Shiny Castform: How to Catch All Forms in Pokémon GO?
Shiny Castform is a rare variant of the Weather Pokémon in Pokémon GO. It has four forms: Normal, Sunny, Rainy, and Snowy. Each form can be shiny, with different colors than their regular counterparts. Shiny Castform was first released on March 29, 2019.
Understanding Castform and Its Forms
Castform is a unique Pokémon that changes its form based on the weather. In Pokémon GO, this translates to different forms appearing under specific weather conditions. Let’s break down each form and how to find them:
Normal Form Castform
The Normal Form is Castform’s default appearance. It’s a small, gray, cloud-like Pokémon with a spherical body. You can find this form most commonly during partly cloudy weather.
Sunny Form Castform
When the weather is sunny or clear, Castform transforms into its Sunny Form. This version resembles a miniature sun, with an orange body and small, sun-like protrusions.
Rainy Form Castform
During rainy weather, Castform takes on its Rainy Form. This form looks like a water droplet, with a blue, teardrop-shaped body.
Snowy Form Castform
In snowy or foggy conditions, Castform becomes its Snowy Form. This version has an icy blue color and a cloud-like lower body.
How to Get Shiny Castform in Pokémon GO
Obtaining a shiny Castform requires patience and strategy. Here are some tips to increase your chances:
Shiny Rates and Odds
The shiny rate for Castform in Pokémon GO is not boosted, meaning it follows the standard shiny rate of approximately 1 in 500 encounters. This applies to all forms of Castform.
Weather Boost and Spawn Rates
Castform’s spawn rate increases during weather conditions that match its forms. For example, you’ll see more Normal Form Castform during partly cloudy weather. Use this to your advantage when hunting for shinies.
Events and Special Occasions
Niantic occasionally features Castform in events, which can boost its spawn rate and shiny chances. The Weather Week event, for instance, is an excellent opportunity to hunt for shiny Castform.
Using Lures and Incense
To increase Castform encounters, use Lure Modules at PokéStops or Incense while walking. These items attract more Pokémon, potentially including Castform.
Field Research Tasks
Some Field Research tasks reward Castform encounters. These tasks often involve catching weather-boosted Pokémon, so keep an eye out for them at PokéStops.
Identifying Shiny Castform
Knowing how to spot a shiny Castform is crucial for efficient hunting. Here’s what to look for in each form:
Normal Form Shiny
The shiny Normal Form Castform has a light pink body instead of gray. The change is subtle but noticeable.
Sunny Form Shiny
Shiny Sunny Form Castform has a darker orange body and reddish protrusions, compared to the lighter orange of its regular form.
Rainy Form Shiny
The shiny Rainy Form features a teal body instead of blue, with green accents where the regular form has white.
Snowy Form Shiny
Shiny Snowy Form Castform has a blue body with yellow accents, contrasting with the white and light blue of its regular form.
Best Practices for Shiny Hunting
To maximize your chances of finding a shiny Castform, follow these best practices:
Check Every Castform
Always tap on every Castform you see. Shinies can only be identified in the encounter screen, not on the map.
Participate in Community Events
Pokémon GO often features special events that boost spawn rates for certain Pokémon, including Castform. These events can significantly increase your chances of finding a shiny.
Use the Quick Catch Method
To check more Castform quickly, learn and use the quick catch method. This technique allows you to attempt a catch and run from the encounter faster, enabling you to check more Pokémon in less time.
Play During Varied Weather Conditions
Since Castform’s forms are weather-dependent, try to play during different weather conditions to encounter all forms.
Castform in Pokémon GO Battles
While hunting for shiny Castform, you might wonder about its battle potential. Here’s a brief overview:
Combat Power (CP) and Stats
Castform has a maximum CP of 1845 at level 50. Its base stats are:
- Attack: 139
- Defense: 139
- Stamina: 172
These stats are the same for all forms of Castform.
Movesets
Castform’s movesets vary depending on its form:
- Normal Form: Tackle, Headbutt (Fast Moves), Weather Ball Normal, Energy Ball (Charged Moves)
- Sunny Form: Ember (Fast Move), Fire Blast, Solar Beam (Charged Moves)
- Rainy Form: Water Gun (Fast Move), Thunder, Hydro Pump (Charged Moves)
- Snowy Form: Powder Snow (Fast Move), Ice Beam, Blizzard (Charged Moves)
Battle League Viability
Castform is not considered a top-tier Pokémon in the GO Battle League. However, its Weather Ball move can be useful in certain situations due to its low energy cost.
Castform’s Role in the Pokémon World
Understanding Castform’s background can enhance your appreciation for this unique Pokémon:
Origin and Design
Castform was introduced in Generation III (Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire). Its design is based on the concept of weather forecasting and may be inspired by weather balloons or the Japanese teru teru bōzu charm dolls.
Pokédex Entries
Pokédex entries describe Castform as a Pokémon that changes its cellular structure to adapt to the weather, allowing it to live in any climate.
Cultural Impact
Castform’s weather-changing ability made it a notable Pokémon in the series, showcasing the games’ weather mechanics. In Pokémon GO, it serves a similar role, tying into the game’s real-world weather system.
Tips for Collecting All Shiny Castform Forms
Collecting all shiny forms of Castform is a challenging but rewarding goal. Here are some strategies to help you complete your collection:
Prioritize Weather-Dependent Forms
Focus on catching the weather-dependent forms (Sunny, Rainy, Snowy) when their respective weather conditions are active. These forms are rarer than the Normal form.
Use Weather Forecasts
Check your local weather forecast to plan your Pokémon GO sessions. This can help you target specific Castform forms.
Trade with Other Players
If you’re struggling to find a particular shiny form, consider trading with other players in your community. Remember that trading shiny Pokémon requires a lot of Stardust unless you’re Best Friends with the other trainer.
Patience is Key
Remember that finding all shiny forms of Castform can take a long time. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find them quickly.
Castform in Pokémon GO Events
Niantic often features Castform in various events throughout the year. Here’s what you need to know:
Weather Week
The Weather Week event typically features increased Castform spawns of all forms, regardless of the actual weather. This is one of the best opportunities to hunt for shiny Castform.
Go Fest and Safari Zone
These special events sometimes include boosted Castform spawns or special research tasks involving Castform.
Seasonal Events
Keep an eye out for seasonal events that might feature weather-related Pokémon, including Castform.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions players have about shiny Castform in Pokémon GO:
Can Castform nest?
No, Castform does not nest in Pokémon GO. Its spawns are primarily weather-dependent.
Does weather boosting affect shiny rates?
Weather boosting does not affect shiny rates. However, it does increase the spawn rate of Castform, giving you more chances to encounter a shiny.
Can I get shiny Castform from research tasks?
Yes, you can obtain shiny Castform from research tasks that reward Castform encounters. The shiny rate is the same as wild encounters.
Are all Castform forms available as shinies?
Yes, all four forms of Castform (Normal, Sunny, Rainy, and Snowy) can be shiny in Pokémon GO.
Does Castform have any evolutions?
No, Castform does not have any evolutions in the Pokémon series, including Pokémon GO.
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
