Mastering Pokémon Go: Catching Shiny Magikarp and Gyarados Explained

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

Over the years, a variety of shiny Pokémon have graced Pokémon Go, including Shiny Pikachu, Shiny Blitzle, and legendary Pokémon like Shiny Tapu Koko. It's exciting to think about which unique variants may come next!

Shinies are notoriously rare. Any veteran of the main series will attest to that, so what do we know about Pokémon Go Shinies, and how can you catch them?

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

Shinies can be identified by attempting to catch Pokémon and checking if they display an alternate color during battles and afterward. They won't appear as different colors in the wild, so you must attempt to catch them first.

Shinies can spawn anywhere Pokémon do, including hatching from eggs, completing research tasks, or as raid rewards.

Since shiny catches are exceptionally rare, it's a matter of persistence—checking every Magikarp in hopes it will shine! Often, the variations are subtle, as shown in comparison images available online.

Pokémon Go Shiny List and Rarity

Around five months after Shiny Magikarp’s introduction, other shinies began to sift into the game. Although the roster has significantly grown since the initial Magikarp and Red Gyarados launch, it still pales in comparison to the total number of non-shiny Pokémon in the game.

Currently, the roster consists of various shiny creatures whose rarity fluctuates. Fans frequently survey to gauge just how rare certain shinies truly are.

Timeline of Shiny Introductions in Pokémon Go

Shiny Magikarp and Gyarados marked the first Shinies to hit Pokémon Go in March 2017, reminiscent of the Red Gyarados from the main series, particularly from Pokémon Gold and Silver's iconic Lake of Rage.

Following shortly, August 2017 saw the introduction of Shiny Pikachu during the Pokémon Go Park event in Japan, allowing local players a chance to catch these elusive Pokémon.

Halloween 2018 unleashed shiny variations of new Gen 3 creatures, making it clear that shinies are frequently tied to event themes and celebrations.

Each update or special occasion often features new shiny Pokémon, highlighting Niantic’s strategy to keep the game engaging and exciting for the player base.

While it's uncertain if every creature will eventually receive a shiny variant, it is likely that Niantic will introduce them selectively, providing fresh content during special events.

Overall, for trainers eager to expand their collection of shiny Pokémon, staying active during these events and challenges holds the key to encountering exclusive shiny variants.