Curious if Vulpix can shimmer in the wild? This guide digs into the odds, the quirks, and the tricks behind catching a shiny Fox Pokémon in Pokémon Go.
Vulpix and Ninetales were both turned shiny-eligible as part of a fall-themed event in October 2020. Note that this version of Vulpix is not to be confused with its ice-type Alolan counterpart, which is also available shiny, but is separate.
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What is the shiny rate for Vulpix in Pokémon Go?
Vulpix has a base shiny encounter rate of approximately 1 in 500 in Pokémon Go under normal conditions, as it lacks a permaboost for rare spawns. Community data trackers show recent rates around 1 in 154 to 1 in 512 depending on spawn boosts or events. Rates improve during Spotlight Hours or raids, though Niantic sets exact odds without items to enhance them further.
As per old research by the now-defunct website The Silph Road (via Wayback Machine), the shiny rate for Pokémon on a regular day is approximately one in 500. Vulpix is not a confirmed Pokémon that gets a “permaboost” (meaning that it’s a rare spawn and thus gets a boosted shiny rate).
Alolan Vulpix may be permaboosted, as Alolan variants of Pokémon typically are, but it was not listed on the Silph Road’s shiny page, so we can’t confirm that with 100% certainty.
What can I do to attract more shiny Pokémon?
Not much, unfortunately. It appears to be random chance. Shiny Pokémon catch rates are set by developer Niantic, and they are typically only boosted during special events like Community Days or Safari Zones, or in Legendary Raids. There are no consumable items that boost shiny Pokémon rates.
Where can I find a list of available shiny Pokémon?
What event increases Vulpix spawns in Pokémon GO
Spotlight Hour events frequently feature Vulpix with significantly increased spawn rates for one hour every Tuesday, often including bonuses like double XP for evolutions.
Community Day events boost Vulpix spawns dramatically over several hours, such as the upcoming February 2026 event with both Kanto and Alolan Vulpix, plus shiny rate boosts and new moves like Chilling Water or Energy Ball.
Holiday and Seasonal Events also increase Vulpix encounters, including Holiday 2025 (Dec 18-29) and Wild Area events with global spawn hikes.
When is the next Vulpix-focused event scheduled
Vulpix Community Day
The next Vulpix-focused event is the Pokémon GO Community Day featuring both Kanto and Alolan Vulpix, confirmed for February 1, 2026. This event will dramatically boost Vulpix spawns, increase shiny encounter rates, and offer bonuses like exclusive moves for evolutions into Ninetales or Alolan Ninetales.
Event Details
Expect heightened wild spawns of Vulpix from morning through afternoon local time, with additional perks such as 3x Stardust, 2x Candy from catches, and special research tasks. Shiny hunters should prepare lures, incense, and route planning to maximize encounters during this limited window.
Preparation Tips
Stock up on Pinap Berries for extra candy and check the official Pokémon GO blog or News feed closer to the date for exact timings and any ticketed bonuses. This follows recent teases on social platforms like Reddit’s Silph Road.
