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Pokémon Go Shinies - how to catch Shiny Magikarp, Red Gyarados, and what we know about other Shiny Pokémon

Everything you need to know about the ultra special creatures.

Shiny Pokémon were first introduced in March 2017 with the surprise reveal of Shiny Magikarp and its evolution, the red Shiny Gyarados.

Over years we've seen a variety of shiny Pokémon released into Pokémon Go, including Shiny Pikachu, Shiny Blitzle and legendary Pokémon like Shiny Tapu Koko. It will be interesting to see which unique variants come next!

Shinies are notoriously rare, as any veteran of the main series will gladly tell you, so what do we know about Pokémon Go Shinies, and how do you catch them?

On this page:

Watch as battle Guzzlord - one of the Ultra Beasts in Pokémon GoWatch on YouTube

How to find Shiny Pokémon such as Shiny Magikarp and Red Gyarados Pokémon Go

Shinies are found by simply trying to catch Pokémon and seeing if they display as an alternate colour in the battle and post-battle screens.

Normal (left) vs Shiny (right). Credit reddit user skinnysnorlaz

They won't appear as a different colour in the field, so you have to attempt to catch them first.

They of course can also appear in anywhere you'd find a Pokémon, not just the wild - so that includes hatching Eggs, Research task rewards and Raid bonus challenges.

A Shiny creature is extremely rare, so it's simply a case of checking every one you are looking for - such as Magikarp - in the hope it will be a different colour.

Often, the variation is somewhat subtle. You can see the difference in Magikarp in the above comparison image, courtesy of Silph Road subreddit user skinnysnorlaz.

Pokémon Go Shiny list and rarity tier list

Around five months after Shiny Magikarp was first sighted, we started to see the first sign of other shinies.

Though the list has expanded greatly since the arrival of Magikarp and Red Gyarados, the number is small compared to the number of non-shiny creatures in the game.

At a glance, here is every possible shiny creature you can get in the game right now (aside from additions since early February - you can see a more up-to-date list in chronological order later in the article) and their rarity according to a user survey (thanks to AirbenderProdigy on reddit for the research and image):

Credit AirbenderProdigy on reddit

When and how every Shiny was added to Pokémon Go

Magikarp and Gyarados: The first Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go were Magikarp and Gyarados in March 2017 which were a callback to what was, for most players, the first Shiny they ever caught: the Red Gyarados at Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal's Lake of Rage.

Cover image for YouTube videoEvolving a Shiny Magikarp into Red Gyarados in Pokémon Go

Shiny Pikachu: August 2017's Pokémon Go Park event in Japan revealed the second set of Shinies.

Those within the event radius had a chance of catching a Shiny Pikachu, which much like the Red Gyarados, could also be evolved into a shiny Raichu.

These have since been made available around the world, and was expanded on with a shiny hatted Pikachu as part of the 2018 Pokémon Day.

Shiny Gen 3 Ghosts: As the Halloween event in 2018 - which introduced the first Gen 3 creatures - rolled on, shiny variations of all five new creatures (Duskull, Dusclops, Shuppet, Sableye and Banette) started to appear.

Here is a video of shiny Duskull in action:

Cover image for YouTube videoShiny Duskull

Shiny Gen 3 Raids: With the arrival of 50 Gen 3 creatures in December 2017 came two Raid-specific catches, both of which offering Shiny versions. The remaining 48 also have Shiny models in the game code, though none have been found so far.

Cover image for YouTube videoNEW GENERATION 3 SHINY POKEMON RELEASED IN POKEMON GO! 50 GEN 3 SHINIES ADDED! - POKEMON GO

Shiny Gen 3 Desert update: The Aron family of creatures all have shiny variants as part of their release in the Janary 2018 Gen 3 Desert update.

Cover image for YouTube videoSHINY ARON & EVOLVED TO SHINY AGGRON IN POKEMON GO | NEW GEN 3 POKEMON WORLD'S FIRST SHINY AGGRON

Shiny Gen 3 Dragon update: Swablu is one of the few creatures available as a shiny Pokémon, changing its blue body colour into yellow.

