Shiny Hisuian Sneasel: Catch, Stats & Evolution Guide
Shiny Hisuian Sneasel is a rare Fighting/Poison-type Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It can be caught through wild encounters, Research tasks, 7 km Eggs, and Raids. The shiny variant features gray fur with gold highlights.
What is Shiny Hisuian Sneasel?
Shiny Hisuian Sneasel is a unique variant of the Sneasel family that made its debut in Pokémon GO during the Along Routes event from December 5th to December 8th, 2023. Unlike its Johto counterpart, which is a Dark/Ice-type, Hisuian Sneasel possesses Fighting/Poison typing, making it a formidable addition to any trainer’s team.
Appearance and Characteristics
The shiny version of Hisuian Sneasel stands out with its striking gray fur adorned with gold highlights. This color scheme sets it apart from both its regular Hisuian form and the original Johto variant. Its unique appearance makes it a highly sought-after Pokémon among collectors and battlers alike.
Type Advantages and Disadvantages
As a Fighting/Poison-type Pokémon, Shiny Hisuian Sneasel has specific strengths and weaknesses:
- Weaknesses: Psychic, Flying, Ground
- Resistances: Dark, Fighting, Grass, Poison, Rock, Bug
Understanding these type matchups is crucial for trainers looking to use Shiny Hisuian Sneasel effectively in battles or when defending gyms.
Base Stats and CP
Shiny Hisuian Sneasel’s base stats are as follows:
- HP: 55
- Attack: 95
- Defense: 55
- Special Attack: 35
- Special Defense: 75
- Speed: 115
In Pokémon GO, when encountered as a Raid Boss, Shiny Hisuian Sneasel has a CP of 6340. For trainers catching it at level 20 without weather boost, the CP range is 1107-1172.
How to Catch Shiny Hisuian Sneasel in Pokémon GO
Catching a Shiny Hisuian Sneasel requires a combination of strategy, patience, and a bit of luck. Here are the primary methods to encounter this rare Pokémon:
Wild Encounters
Wild encounters are the most straightforward way to find Shiny Hisuian Sneasel. During events that feature increased spawn rates for certain Pokémon types or regions, such as the Along the Routes event, your chances of encountering Hisuian Sneasel in the wild increase significantly.
Tips for Wild Encounters:
- Check nearby spawn points regularly, especially during relevant events.
- Use lures at PokéStops to attract more Pokémon to your area.
- Spend time in areas with high spawn rates, such as parks or locations with numerous PokéStops.
Field Research Tasks
Field Research tasks offer another avenue to encounter Shiny Hisuian Sneasel. During specific events, completing certain tasks can reward players with a Hisuian Sneasel encounter, which has a chance of being shiny.
How to Maximize Field Research Opportunities:
- Spin PokéStops to obtain Field Research tasks.
- Focus on tasks that specifically mention Hisuian Sneasel or Fighting/Poison-type Pokémon.
- Complete tasks promptly to increase your chances of encountering Shiny Hisuian Sneasel.
7 km Eggs
Hatching 7 km Eggs is another method to potentially obtain Shiny Hisuian Sneasel. These eggs are typically obtained from gifts sent by friends or by spinning PokéStops.
Egg Hatching Strategy:
- Prioritize incubating 7 km Eggs during events featuring Hisuian Sneasel.
- Use Super Incubators to hatch eggs faster if available.
- Walk or exercise regularly to accumulate the required distance for egg hatching.
Raid Battles
While less common, Raid Battles can occasionally feature Hisuian Sneasel as the boss. Participating in these raids gives you a chance to catch Shiny Hisuian Sneasel upon victory.
Raid Battle Tips:
- Coordinate with other trainers to tackle higher-level raids.
- Use Pokémon that are strong against Fighting and Poison types, such as Psychic-type Pokémon.
- Keep an eye on raid schedules and participate in Hisuian Sneasel raids when available.

Shiny Hisuian Sneasel Rarity and Odds
The rarity of Shiny Hisuian Sneasel in Pokémon GO is heightened due to its limited availability. While exact odds can vary, especially during events, the general shiny rate for most Pokémon in GO is approximately 1 in 450 or about 0.2%.
Factors Affecting Shiny Rates
- Event Boosts: During special events, the shiny rate for featured Pokémon like Hisuian Sneasel may be temporarily increased.
- Raid Encounters: Shiny rates in raids can be higher than wild encounters, with some estimates suggesting odds of 1 in 20 for legendary raids.
- Research Breakthrough Rewards: These may have slightly better shiny odds compared to regular wild encounters.
Improving Your Chances
While the odds of encountering a Shiny Hisuian Sneasel are fixed by the game, you can increase your overall chances by:
- Checking as many Hisuian Sneasel as possible during events.
- Participating in all available methods of encounter (wild, research, eggs, and raids).
- Playing consistently during events that feature Hisuian Sneasel.
Remember, patience is key when hunting for shiny Pokémon. It may take numerous encounters before you find a Shiny Hisuian Sneasel.
Best Movesets for Shiny Hisuian Sneasel
Choosing the right moveset for your Shiny Hisuian Sneasel can significantly impact its performance in battles. Here are the recommended movesets:
Fast Move
- Poison Jab: This move provides strong STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus) damage and good energy generation.
Charged Moves
- Close Combat: A powerful Fighting-type move that can quickly defeat weaker opponents, though it lowers Sneasel’s defense.
- X-Scissor: Effective against Psychic-type Pokémon and useful for baiting shields due to its quick charge time.
