How to Get Klawf & Shiny Dhelmise Pokemon Go (March 2026) Quick Guide

Are you ready to add two exciting new Pokemon to your collection? The Pinch Perfect event has brought the rock-type crab Pokemon Klawf and the elusive Shiny Dhelmise to Pokemon Go, creating a frenzy among trainers worldwide. As a dedicated Pokemon Go enthusiast, I’ve spent countless hours researching and testing the best methods to catch these coveted creatures, and I’m here to share everything you need to know.
In this comprehensive guide, you’ll discover exactly how to encounter and catch both Klawf and Shiny Dhelmise before the event ends, along with pro tips that most trainers miss. Whether you’re a casual player or a hardcore collector, this guide will give you the competitive edge you need.
Quick Overview: Klawf vs Shiny Dhelmise Acquisition Methods
| Pokemon | Availability | Main Acquisition Method | Shiny Status | Event Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Klawf | Limited | Field/Timed Research Only | Not Available Yet | Pinch Perfect Event |
| Shiny Dhelmise | Limited | Raids & Field Research | Available | Pinch Perfect Event |
How To Get Klawf In Pokemon Go?
Understanding Klawf’s Unique Availability
Unlike most new Pokemon releases, Klawf breaks the traditional mold by being exclusively available through Research tasks rather than wild spawns or Raid battles. This makes Klawf one of the most challenging Pokemon to acquire in recent memory, but don’t worry – I’ve got you covered with every method available.
Method 1: Field Research Tasks
The primary way to encounter Klawf is through specific Field Research tasks during the Pinch Perfect event. Here’s what you need to know:
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit PokeStops Regularly: Spin Photo Discs at PokeStops to collect event-themed Field Research tasks
- Look for “Win a Raid” Task: This is the golden ticket – completing this task guarantees either a Klawf or Dhelmise encounter
- Complete the Task: Participate in and win any Raid battle (1-star raids are easiest and quickest)
- Claim Your Reward: After victory, claim your reward for a chance at Klawf
Pro Tip: The “Win a Raid” task has approximately a 50% chance of rewarding Klawf versus Dhelmise, so you might need to complete multiple tasks to secure your Klawf encounter.
Method 2: Free Timed Research Questlines
Throughout the Pinch Perfect event, Niantic has released three separate free Timed Research questlines. Each completed questline guarantees a Klawf encounter, making this your most reliable method for acquisition.
Questline Structure:
- Multiple Tasks per Questline: Each questline contains several tasks ranging from catching Pokemon to winning battles
- Progressive Rewards: Complete all tasks in a questline to unlock the Klawf encounter
- Bonus Rewards: Each questline also provides additional XP, Stardust, and items
Strategy Tip: Focus on one questline at a time to maximize efficiency. The tasks are designed to be completed during normal gameplay, so you can work on multiple questlines simultaneously.
Method 3: Paid Timed Research Ticket
For trainers looking to maximize their chances, the in-game shop offers a premium Timed Research Ticket that provides additional tasks and Klawf encounters.
What You Get:
- Additional Tasks: More opportunities to complete research
- Extra Klawf Encounters: Multiple guaranteed encounters
- Exclusive Rewards: Premium items and bonuses
- Time-Saving Benefits: Tasks designed to be completed more quickly
Cost-Benefit Analysis: While the paid option requires real money, it’s worth considering if you’re serious about collecting multiple Klawf or want to secure high IV specimens.
Can Klawf Be Shiny?
Important Note: As of the Pinch Perfect event, Klawf cannot be encountered in its Shiny form. Niantic typically releases new Pokemon in their standard form first, with Shiny variants becoming available in future events. This means you’ll want to catch as many high-IV Klawf as possible now to be prepared for future Shiny releases.
How To Get Shiny Dhelmise In Pokemon Go
Understanding Dhelmise’s Shiny Release
The Pinch Perfect event marks the debut of Shiny Dhelmise in Pokemon Go, making this the first opportunity to catch this golden variant of the seaweed anchor Pokemon. Unlike Klawf, Shiny Dhelmise is available through multiple methods, increasing your chances of success.
Method 1: Three-Star Raid Battles
Shiny Dhelmise appears as a Raid boss during the event, giving you multiple chances per day to encounter its Shiny form.
Raid Strategy:
- Locate Dhelmise Raids: Use your nearby tracker to find three-star raids featuring Dhelmise
- Prepare Your Team: Dhelmise is Grass/Ghost type, so bring Fire, Ice, Flying, Ghost, or Dark types
- Optimal Counters:
- Fire: Charizard, Entei, Reshiram
- Ice: Glaceon, Weavile, Mamoswine
- Ghost: Chandelure, Giratina, Gengar
- Dark: Tyranitar, Hydreigon, Yveltal
- Team Up: Join with other trainers for easier victories
- Shiny Check: After defeating the Raid boss, check if it’s Shiny before catching
Shiny Rate: Raid Shiny rates typically range from 1 in 10 to 1 in 20, making Raids your best bet for Shiny Dhelmise.
