Does Pancham Have a Shiny? A Deep Dive into Pokémon GO’s Bamboo-Chewing Brawler
Yes, Pancham does have a shiny version in Pokémon GO! Shiny Pancham debuted in Pokémon GO on June 21, 2023, during the Solstice Horizons event alongside the return of the Team GO Rocket Takeover. This made it a highly sought-after Pokémon for collectors and trainers alike. Let’s delve deeper into everything you need to know about Shiny Pancham, its rarity, evolution, and more.
Unveiling Shiny Pancham: A Collector’s Delight
Shiny Pancham boasts a striking visual difference from its standard counterpart. While the original Pancham sports a primarily white and black color scheme, the shiny version features a captivating palette swap, replacing the white fur with a vibrant yellow. This makes Shiny Pancham instantly recognizable and a prized possession for any Pokémon GO enthusiast. The yellow fur contrasts beautifully with its dark features, adding a unique flair to this already charming Pokémon.
The Debut and Availability
As mentioned, Shiny Pancham first appeared during the Solstice Horizons event and the Team GO Rocket Takeover in June 2023. During this time, Shiny Pancham was primarily found in 12 km eggs, which are earned by defeating Team GO Rocket leaders. This made obtaining one a bit of a challenge, as it required battling and defeating powerful opponents. Even with the event bonuses, the hatch rates for Shiny Pancham were not guaranteed, making each successful hatch a moment of excitement. While the event has concluded, Pancham and its shiny variant still remain available in 12km eggs, and the general consensus is that the chances of hatching a Shiny Pancham are quite low. This, again, makes Shiny Pancham a very desirable Pokémon among players.
Evolving Your Shiny Pancham into Pangoro
Once you manage to snag a Shiny Pancham, the next step is evolving it into the imposing Pangoro. This evolution isn’t as straightforward as simply using Candy. Evolving Pancham into Pangoro requires 50 Pancham Candy, but you also need to catch 32 Dark-type Pokémon while Pancham is your buddy. This adds a layer of challenge and engagement, encouraging players to explore the world and seek out Dark-type Pokémon. The effort is well worth it, as Shiny Pangoro is a formidable Pokémon in both appearance and battling prowess.
The Hunt for Shiny Pancham: Strategies and Tips
Finding Shiny Pancham requires patience and a strategic approach. Here are a few tips to improve your chances:
- Focus on 12 km Eggs: Continue battling Team GO Rocket leaders to obtain 12 km Eggs. While the odds of hatching a Shiny Pancham are slim, this is currently the primary method.
- Maximize Egg Incubation: Use Super Incubators to hatch eggs faster. This allows you to go through more eggs in a shorter amount of time, increasing your potential chances.
- Participate in Events: Keep an eye out for future events that may increase the spawn rates of Pancham or offer boosted shiny rates for eggs.
- Trade with Friends: Trading with other players can be a great way to acquire a Shiny Pancham. If you have friends who are actively playing, consider trading Pokémon to increase your chances.
Why Shiny Pancham is a Desirable Pokémon
Shiny Pancham’s appeal extends beyond its unique color scheme. As the pre-evolution to Pangoro, a Dark and Fighting-type Pokémon, it holds significant potential for both collecting and battling. Pangoro is known for its high Attack stat and diverse movepool, making it a valuable asset in raids, gyms, and PvP battles. Having a shiny version of such a powerful Pokémon adds a unique layer of prestige to your collection.
Furthermore, the relatively limited availability of Shiny Pancham makes it a symbol of dedication and perseverance. Players who manage to obtain one have demonstrated their commitment to the game and their willingness to overcome challenges.
Pokémon GO and the Joy of Shiny Hunting
The hunt for shiny Pokémon is a core aspect of the Pokémon GO experience. It adds an element of excitement and unpredictability, transforming routine gameplay into a thrilling adventure. Shiny Pokémon are not only visually appealing but also serve as trophies, showcasing your dedication and luck. The thrill of encountering a shiny Pokémon in the wild or hatching one from an egg is a feeling that keeps players engaged and invested in the game.
Pokémon GO’s emphasis on community also plays a significant role in the shiny hunting experience. Players often share tips, strategies, and even trade shiny Pokémon with one another. This sense of camaraderie enhances the overall enjoyment of the game and fosters a supportive environment for players of all levels.
