Pokemon GO Guide: Catching Shiny Cake Hat Pikachu

On June 28, 2024, Pokemon GO players will have the chance to capture a special Pikachu adorned with a TCG Hat. During this time, catching Pokémon will yield double Stardust. Notably, this Pikachu variant can also appear in its shiny form, adding to the excitement for players exploring Pokémon Go!

Spotlight Hour: Your Chance for a Shiny Encounter

Every Tuesday evening, from 6 p.m. to 6:59 p.m. local time, Pokémon Go hosts Spotlight Hour. This weekly event increases the spawn rates of specific Pokémon, enhancing opportunities to encounter rare shiny versions. It's an ideal time to stock up on candy, find high CP Pokémon, and potentially stumble upon a shiny Pikachu with its distinctive TCG Hat.

Shiny rates during Spotlight Hour have been closely observed by the Pokémon community at The Silph Road. Although the actual shiny rates don't seem to increase, the sheer number of Pokémon appearing during this hour can significantly boost your chances of encountering a shiny variant. The more Pokémon you encounter, the higher the likelihood of encountering a shiny Pikachu.

How to Capture Shiny Cake Hat Pikachu in Pokémon GO

Cake Hat Pikachu is exclusively available as part of the Pokémon GO Anniversary Celebrations. This means that players won't find it outside of the event's timeframe. There are several methods to secure this special Pikachu during the event:

Timed Research: Participate in the 8th Anniversary Party's exclusive Timed Research. Completing the initial step of this event rewards players with the Cake Hat Pikachu. While the odds of encountering a shiny remain consistent, this method ensures a guaranteed encounter, albeit requiring completion of seven tasks over the event's duration.
1-Star Raids: Engage in 1-Star Raids during the event period, where Cake Hat Pikachu will make appearances. While catching a shiny variant isn't guaranteed in raids, this method provides another avenue to capture this unique Pikachu. Strategic use of Ground-type Pokémon can enhance your chances during these encounters.
In the Wild: Cake Hat Pikachu may also spawn in the wild during the anniversary event. While this method offers less reliability compared to the other two options, players can use items like Incense and specific Lure Modules to increase encounter rates. The odds for finding a shiny Pikachu in the wild are challenging, with an approximate rate of 1 in 500.

By focusing on these methods during the Pokémon GO Anniversary Celebrations, players can maximize their chances of adding the elusive shiny Cake Hat Pikachu to their collection. Don't overlook this chance to catch them all during this limited-time event!