Rayquaza, with its reintroduction to Raids in late July 2019 Ralts (and evolutions) as part of August 2019’s Community Day Bonsly (and evolutions) as part of the Gift event in August 2019 Poliwag (and evolutions) as part of Go Fest Yokosuka 2019 Carvanha (and evolution) and Barboach (and evolution) as part of the Water Festival in late August 2019 Sentret (and evolution) and Gligar (and evolution) starting from the first week of Ultra Bonus rewards in September 2019 Regional exclusives Farfetch’d, Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime, and Tauros starting from the second week of Ultra Bonus unlock in September 2019 Mewtwo as part of the third week of Ultra Bonus unlocks in September 2019 Elektrike and Manectric were released in September 2019 Gen 5’s Klink, Patrat and Lillipup as part of the third week of Ultra Bonus unlocks in September 2019 Zangoose and Seviper as part of World Tourism Day and the arrival of regional Eggs Oddish (and evolutions) as part of Taipei Safari Zone in October 2019 Yamask (and Cofagrigus) as part of the 2019 Halloween event Regirock, Regice and Registeel as part of the A Colossal Discovery event Skarmory as part of the A Colossal Discovery event Moltres in November 2019 Meowth and Persian as part of the Team Go Rocket Leaders release Tentacool and Tentacruel as part of the Supereffective Week in November 2019 Burmy (and evolutions) as part of the Evolution Event in December 2019 Gible (and evolutions) as part of the December 2019 Egg update Snover (and evolution) as part of the 2019 Christmas event Stantler as part of the 2019 Christmas event
2020 saw the introduction of these shiny Pokémon:
Heatran on January 7th Piplup as part of January’s Community Day Minccino (and Cinccino) as part of the Minccino Limited Research, which was, in turn, part of the 2020 Lunar New Year event Riolu (and Lucario) as part of the Sinnoh region celebration event in February 2020 Hippopotas (and Hippowdon) as part of the Sinnoh region celebration event in February 2020 Happiny, Chansey and Blissey as part of the 2020 Valentine’s Day Celebration event Lickitung (and Lickilicky) as part of the 2020 Valentine’s Day Celebration event Darkrai as part of the Darkrai Special Raid Weekend from March 6th to March 9th Altered Forme Giratina as part of the Altered Forme Giratina Special Raid Weekend from March 13th to March 16th Nincada as part of an in-game event in March Skorupi (and Drapion) as part of the March Team Go Rocket takeover Timburr (Gurdurr and Conkeldurr) as part of the Go Battle League Season 1 release Cobalion as part of the Cobalion Special Raid Weekend from March 20th to March 23rd Baltoy (and Claydol) as part of the Psychic Spectacular event in March Teddiursa (and Ursaring) as part of the Safari Zone St. Louis event in March Croagunk (and Toxicroak) as part of April’s Tricky Pokémon event Exeggcute (and Exeggutor) as part of April’s Spring event Marill (and Azurill and Azumarill) as part of April’s Marill Day event Volbeat and Illumise as part of April’s Buddy Up Event Virizion as part of the Remote Raid Pass celebration in April Venonat as part of the Kanto Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May Dunsparce as part of the Johto Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May Skitty as part of the Hoenn Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May Glameow as part of the Sinnoh Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May Weedle (Kakuna and Beedrill) as part of the Weedle Community Day in June Clefairy (and Clefable) as part of the Spotlight Hour on Tuesday, June 23rd Dwebble (and Crustle) as part of the Bug Out event in June 2020 Pidove (Tranquill and Unfezant) as part of the Go Weekly Challenge: Skill release in July 2020 Bellsprout (Weepinbell and Victreebel) as part of the Go Weekly Challenge: Friendship release in July 2020 Durant as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Heatmor as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Jigglypuff (and pre-evolution Igglybuff, and evolution Wigglytuff) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Quilfish as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Tangela (and evolution Tangrowth) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Woobat (and evolution Swoobat) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Unown (letters G-O) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020 Deino (Zweilous and Hydreigon) as part of Dragon Week in August 2020 Unown (letters U-L-T-R-A) as part of Enigma Week in August 2020 Staryu (and Starmie) as part of Enigma Week in August 2020 Roggenrola (Boldore and Gigalith) as part of Unova Week in August 2020 Genesect as part of Unova Week in August 2020 Alolan Raichu as a possible reward for the September Research Breakthrough Ledyba (and Ledian) during the Mega Houndoom week in September 2020 Doduo (and Dodrio) during the Mega Evolution Timed Research event in September 2020 Kricketot (and Kricketune) during the Longchamp event in October 2020 Vulpix (and Ninetails) as part of the Berry-themed event in October 2020 Spiritomb as part of the Halloween event in October 2020 Magmortar as part of the second November Community Day in November 2020 Slowpoke (Slowbro and Slowking) as part of the Pokémon Home event in November 2020 Goldeen (and Seaking) as part of the Lake Legends event in November 2020 Celebi as part of the timed limited special research quest for the Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle event Rufflet (and Braviary) as part of the timed limited special research quest for the Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle event Wooper (and Quagsire) on Friday, 11th December for The Game Awards 2020 Cubchoo (and Beartic) during the Galarian Mr. Mime event in December 2020 Jynx during the Pokémon Go Holidays event in December 2020
