How to Get a Shiny Smeargle in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide

The quest for a shiny Smeargle in Pokémon GO can feel like chasing a rainbow, but fear not, aspiring trainers! The key lies in understanding the mechanics of Smeargle’s photobomb encounter and timing your efforts around specific in-game events. Shiny Smeargle is not always available, and typically appears during special events such as the Festival of Colors or events celebrating Pokémon Snap. During these events, taking snapshots of your Pokémon may trigger a Smeargle photobomb. If you are very lucky, the Smeargle that appears after the photobomb may be a shiny. Outside of these events, shiny Smeargle is usually unavailable, so stay informed about upcoming Pokémon GO events and their associated features.

Understanding Smeargle and its Shiny Variant

Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon, is unique in the Pokémon world due to its signature move, Sketch. While the move’s functionality is altered in Pokémon GO, the method of encountering Smeargle remains tied to its artistic nature: photobombing.

The Photobomb Mechanic

• Select your Camera: Open your items in Pokémon GO and select the Camera.
• Pick a Pokémon: Choose any Pokémon from your collection to photograph.
• Take a Picture: Snap a picture of your chosen Pokémon.
• Exit the Camera and Review: After taking a photo, exit the Camera mode and review the pictures you just took.
• Smeargle’s Appearance: If Smeargle appears in one of your photos (the photobomb), it will spawn in the wild near you.

Shiny Smeargle Encounters

• Event-Specific Availability: Shiny Smeargle is not always available. It is typically only available during special events, such as the Festival of Colors.
• Shiny Appearance: The Smeargle photobomb itself does not indicate if Smeargle is shiny. You will only know if it’s shiny when you encounter it on the map after exiting the photo review.
• Encounter Limit: Typically, you can only trigger one Smeargle photobomb per day, even during events. So, each day you get one shot at a shiny!

Why is Smeargle so Sought After?

Even though Smeargle isn’t a battle powerhouse, it’s desirable due to its rarity, limited availability as a shiny, and status as a unique collectible. The process of obtaining one is also distinctive, making it a memorable addition to any trainer’s roster. For those interested in the wider implications of gaming and learning, the Games Learning Society (or GamesLearningSociety.org) offers valuable insights into how games can contribute to education and skill development.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Does Smeargle appear shiny in the photobomb picture?

No, the photobomb image will show a regular Smeargle. You only find out if it’s shiny when you encounter it on the map. The shiny will be visually different from the normal Smeargle on the overworld map when it spawns after the photobomb.

2. What are the odds of Smeargle photobombing?

During events where Smeargle can photobomb, the chance is approximately 1/20, but you typically only get one chance per day. Outside of special events, Smeargle will not photobomb.

3. Why isn’t Smeargle considered useful in Pokémon GO?

Smeargle’s primary limitation is its moveset. It can only learn moves via Sketch, inheriting the moves of the Pokémon it photobombs. Due to this random move acquisition, it struggles to fulfill specific battle roles effectively. Its stats also make it a weak fighter.

4. Why is Smeargle banned in competitive Pokémon battles?

In the core Pokémon games, Smeargle could learn the move Dark Void, a powerful sleep-inducing move, combined with other devastating moves. This caused it to be banned for creating overpowered strategies. This does not impact its legality in Pokémon GO, though.

5. What is so special about Smeargle in the core Pokémon games?

Smeargle’s signature move, Sketch, allows it to permanently copy the last move used by the opponent. This gives it incredible versatility, enabling it to learn almost any move in the game. In Pokémon GO, this mechanic is simplified, and Smeargle learns the moves of the Pokémon you are photographing.

6. What triggers a shiny Pokémon encounter in Pokémon GO?

Shiny Pokémon encounters are typically based on random number generation (RNG). They can occur in the wild, during Raids, as rewards from Special Research, or as encounter rewards from Research Tasks. Specific events may also boost shiny encounter rates for certain Pokémon.

7. What is the rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The rarest shiny Pokémon can vary based on events and availability. Mythical Pokémon are also extremely rare. Some Pokémon that have had limited availability as shinies include: Fomantis, Joltik, Wurmple, Foongus, Shellos (East & West), Pawniard, Heracross, and Unown. These Pokémon may have only been available for a very short time in specific events.

8. Why do I never seem to catch shiny Pokémon?

Shiny Pokémon encounters are based on probability, and it can take many encounters before a shiny appears. Consistency is key. Playing often and participating in events that boost shiny rates increases your chances. Try not to get discouraged.

9. How rare is a shiny Smeargle?

Finding a shiny Smeargle can be challenging, with odds sometimes estimated around 1 in 64 during events. During other times, the odds may be closer to 1 in 500 when it is made briefly available. The key is to take advantage of special events and maximize your daily photobomb attempts.

10. Why do people use Smeargle for shiny hunting in the core games?

Smeargle could be taught certain moves which were used to find other shiny Pokémon, but in Pokémon GO, the use of Smeargle to find shinies is limited because its skillset is very limited.

11. Can you still get a shiny Smeargle right now?

Shiny Smeargle availability is event-dependent. It is only available during specific events, and outside of those events, it cannot be encountered as a shiny.

12. Why is Smeargle in my photos?

Smeargle appears in your photos because of the photobomb mechanic implemented by Pokémon GO. This allows Smeargle to “jump” into your pictures, leading to an encounter with the Pokémon in the wild.

13. Does shiny Ditto disguise as shiny Pokémon?

No, a regular Pokémon that is actually a Ditto will not be shiny when it transforms into Ditto. However, a regular Pokémon can be a Ditto and also be shiny.

14. What is considered the cutest shiny Pokémon?

Cutest is subjective! Some popular choices include Ponyta, Charizard, Vaporeon, Gyarados, Luxray, Spoink, Lapras, and Wailord. Shiny Ponyta’s blue flames are especially appealing.

15. Is Celebi’s shiny form rare?

Shiny Mythical Pokémon are typically very rare. Often, they are only available through special events or research tasks, making them highly sought after by collectors.

Mastering the Smeargle Hunt: Tips and Strategies

• Stay Informed: Monitor Pokémon GO news and announcements for upcoming events that feature Smeargle, especially those with increased shiny odds.
• Daily Attempts: During Smeargle events, make sure to take your one snapshot each day, maximizing your chances of triggering a photobomb.
• Patience is Key: Finding a shiny Smeargle can be a test of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find one right away.
• Community Resources: Join Pokémon GO communities online to share tips and strategies, and stay up-to-date on the latest news and events.

Shiny hunting is often a test of persistence, dedication, and luck. By understanding the mechanics of Smeargle encounters and being prepared for special events, you can significantly increase your chances of adding this elusive shiny Pokémon to your collection. Good luck, trainers, and happy hunting!