Can Kecleon be Shiny in Pokémon Go?

Kecleon is finally available in Pokémon Go, with Niantic putting its usual creative spin on the Pokémon to implement it in a way that includes its unique features. But once the initial hype dies down, dedicated players will only have one question—can Kecleon be Shiny in Pokémon Go? 

Typically, Niantic does not add a Pokémon into the game and instantly make its Shiny variant available. This is a drastic departure from nearly every Pokémon having its Shiny enabled in the main series games from launch. Still, it is a way for the developers to make a second push for more hype using those same Pokémon during future events. 

Kecleon is even weirder than normal since it can currently only be encountered in one specific way that ties into its ability to turn invisible while obstructing player progress. But can it be Shiny when you do encounter it this way?

Related: How to catch Kecleon in Pokémon Go

Can you find a Shiny Kecleon in Pokémon Go?

As of its official addition to the game on Jan. 7 following Chespin Community Day, Kecleon can’t be encountered as a Shiny. 

This won’t dissuade it from being a popular Pokémon to catch since it has a unique encounter mechanic that Niantic spent a lot of time working on. However, we do have details on when Shiny Kecleon will be added to the game.

According to Niantic, Kecleon will be appearing in Pokémon Go as a Shiny for lucky players starting with Pokémon Go Tou: Hoenn in February. Specifically, this element of Kecleon will go live with the physical Go Tour: Hoenn – Las Vegas physical event from Feb. 18 to 19. Players not attending in person will be able to encounter Shiny Kecleon when Go Tour: Hoenn’s global event begins on Feb. 25 and 26.

Who knows, maybe there will be a special activation to finally give fans the Purple Kecleon from the Pokémon Mystery Dungeon series too. But for now, those Shiny collectors out there will just have to wait patiently for Go Tour: Hoenn.