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Can Shiny Pokémon Become Lucky? Unraveling the Double Rainbow of Pokémon GO

Yes, shiny Pokémon can absolutely become lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It’s like finding a double rainbow – a rare and exciting occurrence. While the odds of obtaining either a shiny or a lucky Pokémon are relatively low on their own, the possibility of getting both in one go adds another layer of excitement and strategic depth to the game. This article will dive deep into how this is possible, what it means for your gameplay, and answer some frequently asked questions to help you maximize your chances.

The Allure of Shiny Lucky Pokémon

The pursuit of shiny Pokémon is a cornerstone of the Pokémon GO experience for many players. These color-variant Pokémon are purely cosmetic, offering no stat advantages over their normal counterparts. However, their rarity makes them highly prized collectibles. Lucky Pokémon, on the other hand, are Pokémon that require less Stardust to power up, making them significantly more efficient to use in battles. A combination of both is a trophy to be proud of.

How to Get a Shiny Lucky Pokémon

There are essentially two primary ways to obtain a shiny lucky Pokémon:

Trading: This is the most reliable method. When you trade Pokémon with a friend, there’s a chance that both Pokémon will become lucky. The base chance of a trade resulting in a lucky Pokémon increases based on how long the Pokémon have been in storage. This means the older the Pokemon, the higher the chance to get Lucky. This chance is further improved by being Best Friends in-game. So, trade shinies with your Best Friends in-game to get an even better chance for a Shiny Lucky.
Lucky Friends: Once you reach Best Friends status with another player, you have the opportunity to become Lucky Friends. You can become Lucky Friends once per day. This guarantees that your next trade with that friend will result in both Pokémon becoming lucky. If you trade a shiny Pokémon with a Lucky Friend, you’re guaranteed a shiny lucky Pokémon.

Why Shiny Lucky Pokémon Matter

Beyond the bragging rights, shiny lucky Pokémon offer a significant advantage in battles. Since lucky Pokémon require only half the Stardust to power up, you can quickly build a powerful team without depleting your resources. Combining this with the aesthetic appeal of a shiny makes them highly desirable for both collectors and competitive players. For example, a shiny lucky Rayquaza, a legendary dragon-type Pokémon, becomes incredibly potent in raids and Master League battles.

Strategic Considerations for Shiny Lucky Pokémon

Prioritize older Pokémon for trade: Remember, the older the Pokémon being traded, the higher the chance of them becoming lucky. Save those older shinies for trading to increase your odds.
Focus on becoming Lucky Friends: Work towards becoming Best Friends with active players and aim for that daily chance to become Lucky Friends. The guaranteed lucky trade is invaluable.
Trade during events that boost lucky trade chance: Niantic occasionally hosts events that increase the chance of lucky trades. Take advantage of these opportunities to trade more shinies.
Consider the IVs: While the lucky status reduces Stardust costs, the initial IVs (Individual Values) of the Pokémon still matter. A shiny lucky Pokémon with poor IVs may not be as desirable as one with higher potential. IVs are re-rolled during trade, so trading a Pokemon with great IVs doesn’t guarantee your trade partner will get the same great IVs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shiny Lucky Pokémon

1. What are the odds of getting a shiny Pokémon?

The base shiny rate is usually around 1 in 500 encounters. However, this rate can be significantly boosted during Community Days or special events.

2. What are the odds of getting a lucky Pokémon?

The base lucky rate is thought to be around 5% for recent Pokemon, increasing to 20% or more for older Pokemon (over 2 years old). This is highly variable and not formally announced by Niantic.

3. Does the age of the Pokémon affect the shiny rate?

No, the age of the Pokémon does not affect the shiny rate. Shiny rates are determined at the moment of the encounter.

4. Does the age of the Pokémon affect the lucky rate?

Yes, the age of the Pokémon does significantly affect the lucky rate. Older Pokémon have a higher chance of becoming lucky when traded.

5. Can a Pokémon become both shiny and lucky through a single encounter in the wild?

No, Pokémon can only become shiny through the initial encounter. The lucky status is only determined through trades.

6. Can I influence the IVs of a Pokémon I’m trading?

No, the IVs of Pokémon are re-rolled during the trade. You cannot influence the outcome.

7. What is a Lucky Friend, and how do I become one?

A Lucky Friend is a status you can achieve with a Best Friend that guarantees your next trade will result in both Pokémon becoming lucky. You have one chance per day to become Lucky Friends with each Best Friend through interacting with them (opening a gift, raiding, battling, or trading).

8. How long does the Lucky Friend status last?

The Lucky Friend status lasts until you complete a trade with that friend. After the trade, you have another chance to become Lucky Friends again the next day.

9. Do special trades (like trading legendaries) affect the chances of becoming lucky?

No, special trades do not inherently affect the chances of becoming lucky. However, special trades can only be done once per day (unless during special events), which limits the number of attempts you can make.

10. Are there any events that increase the chances of getting lucky Pokémon?

Yes, Niantic occasionally hosts events that boost the lucky Pokémon rate. Keep an eye on in-game announcements and the Pokémon GO community for details.

11. Should I trade a shiny with bad IVs for a chance at a shiny lucky with better IVs?

This is a personal decision. While the lucky status is beneficial, consider the potential IV outcome. If the current shiny has extremely low IVs, trading might be worthwhile, but if it’s decent, the gamble may not be worth it.

12. How many special trades can I do per day?

Typically, you can only perform one special trade per day, which includes trading legendaries, shinies, or Pokémon not already in your Pokédex. This limit can be increased during special events.

13. Does the distance between trainers affect the chance of getting a lucky Pokémon?

No, the distance between trainers during a trade does not affect the chance of getting a lucky Pokémon.

14. Can Mythical Pokémon become lucky?

Mythical Pokemon can also become Lucky when traded if they are able to be traded at all.

15. Where can I learn more about the statistical nuances of Pokémon GO gameplay?

For further insights into the mechanics of Pokémon GO, including statistical analyses and learning resources, visit the Games Learning Society website at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores the intersection of games and education.

Conclusion

The quest for shiny lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a testament to the game’s depth and engagement. While luck plays a significant role, strategic planning, consistent trading, and leveraging events can substantially increase your chances of adding these rare and powerful creatures to your collection. Happy hunting!

Can shiny Pokemon become lucky?