Pokémon Go guide: How to get Shiny Pokémon

Shiny Pokémon are rare variants with different color palettes in Pokémon Go. For example, Mewtwo, who is normally various shades of purple, is green when he’s Shiny. Lugia, instead of being hues of blue, changes to different tones of red.

Not all Shiny forms are so easy to differentiate. For example, Elekid’s Shiny form is just a darker yellow. You can tell a Pokémon is Shiny by a little sparkle emblem appearing above the ‘mon when you’re going to catch them. It’s also visible as an icon in your list of Pokémon.

Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare and hard to find, but there are ways to maximize your odds. In our Pokémon Go guide, we’ll walk you through how to find Shiny Pokémon and the chances you’ll find one.

How do I catch a Shiny?

Shiny Pokémon can be encountered in the wild randomly. You can also get Shiny Pokémon from raids and as Field Research Task rewards. Pokémon can also hatch from eggs Shiny.

What’s the odds and rates for finding Shiny Pokémon?

According to the dedicated researchers over at The Silph Road, the regular Shiny rate is about 1 in 450. Rare spawns like Scyther or Pineco have a higher Shiny rate of 1 in 64.

The Shiny rate from Legendary raids is around 1 in 20, if that Pokémon has a released Shiny form.

Community Days have an increased Shiny rate for the featured Pokémon, sitting at approximately 1 in 25.

Are there any benefits to having a Shiny Pokémon?

Not particularly! Shiny Pokémon don’t have better stats or specifically good IVs. Battle-wise, they’re as good as any other Pokémon you’d catch. Shinies are just for collection and clout among other trainers.

What Pokémon have available Shiny forms in Pokémon Go?

Shiny Pokémon typically get added to the game through events. After the event ends, the Shiny Pokémon gets permanently added to the game’s pool. You can see a complete list of the available Shiny Pokémon on Leek Duck.