Looking to catch the fluffy Cottonee in Pokemon Go and wondering if its unique Shiny is available? Yes, finding this Grass- and Fairy-type is entirely possible, and with a bit of luck, you might even encounter its special golden-leafed Shiny version (Cottonee Evo).
This guide covers how to get Cottonee, the best methods for finding a Shiny, and what you’ll need to evolve it.
Best Ways to Find Cottonee in the Wild
Your most reliable method for finding Cottonee is by spotting it in the wild as it randomly appears on the map. You don’t need special locations; your own neighborhood is a great place to start.
However, you can gain a major advantage by paying attention to the in-game weather. The Weather Boost mechanic causes certain Pokémon types to appear more frequently, turning a rare spawn into a common one.
Since Cottonee is a Grass- and Fairy-type, it gets a boost in two conditions: Sunny/Clear and Cloudy. If you see the sun ☀️ or cloud ☁️ icon on your map, get outside and start walking for a significantly better chance of finding one.
Cottonee Evo: How to Increase Your Chances of Finding Cottonee
Beyond waiting for the right weather, you can use items to bring more Pokémon to you. This strategy is perfect for creating a personal hotspot, especially if you plan on staying in one area like a park with several Pokéstops.
Two items are especially helpful:
- Incense: This item draws more Pokémon directly to your character’s location, and they are visible only to you.
- Mossy Lure Module: When attached to a PokéStop, this lure specifically attracts Grass-type Pokémon, making it your best tool for luring out a Cottonee.
How to Hunt for a Shiny Cottonee
Once you’re attracting more Cottonee, the hunt for its special-colored version can begin. Finding a Shiny is purely a game of chance—any Cottonee you tap could be the one. The more you check, the better your odds.
The fastest method is the “shiny check.” Tap on a Cottonee on the map; if you don’t see a burst of stars or the shiny icon by its name, it’s not the one you’re looking for. You can then run from the encounter and tap the next one, saving time and Pokéballs.
You’ll know it when you see it! A regular Cottonee is white with green leaves, while the Shiny version has a cream-colored body and vibrant, golden-orange leaves.
How to Evolve Cottonee into Whimsicott
To evolve your Cottonee into Whimsicott, you’ll need two things: 50 Cottonee Candy and a special item called a Sun Stone. You can earn candy by catching more Cottonee, walking with one as your buddy, or transferring extras.
The Sun Stone is a rare evolution item you can get by spinning the Photo Discs at PokéStops and Gyms. It’s all down to luck, so keep spinning whenever you can! Once you have both 50 candy and a Sun Stone, the “Evolve” button on your Cottonee’s page will be active.
Cottonee Evo: Your Cottonee Catching Checklist
- Hunt during Sunny or Cloudy weather.
- Check grassy areas like parks.
- Use Incense and Mossy Lure Modules.
- Tap every Cottonee to “shiny check” it.
- Save 50 Candy and a Sun Stone for evolution.
Happy hunting!