Can Mega Salamence Be Shiny In Pokémon GO?

Pokémon GO's Twinkling Fantasy event will soon begin, marked by an abundance of Dragon and Fairy-type Pokémon appearing more frequently in-game. The event also includes new Raid battles that Trainers can look forward to, with Zekrom and Mega Salamence featured in five and Mega Raids, respectively.

The Legendary Dragon/Flying-type Pokémon will make its in-game debut during this event, prompting many to wonder if they might encounter a Shiny Mega Salamence. We've detailed whether a Shiny Mega Salamence is available and how to catch it in the upcoming Pokémon GO event.

14th January 2023 Update: Niantic provided an update regarding the Mega Energy required to evolve to Mega Salamence from 200 to 300, which comes into effect after the Twinkling Fantasy event. We'll endeavor to provide more updates once more reliable information is available. 

Is There A Shiny Mega Salamence In Pokémon GO?

Trainers anticipating the start of the Twinkling Fantasy event will have the opportunity to encounter Mega Salamence in Mega Raids for this event. As for whether a Shiny Mega Salamence will appear in Mega Raids, this could be possible; however, chances could vary.

• Related: Can Reshiram Be Shiny In Pokémon GO?

Mega Salamence will be making its in-game debut alongside the Shiny form of this Legendary Dragon/Flying Pokémon. Previously, Trainers would have to evolve Salamence to Mega Salamence by giving it 200 Mega Energy, which can be obtained from Mega Raid battles.

As stated earlier, Mega Salamence will be featured in Mega Raids for the Twinkling Fantasy event, which starts on 10th January 2023 at 8 am local time and will continue to reign terror, until 16th January 2023 at 10 pm local time. However, Mega Salamence will still be available as a Mega Raid boss after the event concludes until 18th January 2023 at 10 am local time.

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While Mega Evolutions tend to be more powerful than their standard forms, Trainers must strategize more carefully about which Pokémon they bring with them into battle. If you have Mega Pokémon already saved, they may be worth utilizing in this Raid encounter. 

Since Mega Salamence is most vulnerable to attacks from Dragon, Fairy, and Rock-type Pokémon, it’s double weak to Ice-types, according to Pokémon source PokémonHub. Therefore, the best counters are likely to be either Fairy, Ice, or Rock-types; we suggest bringing Abomasnow, Glaceon, Mewtwo, and Standard Galarian Darmanitan, with Mamoswine being the recommended Pokémon.

We avoided including Dragon-type counters as Mega Salamence is likely to use Dragon-type Fast and Charged Attacks which will inflict more damage to your Pokémon. However, you can increase your success rate of catching the Legendary Dragon/Flying Pokémon by using Curveball Throws once you’ve successfully defeated it.

We also recommend using Premier Balls when trying to catch Mega Salamence, as the catch rate will increase in Raid battles once a certain number of throws have been used. Razz Berries or Golden Razz Berries will assist you in catching Mega Salamence, and Nanab Berries will greatly support your throws during the Raid encounter.