How to find Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go

Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go
Credit: Niantic

Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go
Credit: Niantic

Ever wondered how to find Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go? These unique critters may look like regular Pokémon, but their rare, alternate colour is what everybody is hunting for.

If you're eager to add these rare finds to your collection or stand out in the crowd, you're not alone. While the appearance of Shiny Pokémon is purely random and beyond your control, there are some tricks that can up your chances of encountering one.

But before we dive into this topic, you can also take a look at our guide on how to evolve Cosmoem in Pokemon Go. And if you want more, feel free to read our article on how to evolve Inkay in Pokemon Go.

Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go
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Credit: Niantic

Pokémon Go: How to get Shiny Pokémon

To get a Shiny Pokémon, you need to do the same thing as with regular Pokémon. In fact, the only difference here is the chance of Shiny Pokémon spawning, which is quite low and is approximately 1/500. So, if you want to catch, you'll just need to approach each Pokémon you see on the map and interact with it to see its colour. If it's different from the normal colour, it's a Shiny Pokémon, so get your Pokéballs ready to catch it.

There are also a few tricks you can use to increase your chances of getting a Shiny Pokémon:

Defeat Team Go Rocket

The first trick is to fight Team Go Rocket leaders. Yes, these opponents are difficult, but Shadow Pokémon from these Team Leaders have a much higher chance of catching, namely 1/62.5. Thus, by frequently participating in such battles, you can significantly increase your chances of getting a Shiny Pokémon.

Hatch Eggs

This method can be perfectly combined with regular searches for new Pokémon. The chance of hatching a Shiny Pokémon from an incubator is 1/50, which is much more efficient than searching for it on your own. Use multiple incubators at once to hatch more eggs, increasing your chances accordingly.

Go on Raids

Raids are definitely the best method of hunting Shiny Pokémon. Here, it's much easier to find them because, during raids, your enemies are usually Legendary Pokémon. The chance that a Legendary Pokémon will be Shiny is 1/20, or 5%. If you have enough Remote Raid Passes or other options that will allow you to go to Raids, be sure to take advantage of this.

Look for Certain Types of Pokémon

It is also worth noting that certain types of Pokémon have a higher chance of being Shiny than others. There are not many of them, but still a decent number, so if you play the game actively, you will probably catch them. Here are lists of Pokémon groups with a higher chance of being spawned as Shiny:

Pokémon groups
Chances of spawning Shiny
Pokémon
Permaboosted Pokémon
1/64
Vullaby Tyrogue Togepi Spinda Skarmory Riouly Pineco Pichu Onix Mime Jr. Lickitung Happiny Galarian Zigzagoon Galarian Ponyta Galarian Meowth Galarian Farfetch’d Feebas Elekid Ditto Clamperl Bronzor Alolan Vulpix Alolan Sandshrew Alolan Meowth Alolan Grimer Absol
Medium-rate Pokémon
1/125
Gible Shinx Meltan Galarian Stunfisk

Also, don't forget to visit the game during Spotlight Hours or Community Day, as the chances of spotting a Shiny Pokémon are higher.

By the way, if you're looking for more content, feel free to read our article on how to get Terrakion in Pokemon Go.