Where costumed Pikachu come from
Since the 2016 Santa hat, nearly every big Pokémon GO event brings its own costumed Pikachu: a hat for a game anniversary, a crown for a GO Fest, a trainer's cap for a GO Tour, balloons for Air Adventures. As of October 28, 2026, there are 103.
A costume is only available during its event: in the wild, in raids, from research or as a GO Snapshot surprise, depending on the event. Once the date has passed, it leaves the game.
Costumes that come back
Many do come back, though. The Santa hat, the party hat, Ash's hat, the witch hat and the flower crown have returned several times, often for the holidays, Pokémon Day or the game's anniversary. Costumes from an in-person event (GO Fest, GO Tour, Safari Zone) sometimes return for the global version of the same event, with no ticket or a cheaper one.
Trading, for the rest
For a costume that doesn't come back, trading is what's left. A costumed Pikachu isn't Mythical: it trades like any other, and trading doesn't remove its costume. Check off what you're missing, then show your list to your friends.
Evolution and shiny
Some costumes come from costumed Pichu: they keep their hat when they evolve, and their Pikachu can even become a Raichu with the same hat. Many other costumes can't evolve.
Almost all exist as shiny, often from release day. Three are the exception as of October 28, 2026: the 2019 detective hat, Clone Pikachu and Pikachu, Ph. D.
Special costumes
Pikachu Libre is the reward for the top rank of the GO Battle League; Pikachu, Ph. D., for the platinum Showcase Star medal. Pikachu Pop Star, Pikachu Rock Star, Pikachu Libre, Pikachu, Ph. D., the saree, the orange hanbok and the Cosmog spacesuit only exist as female.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get a costumed Pikachu that's gone?
A costume is only available during its event, or when it comes back: Niantic often brings old hats back for holidays and anniversaries. Otherwise, trading with a friend who has it is the only way.
Can a costumed Pikachu evolve?
Some can: the ones you get by evolving a costumed Pichu keep their hat as Raichu. Many others can't evolve.
Why do some have no shiny box?
Three costumes aren't out as shiny yet: the 2019 detective hat, Clone Pikachu and Pikachu, Ph. D. Their card says so, with no box and no count.
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