Evolving into Altaria will keep that same yellow colour scheme, as shown in this video by Cychreus Gaming:

Cover image for YouTube videoPokemon Go 3rd Gen - Shiny Swablu Catch & Shiny Altaria Evolution

Valentine's Day 2018: Alongside increased Luvdisc spawns came a shiny version:

Otherwise, there are no other signs more Shinies will be added. The main games had shinies for every single creature, so there's a chance every one in Pokémon Go will offer them at some point, but it makes sense Niantic would want to drip feed them for special occasions and make them more of an event.

Lunar New Year event 2018: The increase in dog and dog-like spawns saw the introduction of a shiny Poochyena:

Cover image for YouTube videoShiny poochyena catch

Community Day: The creature a Community Day focuses on will release a shiny version at the same time. So far we've had:

  • Dratini (and evolutions Dragonair and Dragonite)
  • Bulbasaur (and evolutions Ivysaur and Venusaur)
  • Mareep (and evolutions Flaaffy and Ampharos)
  • Charmander (and evolutions Charmeleon and Charizard)
  • Larvitar (and evolutions Pupitar and Tyranitar)
  • Squirtle (and evolutions Wartortle and Blastoise)
  • Eevee (and evolutions Vaporeon, Jolteon, Flareon, Espeon, Umbreon)
  • Chikorita (and evolutions Bayleef and Meganium)
  • Beldum (and evolutions Metang and Metagross)
  • Cyndaquil (and evolutions Quilava and Typhlosion)
  • Totodile (and evolutions Croconaw, Feraligatr)
  • Piplup (and evolutions Prinplup and Empoleon)

2018 Shinies came thick and fast, including:

  • Magby (and Magmar) Togepi (and evolution Togetic), and Wynaut (and evolution Wobbuffet) for Easter event Eggstravaganza
  • Murkrow (for April Fools' Day)
  • Lugia (brought back for a limited time), and now Ho-oh in the same manner.
  • Wailmer (and evolution Wailord) for the Earth Day event
  • Makuhita (and evolution Hariyama) and Meditite (and evolution Medicham) for May's Fighting event
  • Aerodactyl, Kabuto (and evolution Kabutops), Omanyte (and evolution Omastar) for May / June's Adventure Week
  • Shellder (and evolution Cloyster) and Kyogre for June's Water Festival event.
  • Roselia and Articuno from the Dortmund Summer Tour 2018 leg
  • Plusle, Minun and Zapdos from the Chicago Summer Tour 2018 leg
  • Houndour, Houndoom, Snubbull and Granbull were introduced alongside August's Field Research update
  • Pineco (and Forretress), Nato (and Xatu) and Sunkern (Sunflora) were added following the introduction of Celebi and a Johto event.
  • Wingull and evolution Pelipper from the Japan Summer Tour 2018 leg
  • Growlithe and evolution Arcanine alongside September's Field Research update
  • Grimer and evolution Muk, plus Geodude, Graveler and Golem were available as part of the Kanto celebration in mid-September.
  • Krabby and evolution Kingler alongside October's Field Research update
  • Drowzee and evolution Hypno alongside October's Psychic event
  • Nidoran♀, Nidorina, or Nidoqueen for October's female event
  • Shinx, Luxio and Luxray with the addition of Gen 4's first wave.
  • Drifloon and Drifblim, with their addition in October 2018's Pokémon Go Halloween event.
  • Pinsir, with the Bug-focused November Field Research
  • Caterpie, Metapod and Butterfree also with the Bug-focused November Field Research
  • Ponyta, Rapidash, Cubone and Marowak as part of the launch of Ingress Prime
  • Budow with the addition of several Gen 4 creatures in early November
  • Elekid, Electabuzz and Electivire with the introduction of Sinnoh Stone evolutions
  • Magnemite and Magneton with the arrival of Meltan and the Let's Go Kanto event in November 2018
  • Misdreavus and Mismagius with the arrival of December Field Research
  • Sandshrew and Sandslash as part of an event in Tottori, Japan during December (via painofwrath on reddit)
  • Holiday event 2018 additions Delibird, Azurill (and evolutions Marill, Azumarill) as well as Santa Hat Pikachu line (Pichu and Raichu)

Meanwhile in 2019, we've seen:

