It might look small and non-threatening, but Shaymin is actually quite powerful and one of the rarest species in the franchise as a Mythical Pokémon. The Grass-type Pokémon is unique in that it has two formes—Land Forme and Sky Forme—that it can change between with help from the Gracidea flower.
With Shaymin occasionally making appearances in Pokémon Go through events like Go Fest 2022 and Sustainability Week 2023, many players might be wondering if it’s possible to encounter a Shiny version of the adorable Mythical Pokémon.
Can Land Forme Shaymin be Shiny in Pokémon Go?
Land Forme Shaymin will be available to encounter during Sustainability Week 2023 starting April 20, 2023. Throughout the event, players can complete Special Research to earn an encounter with the Mythical Pokémon.
As this is the first global opportunity to catch Land Forme Shaymin, there will not be a chance of finding a Shiny one just yet.
Related: All Pokémon Go: Sustainability Week 2023 Special and Timed Research tasks and rewards
Can Sky Forme Shaymin be Shiny in Pokémon Go?
Like its Land Forme, Sky Forme Shaymin has only appeared as an encounter during one Pokémon Go event. Players who purchased the ticketed Special Research during Go Fest 2022 had the chance to catch Shaymin in its Sky Forme after completing the research tasks. During that time, Sky Forme Shaymin was also Shiny-locked, meaning players could not encounter a Shiny variant at all.
Related: Can Bounsweet, Steenee, and Tsareena be Shiny in Pokémon Go?
If and when Shaymin’s Shiny variant is released in Pokémon Go, the cute little hedgehog will go from its usual yellow-green color to more of a sea green. The shade of its flowers also differs ever so slightly. The difference between the original and Shiny versions is pretty subtle overall, and you might not notice it unless the two variants are lined up right next to each other.
Still, adding any Shiny Mythical Pokémon to your collection is always a plus.
