How to Catch Shiny Sandygast in Pokémon GO: Spotlight Hour, Odds, and Strategies

If you’re a Pokémon GO player on the hunt for unique catches, shiny Sandygast is one you’ll want to add to your collection. This rare variant stands out not just for its unusual looks but for its limited availability in the game. With its recent introduction to Pokémon GO, players have been eager to know the best methods to catch a shiny Sandygast and evolve it into shiny Palossand. This guide covers everything you need to know, from spawn rates to top strategies and evolution requirements.

What Makes Shiny Sandygast Special?

Shiny Sandygast, the alternate form of the sand heap Pokémon, was first released in Pokémon GO during a special holiday event in December 2024. Unlike its standard sandy-beige color, shiny Sandygast features a sleek volcanic black body and a yellow spade, making it a visually stunning addition to your Pokédex.

Not only is shiny Sandygast visually impressive, but evolving it into shiny Palossand preserves this unique color palette. While neither is considered a powerhouse for raids or PvP, their rarity and striking design make them sought-after by collectors. Eurogamer's detailed guide offers a closer look at the differences and IV stats for Sandygast and Palossand.

How to Find Shiny Sandygast in Pokémon GO

During designated events like Spotlight Hour, Sandygast spawns dramatically increase, giving players a much better chance to encounter its shiny variant. Shiny rates for Sandygast outside of these events remain low, typically around 1 in 500 encounters. As explained in Polygon’s shiny Sandygast breakdown, these odds only improve during special periods like Spotlight Hour or themed events.

Here’s how to maximize your chances during these events:

• Play During Spotlight Hour: For example, the Sandygast Spotlight Hour ran from 6 PM to 7 PM local time on May 13, 2025. Check the in-game schedule for future dates.
• Use Lure Modules and Incense: Both items boost wild spawns near you, stacking with the event’s increased rates. This is especially effective at PokéStops during the event.
• Look for Weather Boosts: Foggy or sunny weather increase Sandygast spawns even further.
• Tap Every Sandygast: Each encounter has a separate roll to determine if it's shiny, so the more you check, the better your odds.

For more practical tips and strategies, including item use and location suggestions, consult Gamerant’s comprehensive Sandygast Spotlight Hour guide.

Evolving Shiny Sandygast to Shiny Palossand

If you’re lucky enough to catch a shiny Sandygast, you can evolve it into shiny Palossand. The evolution process is straightforward:

• Candy Requirement: You’ll need 50 Sandygast Candies to evolve.
• No Special Items Needed: Evolution is the same as standard Sandygast—just select evolve once you’ve got enough candy.
• Visual Changes: Shiny Palossand retains the black-sand aesthetic with unique highlights.

Remember: shiny status is preserved through evolution. So, a shiny Sandygast will always evolve into a shiny Palossand.

Are Shiny Sandygast and Palossand Good in Battle?

While shiny Sandygast and its evolution are undeniably cool, their impact on Pokémon GO battles is more limited. Palossand can be used in Ultra League, but it isn’t a top meta choice. Its best moveset consists of Astonish, Scorching Sands, and Shadow Ball. For a complete breakdown of stats, IV values, and performance, see the Eurogamer analysis.

Final Tips and Summary

Catching shiny Sandygast comes down to persistence, event timing, and using items like Lure Modules and Incense during boosted hours. Stay alert for Spotlight Hour announcements, and remember to keep enough candies on hand for evolution. Whether you’re collecting for the aesthetics or chasing a unique Pokédex entry, shiny Sandygast is a Pokémon worth pursuing.

For the most current information and shiny availability, consult community guides and event schedules. Good luck on your shiny hunt—and may you discover your very own shiny Sandygast!