Method 2: Field Research Tasks
Just like with Klawf, the “Win a Raid” Field Research task can reward you with a Dhelmise encounter, which has a chance of being Shiny.
Advantages of Research Encounters:
- Guaranteed Individual: You don’t need to compete with other trainers
- Higher Shiny Chances: Some research encounters have boosted Shiny rates
- Multiple Attempts: Complete multiple tasks for multiple chances
Method 3: Event-Specific Spawns
During the Pinch Perfect event, Dhelmise has increased spawn rates in certain areas, particularly near water bodies and coastal regions.
Spawn Location Tips:
- Water Biomes: Parks with lakes, rivers, or beaches
- Coastal Areas: Beaches and harbors
- Weather Boost: Rainy or windy weather increases Grass-type spawns
Advanced Strategies And Pro Tips
Maximizing Your Efficiency
Time Management:
- Event Duration: The Pinch Perfect event runs until January 11, so plan your gameplay accordingly
- Peak Hours: Play during community day hours for increased Raid activity
- Research Reset: Remember that Field Research resets daily at midnight local time
Resource Optimization:
- Raid Pass Management: Save Premium Raid Passes for Dhelmise Raids
- Incubator Usage: Focus on hatching event-specific eggs if available
- Lucky Egg Timing: Use Lucky Eggs when completing research tasks for double XP
Common Mistakes To Avoid
- Ignoring Free Research: Don’t skip free Timed Research – it’s guaranteed Klawf encounters
- Raid Pass Waste: Avoid using Premium Raid Passes on non-Dhelmise raids during the event
- Storage Issues: Make sure you have space in your Pokemon storage before starting
- Time Zone Confusion: Event end times are based on your local time zone
Community Day Synergy
If there are any overlapping events or Community Days during the Pinch Perfect event, take advantage of increased spawn rates and player activity to complete your research tasks more efficiently.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Not Finding Research Tasks
If you’re not seeing the right Field Research tasks:
- Visit Multiple PokeStops: Different stops offer different tasks
- Clear Old Research: Complete or delete existing research tasks
- Check Event Status: Ensure the event is still active in your region
Raid Connection Issues
For players experiencing Raid problems:
- Stable Internet: Ensure you have a strong connection
- GPS Accuracy: Check that your location services are working properly
- Game Updates: Make sure your app is updated to the latest version
Future Outlook And Long-Term Strategy
Post-Event Availability
While both Pokemon will technically remain available after the Pinch Perfect event:
- Klawf: May become available through different research methods or future events
- Shiny Dhelmise: Will remain available in Raids, but likely at reduced spawn rates
Investment Recommendations
For Collectors:
- Catch Multiple: Secure several high-IV specimens for future trading
- Candy Farming: Build up candy for potential evolutions or power-ups
- Lucky Trades: Save extras for future lucky trade opportunities
For Battlers:
- IV Analysis: Focus on high IV specimens for competitive play
- Move Sets: Research optimal movesets for battle formats
- Mega Evolution: Consider future Mega evolution possibilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How rare is Shiny Dhelmise in Pokemon Go?
Shiny Dhelmise has the standard Raid Shiny rate of approximately 1 in 10 to 1 in 20 encounters during the Pinch Perfect event. Research encounters may have slightly different rates.
Can I get Klawf after the Pinch Perfect event ends?
While Niantic hasn’t confirmed post-event availability, new Pokemon typically become available through other methods after their debut events. However, the easiest acquisition method is during the event.
What’s the best team to beat Dhelmise in raids?
The best counters include strong Fire types like Charizard and Reshiram, Ghost types like Chandelure and Giratina, and Dark types like Tyranitar and Hydreigon.
How many Klawf can I get during the event?
You can potentially get multiple Klawf through completing all three free Timed Research questlines, the paid research ticket, and multiple “Win a Raid” Field Research tasks.
Is Shiny Dhelmise worth keeping for battles?
Shiny status doesn’t affect battle performance, but Dhelmise can be a solid addition to your team with its unique typing and move pool. Focus on IVs rather than Shiny status for competitive play.
Conclusion
Getting Klawf and Shiny Dhelmise in Pokemon Go requires strategic planning and active participation during the Pinch Perfect event. While Klawf presents a unique challenge through its research-only availability, Shiny Dhelmise offers multiple acquisition paths through Raids and research tasks.
Remember that event-based Pokemon often become harder to acquire after their debut, so make the most of this opportunity while it lasts. Whether you’re a completionist, battler, or casual collector, both Pokemon offer unique value to your Pokemon Go experience.