Alternative Charged Move
- Aerial Ace: Provides coverage against Fighting and Bug types, which are resistant to Poison Jab.
The combination of Poison Jab, Close Combat, and X-Scissor allows Shiny Hisuian Sneasel to adapt to various battle situations, leveraging its strengths as a glass cannon attacker.
Evolving Shiny Hisuian Sneasel
Evolving a Shiny Hisuian Sneasel into Shiny Sneasler requires specific conditions and resources. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Evolution Requirements
- Candy: Collect 100 Sneasel Candy.
- Walking Distance: Set Hisuian Sneasel as your buddy and walk 7 km.
- Time of Day: Evolution must be initiated during the daytime in-game.
Evolution Process
- Ensure you have met all the above requirements.
- Open your Pokémon GO app during daytime hours.
- Navigate to your Shiny Hisuian Sneasel in your Pokémon storage.
- If all conditions are met, the evolution button will be active.
- Tap the evolution button to evolve your Shiny Hisuian Sneasel into Shiny Sneasler.
Post-Evolution Considerations
After evolving, your Shiny Sneasler will retain its shiny status. Consider the following:
- CP Increase: Sneasler will have a significantly higher CP than Sneasel.
- Moveset Changes: Some moves may change upon evolution. Be prepared to use TMs if needed.
- Battle Potential: Evaluate Sneasler’s new strengths and weaknesses for gym battles and raids.
Tips for Shiny Hunting in Pokémon GO
Shiny hunting can be an exciting but sometimes frustrating aspect of Pokémon GO. Here are some general tips to improve your shiny hunting experience:
1. Participate in Community Days and Events
Community Days and special events often feature increased spawn rates and boosted shiny odds for specific Pokémon. These are prime opportunities to find shiny Pokémon, including Hisuian Sneasel when featured.
2. Use Incense and Lures
Incense and Lures increase Pokémon spawns around you, giving you more chances to encounter shiny Pokémon. Use these items strategically during events or in areas with high spawn rates.
3. Join a Local Pokémon GO Community
Local groups can share information about shiny sightings, nest locations, and coordinate for raids. This community knowledge can significantly boost your shiny hunting efficiency.
4. Prioritize Quantity Over Quality
When shiny hunting, focus on checking as many Pokémon as possible rather than catching every one. The “quick catch” technique can help you encounter more Pokémon in less time.
5. Stay Informed About Game Updates
Niantic regularly updates Pokémon GO with new features, events, and shiny releases. Stay informed through official channels and reliable Pokémon GO news sources to never miss an opportunity.
6. Optimize Your Playing Time
If possible, play during hours when you’re most likely to encounter the Pokémon you’re hunting. For example, some Pokémon spawn more frequently during certain weather conditions or times of day.
7. Be Patient and Persistent
Shiny hunting often requires patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find a shiny immediately. Consistent play and large numbers of encounters will eventually yield results.
Shiny Hisuian Sneasel in the Meta
Understanding Shiny Hisuian Sneasel’s place in the Pokémon GO meta can help you decide how to best utilize this Pokémon in battles and team compositions.
PvP (Player vs. Player) Potential
In the Great League and Ultra League, Hisuian Sneasel (and by extension, its shiny form) can be a surprise pick due to its unique typing and moveset. However, its relatively low defense makes it a risky choice in prolonged battles.
Strengths in PvP:
- Fast-charging moves allow for shield pressure.
- Unique typing can catch opponents off-guard.
- High attack stat can lead to quick knockouts.
Weaknesses in PvP:
- Low defense makes it vulnerable to counter-attacks.
- Reliance on shield advantage to be effective.
- Struggles against common meta Pokémon like Azumarill and Skarmory.
PvE (Player vs. Environment) Usage
In raids and gym battles, Shiny Hisuian Sneasel and its evolution, Sneasler, can be effective glass cannons against the right opponents.
Optimal PvE Scenarios:
- Short-manning raids where high DPS is crucial.
- Gym clearing, where its fast attacks can quickly defeat defenders.
- Team Rocket battles, particularly against Dark and Psychic-type lineups.
Team Building Considerations
When incorporating Shiny Hisuian Sneasel or Sneasler into your team:
- Pair with bulky Pokémon that can absorb hits while Sneasel/Sneasler deals damage.
- Consider its weaknesses to Psychic, Flying, and Ground moves when selecting teammates.
- Use it as a surprise element in your battle party to catch opponents unprepared.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can Shiny Hisuian Sneasel be traded?
Yes, Shiny Hisuian Sneasel can be traded with other players. However, trading shiny Pokémon often requires a higher Stardust cost, especially if it’s not registered in the recipient’s Pokédex.
2. Does weather affect the spawn rate of Shiny Hisuian Sneasel?
While weather doesn’t directly affect shiny rates, Cloudy weather boosts Fighting and Poison-type spawns, potentially increasing your chances of encountering Hisuian Sneasel.
3. Can I use Remote Raid Passes to catch Shiny Hisuian Sneasel?
Yes, if Hisuian Sneasel is available in raids, you can use Remote Raid Passes to participate and potentially catch its shiny form.
4. How does the shiny rate for Hisuian Sneasel compare to other Pokémon?
The shiny rate for Hisuian Sneasel is generally the same as most other non-legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO, approximately 1 in 450 for wild encounters.
5. Will Shiny Hisuian Sneasel be available after the Along the Routes event?
While availability may decrease after the event, Shiny Hisuian Sneasel should remain in the game, potentially appearing in future events or as rare spawns.

Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies