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

Celebi is one of the many Mythical Pokemon in Pokemon GO that rarely makes an appearance. Where most Legendaries are likely to appear in Five-Star Raid Battles, a few Mythical Pokemon are only available through limited-time research. With Celebi set to make a comeback during Pokemon GO's eighth-anniversary event, players may be wondering how they can add this creature to their collection. Additionally, some players may want to know if they can find the shiny variant. Thankfully, it is obtainable in the mobile game.

---

How to find Celebi in Pokemon GO?

Celebi is returning during Pokemon GO's eighth anniversary as a part of the purchasable research ticket (Image via Niantic)

Celebi will always come back to Pokemon GO through limited-time research. Mythical Pokemon outside of Deoxys and Genesect have never been available through Raid Battles, so Celebi's availability will most likely be handled this way for the rest of the game's life.

Until July 3, you can purchase the $5 Whispers in the Woods ticket, which grants access to a Masterwork Research quest line. This research ultimately rewards you with an encounter with the Mythical Pokemon from the Johto region. While it is unfortunate that Celebi is being restricted behind a paywall, this is the only way you can obtain one.

Celebi is a Grass and Psychic-type Pokemon, and one of the few Mythical Pokemon without a signature move or ability. As such, you never really have a reason to use it competitively over other more consistent choices like Venusaur or fellow Mythical, Zarude. In PvE, Celebi is not as good as other creatures due to its lack of a Mega Evolution.

Nevertheless, Celebi is still a fun creature to have in one's collection. After all, catching a Celebi is still required to complete the Pokedex, so even players who have no interest in the competitive scene have a reason to pursue this creature. Thankfully, its shiny variant will be very easy to find since it is practically given away.

---

The best way to find Shiny Celebi in Pokemon GO

The Celebi players encounter after completing the Masterwork Research will always be shiny (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Finding Shiny Celebi should be relatively straightforward considering that it is available through the upcoming Masterwork Research. The Celebi that you encounter after completing the Whispers in the Woods research storyline will always appear in its shiny variant. Considering that Celebi is not much of an asset in the competitive scene, it is nice that Niantic makes Celebi shiny to compensate considering that the chance of seeing it costs $5.

Unlike other research tickets available during other events like Community Days, these Masterwork Research quests will always be available after you buy the ticket. This means that you can complete this quest line at any point, instead of being restricted to the time limit of Pokemon GO's eighth anniversary event. This can be helpful for those who will be busy during the event's period but still want a Shiny Celebi.