Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO stands out as one of the most sought-after Legendary monsters in the game. With its vibrant colors and limited availability, trainers are eager to add this rare variant to their collections.
Here’s a detailed breakdown of everything you need to know about Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO, including its odds, best hunting strategies, rarity, and overall value.
How to get Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO
To obtain Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO, you must participate in 5-star raids when Tapu Bulu is available as a raid boss. Unlike some Pokemon, Tapu Bulu cannot be found in the wild or hatched from eggs—it’s exclusive to raids. These high-level raids usually happen during special events when Tapu Bulu is featured in gyms worldwide.
Steps to Catch Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO
1. Wait for Tapu Bulu Raid Events – Tapu Bulu appears as a 5-star raid boss for limited periods. It is available in raids as of writing this article
2. Join 5-Star Raids – Use a free Raid Pass, Premium Raid Pass, or Remote Raid Pass to battle Tapu Bulu. Since it’s a tough opponent, teaming up with other trainers is essential.
3. Defeat & Catch Tapu Bulu – After winning the raid, you’ll get a chance to catch it. The shiny version has a ~1 in 20 encounter rate after a successful raid.
Is Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO Worth It?

Shiny Tapu Bulu and Tapu Bulu (Image via The Pokemon Company).
- Rarity – Only available during limited-time raid events, making it a collector’s prize.
- Unique Appearance – Its shiny form has a striking red and orange color scheme.
- Guaranteed Catch – If you encounter a shiny Tapu Bulu after a raid, it won’t flee, so you can take your time catching it.
What are the odds of getting Shiny Tapu Bulu in Pokemon GO?
The shiny rate for Tapu Bulu in 5-star raids is approximately 5%, or 1 in 20 encounters. This aligns with the standard shiny odds for Legendary Pokemon in raids. While this makes it more accessible than wild shinies, which typically have odds of 1 in 450, luck still plays a significant role.
Here’s a quick look at the probability of encountering shiny Tapu Bulu based on raid attempts:
Number of Raids
| Chance of Encountering Shiny Tapu Bulu
|
---|
10
| ~40%
|
20
| ~65%
|
50
| ~92%
|
Best strategies to increase your shiny Tapu Bulu odds
If you’re serious about catching Shiny Tapu Bulu in GO, follow these proven tips:
1. Raid as much as possible – Use your free daily Raid Pass and stock up on Premium or Remote Raid Passes during Tapu Bulu’s availability.
2. Team up with other trainers – Larger raid groups ensure quick wins, allowing you to attempt more raids in less time.
3. Take advantage of raid events – Raid Hours and special events increase Tapu Bulu’s spawn rate, improving your chances.
4. Stay updated on event schedules – Follow official Pokemon GO announcements and community groups to know when Tapu Bulu returns.
Is it worth hunting for Shiny Tapu Bulu in GO?
Rarity and availability
Shiny Tapu Bulu is only available during limited-time raid events. Once these events end, the shiny variant becomes unobtainable until Niantic brings it back, making it a prized collector’s item.
Visual appeal
The shiny version swaps Tapu Bulu’s usual black and red colors for a striking black and gold design, making it a standout addition to any collection.
Guaranteed catch
Unlike wild shinies, a shiny Tapu Bulu from raids is a guaranteed catch if you hit it with a Premier Ball. This eliminates the frustration of losing a rare encounter.
Shiny Tapu Bulu is a worthwhile target for collectors and shiny hunters. With a reasonable 1 in 20 shiny rate, dedicated raiding can yield results. While it may not be a must-have for competitive play, its rarity and striking appearance make it a valuable addition to any Pokemon GO account.
Also read:
Pokemon GO Tapu Bulu raid guide - Best counters, strengths, weaknesses, 100% IVs, catch CP, best tips, and moreFor those who appreciate rare and visually distinct Pokemon, Shiny Tapu Bulu is definitely worth the effort.
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