Pokémon GO: How To Get Dondozo And Shiny Dondozo?

by Jerry Cook Updated on 2025-10-21 20:10:11 / Update for Pokemon iOS

Sunkissed Shores Pokémon Go event features the debut of Dondozo Pokémon in the game. And yes, before you even ask, Dondozo Shiny is available right from the start! If you are looking forward to catching this gigantic water-type, then this guide on how to get Dondozo in Pokémon Go is all you need.

From Dondozo Pokémon shiny form and Dondozo evolution to answering “Can you solo Dondozo in Pokémon Go?” everything’s explained below!

Part 1. Is Dondozo Available in Pokémon GO?
Part 2. How To Get Dondozo in Pokémon Go?
Part 3. Is Dondozo Good in Pokémon Go? Can Be Shiny?
Part 4. What Pokémon Is Best Against Dondozo?
Bonus: How To Catch Dondozo in Pokémon GO Without Moving?
Final Thoughts

Part 1. Is Dondozo Available in Pokémon GO?

Yes, Dondozo is now officially part of Pokémon GO! This massive Water-type made its debut during the Sunkissed Shores event, which runs from August 25 to August 31, 2025.

Is Dondozo a legendary Pokémon?

No, Dondozo is not a legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO or the mainline games. It is a Water-type Pokémon introduced in Generation 9 (Paldea region). Known as the "Big Catfish Pokémon," it is a tanky, defensive Pokémon first introduced in Generation IX.

In Pokémon GO, it excels in PvP with high HP and defense, though its signature double battle combo with Tatsugiri doesn't apply. Dondozo's Shiny form, featuring a white and gold design, is available from day one, and it can be obtained through Three-Star Raids or a paid Timed Research ticket.

Part 2. How To Get Dondozo in Pokémon Go?

In this section, we list possible ways to get Dondozo in Pokémon Go and explain whether it is correct or not.

Wild Encounters

If you're hoping to stumble upon Dondozo Pokémon Go in the wild, you're out of luck. As of its debut during the Sunkissed Shores event, Dondozo is not part of the wild spawn pool during or after the event, so trainers will need to look elsewhere to catch this massive Water-type.

3-Star Raids

The most reliable way to catch Dondozo in Pokémon Go is by battling it as a 3-Star Raid Boss during the Sunkissed Shores event. Its shiny form can also be encountered from these raids. To beat Dondozo, make sure to use Electric or Grass-types to counter its high HP and defensive bulk.

Exclusive Timed Research

If, let’s say, you haven’t come across Dondozo in 3-star raids, then there’s another way for you. It's through a paid time research ticket, priced at $1.99. What's special about this ticket is that it gives a guaranteed encounter with Dondozo after completing the required tasks.

Egg Hatches

Wondering if Dondozo Pokémon Go can hatch from eggs? The answer is no. Dondozo has not been added to any egg pool. So if you're saving incubators, this is one Pokémon you won’t find inside an egg… at least for now.

Best Way to Prepare for Dondozo

To face Dondozo in raids, bring strong Electric or Grass-type counters like Mega Sceptile, Kartana, and Shadow Raikou. While it’s technically possible to solo Dondozo with maxed-out counters and ideal weather, it’s safer and faster to team up with 2-3 trainers. Proper preparation and teamwork are key to taking down this tough Water-type Pokémon.

Also, here are some more tips to better prepare for Dondozo:

Use Mega Evolutions for team-wide damage boosts
Stock up on Golden Razz Berries and Ultra Balls
Practice curveball throws for better catch rates
Look out for rainy weather as it boosts Dondozo’s CP, which is great for stronger catches.

Part 3. Is Dondozo Good in Pokémon Go? Can It Be Shiny?

Let’s look into whether Dondozo is good in Pokémon Go or not.

Dondozo Stats

Base Stats
Value

Max CP
3388

Attack
176

Defense
178

Stamina
312

Because Dondozo is a Water-type, it resists attacks from Fire, Ice, Steel, and Water moves. However, at the same time, it takes more damage from Electric and Grass-type Pokémons.

Can Dondozo be Shiny in Pokémon Go?

Yes! Dondozo Pokémon Go debuted with its shiny form available from day one during the Sunkissed Shores event. As mentioned earlier, Dondozo Pokémon’s Shiny form swaps its deep blue look for sleek white and gold, with its tongue being golden too!