  • Taillow (and evolutions), Zigzagoon (and evolution) and Groudon as part of the Hoenn celebration
  • Feebas (and evolution) following Feedbas Day
  • Psyduck (and evolution Golduck) introduced as part of Brazil's Safari Zone event
  • Spoink (and evolution Grumpig) from the 2019 Lunar New Year event
  • Meltan (for a limited time, and evolution Melmetal)
  • Smoochum (and evolution Jinx) from the 2019 Valentine's Day event
  • Cleffa (and evolutions) from the 2019 Valentine's Day event
  • Swinub (and evolutions Piloswine and Mamoswine) from February Community Day)
  • Pidgey (and evolutions) as part of February's Pokémon Day celebrations
  • Ratatta (and evolutions) as part of February's Pokémon Day celebrations
  • Clamperl (and evolutions) as part of February's Limited Research Day
  • Latias (from February's special raid event)
  • Machop (and evolutions) as part of March's Battle Showdown fighting Pokémon event)
  • Mankey (and evolutions) as part of March's Battle Showdown fighting Pokémon event)
  • Solrock and Lunatone, as part of March's Equinox event
  • Lotad (and evolution) as part of March's Limited Research Day
  • Castform (Normal form) as part of March's Limited Research Day
  • Treeko (and evolutions) as part of March's Community Day
  • Ash Hat Pikachu (and evolution) as part of 2019's Photobomb April Fool's
  • Scyther (and evolution) as part of April's Bug Out event
  • Bagon (and evolutions) as part of April's Community Day
  • Latios (from April's special raid event)
  • Buneary (and evolution) as part of April's Eggstravaganza event
  • Shuckle as part of April's Singapore Safari Zone
  • Lapras as part of April's Singapore Safari Zone
  • Diglett and evolution Dugtrio as part of April's Earth Day rewards.
  • Seel and evolution Dugong at the start of May.
  • Torchic (Combusken and Blaziken) as part of the May Community Day
  • Aipom and evolution Ambipom with May's Detective Pikachu Field Research and event.
  • Bronzor (and evolution) for May's Extraordinary Raid Week
  • Cresselia, with its reintroduction to Raids in May 2019
  • Onix (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019
  • Anorith (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019
  • Lileep (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019
  • Lileep (and evolution) added as part of Adventure Week in June 2019
  • Slakoth (and evolutions) added as part of June's Community Day
  • Horsea (and evolutions) as part of Go Fest Chicago 2019
  • Alolan Pokémon Rattata, Sandshrew, Vulpix, Diglett, Meowth, Geodude, Grimer, and Exeggutor (and evolutions) as part of June 2019's third birthday celebrations
  • Spinda from the start of June.
  • Nidoran Female as part of Go Fest Dortmund 2019.
  • Mudkip (and evolutions) as part of July's Community Day
  • Ekans (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion
  • Koffing (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion
  • Zubat (and evolutions) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion
  • Sneasel (and evolution) added as part of the Team Rocket Invasion
  • Rayquaza, with its reintroduction to Raids in late July 2019
  • Ralts (and evolutions) as part of August 2019's Community Day
  • Bonsly (and evolutions) as part of the Gift event in August 2019
  • Poliwag (and evolutions) as part of Go Fest Yokosuka 2019
  • Carvanha (and evolution) and Barboach (and evolution) as part of the Water Festival in late August 2019
  • Sentret (and evolution) and Gligar (and evolution) starting from the first week of Ultra Bonus rewards in September 2019
  • Regional exclusives Farfetch'd, Kangaskhan, Mr. Mime, and Tauros starting from the second week of Ultra Bonus unlock in September 2019
  • Mewtwo as part of the third week of Ultra Bonus unlocks in September 2019
  • Elektrike and Manectric were released in September 2019
  • Gen 5's Klink, Patrat and Lillipup as part of the third week of Ultra Bonus unlocks in September 2019
  • Turtwig (Grotle and Torterra) as part of September's Community Day in 2019
  • Zangoose and Seviper as part of World Tourism Day and the arrival of regional Eggs
  • Oddish (and evolutions) as part of Taipei Safari Zone in October 2019
  • Yamask (and Cofagrigus) as part of the 2019 Halloween event
  • Regirock, Regice and Registeel as part of the A Colossal Discovery event
  • Skarmory as part of the A Colossal Discovery event
  • Moltres in November 2019
  • Meowth and Persian as part of the Team Go Rocket Leaders release
  • Tentacool and Tentacruel as part of the Supereffective Week in November 2019
  • Chimchar (Monferno and Infernap) as part of November's Community Day in 2019
  • Burmy (and evolutions) as part of the Evolution Event in December 2019
  • Gible (and evolutions) as part of the December 2019 Egg update
  • Snover (and evolution) as part of the 2019 Christmas event
  • Stantler as part of the 2019 Christmas event

