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Pokémon Go has grown so much since it first released. One of the ways it has expanded is through Rocket Invasions. These offer a PvP-like experience and the chance to catch Shadow Pokémon. So, can you get shiny Pokémon from grunt battles?
You see, grunt battles are required to collect pieces that create Rocket Radars. These Rocket Radars can be put together after fighting six Rocket grunts or by spending 200 PokéCoins in the shop.
Rocket Radars allow you to fight Rocket Bosses (Arlo, Sierra, and Cliff), which also reward Shadow Pokémon. But, enough of the history behind Rocket Invasions. Here’s what to know about shiny Shadow Pokémon.
So, can you get shiny Pokémon from Team Rocket grunt battles?
In a March 25, 2023 update to Pokémon Go, trainers can now get shiny Shadow Pokémon from a small number of grunts.
At present, the only shiny Shadow Pokémon you can get are Grimer, Mawile, Squirtle, Charmander, and Bulbasaur.
This information has been compiled through player accounts, official resources, and from the authoritative source on Niantic’s hit mobile game, the Silph Road.
The next question is – how can you be sure you are doing a grunt battle that will reward one of those five Pokémon?
How to tell which grunts have shiny Shadow Pokémon (potentially)
Did you know that you can get a good idea of what Pokémon a grunt will have by the phrase it says before battle?
Because of this, you can use the prompts to make sure you are fighting a grunt that potentially could reward a shiny Shadow Pokémon.
At present, here are the ones we know:
- “Don’t bother – I’ve already won” can reward Trainers with different starter Pokémon.
- “Coiled up and ready to strike” can reward Trainers with Poison-type Pokémon, including shiny Grimer.
- “Check out my cute Pokémon” can reward Fairy-type Pokémon, including Mawile.
At this time, we’re not sure what the shiny rates are for Shadow Pokémon from grunts, but we’ll update this when we do.
How to get shiny Shadow Pokémon from Team Rocket Leaders
You can also get shiny Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon Go from the Rocket Leaders.
The way to do it is by defeating six grunts and forming a Rocket Radar. Doing so lets you fight a Team Rocket Leader. And guess what? Team Rocket Leaders can have shiny Shadow Pokémon.
Currently, players can get shiny Geodude from Sierra, shiny Aipom from Arlo, and shiny Aerodactyl from Cliff.
Shiny Shadow Pokémon odds?
According to research from the Silph Road, Rocket Leaders have about a 1/60 chance of providing a shiny Pokémon encounter.
Shiny Shadow Pokémon are rare, but awesome
It’s a shame that Rocket grunt battles can’t produce more shiny Pokémon, but it’s not the end of the world.
They still have huge attack bonuses and can be great for both Raids and PvP. And getting a shiny Shadow starter from grunts can definitely be helpful in content.
LEARN MORE: How to find Giovanni in Pokémon Go and get Shadow Mewtwo
