Decoding the Shiny Stars: Which Pokémon Get a Boost in Pokémon GO?
Ah, the allure of the Shiny Pokémon! Those rare, differently colored variants that send Pokémon GO trainers into a frenzy of clicking and hoping. But navigating the world of Shiny hunting isn’t just about luck; it’s about knowledge. So, what Pokémon in Pokémon GO have a shiny boost? Let’s dive into the glittering details.
While Niantic doesn’t explicitly publish exact shiny rates for every Pokémon, we can confidently say that certain categories of Pokémon have a significantly higher shiny rate than the standard wild encounters. Here’s a breakdown:
- Community Day Pokémon: These Pokémon, featured during monthly Community Day events, have a drastically increased shiny rate during the event’s duration, usually around 1 in 25. This is by far the most reliable way to obtain a specific Shiny Pokémon.
- Raid Exclusive Pokémon (Tier 3 and above): Certain Pokémon, particularly those only available in Raids (especially Legendary and Mythical), often have a permanently boosted shiny rate. While the exact number varies, it’s generally estimated to be around 1 in 64. Examples include Pokémon like Mewtwo, Lugia, and the various Tapu guardians.
- Research Breakthrough Pokémon: Occasionally, Pokémon rewarded through completing a Research Breakthrough task (collecting seven stamps) have a boosted shiny rate. This isn’t always the case, and it’s crucial to research beforehand whether the featured Pokémon is boosted.
- Event-Specific Pokémon: Many in-game events feature specific Pokémon spawns with increased shiny odds. These odds can vary wildly from event to event, sometimes matching Community Day rates for featured Pokémon. Be sure to read the official Pokémon GO news and community reports to understand the shiny availability during each event.
- Baby Pokémon: Pokémon that hatch from eggs and are considered “baby” forms (like Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid, and Magby) often have a higher shiny rate than regular wild spawns. This is estimated to be around 1 in 50.
- Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon acquired from Team GO Rocket Leaders may have a slightly boosted shiny rate compared to their normal counterparts. The exact rate isn’t fully known, but anecdotal evidence suggests it’s higher than the wild encounter rate.
- Pokémon featured in Special Research: While rare, some Pokémon obtained through Special Research quests have been confirmed to have a boosted shiny rate. Keep an eye on official announcements for these opportunities.
It’s important to note that shiny rates can change over time. Niantic occasionally tweaks the rates, often without public announcement. Stay updated with the Pokémon GO community, particularly online forums and social media groups, to get the latest information and crowd-sourced data.
Unraveling the Mysteries: Pokémon GO Shiny FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the elusive world of Pokémon GO shiny hunting:
What is the base shiny rate in Pokémon GO?
The base shiny rate (the rate for most wild-spawning Pokémon) is widely believed to be around 1 in 500. This means that, on average, you’ll need to encounter approximately 500 of a particular Pokémon to find its shiny version.
Does using an Incense or Lure Module increase my shiny chances?
No, Incense and Lure Modules do not directly increase shiny rates. They only increase the number of Pokémon that spawn, giving you more opportunities to encounter a potential shiny.
Do Lucky Pokémon have a higher chance of being shiny?
No, Lucky Pokémon do not have an increased shiny chance. Lucky Pokémon are guaranteed to have better IVs and require less Stardust to power up.
Are all Pokémon available as shinies?
No, not all Pokémon have their shiny forms released in Pokémon GO. Niantic releases shiny forms gradually over time, often in conjunction with events or new Pokémon releases. Websites and databases dedicated to Pokémon GO track which shinies are currently available.
Does the weather boost affect shiny rates?
No, weather boost does not affect shiny rates. Weather boost only increases the spawn rate and CP of certain Pokémon types.
Does Pokémon GO have “Shiny Locks” on certain Pokémon?
Generally, Mythical Pokémon obtained through Special Research are “shiny locked” meaning they cannot be shiny. This includes Pokémon like Celebi, Jirachi, and Meltan (outside of specific events). However, Mythical Pokémon available through Raids or other means can often be shiny.
What is the best way to shiny hunt?
The best way to shiny hunt depends on the Pokémon. For Community Day Pokémon, participating in the Community Day is the most efficient method. For raid-exclusive Pokémon, doing multiple raids increases your chances. For wild spawns, finding areas with high spawn rates and using Incense and Lure Modules can help.
Does the Quick Catch trick affect shiny encounters?
The Quick Catch trick (where you quickly exit an encounter to check another Pokémon) does not affect shiny rates. It only allows you to check more Pokémon in a shorter amount of time.
How can I tell if a Pokémon is shiny before catching it?
The Pokémon will appear in its shiny form on the encounter screen. It will also have a sparkle animation when the encounter begins.
Are Shadow Raid Pokémon shiny locked?
Shadow Raid Pokémon are not inherently shiny locked, but they can be quite rare. Keep an eye on announcements because shiny Shadow Raid Pokémon will debut during specific events and can only be encountered during that window of time.
Do different devices or accounts have different shiny rates?
No, shiny rates are not determined by the device or account you are using. Shiny encounters are determined by a random number generator, and each encounter has an independent chance of being shiny.
Can I trade a shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade shiny Pokémon with other players. However, shiny Pokémon are considered “Special Trades,” which can only be done once per day unless an event temporarily changes the number of Special Trades available. Trading shinies with players who are not on your Best Friend list is costly and may require a high amount of Stardust.
Is there a way to guarantee a shiny Pokémon?
There is no guaranteed way to obtain a shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO (outside of hacked or illegitimate methods, which are strongly discouraged and can lead to account bans). Shiny hunting relies on chance and persistence.
What are the benefits of having a shiny Pokémon?
The main benefit of having a shiny Pokémon is purely cosmetic. Shiny Pokémon don’t have any stat advantages over their normal counterparts. It’s all about bragging rights and showcasing your dedication to the game.
Where can I find reliable information about shiny rates and events?
Reliable information can be found on the official Pokémon GO website, the Pokémon GO app’s news section, reputable Pokémon GO communities on social media platforms, and through community-driven research efforts like The Silph Road subreddit. You can also learn more about gaming and education at the GamesLearningSociety.org website. We have much to learn from the intersection of gaming and education.
In conclusion, while there’s no magic formula for guaranteeing a shiny Pokémon, understanding which Pokémon have a shiny boost, participating in events, and being persistent are key strategies for any aspiring shiny hunter. Happy hunting, trainers!