2020 saw the introduction of these shiny Pokémon:

  • Wurmple (Silcoon, Cascoon, Beautifly and Dustox) as part of the Hatchathon in January 2020
  • Heatran on January 7th
  • Piplup as part of January's Community Day
  • Minccino (and Cinccino) as part of the Minccino Limited Research, which was, in turn, part of the 2020 Lunar New Year event
  • Riolu (and Lucario) as part of the Sinnoh region celebration event in February 2020
  • Hippopotas (and Hippowdon) as part of the Sinnoh region celebration event in February 2020
  • Happiny, Chansey and Blissey as part of the 2020 Valentine's Day Celebration event
  • Lickitung (and Lickilicky) as part of the 2020 Valentine's Day Celebration event
  • Darkrai as part of the Darkrai Special Raid Weekend from March 6th to March 9th
  • Altered Forme Giratina as part of the Altered Forme Giratina Special Raid Weekend from March 13th to March 16th
  • Nincada as part of an in-game event in March
  • Skorupi (and Drapion) as part of the March Team Go Rocket takeover
  • Timburr (Gurdurr and Conkeldurr) as part of the Go Battle League Season 1 release
  • Cobalion as part of the Cobalion Special Raid Weekend from March 20th to March 23rd
  • Baltoy (and Claydol) as part of the Psychic Spectacular event in March
  • Teddiursa (and Ursaring) as part of the Safari Zone St. Louis event in March
  • Croagunk (and Toxicroak) as part of April's Tricky Pokémon event
  • Exeggcute (and Exeggutor) as part of April's Spring event
  • Marill (and Azurill and Azumarill) as part of April's Marill Day event
  • Volbeat and Illumise as part of April's Buddy Up Event
  • Virizion as part of the Remote Raid Pass celebration in April
  • Venonat as part of the Kanto Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May
  • Dunsparce as part of the Johto Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May
  • Skitty as part of the Hoenn Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May
  • Glameow as part of the Sinnoh Throwback Challenge special research quest line released in May
  • Weedle (Kakuna and Beedrill) as part of the Weedle Community Day in June
  • Clefairy (and Clefable) as part of the Spotlight Hour on Tuesday, June 23rd
  • Dwebble (and Crustle) as part of the Bug Out event in June 2020
  • Pidove (Tranquill and Unfezant) as part of the Go Weekly Challenge: Skill release in July 2020
  • Bellsprout (Weepinbell and Victreebel) as part of the Go Weekly Challenge: Friendship release in July 2020
  • Durant as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Heatmor as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Jigglypuff (and pre-evolution Igglybuff, and evolution Wigglytuff) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Quilfish as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Tangela (and evolution Tangrowth) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Woobat (and evolution Swoobat) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Unown (letters G-O) as part of Pokémon Go Fest 2020
  • Deino (Zweilous and Hydreigon) as part of Dragon Week in August 2020
  • Unown (letters U-L-T-R-A) as part of Enigma Week in August 2020
  • Staryu (and Starmie) as part of Enigma Week in August 2020
  • Roggenrola (Boldore and Gigalith) as part of Unova Week in August 2020
  • Genesect as part of Unova Week in August 2020
  • Alolan Raichu as a possible reward for the September Research Breakthrough
  • Porygon (Porygon 2 and Porygon-Z) as part of September 2020's Community Day
  • Ledyba (and Ledian) during the Mega Houndoom week in September 2020
  • Doduo (and Dodrio) during the Mega Evolution Timed Research event in September 2020
  • Origin Forme Giratina in October 2020
  • Kricketot (and Kricketune) during the Longchamp event in October 2020
  • Vulpix (and Ninetails) as part of the Berry-themed event in October 2020
  • Spiritomb as part of the Halloween event in October 2020
  • Magmortar as part of the second November Community Day in November 2020
  • Slowpoke (Slowbro and Slowking) as part of the Pokémon Home event in November 2020
  • Goldeen (and Seaking) as part of the Lake Legends event in November 2020
  • Celebi as part of the timed limited special research quest for the Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle event
  • Rufflet (and Braviary) as part of the timed limited special research quest for the Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle event
  • Wooper (and Quagsire) on Friday, 11th December for The Game Awards 2020
  • Cubchoo (and Beartic) during the Galarian Mr. Mime event in December 2020
  • Jynx during the Pokémon Go Holidays event in December 2020

