Shiny Poochyena is available in Pokémon Go, and here’s how to find it, what it looks like, and why it matters during Spotlight Hour.
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| Golden-hued Shiny Poochyena and Mightyena forms in Pokémon Go |
Summary
- Yes, Shiny Poochyena is available in Pokémon Go, with its gold color debuting in 2018.
- Spotlight Hour increases spawn rates, but does not boost shiny odds — they remain around 1 in 500.
- Evolve shiny Poochyena into shiny Mightyena for a full golden evolution line.
Can Poochyena Be Shiny in Pokémon Go?
Absolutely! Shiny Poochyena was first introduced during the Lunar New Year event in 2018. While its odds are not boosted during Spotlight Hour, players can still encounter the shiny form — it’s just a rare find.
What Does Shiny Poochyena Look Like?
Shiny Poochyena trades its standard dark grey and black colors for a light and dark gold palette. It’s a noticeable and stylish switch that carries over to its evolution, Mightyena, which swaps its red nose and eyes for a turquoise tone.
They aren’t the flashiest shinies in the game, but they hold solid mid-tier appeal — especially for collectors who want to complete shiny lines.
How to Find Shiny Poochyena in Pokémon Go
Shiny Pokémon are triggered at the start of a catch encounter. For Poochyena, your best chance is during Spotlight Hour, when it spawns more frequently.
- Shiny Odds: ~1 in 500 (normal rate)
- No Shiny Boost: Spotlight Hour does not increase shiny odds
- Best Strategy: Use Incense, Lure Modules, and fast-catch techniques to maximize encounters
Tips for Spotlight Hour
Spotlight Hour also features a double XP bonus for evolution, making it a great time to pop a Lucky Egg and mass-evolve Pokémon.
- Use Pinap Berries to earn extra Candy
- Mega Evolve Dark-types like Mega Absol or Mega Gyarados for bonus catch Candy
Is Mightyena Good in PvP?
Sadly, no. Even in Great League, Mightyena is largely outclassed. It has a decent moveset with Sucker Punch, Crunch, and Poison Fang, but it struggles due to low bulk and limited matchups.
Its shadow form performs slightly better but still sits far below the PvP meta. This makes shiny hunting and dex collection the main appeal for this line.
FAQ
What is the shiny rate for Poochyena?
Roughly 1 in 500 under normal circumstances, with no boost during Spotlight Hour.
Can I boost shiny odds for Poochyena?
No items can increase shiny odds. Just catch as many as possible and cross your fingers!
Is shiny Mightyena worth keeping?
Yes, for collectors. It’s a full gold evolution line and one of the more consistent-looking shinies.