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

Since its introduction to Pokemon GO in 2020, Tirtouga, the Generation V Fossil Pokemon known as the Prototurtle Pokemon, has become a familiar face for many trainers. Now, as of August 8, 2024, the shadow form of Tirtouga debuts in Pokemon GO. This Water/Rock-type Pokemon, now available in its shadow variant, is an exciting addition for both collectors and battlers.

Currently, the only way to obtain a Shadow Tirtouga is by defeating Team GO Rocket Grunts, but they cannot be shiny. Let’s dive into the details.

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How to encounter a Shadow Tirtouga in Pokemon GO?

Tirtouga as seen in the anime (Image via The Pokemon Company)

To get your hands on a Shadow Tirtouga in Pokemon GO, engage in battles with Team GO Rocket Grunts. Specifically, look for Grunts who hint at either a Water- or Rock-type team when they challenge you.

Their battle cries, such as "These waters are treacherous!" for Water types or "Let's rock and roll!" for Rock types, are your cue that you might face a team that includes Shadow Tirtouga.

Here are some tips to help you find and capture one:

• Locate Team GO Rocket Stops: Keep a close eye on your map for PokeStops that appear darker and slightly shaking. These are usually under the control of Team GO Rocket Grunts.
• Battle Grunts regularly: The more Grunts you battle, the better your chances of encountering the one with Shadow Tirtouga. Defeating a Grunt will cause another to spawn at that same PokeStop later, giving you more opportunities.
• Participate in Special Events: Niantic often hosts special events where Team GO Rocket activity is ramped up. These events make it easier to find and battle Grunts, increasing your chances of encountering a Shadow Tirtouga.

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Can Shadow Tirtouga be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

As of now, Shadow Tirtouga cannot be encountered in its shiny form. While this might disappoint shiny hunters, there’s always a possibility that Niantic will introduce shiny variants in future updates, so keep an eye on them.

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Tips for Battling Team GO Rocket Grunts

To increase your success rate against Team GO Rocket Grunts, here are a few tips:

• Know your counters: Understanding the type advantages is crucial. Water types are weak to Electric and Grass, while Rock types are weak to Water, Grass, Fighting, Ground, and Steel. Plan your team accordingly.
• Use shields wisely: Grunts tend to use their shields early in the battle. Take advantage of this by leading with weaker charged moves to bait out their shields.
• Bring a balanced team: Since you can’t always predict what Pokemon a Grunt will have, bringing a well-rounded team with diverse type coverage will help you handle most encounters.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Tirtouga

Tirtouga and its evolution Carracosta (Image via The Pokemon Company)

1) What type is Tirtouga?

Tirtouga is a dual-type Water/Rock Pokemon. Its typing makes it weak to Grass, Electric, Fighting, and Ground moves but resistant to Normal-, Flying-, Poison-, and Fire-type attacks.

2) Can Tirtouga evolve in Pokemon GO?

Yes, Tirtouga can evolve into Carracosta, a stronger Water/Rock-type Pokemon, by using 50 Tirtouga candies.

3) Where else can I find regular Tirtouga in Pokemon GO?

Outside of Team GO Rocket battles, Tirtouga can sometimes be found in the wild, especially near bodies of water, or hatched from certain eggs. However, its appearance is quite rare.

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Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

• Ditto disguises
• Buddy evolution Adventure Together guide
• Best Fast Attacks in Pokemon GO
• Sierra counters
• Cliff counters
• Arlo counters
• Giovanni counters