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

Trainers can obtain Magcargo in Pokemon GO during the upcoming Scorching Steps event, but can they encounter Shiny Magcargo as well? The simple answer is yes. Both variants are highly sought after for their unique appearance as well as their Fire and Rock-type prowess. Fans first saw the Pokemon in Generation II Pokemon games, Gold and Silver.

The Pokemon GO Scorching Steps event debuts four new Shiny variants of Slugma, Magcargo, Larvesta, and Volcarona, offering trainers new monsters to add to their shiny collection. A caught Slugma can evolve into a Magcargo, but are there any other ways to get Magcargo in Pokemon GO and its shiny form?

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How to get Magcargo in Pokemon GO

Magcargo (Image via TPC)

There are five ways to obtain Magcargo in Pokemon GO. However, you can only get Slugma by hatching 2 KM eggs or completing the Field Research task, which evolves into Magcargo, in the Scorching Steps event.

• Catch Magcargo in the wild
• Beat 3-star raids
• Complete Research tasks
• Evolve a Slugma
• Trade

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Catch Magcargo in the wild

Encountering a Magcargo in Pokemon GO Wild is very challenging due to its uncommon spawn qualities. That is why you can look for Slugma instead. These monsters are more likely to appear in higher numbers if the weather conditions are right, which should be Sunny or Partly Cloudy.

Shiny Slugma and Shiny Magcargo can also be encountered in these weather conditions. Activating Lure Modules and Incense in this situation is highly advised, as they can also increase the rate of wild spawns.

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Beat 3-star raids

The second way to get Magcargo and Shiny Magcargo in Pokemon GO is to beat 3-star raids. It boasts a raid CP of 13261. While completing the raids, make sure you're aware of its weaknesses, which are Ground (2x), Water (2x), Fighting, and Rock.

Counters with the Same Type Attack Bonus (STAB) effect for Magcargo:

• Garchomp: Mud Shot and Earth Power
• Rhyperior: Mud-Slap and Earthquake
• Greninja: Water Shuriken and Hydro Cannon
• Swampert: Water Gun and Hydro Cannon
• Mamoswine: Mud-Slap and High Horsepower

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Complete Research Tasks

The third way to own a Magcargo in the game is by completing research quests. As of now, Niantic has only awarded its encounters in the Field Research stories, which you can receive by spinning your local PokeStops.

You can also encounter a Shiny Magcargo in Pokemon GO from these quests.

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Evolve a Slugma

A picture of Slugma and Magcargo. (Image via TPC)

Your Slugma can evolve into a Magcargo when you feed it 50 Slugma Candies. Using the same method, you can evolve a Shiny version of Slugma into a Magcargo.

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Trade

Those who are unable to collect Magcargo can ask their friends to trade the monster with them. However, in order to complete the trade, you must have Stardust in your account.