Is it Worth Keeping Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO? A Definitive Guide

Absolutely! Keeping Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is almost always worth it. They’re not only a testament to your dedication and luck, but they also serve as valuable trading assets and, for many, a source of pure aesthetic enjoyment. While their in-game stats are identical to their non-shiny counterparts, their rarity and visual distinctiveness make them highly sought after by collectors and players alike. Think of them as digital trophies that showcase your commitment to the game.

Why Shiny Pokémon are Valuable

Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO transcend mere gameplay mechanics. They represent a convergence of several factors that make them desirable:

• Rarity: The base encounter rate for shiny Pokémon in the wild is approximately 1 in 450 to 1 in 500, making them significantly rarer than regular Pokémon. Some events and specific Pokémon species have boosted shiny rates, but generally, finding a shiny requires time, patience, and a bit of luck.

• Collectibility: For many players, the thrill of the hunt is the primary appeal. Shiny Pokémon offer a tangible goal to strive for, filling up those coveted spots in your Pokémon storage and showcasing your collection to friends.

• Trading Value: Shiny Pokémon are a valuable currency in the trading system. Players are often willing to offer strong, rare, or otherwise desirable Pokémon in exchange for a shiny they’re missing.

• Aesthetic Appeal: Let’s face it; many shiny Pokémon simply look fantastic! Their unique color palettes often provide a fresh take on familiar designs, making them visually appealing companions.

• Status Symbol: Displaying a shiny Pokémon in gyms, raids, or PvP battles is a subtle way to show off your dedication and luck. It’s a visual cue to other players that you’re a seasoned trainer.

Factors to Consider

While keeping shiny Pokémon is generally recommended, there are a few nuances to consider:

• Storage Space: Pokémon GO has a storage limit, which can become a constraint if you’re an avid collector. You might need to make difficult decisions about which Pokémon to keep and which to transfer.

• Duplicate Shinies: If you have multiple shiny versions of the same Pokémon, you might consider trading duplicates for shinies you don’t have.

• IVs (Individual Values): While shininess doesn’t affect a Pokémon’s stats, IVs do. Some players prioritize high IVs for battle effectiveness, so you might choose to keep a shiny with good IVs over one with poor IVs. However, for most players the rarity and collectibility of the shiny pokemon is far more important that IV’s.

What to Do with Your Shiny Pokémon

Here are some ideas on how to make the most of your shiny Pokémon:

• Keep Them!: This is the most straightforward option. Add them to your collection and enjoy their unique appearance.

• Trade Them: Exchange duplicate shinies or shinies you don’t want for those you do want. Pokémon GO’s trading system is a great way to expand your shiny collection.

• Show Them Off: Use them in gym battles, raids, or PvP matches to flex your rare finds.

• Evolve Them: Many shiny Pokémon have even more striking evolved forms. Consider evolving your shinies to further enhance their visual appeal.

FAQs About Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO

Here are 15 frequently asked questions about Shiny Pokémon, providing additional insights:

1. Should I keep 0-star shiny Pokémon?

A Shiny is generally not worth transferring even if it has a poor Appraisal. If players don’t have another Pokemon of the same species, it may be worth holding onto the 0-star until it can be replaced by one with a better Appraisal. The rarity of a shiny outweighs the stat value of the pokemon for most players.

2. How often should you get a shiny in Pokémon GO?

For most Pokémon in the wild, shiny ‘mons will only appear at around a 1:450 or 1:500 encounter rate. Pokémon that normally only hatch from eggs, like baby Pokémon and most Alolans, have a 1:50 rate.

3. Is a shiny Pokémon better than the original?

Shiny Pokémon are exactly the same as their non-shiny counterparts, with the exception of the color. It’s more of a status symbol, where showing your friends/opponents your shiny can impress/intimidate them.

4. What is the rarest shiny in Pokémon GO?

Some of the rarest shinies include Unown, Heracross, Pawniard, and Shellos (East & West). Availability during specific events or regional exclusivity plays a significant role in their rarity.

5. Do Shiny Pokémon do more damage than non-Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

No, shiny Pokémon do not have any inherent stat boosts or deal more damage. The only difference is their color.

6. Is shiny Magikarp rare?

Yes, a Shiny Magikarp is considered relatively rare. Hunting for a golden Magikarp is a popular goal for many players.

7. Is a shiny rarer than a legendary?

Yes, Shiny Pokémon are generally much rarer than legendary Pokémon. While legendary Pokémon appearances are often tied to specific events or raids, shiny encounters are based on random chance.

8. What is the point of shiny Pokémon?

The primary purpose of shiny Pokémon is for collection and aesthetic enjoyment. They don’t offer any gameplay advantages but are highly valued for their rarity.

9. What is the hardest shiny Pokémon to tell the difference?

Some of the most subtle shiny variations include Tynamo, which has a barely noticeable stripe on its side.

10. Should I keep multiple shiny Pokémon?

It’s really up to you! Keeping multiple shiny Pokémon can be beneficial for trading or showing off your collection. If you have storage constraints, prioritize keeping shinies with good IVs or those that you particularly like.

11. Can you tell if a Pokémon is shiny before you catch it?

Yes, you can tell a Pokémon is shiny by a little sparkle emblem appearing above the ‘mon when you’re going to catch them.

12. Why am I getting so many shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Specific Shadow Pokemon, Raid Pokemon, and very rare Pokemon spawned in the wild can have an increased chance of being Shiny. Hatching Eggs. Baby Pokemon have a 1/50 chance for it to be Shiny. Hatching eggs is a great way, and it helps to have multiple eggs in incubators. Sometimes events in Pokémon GO temporarily boost the shiny encounter rate for certain Pokémon. This is why you might experience periods of increased shiny encounters.

13. Is it better to have a high IV or shiny Pokémon go?

Being shiny is entirely independent of your stats. Max IVs are better for battles. Shinies are rarer. Actually, the odds of finding a Pokemon with max IVs are hilariously low COMPARED to finding a Shiny. This depends on your priorities. If you value battle effectiveness, high IVs are more important. If you prioritize rarity and collection, a shiny Pokémon is more valuable.

14. Are Shinies worth evolving?

Yes, if you like the look of the evolved shiny form. Evolving a shiny Pokémon doesn’t change its shiny status, and the evolved form can be even more visually appealing.

15. Can a shiny be a Ditto?

No, shiny versions can never turn out to be Ditto. Ditto can only appear in its regular form when disguised as other Pokémon.

Conclusion

In conclusion, keeping shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a rewarding experience for most players. Their rarity, aesthetic appeal, and trading value make them highly desirable assets. While factors like storage space and IVs might influence your decisions, the general consensus is that shiny Pokémon are worth holding onto. So, embrace the hunt, cherish your rare finds, and show off your shiny collection with pride!

If you’re interested in learning more about the educational aspects of gaming and the Pokémon franchise, consider exploring the resources available at the GamesLearningSociety.org. It’s fascinating to see how games can contribute to learning and skill development.