Hoothoot, the owl-like Pokémon from Johto, continues to be a familiar sight in Pokémon GO. While it may not be the strongest battler, Hoothoot and its evolution Noctowl hold value in collections, themed events, and even certain PvP formats. If you’re wondering about shiny availability, perfect IVs, or the latest Spotlight Hour details, this guide has you covered.
Is Shiny Hoothoot in Pokémon GO?
Yes, shiny Hoothoot is available in the game. It was first introduced during the New Year’s 2022 event, though initially only as a costumed variant that could not evolve. Shiny Noctowl became fully obtainable a few days later, when the standard shiny line was unlocked.
- Shiny appearance: Hoothoot trades its usual brown feathers for a bright yellow coat and keeps its trademark red eyes, giving it a cosplay-like look.
- Shiny Noctowl: The evolution shifts from deep browns to lighter golden shades, carrying over the theme but with a more serious design.
Shiny Encounter Rates
Finding a shiny Hoothoot depends heavily on the event or method:
- Base shiny rate: Around 1 in 500 encounters.
- Uncommon boosted rate: Around 1 in 128 encounters when featured in certain events like GO Tours.
Since Hoothoot has appeared in multiple events, many trainers already have it. If you’re still missing one, trading with a friend is another option.
See also: Pokemon GO: How to Get Shiny Necrozma
Hoothoot Spotlight Hour (September 2025)
Hoothoot is featured in the Pokémon GO Spotlight Hour on September 23, 2025, from 6:00–7:00 p.m. local time. The event bonus is 2× Catch Candy, which applies to all Pokémon caught during that hour, not just Hoothoot.
Tips for Spotlight Hour
- Bring a Mega Pokémon of Normal or Flying type (like Mega Pidgeot or Mega Lopunny) to increase Candy and Candy XL chances.
- Save encounters: Open Mystery Boxes, Coin Bags, or research tasks during the event to maximize the 2× bonus.
- Shiny hunting: Since shiny Hoothoot is available, Spotlight Hour is one of the best times to try your luck.
Hoothoot’s Stats and Best Moves
- Type: Normal/Flying
- Max CP: 766 CP (at Level 40, no boosts)
- Weather Boosts: Partly Cloudy and Windy
- Best Moveset: Peck + Sky Attack for general use
- Weaknesses: Electric, Ice, and Rock
Perfect Hoothoot IVs
If you’re aiming for a 100% IV Hoothoot (15/15/15 stats), here are the CP benchmarks at Trainer Level 30 or higher:
| Encounter Type | Perfect CP |
|---|---|
| Wild (Level 30) | 580 CP |
| Weather-Boosted (Level 35) | 629 CP |
Anything matching these CP values has perfect IVs, though lower-level encounters will scale differently.
Evolving Hoothoot into Noctowl
- Candy Required: 50 Hoothoot Candy
- PvP Value: Noctowl is a strong pick in Great League, often used in competitive PvP thanks to its bulk and solid moveset.
- PvE Value: Outside of PvP, it doesn’t see much raid or gym relevance.
Should You Hunt Hoothoot?
- Collectors: Yes – shiny Hoothoot and shiny Noctowl are fun additions with distinct designs.
- PvP Players: Definitely – Noctowl is a dependable Great League Pokémon.
- Raiders: Not necessary – Hoothoot’s line doesn’t compete with top raid attackers.
Hoothoot may not headline raids, but it’s a valuable PvP Pokémon and an appealing shiny for collectors. Spotlight Hour is the perfect chance to stack candy, hunt for shinies, and maybe land that 100% IV. Whether you’re in it for PvP, your Pokédex, or shiny hunting, this owl Pokémon deserves some attention during events.