In 2021, the following shiny Pokémon were released:

  • Snivy (Servine and Serperior) as part of the Unova Collection Challenge in January 2021
  • Buizel (and Floatzel) as part of the Sinnoh Collection Challenge in January 2021
  • Miltank as part of the Johto Collection Challenge in January 2021
  • Alomomola as part of the 2021 Valentine's Day event in February 2021
  • Spearow (and Fearow) as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021
  • Paras (and Parasect) as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021
  • Hitmonless as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021
  • Hitmonchan as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021
  • Snorlax as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto on 20th February 2021
  • Ditto as part of the Pokémon Go Tour: Kanto Special Research on 20th February 2021 and in the wild on 1st September 2021
  • Mew as part of the Mew Masterwork Research released on 20th February 2021
  • Fletchling (Fletchinder and Talonflame) as part of the March 2021 Community Day
  • The Incarnate Formes for Landorus, Tornadus and Thundurus in March 2021
  • Nosepass as part of the Searching for Legends event in March 2021
  • Rainy Form Castform as part of the Weather Week event in March 2021
  • Bunnelby (and Diggersby) as part of the Spring event in April 2021
  • Trubbish (and Garbodor) as part of the Sustainability Week in April 2021
  • Smeargle (will only be available through snapshot encounters and only during specific in-game events) as part of the New Pokémon Snap event in April 2021
  • Galarian Ponyta (and Galarian Rapidash) as part of the Luminous Legends X event in May 2021
  • Galarian Zigzagoon (Galarian Linoone and Obstagoon) as part of the Luminous Legends Y event in May 2021
  • Regigigas as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021
  • Yanma (and Yanmega) as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021
  • Snorunt (Glalie and Froslass) as part of the 2021 solstice event in June 2021
  • Bidoof (and Bibarel) as part of the Bidoof Breakout event in June 2021
  • Tepig (Pignite and Emboar) as part of the July 2021 Community Day
  • Darumaka (and Darmanitan) as part of the Fifth Anniversary event in July 2021
  • Unown F as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Whismur (Loudred and Exploud) as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Chimecho as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Audino as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Tympole (Palpitoad and Seismitoad) as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Throh as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Sawk as part of Go Fest 2021 in July 2021
  • Corsola available from 22nd, July 2021
  • Dialga as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021
  • Cranidos (and Rampardos) as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021
  • Shieldon (and Bastidon) as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 1: Time in July 2021
  • Palkia as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space in August 2021
  • Heracross as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 2: Space in August 2021
  • Galarian Meowth as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021
  • Galarian Farfetch'd as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021
  • Galarian Weezing as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021
  • Galarian Stunfisk as part of the Ultra Unlock Part 3: Sword and Shield event in August 2021
  • Uxie, Mesprit and Azelf on Tuesday, 14th September 2021
  • Oshawott (Dewott and Samurott) as part of the September 2021 Community Day
  • Blitzle (and Zebstrika) as part of Fashion Week in September 2021
  • Spinarak (and Ariados) as part of the Halloween 2021 event in October 2021
  • Reshiram as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021
  • Zekrom as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021
  • Kyurem as part of the Season of Heritage in December 2021
  • Druddigon as part of the Dragonspiral Descent event in December 2021
  • Holiday costume Spheal as part of the Holiday 2021 event in December 2021
  • Galarian Darumaka and Darmanitan as part of the Holiday 2021 event in December 2021
  • Hoothoot (and Noctowl) as part of the 2021 New Year's event in December 2021