FAQs: All About Shiny Pancham in Pokémon GO
Q1: What are the odds of hatching a Shiny Pancham from a 12 km egg?
The exact odds of hatching a Shiny Pancham are not officially disclosed by Niantic. However, based on community research and anecdotal evidence, the estimated shiny rate for Pokémon hatching from eggs is around 1 in 60-75. This means that, on average, you might need to hatch between 60 to 75 eggs to encounter a Shiny Pancham. It’s important to remember that these are just estimates, and your personal experience may vary.
Q2: Can I find Shiny Pancham in the wild?
No, Shiny Pancham cannot be found in the wild. It is exclusively available through hatching 12 km eggs. This makes the process of obtaining one more challenging but also more rewarding.
Q3: Is Pangoro also available as a shiny in Pokémon GO?
Yes, once you evolve your Shiny Pancham, the resulting Pangoro will also be shiny. Shiny Pangoro retains the distinctive yellow fur and is an impressive sight in battles.
Q4: Does the weather affect the chances of hatching a Shiny Pancham?
No, weather conditions do not affect the shiny rates of Pokémon hatching from eggs. Shiny rates are determined by a predetermined probability and are not influenced by in-game weather.
Q5: Are there any guaranteed ways to get a Shiny Pancham?
Unfortunately, there are no guaranteed methods to obtain a Shiny Pancham. The process relies entirely on chance. However, by consistently battling Team GO Rocket leaders, acquiring 12 km eggs, and maximizing egg incubation, you can increase your opportunities.
Q6: Is Shiny Pancham stronger than a regular Pancham?
No, Shiny Pancham has the same stats and moves as a regular Pancham. The only difference is its appearance. The shiny status is purely cosmetic and does not affect its battle performance.
Q7: Can Ditto transform into a Shiny Pancham?
No, Ditto cannot transform into a shiny Pokémon, even if the Pokémon it is disguising itself as has a shiny variant. This applies to Shiny Pancham as well.
Q8: How do I become Best Friends with Pancham?
You don’t become best friends with Pancham (directly). You must set Pancham as your buddy. Walk with Pancham, feed it berries, play with it and complete other buddy-related tasks. Increasing your buddy level with Pancham doesn’t directly affect its shiny status or evolution, but it strengthens the bond with your Pokémon.
Q9: What are the best movesets for Pangoro after evolving my Shiny Pancham?
For Pangoro, a strong moveset includes Fast Attack: Karate Chop and Charged Attacks: Close Combat and Crunch. This combination provides a good balance of damage output and coverage against different types of opponents.
Q10: Can I use a Lucky Egg to increase my chances of hatching a Shiny Pancham?
No, a Lucky Egg does not increase the shiny rate of Pokémon hatching from eggs. Lucky Eggs only increase the amount of experience points (XP) you earn.
Q11: Are there any Community Days featuring Pancham?
As of now, there have been no Community Days specifically featuring Pancham. However, Niantic may introduce one in the future, which could potentially increase its spawn rate and shiny availability. Stay tuned to official Pokémon GO announcements for updates.
Q12: What is the best strategy for defeating Team GO Rocket leaders to get 12 km eggs?
To effectively defeat Team GO Rocket leaders, it’s essential to use Pokémon that are strong against their line-ups. Research the leaders’ potential Pokémon and build a team with type advantages. Consider using Fast TMs and Charged TMs to optimize your Pokémon’s movesets.
Q13: How does the Games Learning Society relate to Pokémon GO?
While seemingly unrelated, the mechanics behind Pokémon GO, such as collecting, strategizing, and community engagement, provide valuable insights into game-based learning. Organizations like the Games Learning Society understand the importance of using game design principles to enhance educational experiences. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can be utilized for effective teaching and learning.
Q14: What other rare shiny Pokémon are worth pursuing in Pokémon GO?
Some other highly sought-after shiny Pokémon include Unown, Meltan, and various regional exclusives. Shiny Pokémon that are only available through specific events or limited-time research are also considered rare and valuable.
Q15: Will Shiny Pancham become more common in the future?
It’s difficult to predict Niantic’s future plans, but it’s possible that Shiny Pancham may become more accessible through future events or research tasks. However, its initial exclusivity makes it a highly desirable Pokémon for the time being.