How to get Spinda in Pokemon Go and can it be Shiny?

Spinda is a fascinating Pokemon for several reasons. The spinning panda Pokemon was first introduced to the world all the way back in Pokemon Ruby and Sapphire, and nowadays, the Normal-type Pocket Monster is also spinning up a storm over in Pokemon Go.

While several Pokemon have different forms, Spinda is one of a kind, as in the mainline Pokemon games the spotted pattern on any Spinda is randomly generated, with millions of possible combinations. Meaning, it’s almost impossible to see two Spinda who look exactly the same.

That has been toned down slightly for Pokemon Go, with only nine different forms available, but that’s still a nice bit of variety, and plenty of different versions of this adorable creature to add to your collection. So, learn how to get Spinda and if it can be Shiny now.

How to get Spinda in Pokemon Go

The Pokemon Spinda is shown
The Pokemon Company

At the time of writing, the only way to encounter Spinda in Pokemon Go is by completing Field Research or Timed Research tasks. Field Research tasks are found by spinning Poke Stops, while Timed Research tasks often accompany certain Pokemon Go events.

In February 2024, players can encounter Spinda if they complete the Pokemon Go Carnival of Love event Timed Research, though this is only available for a limited time.

Additionally, players who purchase and then complete the Carnival of Love event’s Timed Research tasks can encounter a Spinda with a heart-shaped pattern.

The Pokemon Spinda is shown
The Pokemon Company

These tasks include hitting a streak of five Curved Great Throws in a row, so try to click on larger Pokemon in the overworld and use Nanab berries to keep them from moving too much.

Otherwise, Spinda is also available to encounter as a reward from regular Field Research, which will also usually task the player with landing a streak of Curved Great Throws. Try to spin Poke Stops and find these particular tasks for a chance to encounter Spinda in Pokemon Go.

Can Spinda be Shiny in Pokemon Go?

The Pokemon Spinda is shown
The Pokemon Company

Yes, each of the nine different Spinda forms currently available in Pokemon Go can be encountered in their Shiny version.

There does not seem to be any increased odds of finding a Shiny Spinda, so, for now, Pokemon Go players have to hope they can find one from Field Research or Timed Research, with the (approximate) usual Field Research Shiny encounter rate for Research-exclusive Pokemon of around 1/60.

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