During 2022, the following shiny Pokémon were released:

  • Slugma (and Magcargo) as part of the Mountains of Power event in January 2022
  • Hoppip (Skiploom and Jumpluff) as part of February 2022 Community Day
  • Espurr (and Meowstic) on Tuesday 1st February 2022
  • Litleo (and Pyroar) as part of the Lunar New Year event in February 2022
  • Deoxys - Normal Forme - on Wednesday 16th February 2022
  • Deoxys - Attack Forme - on Saturday 19th February 2022
  • Deoxys - Defence Forme - on Tuesday 22nd February 2022
  • Deoxys - Speed Forme - on Friday 25th February 2022
  • Mantine as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Phanpy (and Donphan) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Girafarig as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Corsola as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Remoraid (and Octillery) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Tyrogue (and Hitmontop) as part of Go Tour: Johto on Saturday, 26th February 2022
  • Yungoss (and Gumshoos) as part of Welcome to Alola event in March 2022
  • Rockruff (and Lycanroc - Midday and Midnight form) as part of Welcome to Alola event in March 2022
  • Therian Forme Tornadus as part of the Festival of Colors event in March 2022
  • Cottonee (and Whimsicott) as part of the Lush Jungle event in March 2022
  • Therian Forme Thundurus on March 11th 2022
  • Stufful (and Bewear) as part of the Community Day event in April 2022
  • Corphish (and Crawdaunt) as part of the Pokémon Go Safari Zone: Seville in May 2022
  • Cherubi (and Cherrim) as part the Sustainability Week 2022 event in April 2022
  • Therian Forme Landorus on April 26th 2022
  • Binacle (and Barbaracle) as part of the Water Festival event in May 2022
  • Shroomish (and Breloom) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022
  • Numel (and Camerupt) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022
  • Karrablast (and Escavalier) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022
  • Shelmet (and Accelgor) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022
  • Axew (Fraxlure and Haxorus) as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 4th 2022
  • Unown B as part of Go Fest 2022 on June 5th 2022
  • Tirtouga (and Carracosta) as part of Adventure Week in June 2022
  • Archen (and Archeops) as part of Adventure Week in June 2022
  • Pansear (and Simisear) as part of Go Fest: Berlin on July 1st 2022
  • Foongus (and Amoonguss) as part of Go Fest: Berlin on July 1st 2022
  • Combee (and Vespiquen) as part of Go Fest: Seattle on July 22nd 2022
  • Panpour (and Simipour) as part of Go Fest: Seattle on July 22nd 2022
  • Hisuian Braviary as part of the Hisuian Discoveries Raid Day on July 31st 2022
  • Pansage (and Simisage) as part of Go Fest: Sapporo on August 5th 2022
  • Swirlix (and Slurpuff) as part of Go Fest: Sapporo on August 5th 2022
  • Venipede (Whirlipede and Scolipede) as part of Bug Out! event on August 10th 2022
  • Munna (and Musharna) as part of the Go Fest 2022: Finale event on Saturday, 27th August 2022
  • Unown N and X as part of the Go Fest 2022: Finale event on Saturday, 27th August 2022
  • Inkay (and Malamar) as part of the Inkay Limited Research day on Sunday, 3rd September 2022
  • Elgyem (and Beheeyem) as part of the Psychic Spectacular event on Tuesday, 6th September 2022
  • Furfrou as part of the 2022 Fashion Week event in September 2022
  • Yveltal as part of the 2022 Fashion Week event in September 2022
  • Litwick (Lampent and Chandelure) as part of the Community Day event in October 2022
  • Shedinja as October 2022's Research Breakthrough Pokémon reward
  • Xerneas as part of the Evolving Starts event in October 2022
  • Noibat (and Noivern) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 1 event in October 2022
  • Galarian Yamask (and Runerigus) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 1 event in October 2022
  • Pumpkaboo (and Gourgeist) as part of Halloween 2022 Part 2 event in October 2022
  • Ursaluna as part of the Community Day event in November 2022
  • Galarian Mr. Mime (and Mr. Rime) on Thursday, 1st December 2022
  • Bergmite (and Avalugg) on Thursday, 15th December 2022

