Can Popplio be Shiny in Pokémon Go?

For many Pokémon Go players, Popplio is a favorite to catch and add to collections. It’s an adorable Starter from the Pokémon Sun and Moon entries, and a big question many players have is if they can catch Popplio’s Shiny version.

Popplio was initially added to the mobile game on March 1, 2022, and like many Pokémon, its Shiny version did not immediately arrive. Instead, Niantic held this addition back until they could implement it during an event. For Starter Pokémon, Popplio needed to wait for its long-awaited Community Day. So how good are your chances of catching a Shiny Popplio while playing Pokémon Go, and has it been added to the game?

Does Popplio have a Shiny version in Pokémon Go?

We can confirm that Popplio’s Shiny version has been added to Pokémon Go. After several years, Popplio’s Shiny form was added on Aug. 30, 2024, on its long-awaited Community Day. The event allowed everyone playing the mobile game to encounter this adorable Shiny and let Primarina learn about a new charged attack, Hydro Cannon. After Community Day, Primarina can also learn to use the charged move, Sparkling Aria, which is its signature move from the games.

It took several years from Popplio’s introduction for its Shiny form to debut. Fans are beyond excited for the chance to catch it, and after Community Day ends, Popplio’s Shiny form will remain in the mobile game. However, it does become much more challenging to encounter. If you’re attempting to catch a Shiny Popplio, the Community Day will be your best opportunity, or during other events that boost these chances. Unfortunately, Niantic doesn’t provide them too often for Pokémon Go players.

What does Shiny Popplio look like?

The appearance of a Shiny Popplio is not drastically different from the standard version. Popplio’s fur is slightly darker, but the collar around its neck is the real noticeable difference. Rather than a light blue, the collar is bright pink, which is the best way to tell you’ve encountered a Shiny Popplio. Thankfully, like all Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Go, there’s a distinct animation around it to show it’s a Shiny version. There are also three stars next to the name you wouldn’t see next to a regular Popplio.