How to get Smeargle in Pokemon Go & can it be Shiny?

Getting the Normal-type Smeargle in Pokemon Go can be tricky, as it requires a special method. Here’s how to catch this elusive Pokemon in the game and whether or not it can be Shiny.

Dubbed the Painter Pokemon, Smeargle first appeared in Pokemon Gold & Silver’s Johto region and quickly caught players’ attention with its move Sketch, which allows it to have almost every attack in the franchise.

As it made its way into Pokemon Go, trainers looking for it realized they had to go through a particular process to get it, and an even trickier one to find its Shiny version. To help you out, here’s all you need to know to get Smeargle in Pokemon Go.

Contents

• How to get Smeargle in Pokemon Go
• How to use the GO Snapshot mode in Pokemon Go
• Can Smeargle be Shiny in Pokemon Go?
• Pokemon Go Smeargle stats, moves, resistances & weaknesses

How to get Smeargle in Pokemon Go

Much like Ditto, the Normal-type Smeargle can’t be caught in the same way as other Pokemon, as it won’t appear in the Wild, and can’t be found by hatching eggs. Instead, you’ll have to follow a specific method.

Smeargle was added to the game back in 2019, much later than its fellow Gen 2 creatures. Trainers could spend years playing and never find one because it only appears if you use Pokemon Go’s Snapshot camera mode during certain special events.

The last time Smeargle was available was during the Festival of Colors in March 2023, but we will update this article once we learn more about its return.

How to use the GO Snapshot mode in Pokemon Go

Some of the rarest Pokemon in the game, such as Smeargle, can only be captured using the GO Snapshot method, so in case you’re new to this process, here’s how to use it to capture Smeargle when live:

1. Open your Pokemon storage and select any creature.
2. Tap on the camera icon at the right top corner of the screen to open Snapshot mode.
3. Take pictures of the Pokemon.
4. Exit Snapshot mode.
5. Check if Smeargle appears in any of the photos you took of the other Pokemon.
6. If so, go back to the main map screen, as you’ll be able to spot it in the wild.

If Smeargle doesn’t appear in any of your photos, you’ll simply have to try again until it does.

Can Smeargle be Shiny in Pokemon Go?

Yes, Smeargle can be Shiny in Pokemon Go, as this Gen 2 ‘mon Shiny variant appeared in the game for the first time as part of the New Pokemon Snap celebration, which coincided with the release of the Snap sequel on April 30, 2021.

As Smeragle only appears by using the Go Snapshot during special events, you’ll have to wait for it to be back in the game and repeat the process explained above until a Shiny Smeargle pops into your screen.

This could still be quite a long process, though, as it’s not guaranteed you’ll find a Smeargle every time you use Snapshot mode, and there’s only a small chance it will be a Shiny when you do eventually get one.

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Pokemon Go Smeargle stats, moves, resistances & weaknesses

As a single Normal-type Pokemon, Smeargle has the following stats:

ATTACK	DEFENSE	STAMINA	CP
40	83	146	487

Smeargle Fast Moves

• Tackle (Normal/STAB/Legacy Move)

Smeargle Charged Moves

• Struggle (Normal/STAB/Legacy Move)

Remember that Smeargle’s move Sketch allows it to use any move in the game, except for Transform, Frustration, Return, Mist Ball, Weather Ball, Luster Purge, and Shadow Force.

More so, it can’t have a secondary Charged Move and TM’s can’t be used on it.

Smeargle resistances

• Ghost

Smeargle weaknesses

• Fighting

That’s all you need to know about how to get Smeargle in Pokemon Go. For more game content, check the list below:

Pokemon Go Top Attackers, Defenders & PvP champions | Best Mega Evolutions in Pokemon Go | Pokemon Go IVs & CP |  How to get Best Buddy status | Pokemon Go catching tips