The following shiny Pokémon made their debut in Pokémon Go throughout 2023:

  • Chespin (Quilladin and Chesnaught) on Saturday, 7th January as part of the January Community Day
  • Dedenne as part of the Twinkling Fantasy event in January 2023
  • Helioptile (and Heliolisk) as part of the Crackling Voltage event in January 2023
  • Tapu Koko as part of the Crackling Voltage event in January 2023
  • Frillish (and Jellicent) as part of the Valentine's Day event in February 2023
  • Tapu Lele as part of the Valentine's Day event in February 2023
  • Kecleon as part of Go Tour: Hoenn in February 2023
  • Jirachi as part of the Masterwork Research: Wish Granted in February 2023
  • Unown H as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Surskit (and Masquerain) as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Gulpin (and Swalot) as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Torkoal as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Cacnea (and Cacturne) as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Tropius as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Relicanth as part of the Global Go Tour: Hoenn in Feburary 2023
  • Galarian Slowpoke (Galarian Slowbro and Galarian Slowking) as part of the Community Day in March 2023
  • Tapu Bulu on Monday 17th April 2023
  • Drilbur (and Excadrill) as part of the Sustainability Week 2023 event in April 2023
  • Stunfisk as part of the Stunfisk Limited Research Day in April 2023
  • Mantyke as part of the An Instinctive Hero event in May 2023
  • Kleavor as part of the Kleavor Raid Day in May 2023
  • Tapu Fini as part of the A Valorous Hero event in May 2023
  • Fennekin (Braixen and Delphox) as part of May 2023's Community Day event
  • Clauncher (and Clawitzer) as part of the Water Festival: Beach Week event in June 2023
  • Nihilego on June 15th 2023
  • Fomantis (and Lurantis) as part of the Solstice Horizons event in June 2023
  • Pancham (and Pangoro) as part of the Team Rocket Takeover during the Solstice Horizons event in June 2023
  • Turtonator as part of the Dark Flames event in June 2023
  • Tyrunt (and Tyrantrum) as part of Adventure Week 2023 in July 2023
  • Amaura (and Aurorus) as part of Adventure Week 2023 in July 2023
  • Petilil (and Lilligant) as part of the Glittering Garden event in August 2023
  • Unown (M and !) as part of Go Fest 2023 London and Osaka in August
  • Dewpider (and Araquanid) as part of Go Fest 2023 London and Osaka in August
  • Petilil (and Lilligant) as part of Go Fest 2023 London and Osaka in August
  • Scraggy (and Scrafty) as part of the 2023 Pokémon World Championships event in August 2023
  • Froakie (Frogadier and Greninja) as part of August 2023's Community Day event
  • Golett (and Golurk) as part of Go Fest 2023 New York in August
  • Skrelp (and Dragalge) as part of Go Fest 2023 New York / Noxious Swamp in August
  • Goomy (Sliggoo and Goodra) as part of Go Fest 2023 in August
  • East Sea Shellos (and East Sea Gastrodon) as part of Go Fest 2023 in August
  • West Sea Shellos (and West Sea Gastrodon) as part of Go Fest 2023 in August
  • Joltik (and Galvantula) as part of Go Fest 2023 in August
  • Oranguru as part of Go Fest 2023 in August
  • Lechonk (and Oinkologne) as part of the A Paldean Adventure event in September 2023
  • Bombirdier as part of the Ultra Unlock: Paldea event in September 2023
  • Solosis (Duosion and Reuniclus) as part of Psychic Spectacular 2023 in September 2023
  • Grubbin (Charjabug and Vikavolt) as part of the September 2023 Community Day
  • Hisuian Growlithe (and Hisuian Arcanine) as part of the Out to Play event in September 2023
  • Guzzlord on Friday 6th October 2023
  • Phantump (and Trevenant) in Halloween Part 1 in October 2023
  • Zorua (and Zoroark) in Halloween Part 2 in October 2023
  • Paldean Wooper (and Clodsire) as part of November 2023's Community Day
  • Tadbulb (and Bellibolt) as part of the Festival of Lights in November 2023
  • Gothita (Gothorita and Gothitelle) as part of Fashion Week in November 2023
  • Hisuian Smaurott as part of Hisuian Samurott Raid Day in December 2023
  • Hisuian Sneseal (and Sneasler) as part of Along the Routes in December 2023
  • Cryogonal as part of the Ice-type Catch Mastery event in December 2023
  • Vanillite (Vanillish and Vanilluxe) as part of the Winter Holiday Part 2 in Monday 25th December 2023
  • Wyrdeer as part of the Wyrdeer Raid Day on Saturday 23rd December 2023

