The eerily adorable Shiny Sandygast was added to Pokémon GO. Though its shiny form doesn’t provide any increased stats, its alluring black-sand aesthetic is a perfect addition for collection enthusiasts. This guide will detail acquiring Shiny Sandygast in Pokémon GO, highlight the optimal strategies to maximize your odds, and describe the process of evolving it into Shiny Palossand.

What Does Shiny Sandygast Look Like?

Shiny Sandygast is one of the more visually distinct shinies in Pokémon GO, turning jet black in contrast to its sand body. Its evolution, Shiny Palossand, maintains the dark aesthetic as well, transforming from light sand into a gothic black fortress.

Can Sandygast Be Shiny in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Sandygast can be shiny in Pokémon GO. But as with most shiny Pokémon, there's a low encounter rate outside of featured events. According to community research, the base shiny rate for wild spawns like Sandygast is roughly 1 in 500, unless boosted by special events.

Best Ways to Get Shiny Sandygast

There’s no guaranteed method to get a shiny, but here are the most effective strategies to increase your odds:

1. Wild Encounters During Events

Sandygast spawns more frequently during featured events such as Holiday celebrations or beach-themed events. When it’s available in the wild:

• Catch as many Sandygast as possible – more encounters mean higher odds.
• Use Lure Modules and Incense to attract more Pokémon.
• Hunt in areas with foggy or sunny weather, which boost Sandygast’s spawn rate.

Tip: Stack a Lure Module on a PokéStop, activate Incense, and walk around the area to maximize spawns.

2. Weather Boost Strategy

Sandygast’s spawn rate improves with specific in-game weather:

• Foggy and Sunny conditions trigger Weather Boosts.
• Plan your hunt in local areas where these conditions occur in-game.
• Combine this with Lure Modules and Incense to further boost your chances.

3. Special Research and Limited-Time Tasks

During certain events, Niantic may include Sandygast in Field Research Tasks or Timed Research quests. These often offer additional encounters outside of wild spawns. Always check the current event’s task list.

Can You Evolve Shiny Sandygast?

Absolutely! If you manage to catch a Shiny Sandygast, you can evolve it into a Shiny Palossand using 50 Sandygast Candy. While Palossand isn’t a dominant pick in the meta, it can hold its own in Ultra League PvP.

How to Boost Shiny Odds

Sadly, there’s no magic item or setting to increase shiny odds in Pokémon GO. Your best bet is to play during events, use spawn-enhancing tools, and grind encounters. Shiny rates are determined by Niantic and generally only get boosted during Community Days, Safari Zones, or special raids.

Catching a Shiny Sandygast is a game of patience and persistence. While there’s no surefire method to force a shiny spawn, using the wild spawn strategy during events, combining weather boosts, and being consistent will give you the best shot.