How to get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO is one of the biggest questions Trainers will be asking during the Flying Taxi Taken Over event. As Giovanni’s latest Shadow Legendary Pokémon, Shadow Reshiram is expected to become one of the most sought-after Pokémon in the game thanks to its incredible attack stat and usefulness in raids.
If you’re wondering how to get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO, you’ll need to progress through the Flying Taxi GO Pass, earn a Super Rocket Radar, and defeat Giovanni. Unlike standard raid bosses, Shadow Reshiram cannot simply be challenged in a raid, making it a much rarer encounter.
Here’s everything you need to know about how to get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO during the Flying Taxi Taken Over event.
Can You Get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO?
Yes.
Shadow Reshiram makes its Pokémon GO debut during Flying Taxi Taken Over June 2026.
| Pokémon | Availability |
|---|---|
| Shadow Reshiram | Giovanni Encounter |
| Shiny Shadow Reshiram | Possible if you’re lucky |
This marks the first opportunity for Trainers to add Shadow Reshiram to their collection.
How to Get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO
To get Shadow Reshiram in Pokémon GO, Trainers must track down Giovanni.
Steps to Get Shadow Reshiram
| Step | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Participate in Flying Taxi Taken Over |
| 2 | Progress through the Flying Taxi GO Pass |
| 3 | Earn a Super Rocket Radar |
| 4 | Locate Giovanni |
| 5 | Defeat Giovanni |
| 6 | Rescue Shadow Reshiram |
Unlike Team GO Rocket Grunts and Leaders, Giovanni is the only way to obtain Shadow Reshiram during the event.
How to Get a Super Rocket Radar

The most important item required for Shadow Reshiram is the Super Rocket Radar.
Super Rocket Radar Sources
| Source | Available |
|---|---|
| Flying Taxi GO Pass | Yes |
| GO Pass Deluxe | Additional Radar Available |
Players who purchase the GO Pass Deluxe can earn an extra Super Rocket Radar during the event.
This makes progression through the GO Pass particularly valuable.
Where Is Giovanni During Flying Taxi Taken Over?
Giovanni will be available throughout the event, but there is one important change.
Giovanni Location
| Location | Available |
|---|---|
| PokéStops | Yes |
| Balloons | No |
For Flying Taxi Taken Over, Giovanni can only be found at PokéStops.
This means Trainers will need to actively explore their local area to track him down.
How Difficult Is Giovanni?
Giovanni remains one of the toughest battles in Pokémon GO.
Giovanni Battle Features
| Feature | Available |
|---|---|
| Multiple Pokémon | Yes |
| Shields | Yes |
| Shadow Legendary | Yes |
Players should expect a challenging battle before reaching Shadow Reshiram.
Best Counters Against Giovanni

Giovanni’s lineup can change, but strong Fighting, Ground, Water, and Fairy-type Pokémon are often useful choices.
Recommended Pokémon
| Pokémon |
|---|
| Lucario |
| Conkeldurr |
| Groudon |
| Kyogre |
| Togekiss |
| Xerneas |
Building a balanced team will give you the best chance of success.
Can Shadow Reshiram Be Shiny?
Yes.
Niantic has confirmed that Trainers may encounter a Shiny Shadow Reshiram if they are lucky.
Shadow Reshiram Availability
| Variant | Available |
|---|---|
| Shadow Reshiram | Yes |
| Shiny Shadow Reshiram | Yes |
This immediately makes the event one of the most exciting Team GO Rocket events of the year.
Is Shadow Reshiram Good in Pokémon GO?
Shadow Reshiram has the potential to become one of the strongest Fire and Dragon-type attackers in the game.
Strengths
| Strength | Available |
|---|---|
| High Attack Stat | Yes |
| Powerful Fire Attacker | Yes |
| Powerful Dragon Attacker | Yes |
| Raid Utility | Excellent |
Many Trainers will target Shadow Reshiram specifically for raid content.
Should You Purify Shadow Reshiram?
For most players, the answer is likely no.
Shadow vs Purified
| Version | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Shadow Reshiram | Usually |
| Purified Reshiram | Situational |
The Shadow damage bonus generally makes Shadow Reshiram the stronger option.
However, every player’s goals will differ depending on how they plan to use it.
Removing Frustration from Shadow Reshiram
One of the biggest bonuses during Flying Taxi Taken Over is the ability to remove Frustration.
Event Bonus
| Bonus | Active |
|---|---|
| Remove Frustration with Charged TM | Yes |
This allows Trainers to immediately improve Shadow Reshiram after catching it.
Many players save Charged TMs specifically for events like this.
Why Shadow Reshiram Is Worth Chasing
Shadow Legendary Pokémon are always valuable, but Shadow Reshiram looks particularly impressive thanks to its typing, attack power, and usefulness in raids. Combined with the possibility of a Shiny encounter and the opportunity to remove Frustration during the same event, Flying Taxi Taken Over offers one of the best Shadow Pokémon opportunities of 2026.
Looking for more Pokémon GO guides, events, raid counters, spotlight hours, Community Days, and seasonal updates? Visit our Pokémon GO Guides Hub for the latest walkthroughs, rewards, event schedules, and gameplay tips.
You may also want to check out Pokémon GO Flying Taxi Taken Over June 2026, All New Shadow Pokémon in Flying Taxi Taken Over, How to Remove Frustration in Pokémon GO June 2026, and Pokémon GO GO Pass Flying Taxi Rewards.