Throughout 2024, the following shiny Pokémon were released in Pokémon Go:

  • Rowlet (Dartrix and Decidueye) as part of the January 2024's Community Day
  • Dusk Form Lycanroc as part of the Lustrous Odyssey in January 2024 (Note: Only specific shiny Rockruff's caught from 6th January 2024 can be evolved into shiny Dusk Form Lycanroc)
  • Hisuian Typhlosion as part of the Hisuian Typhlosion Raid Day in January 2024
  • Cutiefly (and Ribombee) as part of the Dazzling Dream event in January 2024
  • Annihilape as part of the Raging Battles event in January 2024
  • Nymble (and Lokix) on Saturday 27th January 2024 appartently by accident
  • Drampa as part of the Lunar New Year: Dragons Unleased event in February 2024
  • Hisuian Decidueye as part of the Hisuian Decidueye Raid Day in February 2024
  • Oricorio (all four Oricorio forms) as part of the Carnival of Love in February 2024
  • Regular Form Rotom as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Stunky (and Skuntank) as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Pachirisu as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Chatot as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Carnivine as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Chingling as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Shaymin as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Origin Forme Dialga as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Origin Forme Palkia as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Hisuian Voltorb (and Hisuian Electrode) as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Hisuian Qwilfish (and Overqwil) as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • White-Striped Basculin as part of Go Tour: Sinnoh in February 2024
  • Charcadet (Armarouge and Ceruledge) as part of Pokémon Horizons: The Series Celebration Event in March 2024
  • Litten (Torracat and Incineroar) as part of the March 2024 Community Day

The World of Wonders season has come to Pokémon Go, giving you the chance to catch Poipole. Weather Week is currently running. Don't forget to try out Routes, Gift Exchange and Party Play while you're hunting down rare Pokémon, fighting in the Go Battle League or competing in PokéStop Showcases.


Other things to know about Pokémon Go Shinies - independent Shinies, Shiny Ditto and more

Aside the from the basics, there are a few other important points to note about Shiny Pokémon and the way they operate:

  • Shiny Pokémon are independent - in other words, two people can go to the same place and catch the same Magikarp, which has the same stats and IVs, but they won't necessarily both be Shiny. This is generally seen as a good thing by the community: it means people won't all be rushing to the same place after a Shiny is spotted, and 'spoofers' who cheat the system to change their location won't be able to instantly grab a Shiny as soon as one is located.
  • Shiny Pokémon can also be other 'states' of creatures - meaning they can also be Lucky, Shadow and Purified.
  • Shiny Pokémon's evolutions will be Shiny too - the good news, at least, is that Shiny Pokémon will evolve into Shiny Pokémon. So that means a gold Magikarp will turn into a red Gyarados when evolved, and so on. Another reason to hold onto those Candies for any Pokémon you encounter!
  • Shinies have their own entries in the Pokédex - Once you have found a Shiny, visit that creature in the Pokédex and you can view its unique appearance, alongside any gender differences. The following image by Dronpes explains this in closer detail:
Credit: reddit user Dronpes
  • Shiny Pokémon show up as standard colour Pokémon on the map - they only reveal themselves as Shiny once you start the battle sequence with them, which means checking every Pokémon you see now if you want to find Shinies, even if you've already caught plenty of that Pokémon!
  • There's a new warning if you try to transfer a Shiny - if you try and send a Shiny to Professor Willow, you'll get an additional pop-up warning checking that you definitely want to transfer this Shiny Pokémon. A nice touch to stop any fat finger issues!

That's all the important info you need - the rest of it is down to good old fashioned luck, so it's time get searching!