Pokemon GO Scarf Lapras Guide: How To Get & Shiny Tips (March 2026)
Ever dreamed of adding the stylish Scarf Lapras to your Pokemon GO collection? This rare costumed variant of the beloved Transport Pokemon has trainers worldwide coordinating raids and grinding research tasks during the limited-time Water Festival events. I’ve caught dozens of these fashionable Water/Ice-types since their debut, and I’m here to share every proven method to help you snag both regular and shiny versions of this exclusive Pokemon.
Quick Answer: Yes, Scarf Lapras can be shiny in Pokemon GO! The shiny version features a stunning purple coloration instead of the standard blue, making it one of the most sought-after costume Pokemon in the game. During the Water Festival 2026, you can obtain Scarf Lapras through 3-Star Raids, Field Research tasks, Collection Challenges, and Timed Research rewards.
Pokemon GO: Scarf Lapras Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Water Festival Events Only |
| Event Dates 2026 | July 15-20, 10 AM – 8 PM Local Time |
| Shiny Available | ✅ Yes (Purple color) |
| Best Method | 3-Star Raids |
| Type | Water/Ice |
| Special Background | Possible from Raids |
How To Get Scarf Lapras in Pokemon GO?
1. Win Scarf Lapras Raids (Best Method)
The most reliable way to encounter Scarf Lapras is through 3-Star Raids during the Water Festival. I’ve found this method offers the highest encounter rate and best shiny odds. Here’s what you need to know:
- Raid CP: ~15,000 (can be weather boosted)
- Catch CP Range: 1,435-1,509 (1,794-1,886 weather boosted)
- Solo-able: Yes, with proper counters
- Shiny Chance: Approximately 1 in 20-64
Pro Tip: Raid-caught Scarf Lapras may have a special seasonal background – a rare collector’s item that makes these encounters extra valuable!
2. Complete Field Research Tasks
During the Water Festival, specific Field Research tasks reward Scarf Lapras encounters:
- “Win a raid” – Most common task
- “Catch 10 Water-type Pokemon” – Event exclusive
- “Make 5 Great Throws” – Occasional reward
The beauty of research encounters? They can’t flee, giving you unlimited attempts at excellent throws for maximum catch XP!
3. Finish Collection Challenges
The Water Festival 2026 features three separate Collection Challenges, each rewarding a guaranteed Scarf Lapras encounter upon completion. That’s potentially three chances at finding a shiny! Challenge requirements typically include:
- Catching specific Water-type Pokemon
- Evolving certain species
- Completing event-themed tasks
4. Complete Timed Research
The “Happiness in Every Scoop” Timed Research storyline offers another guaranteed Scarf Lapras encounter. For trainers seeking multiple encounters, the paid Timed Research ($4.99) includes additional rewards:
- 1 Rainy Lure Module
- Event avatar pose
- Encounters with Gyarados and Scarf Lapras
- 50 Gyarados Mega Energy
Scarf Lapras Raid Guide: Weaknesses & Best Counters
To maximize your chances of catching Scarf Lapras, you’ll need to win raids efficiently. Here’s everything for battle preparation:
Type Weaknesses & Resistances
| Scarf Lapras Weaknesses | Scarf Lapras Resistances |
|---|---|
| ⚡ Electric (2x damage) | ???? Dragon |
| ???? Grass (2x damage) | ???? Bug |
| ???? Fighting | ???? Dark |
| ???? Rock | ???? Fire |
| – | ❄️ Ice (0.5x damage) |
| – | ???? Water (0.5x damage) |
Top 10 Scarf Lapras Raid Counters
Based on extensive testing and DPS calculations, here are the absolute best counters:
- Attack Forme Deoxys – Poison Jab & Zap Cannon
- Kartana – Razor Leaf & Leaf Blade
- Xurkitree – Thunder Shock & Discharge
- Sky Forme Shaymin – Magical Leaf & Grass Knot
- Therian Forme Thundurus – Volt Switch & Thunderbolt
- Zekrom – Charge Beam & Wild Charge
- Naganadel – Poison Jab & Sludge Bomb
- Electivire – Thunder Shock & Wild Charge
- Roserade – Magical Leaf & Grass Knot
- Nihilego – Poison Jab & Sludge Bomb
Budget Alternatives: Magnezone, Raikou, Venusaur, Tangrowth, and Machamp all perform admirably without breaking your Stardust bank.
Raid Strategy Tips
- Team Size: Solo-able with level 35+ counters, but 2-3 trainers recommended
- Weather Boost: Take advantage of Sunny (Grass), Rainy (Electric), or Cloudy (Fighting/Poison) weather
- Mega Evolution: Coordinate Mega Venusaur or Mega Ampharos with your raid group for bonus damage
Pokemon GO: Can Scarf Lapras Be Shiny? (Shiny Hunting Guide)
Yes, Shiny Scarf Lapras is available! The shiny variant features a gorgeous purple body instead of the standard blue, while keeping the same stylish striped scarf. Here’s what shiny hunters need to know:
Shiny Odds by Method
- Raids: Best odds at approximately 1 in 20-64
- Research Tasks: Standard 1 in 64-128 rate
- Wild Spawns: Not available in wild
Shiny Hunting Tips
- Focus on Raids: Higher shiny rate makes this the most efficient method
- Use Daily Raid Pass: Don’t waste premium passes until you confirm it’s not shiny
- Coordinate with Friends: More raids = more shiny chances
- Save Ultra Balls: Shiny legendaries/raid bosses have 100% catch rate – use Pinap Berries for extra candy!
