Shiny Pokemon hunting is like an addiction, as once you start, you won’t be able to stop. However, Shiny Pokemon aren’t created equally, and for every stunning variant, there are a dozen where you can hardly tell the difference. With this in mind, here are the 15 best shiny Pokemon, ranked.
With such a massive Pokedex, it’s impossible for me to list every notable shiny Pokemon. That said, these are my picks for the top 15. Any list like this is purely subjective, but I hope my choices encourage intrepid Trainers to start shiny hunting.
15. Lucario
Lucario is one of my favorite Pokemon, so I’m thrilled it has an eye-catching Shiny variant. This Fighting/Steel type drops its drab blue and grey color scheme and adds a striking yellow to the mix.
Shiny Lucario could pass as an Electric-type. While its typing doesn’t change, you could always teach it Thunder Punch to suit the color scheme.
14. Kyogre
Kyogre was my first Shiny Raid catch in Pokemon GO, so I’m a little biased. Still, this legendary Water Pokemon switches from the typical blue to vivid pink.
I’m a sucker for bold transformations like this, especially on a Legendary. Kyogre’s shiny variant is far more impressive than Groudon’s, which turns it into a weird blend of green and yellow.
13. Charizard
Charizard is easily the best-looking shiny out of the original starters. This Fire/Flying type swaps its iconic orange coloring for a slick black makeover.
I love the idea of a terrifying black dragon (even though Charizard isn’t dragon type for some reason), and it makes the coolest Gen 1 starter even better. While it’s not technically shiny, Mega Charizard X also dons the black color scheme and even has blue flames to go with it.
12. Dragonite
While not my favorite transformation, Dragonite has an eye-catching shiny variant, shedding the iconic orange for lime green. Dragonite is the defacto Gen I Dragon, and if you want to make Lance green with envy, this is sure to do it.
I’d like to see Dragonite in black, but lime green is unique and worth the grind. Once you’ve got it, be sure to show it off in Raids!
11. Rayquaza
I mentioned that I wanted a black dragon in Pokemon, and since Charizard doesn’t fit the bill, I’ll go with Shiny Rayquaza instead.
Regular Rayquaza looks OK with its green color scheme, as it looks like a flying sky serpent. The Shiny version is black and yellow, a massive upgrade that makes Rayquaza look truly legendary.
10. Jolteon
I’m a sucker for Eeveelutions, even if their shiny forms aren’t as striking as they could be. My Eeveelution pick for the list is Jolteon, which swaps the yellow in its coat for pale green.
I’d have preferred something bolder, like red, but shiny Jolteon still looks the part, and it’s less goofy looking than shiny Vaporeon’s obnoxious pink makeover.
9. Nidoking
While this list isn’t specifically for the original 150 Pokemon, many have lavish, shiny variants. Nidoking is another example of shinies done right, swapping the regular purple color scheme for a rich blue makeover.
Regular Nidoking is more eye-catching than Nidoqueen, and this trait also extends to shinies. While Nidoking enjoys another bold color scheme, Nidoqueen swaps her blue for an unremarkable light green.
8. Ninetales
OK, I promise we’re done with Gen I Pokemon for now, but how could you not like the shiny variant of Ninetales? Regular Ninetales already looks fantastic with its cream-colored fur and orange tail tips.
Shiny Ninetales is arguably the most majestic Pokemon on this list, with a dazzling silver makeover, and the blue tail tips are the icing on the cake. The most memorable shiny Pokemon are usually bold or goofy. Ninetales looks stylish and is an anomaly on this list.
7. Forretress
No color scheme in the world can make Forretress less of an ugly, bizarre Pokemon, but this helps.
Forretress upgrades its strange white and red color combination with a luxurious gold makeover. Don’t get me wrong, Forretress is still a peculiar Pokemon, but hey, at least it looks expensive now!
6. Tyrantrum
I love Pokemon that resemble dinosaurs, and Tyrantrum fits the bill as few others can. Regular Tyrantrum already has a bold red color scheme with streaks of orange. The shiny version swaps that palette for royal blue and white. I prefer the shiny colors as they match the frill, which is white regardless of variant.
It’s a shame that Tyrantrum isn’t too hot in PvP without a ton of setup; otherwise, I’d take my shiny rex out more often.
5. Ursaring
A ‘best shiny Pokemon’ list is always subjective, but I think we can all appreciate a wild transformation. Ursaring is the quintessential bear Pokemon, complete with a matching brown coat.
The shiny version gives our honey-loving friend a radioactive green makeover. The luminous color looks out of place and impractical, everything you could want for a Pokemon that’s usually drab and forgettable.
4. Yveltal
Yveltal is an outstanding Gen IV legendary Pokemon. By default, Yveltal rocks a sharp red and black color scheme. If you ask me, you can’t beat that combination, but the shiny version swaps the black for white.
While I still prefer the original, there’s no denying how eye-catching Yveltal’s shiny form is. Shiny legendaries are awesome when done right, and few fit the bill as well as this Dark/Flying monster.
3. Greninja
Greninja is a Gen IV starter Pokemon with cool but goofy ninja-like attire. This Pokemon typically rocks a blue and white color scheme, which makes sense as it’s a Water type. Shiny Greninja trades blue for black, which contrasts perfectly with the white patches.
Greninja’s tongue scarf is another bizarre design choice, but it changes color from pink to red and fits the ensemble slightly better.
2. Sirfetch’d
Our penultimate entry is from Gen VIII and is the Galarian form of fan-favorite Farfetch’d. This honorable Pokemon typically sports a white plumage, which becomes yellow with the shiny variant.
I love this palette swap because Sirfetch’d now looks like a rubber duck. I wish the designers had gone all-out and made the beak orange to complete the color scheme, but this Pokemon looks the part regardless.
1. Giratina
Let me leave you with a Gen IV Legendary Pokemon to draw this list to a close. Giratina is a terrifying Pokemon that’s part Ghost and part Dragon. The default color scheme is pretty elaborate, mixing silver, gold, red, and black.
Giratina takes the top spot on this list because it’s an intricate makeover with multiple palette swaps. The shiny variant is a dramatic change, but it’s not goofy, and Giratina looks just as intimidating with its fresh color scheme.
Those are my picks for the top 15 best shiny Pokemon, ranked. Don’t be offended if I overlooked your favorites. With the Pokedex exceeding 1000 entries, I know I missed some fancy candidates.
If you’re hungry for more top lists, why not check out our top 10 games like Bioshock?
