How to get Detective Pikachu in Pokemon GO
Detective Pikachu has arrived in Pokemon GO! Find out how to get Pikachu wearing a detective hat and if this Pikachu variant can be Shiny.
To celebrate the release of Detective Pikachu Returns on Nintendo Switch, a unique costumed Detective Pikachu will be available to catch in Pokemon GO.
However, this Detective Pikachu - also known as Pikachu wearing a detective hat - is only available in Pokemon GO for a limited time, so Trainers must hustle to add this stylish creature to their Pokedex.
This primer details how to get the costumed Pikachu in the free-to-play mobile game from Niantic and whether or not Detective Pikachu can be Shiny.
How to get Detective Pikachu in Pokemon GO
The special costumed Detective Pikachu will return to Pokemon GO as part of the Detective Pikachu Returns event starting on October 5, 2023, at 10AM local time.
You'll then have until October 9, 2023, at 8PM local time to find and capture this sleuth of a Pokemon!
Let's review the different ways you can get Detective Pikachu in Pokemon GO:
Wild encounters
Pikachu wearing a detective hat will appear in the wild during this special event. You can use Incense to generate more spawns or check the 'Nearby' feature to see if there are any in your local area.
- Learn more about Detective Pikachu Returns for the Nintendo Switch here
Taking snapshots daily
You can get surprise encounters with Detective Pikachu once a day during the Detective Pikachu Returns event by taking snapshots of your favourite Pokemon.
Detective Pikachu Returns event Timed Research
This event also features a Detective Pikachu-themed Timed Research. Complete all the Timed Research tasks for an encounter with Pikachu wearing a detective hat.
Can Detective Pikachu be Shiny?
The good news is that Detective Pikachu can be Shiny in Pokemon GO! In fact, this rare variation is making its in-game debut during the Detective Pikachu Returns event, so you could be one of the first people to catch one if you get lucky.
To increase your chances of finding a Shiny Pikachu wearing a detective hat, complete the Detective Pikachu Returns event Timed Research, take a snapshot every day during the Detective Pikachu Returns Event, and scour the wilds of Pokemon GO for additional encounters with Pikachu wearing a detective hat.
Whether you get a Shiny or not is all down to luck, unfortunately, but the more you encounter, the more chances you'll have of finding one.
- Discover how to fast catch in Pokemon GO
How to get Raichu wearing a detective hat in Pokemon GO
Not every costumed Pokemon can evolve, but the good news is that you can get a Raichu wearing a detective hat by evolving a Pikachu wearing a detective hat!
Simply feed Pikachu 50 Pikachu Candies to evolve it into Raichu as you would with a non-costumed version.
It's been a very long time since this costumed Pikachu has appeared in the game, so make the most of it by catching one while you can!
Browse our Pokemon GO homepage for more news, guides, and tips.
About The Author
Coleman Hamstead
Coleman is a freelance journalist at GGRecon. While gaming has always been his passion, it wasn’t until he worked as a Sports Journalist at the Community College of Baltimore County that he found his enthusiasm for writing. In the time since Coleman has had his work featured in publications such as The Washington Post/Launcher and ESTNN. Coleman is a graduate of Towson University with a degree in Sport Management and Business Administration.