Visual Differences
- Regular: Blue body with gray shell spots
- Shiny: Purple body with gray shell spots
- Scarf Color: Remains blue/white striped (doesn’t change)
Maximizing Your Scarf Lapras Hunt
Event Bonuses to Leverage
During Water Festival 2026, take advantage of these bonuses:
- Rainy Lure Modules last 2 hours (normally 30 minutes)
- Increased Candy for Nice Throws or better
- Boosted shiny rates for Staryu and Tirtouga
Daily Checklist for Trainers
- Complete all Water Festival Field Research tasks
- Check nearby gyms for Scarf Lapras raids
- Work on Collection Challenges progressively
- Send gifts for potential remote raid invites
- Save Gym coins for raid passes
Special Background Lapras
Here’s an exciting bonus: Scarf Lapras caught from raids during the event may feature a special seasonal background! This rare variant shows a festive water-themed backdrop behind your Pokemon, making it extra collectible. The background appears randomly, so keep raiding for this exclusive version.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
After helping dozens of trainers in my local community, here are the pitfalls to avoid:
- Using wrong counters – Ice moves seem logical but Lapras resists them!
- Wasting Golden Razz on shinies – They can’t flee with 100% catch rate
- Ignoring weather boost – Boosted raids give higher CP catches
- Missing Collection Challenges – Free encounters you shouldn’t skip
- Not checking IVs – Use appraisal before transferring
Advanced Tips from Veteran Trainers
Having coordinated with Pokemon GO communities worldwide, here are insider strategies:
- Lucky Trade Priority: Scarf Lapras makes an excellent lucky trade due to its PvP potential
- Double Move Investment: Consider adding Surf for PvP coverage
- Storage Management: Keep at least one of each gender for living dex collectors
- Seasonal Backgrounds: These special variants typically command premium trade value
Is Scarf Lapras Good for Battles?
While primarily a collector’s item, Scarf Lapras maintains the same stats as regular Lapras:
PvP Performance:
- Great League: B+ Tier (Max CP limitation)
- Ultra League: A Tier (Solid bulk and coverage)
- Master League: C Tier (Outclassed by legendaries)
PvE Performance:
- Decent Ice-type attacker for Dragon raids
- Tanky option for gym defense
- Not optimal for raid DPS
Comparing Scarf Lapras Across Events
| Event Year | Special Features | Shiny Available | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Debut, “Drip Lapras” nickname | ✅ Yes | 9 days |
| 2024 | GO Fest exclusive habitats | ✅ Yes | 2 days |
| 2026 | Seasonal backgrounds possible | ✅ Yes | 6 days |
Related Water Festival Content
While hunting for Scarf Lapras, don’t miss these event highlights:
- Tatsugiri Guide: All three regional forms debut
- Gigantamax Lapras: Max Battle Day on July 19
- Boosted Shinies: Staryu and Tirtouga with increased rates
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the shiny rate for Scarf Lapras?
Shiny Scarf Lapras typically has a 1 in 20 to 1 in 64 encounter rate during raids, significantly better than the standard 1 in 500 wild shiny rate.
Can Scarf Lapras be evolved?
No, Lapras doesn’t evolve in Pokemon GO. However, you can power it up and teach it a second charge move for better battle performance.
Is Scarf Lapras limited to the Water Festival?
Yes, Scarf Lapras is exclusively available during Water Festival events. It doesn’t spawn in the wild during regular gameplay.
What’s the difference between regular and Scarf Lapras?
The only difference is cosmetic – Scarf Lapras wears a blue and white striped scarf. Stats, moves, and typing remain identical to regular Lapras.
Can I remove the scarf from Lapras?
No, the scarf is a permanent cosmetic feature. Costumed Pokemon in Pokemon GO cannot have their accessories removed.
Should I purify Shadow Lapras or keep the scarf version?
These are different Pokemon variants. You cannot obtain a Shadow Scarf Lapras, as costume variants aren’t available from Team GO Rocket.
What’s the best moveset for Scarf Lapras?
For raids: Frost Breath + Ice Beam/Blizzard. For PvP: Ice Shard + Surf/Skull Bash. The moveset depends on your intended use.
Can Scarf Lapras mega evolve?
No, Lapras doesn’t have a mega evolution in Pokemon GO or the main series games.
Conclusion
Scarf Lapras represents one of Pokemon GO’s most charming costume variants, combining the beloved Transport Pokemon with adorable winter fashion. Whether you’re hunting for the stunning purple shiny variant or collecting special background versions, the Water Festival 2026 offers multiple paths to success. Remember, raids provide your best shiny odds, while Collection Challenges guarantee encounters for all trainers.
The key to success? Start raiding early and often during the event window. With proper counters and a bit of luck, you’ll soon have this fashionable Pokemon gracing your collection. Don’t forget to check those IVs – your perfect Scarf Lapras might be waiting in that next raid!
For more Pokemon GO guides and strategies, check out our complete raid guide collection and troubleshooting tips to enhance your gameplay experience.
Now get out there and catch that stylish Lapras – may the shiny odds be ever in your favor!