In 2021, the following shiny Pokémon were released:
Snivy (Servine and Serperior) as part of the Unova Collection Challenge in January 2021 Buizel (and Floatzel) as part of the Sinnoh Collection Challenge in January 2021 Miltank as part of the Johto Collection Challenge in January 2021 Alomomola as part of the 2021 Valentine’s Day event in February 2021 Spearow (and Fearow) as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021 Paras (and Parasect) as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021 Hitmonless as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021 Hitmonchan as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021 Snorlax as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021 Ditto as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research on 20th February 2021 and in the wild on 1st September 2021 Mew as part of the Mew Masterwork Research released on 20th February 2021 Fletchling (Fletchinder and Talonflame) as part of the March 2021 Community Day The Incarnate Formes for Landorus, Tornadus and Thundurus in March 2021 Nosepass as part of the Searching for Legends event in March 2021 Rainy Form Castform as part of the Weather Week event in March 2021 Bunnelby (and Diggersby) as part of the Spring event in April 2021 Trubbish (and Garbodor) as part of the Sustainability Week in April 2021 Smeargle (will only be available through snapshot encounters and only during specific in-game events) as part of the New Pokémon Snap event in April 2021 Galarian Ponyta (and Galarian Rapidash) as part of the Luminous Legends X event in May 2021 Galarian Zigzagoon (Galarian Linoone and Obstagoon) as part of the Luminous Legends Y event in May 2021 Regigigas as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021 Yanma (and Yanmega) as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021 Snorunt (Glalie and Froslass) as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021 Bidoof (and Bibarel) as part of the Bidoof Breakout event in June 2021 Tepig (Pignite and Emboar) as part of the July 2021 Community Day Darumaka (and Darmanitan) as part of the Fifth Anniversary event in July 2021 Unown F as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Whismur (Loudred and Exploud) as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Chimecho as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Audino as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Tympole (Palpitoad and Seismitoad) as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Throh as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Sawk as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021 Corsola available from 22nd, July 2021 Dialga as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021 Cranidos (and Rampardos) as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021 Shieldon (and Bastidon) as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021 Palkia as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space in August 2021 Heracross as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space in August 2021 Galarian Meowth as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021 Galarian Farfetch’d as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021 Galarian Weezing as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021 Galarian Stunfisk as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021 Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf on Tuesday, 14th September 2021 Oshawott (Dewott and Samurott) as part of the September 2021 Community Day Blitzle (and Zebstrika) as part of Fashion Week in September 2021 Spinarak (and Ariados) as part of the Halloween 2021 event in October 2021 Reshiram as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021 Zekrom as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021 Kyurem as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021 Druddigon as part of the Dragonspiral Descent event in December 2021 Holiday costume Spheal as part of the Holiday 2021 event in December 2021 Galarian Darumaka and Darmanitan as part of the Holiday 2021 event in December 2021 Hoothoot (and Noctowl) as part of the 2021 New Year’s event in December 2021
During 2022, the following shiny Pokémon were released:
Slugma (and Magcargo) as part of the Mountains of Power event in January 2022 Hoppip (Skiploom and Jumpluff) as part of February 2022 Community Day Espurr (and Meowstic) on Tuesday 1st February 2022 Litleo (and Pyroar) as part of the Lunar New Year event in February 2022 Deoxys - Normal Forme - on Wednesday 16th February 2022 Deoxys - Attack Forme - on Saturday 19th February 2022 Deoxys - Defence Forme - on Tuesday 22nd February 2022 Deoxys - Speed Forme - on Friday 25th February 2022 Mantine as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Phanpy (and Donphan) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Girafarig as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Corsola as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Remoraid (and Octillery) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Tyrogue (and Hitmontop) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022 Yungoss (and Gumshoos) as part of Welcome to Alola event in March 2022 Rockruff (and Lycanroc - Midday and Midnight form) as part of Welcome to Alola event in March 2022 Therian Forme Tornadus as part of the Festival of Colors event in March 2022 Cottonee (and Whimsicott) as part of the Lush Jungle event in March 2022 Therian Forme Thundurus on March 11th 2022 Stufful (and Bewear) as part of the Community Day event in April 2022 Corphish (and Crawdaunt) as part of the Pokémon Go Safari Zone: Seville in May 2022 Cherubi (and Cherrim) as part the Sustainability Week 2022 event in April 2022 Therian Forme Landorus on April 26th 2022 Binacle (and Barbaracle) as part of the Water Festival event in May 2022 Shroomish (and Breloom) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022 Numel (and Camerupt) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022 Karrablast (and Escavalier) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022 Shelmet (and Accelgor) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022 Axew (Fraxlure and Haxorus) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022 Unown B as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 5th 2022 Tirtouga (and Carracosta) as part of Adventure Week in June 2022 Archen (and Archeops) as part of Adventure Week in June 2022 Pansear (and Simisear) as part of Go Fest: Berlin on July 1st 2022 Foongus (and Amoonguss) as part of Go Fest: Berlin on July 1st 2022 Combee (and Vespiquen) as part of Go Fest: Seattle on July 22nd 2022 Panpour (and Simipour) as part of Go Fest: Seattle on July 22nd 2022 Hisuian Braviary as part of the Hisuian Discoveries Raid Day on July 31st 2022 Pansage (and Simisage) as part of Go Fest: Sapporo on August 5th 2022 Swirlix (and Slurpuff) as part of Go Fest: Sapporo on August 5th 2022 Venipede (Whirlipede and Scolipede) as part of Bug Out! event on August 10th 2022 Munna (and Musharna) as part of the Go Fest 2022: Finale event on Saturday, 27th August 2022 Unown N and X as part of the Go Fest 2022: Finale event on Saturday, 27th August 2022 Inkay (and Malamar) as part of the Inkay Limited Research day on Sunday, 3rd September 2022 Elgyem (and Beheeyem) as part of the Psychic Spectacular event on Tuesday, 6th September 2022 Furfrou as part of the 2022 Fashion Week event in September 2022 Yveltal as part of the 2022 Fashion Week event in September 2022 Litwick (Lampent and Chandelure) as part of the Community Day event in October 2022 Shedinja as October 2022’s Research Breakthrough Pokémon reward Xerneas as part of the Evolving Starts event in October 2022 Noibat (and Noivern) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 1 event in October 2022 Galarian Yamask (and Runerigus) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 1 event in October 2022 Pumpkaboo (and Gourgeist) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 2 event in October 2022 Ursaluna as part of the Community Day event in November 2022 Galarian Mr. Mime (and Mr. Rime) on Thursday, 1st December 2022 Bergmite (and Avalugg) on Thursday, 15th December 2022
The following shiny Pokémon made their debut in Pokémon Go throughout 2023:
Chespin (Quilladin and Chesnaught) on Saturday, 7th January as part of the January Community Day Dedenne as part of the Twinkling Fantasy event in January 2023
The Season of Mythical Wishes continues with the Winter Holiday event, which has brought Mega Glalie to Pokémon Go. Don’t forget to partake in the new Go Battle League season. Elsewhere, be sure to use Daily Adventure Incense for the chance of encountering Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos and Galarian Moltres.
Shiny Pokémon are independent - in other words, two people can go to the same place and catch the same Magikarp, which has the same stats and IVs, but they won’t necessarily both be Shiny. This is generally seen as a good thing by the community: it means people won’t all be rushing to the same place after a Shiny is spotted, and ‘spoofers’ who cheat the system to change their location won’t be able to instantly grab a Shiny as soon as one is located. Shiny Pokémon can also be other ‘states’ of creatures - meaning they can also be Lucky, Shadow and Purified. Shiny Pokémon’s evolutions will be Shiny too - the good news, at least, is that Shiny Pokémon will evolve into Shiny Pokémon. So that means a gold Magikarp will turn into a red Gyarados when evolved, and so on. Another reason to hold onto those Candies for any Pokémon you encounter! Shinies have their own entries in the Pokédex - Once you have found a Shiny, visit that creature in the Pokédex and you can view its unique appearance, alongside any gender differences. The following image by Dronpes explains this in closer detail:
Shiny Pokémon show up as standard colour Pokémon on the map - they only reveal themselves as Shiny once you start the battle sequence with them, which means checking every Pokémon you see now if you want to find Shinies, even if you’ve already caught plenty of that Pokémon! There’s a new warning if you try to transfer a Shiny - if you try and send a Shiny to Professor Willow, you’ll get an additional pop-up warning checking that you definitely want to transfer this Shiny Pokémon. A nice touch to stop any fat finger issues!
That’s all the important info you need - the rest of it is down to good old fashioned luck, so it’s time get searching!