However, do note that its shiny odds are not boosted, whether during or after the event. It’s still rare, and you have to be lucky enough to encounter it.

Is Dondozo Good in Pokémon Go?

Rather than being a top-tier offensive threat, Dondozo is more of a bulky, durable tank. In certain PvE and PvP situations, especially where survivability is prioritized, it can be a solid choice. Overall, it's suited for collectors and niche players, but not a standout Pokémon in Pokémon GO.

Strengths: Dondozo is a tanky Water-type Pokémon with 312 stamina and good defense, making it useful in certain PvP situations and decent in raids with moves like Surf, Hydro Pump, and Liquidation.
Weaknesses: It’s not one of the strongest Water-type attackers, with Pokémon like Kyogre or Swampert outperforming it in raids and gym defense. Slow charge moves and the lack of synergy with Tatsugiri in Pokémon GO further limit its effectiveness.
Overall: While Dondozo has some utility, it’s not a game-breaking Pokémon and is outclassed by stronger Water-type attackers in both PvP and raids.

Does Dondozo Evolve?

No, Dondozo Evolution does not exist. It’s a single-stage Pokémon, meaning it doesn’t evolve from or into any other Pokémon in Pokémon GO.

In the mainline games, Dondozo has a unique battle synergy with Tatsugiri, where Tatsugiri jumps into its mouth to boost its stats. Sadly, that mechanic isn’t in Pokémon GO, so Dondozo stands alone here.

In Pokémon Go, you just catch it and power it up if you like its style.

Part 4. What Pokémon Is Best Against Dondozo?

Every Pokémon has certain weaknesses, and Dondozo is no exception.

What is Dondozo Weak to?

Being a Water-type, Dondozo is weak to Electric and Grass types.

How to Beat Dondozo? 5 Best Counters

To beat Dondozo quickly and efficiently in Pokémon GO raids, focus on using Pokémon that exploit its weaknesses: Electric and Grass types are the most effective counters.

Pokémon Counter
Best Moves
Why It’s a Top Counter

Mega Sceptile
Fury Cutter + Frenzy Plant
Highest DPS vs. Dondozo thanks to strong Grass STAB. Mega boost also powers up other Grass-types on your team.

Kartana
Razor Leaf + Leaf Blade
One of the highest Grass-type DPS attackers in the game.

Shadow Raikou
Thunder Shock + Wild Charge
Strong Electric attacker. Shadow boost gives it a massive Electric-type damage boost.

Xurkitree
Thunder Shock + Discharge
A powerhouse Electric attacker with high attack stats and excellent energy generation.

Mega Manectric
Thunder Fang + Wild Charge
Strong Electric attacker that also buffs other Electric-type allies with its Mega boost.

Bonus: How To Catch Dondozo in Pokémon GO Without Moving?

During the Sunkissed Shores event, Dondozo appears as a 3-Star Raid Boss, requiring players to visit multiple raid hotspots. This can be time-consuming and challenging, especially if weather conditions or scheduling conflicts prevent participation.

This is where PoGoskill comes in handy. It’s a trusted location spoofer app that makes catching Dondozo Pokémon’s shiny or regular form much easier. With a single tap, you can teleport directly to Dondozo raid coordinates and even use the built-in joystick mode to move around naturally on the map without ever leaving your home.

Key Features of PoGoskill

Cooldown Timer – Protects your account from Niantic bans by controlling how often you teleport.
Raid Scan – Instantly scans up to 2000 nearby raids and shows which boss is featured.
Autospin PokeStops – Automatically spins PokeStops for extra items while you hunt.

Free Download

Secure Download

Free Download

Secure Download

Buy Now Buy Now

How to Use PoGoskill to Catch Dondozo:

Step 1Click the Download button above and install PoGoskill.
Step 2Connect your device and choose Game Mode.
Step 3On the PoGo map, find a raid location and hit Teleport.
Step 4Start participating in raids and catch Dondozo fast!

Final Thoughts

And that’s a wrap on how to get Dondozo in Pokémon GO! With this raid guide, you’re fully prepared to battle, counter, and even shiny hunt this massive Water-type.

While traditional raiding requires time and travel, PoGoskill Pokemon Go Spoofer makes the process faster and easier by letting you spoof locations, scan raids, and teleport directly to Dondozo hotspots!