How to get Moltres in Pokemon GO and can it be shiny?

Pokemon GO players are always on the hunt for legendary creatures, and Moltres, the fiery Legendary Bird, is no exception. Whether you’re chasing the standard version or its rare Shiny variant, here’s everything you need to know to get Moltres in Pokemon GO.

Moltres, a dual Fire and Flying-type Pokemon, first appeared in Pokemon GO on July 31, 2017. Its Shiny variant debuted later on September 8, 2018, during Moltres Day. Here are the primary methods to add this legendary bird to your collection:

The most reliable way to catch Moltres is by participating in 5-star Raid Battles. From March 4 to March 13, 2025, Moltres will be featured in these raids, with a special Raid Hour on March 5 and March 12 from 6 pm to 7 pm local time.


Moltres is weak against Rock, Electric, and Water-type moves, with Rock-type attacks being the most effective.


Research Tasks in Pokemon GO occasionally reward players with Moltres encounters. These tasks can also yield Shadow Moltres, which can be purified to obtain its standard form.

Team GO Rocket sometimes uses Shadow Moltres in battles. Defeating them allows you to rescue and purify the Shadow Moltres, converting it into its regular form.

Victories in the GO Battle League can sometimes reward players with Moltres encounters. While rare, this method is worth trying if you enjoy competitive battles.

Trading is another way to obtain Moltres. However, Legendary Pokemon require a significant amount of Stardust to trade, and special events often provide trade bonuses to make this process easier.


You can get Shiny Moltres in GO and can obtain it through the same methods as the standard version:
- Winning 5-star Raids
- Completing Research Tasks
- Rescuing and purifying Shiny Shadow Moltres
- Winning GO Battle League matches
- Trading with friends
It can be hard to get your hands on a SHiny Moltes as it has a shiny rate of 1-in-20. Given that this beast does not come too often in GO, getting a shiny one will largely depend on your luck. The more you participate in raids, the higher your odds.


- Prepare a strong team of Rock-type Pokemon for Raids.
- Keep an eye on Research Tasks and special events for Moltres encounters.
- Save Stardust for trading if you plan to acquire Moltres from a friend.
Also read: Pokemon GO Moltres raid guide (March 2025): Best counters, strengths, weaknesses, moveset. and more
With these strategies, you’ll be well on your way to getting Moltres in Pokemon GO - and maybe even its Shiny variant - to your Pokemon GO roster. Happy hunting!