The Elusive Rainbow: Shiny Pokémon Still Missing from Pokémon GO

The world of Pokémon GO is a constantly evolving landscape, teeming with creatures to catch and challenges to conquer. For many trainers, the ultimate goal is to amass a collection of shiny Pokémon – rare, alternate-colored versions of their favorite pocket monsters. However, the hunt for these elusive variants is far from over, as numerous shiny forms are still absent from the game. So, what shiny Pokémon are currently missing from Pokémon GO? The list is surprisingly extensive, and includes many regional variants, Pokémon that have yet to be released, and those whose shiny forms have simply not been activated. Some notable examples include:

• Many Hisuian forms, like Hisuian Voltorb, Electrode, Qwilfish, Sneasel, Growlithe, Arcanine, Zorua, Zoroark, and the legendary birds Hisuian Articuno, Zapdos, and Moltres.
• Salandit and Salazzle: Despite being in the game, their shiny forms remain unavailable, making them highly sought after.
• Phantump and Trevenant: These Ghost-types are desired for their distinctive shiny palettes.
• Many Mega Evolutions are not shiny locked, but there is not way to encounter their shiny forms outside of evolving a shiny base Pokemon.

The absence of these and other shiny Pokémon keeps the game fresh and provides ongoing goals for dedicated collectors. Niantic frequently releases new shiny forms during events, so the list is always subject to change. This ongoing evolution of the shiny roster keeps players engaged and eager to see which beloved Pokémon will be next to receive the alternate color treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO

What determines when a shiny Pokémon is released in Pokémon GO?

The release of shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is typically tied to in-game events, such as Community Days, special raids, or seasonal celebrations. Niantic, the game developer, often introduces new shiny forms to coincide with these events, generating excitement and encouraging player participation. There’s no fixed schedule, but the releases are usually well-publicized in advance. Sometimes, shiny releases coincide with the release of the regular form as was with Varoom for the 2024 Pokemon Go Tour: Sinnoh event.

Are all Pokémon eventually going to get a shiny form in Pokémon GO?

While it’s not guaranteed for every single Pokémon, it’s generally assumed that most, if not all, will eventually receive a shiny form in Pokémon GO. The game’s long-term success relies on keeping content fresh, and shiny releases are a key part of that strategy. However, some Pokémon may take longer than others to appear in their shiny variants, often depending on their rarity and the specific events planned by Niantic.

How do shiny rates work in Pokémon GO?

The standard shiny rate in Pokémon GO is generally believed to be around 1 in 500 for wild encounters. However, this rate can vary significantly depending on the Pokémon and the circumstances. Community Days, for instance, typically feature greatly boosted shiny rates (around 1 in 25). Raid Pokémon and those encountered during special events may also have increased shiny odds.

Is there a way to increase my chances of finding shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

While there’s no guaranteed method, you can certainly improve your odds of finding shiny Pokémon.

• Play during events: Keep an eye on Pokémon GO’s event calendar and participate in events that feature increased shiny rates.
• Click on as many Pokémon as possible: The more Pokémon you encounter, the higher your chances of finding a shiny.
• Check nests and spawn points: Pokémon that frequently appear in certain areas are good candidates for shiny hunting.
• Use Incense and Lure Modules: These items attract more Pokémon to your location, increasing the number of encounters.

What is a “shiny locked” Pokémon?

A “shiny locked” Pokémon refers to a Pokémon whose shiny form is intentionally unavailable in a particular game. In Pokémon GO, this means that even if you encounter a shiny-locked Pokémon, it will always appear in its regular form. Niantic may choose to shiny lock certain Pokémon for various reasons, such as event exclusivity or game balance. Many Mythical Pokemon are often Shiny Locked until a special event or research that includes a shiny variant of the Pokemon.

Can I trade shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can trade shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO, but there are some restrictions. Both players must have already registered the Pokémon in their Pokédex (in either its regular or shiny form) to complete the trade. Trading shiny Pokémon also requires a significant amount of Stardust, especially if the Pokémon is not already in the recipient’s Pokédex.

Are shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO able to be shiny?

Yes, Shadow Pokémon can be shiny in Pokémon GO, but only during specific events where Niantic enables the possibility. When Team GO Rocket grunts have special events, you might encounter a shiny Shadow Pokémon! The chance is believed to be better than the standard 1 in 500, though exact odds are not know, but it is closer to 1 in 64.

Are purified Pokémon able to be shiny?

A Pokémon’s shiny status is determined at the moment of its initial encounter. Therefore, purifying a Shadow Pokémon will not change its shiny status. If you caught a shiny Shadow Pokémon, it will remain shiny after purification.

How can I tell if a Pokémon is shiny before I catch it in Pokémon GO?

Shiny Pokémon have a distinct visual appearance that sets them apart from their regular counterparts. In the encounter screen, a shiny Pokémon will have a different color palette than usual. Additionally, a small sparkling animation will appear around the Pokémon to indicate its shiny status. You will see the shiny variant of the Pokémon displayed on the world map before tapping on it.

What are the rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO are often those that are only available during limited-time events, have extremely low spawn rates, or are region-exclusive. Some examples often cited include shiny Unown letters (especially those released during specific GO Fest events), Meltan and Melmetal (before their shiny forms became more accessible), and certain regional Pokémon with their shiny forms unlocked only during certain limited times.

Do Community Days increase the odds of finding a shiny version of the featured Pokémon?

Yes, absolutely! Community Days dramatically increase the shiny rate of the featured Pokémon. During these events, the shiny rate is typically boosted to around 1 in 25, making it significantly easier to find a shiny version of the featured Pokémon.

What is a Nundo and is it rarer than a Shundo?

A “Nundo” refers to a Pokémon with 0 IVs in each of its stats (Attack, Defense, and HP). Finding a 0 IV Pokémon is significantly rarer than finding a 4* Perfect Pokemon. A “Shundo” is a Shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs. Finding a Shundo is incredibly rare, because you would have to beat both the base odds of the Pokemon being shiny and it having perfect IVs.

Are there any resources that track available shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

Yes, there are several online resources that track the current availability of shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Websites like LeekDuck, Serebii.net, and various Pokémon GO community forums maintain up-to-date lists of available shinies, event information, and shiny hunting tips.

How do I share my shiny Pokémon finds with other players?

Pokémon GO has a built-in screenshot function that allows you to capture and share your shiny Pokémon encounters. You can then share these screenshots on social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Reddit, or with your friends through messaging apps. The Pokemon Go community is very active and are always looking for and sharing shiny finds!

What advice do you have for aspiring shiny hunters in Pokémon GO?

Patience and persistence are key! Shiny hunting can be a long and sometimes frustrating process, but the reward of finding a rare shiny Pokémon is well worth the effort.

• Stay informed about upcoming events and shiny releases.
• Be active in the community and share tips with other players.
• Don’t give up! Eventually, you’ll find that elusive shiny you’ve been searching for.

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