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

Pokemon GO trainers are excited about the upcoming Community Day, set for September 14, 2024, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm local time, which will feature Ponyta, the Fire Horse Pokemon. If you’ve been hoping to add Rapidash to your collection, this event is the perfect opportunity.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to get Rapidash, whether it can be shiny, and other key details about the event.

How to encounter Rapidash in Pokemon GO?

Ponyta and Rapidash (Image via The Pokemon Company)

The only way to catch Rapidash in Pokemon GO is by evolving Ponyta. To evolve Ponyta into Rapidash, you’ll need 50 Ponyta Candy.

Fortunately, during this Community Day, Ponyta will appear more frequently in the wild, making it easier to collect enough Candy to evolve into Rapidash.

If you’re looking to fast-track your progress, you can also get more Candy by trading Ponyta with friends, as trading Pokemon often gives bonus Candy.

Additionally, for US $1.00 (or your local currency equivalent), players can access the special Community Day-exclusive research focused on Ponyta, which could further help in collecting Candy or special rewards.

Also read: 5 things to look forward to in Pokemon GO in September 2024

Pokemon GO Rapidash Community Day Event bonuses

Ponyta and Galarian Ponyta will be featured in the upcoming Community Day (Image via The Pokemon Company)

After the three-hour Community Day ends, trainers can take on four-star Raid Battles featuring Ponyta. Completing one of these will cause more Ponyta to spawn around the Gym for 30 minutes.

Keep in mind that you’ll need a Raid Pass or Premium Battle Pass to participate, as Remote Raid Passes won’t work for these raids.

An added bonus for this event is that if you evolve Ponyta into Rapidash during the event, or up to five hours after it ends, your Rapidash will learn the exclusive Charged Attack Wild Charge. This powerful Electric-type move can be especially useful in certain matchups, so it’s a great time to evolve your best Ponyta.

Also read: GO Big Field Research tasks and rewards

Can Rapidash be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

Rapidash and Shiny Rapidash (Image via The Pokemon Company)

Yes, both Ponyta and Rapidash can be shiny. During the September Community Day event, you’ll have an increased chance of encountering a shiny Ponyta. Shiny Ponyta sports a striking blue flame instead of its usual fiery red mane, and this carries over when evolved into shiny Rapidash.

Also read: GO Galar Calling Special Research tasks and rewards

Tips for catching Ponyta during Community Day

Stock Up on Poke Balls: Since Ponyta will be appearing more frequently, make sure you have plenty of Poke Balls and Great Balls ready to catch as many as you can.
Use Pinap Berries: These berries will help you double the amount of Candy earned with each catch, making it easier to reach the 50 Candy mark.
Participate in Raids: Don’t forget about the four-star Raids as successfully completing one will trigger a surge of Ponyta around the raid location for 30 minutes, giving you more chances to catch one.

With all these ways to encounter Ponyta, the September Community Day is the perfect time to evolve a powerful Rapidash for your team. Additionally, the chance to catch a shiny version makes this event even more exciting.

Check out our other Pokemon GO guides:

Edited by Virat Fumakia