#0127 Shadow

Shadow Pinsir

Best moveset, PvP rankings, counters & stats for Pokemon GO.

Bug
Max CP 3,345 Bug Bite + X Scissor Rainy
Shadow Pinsir Pokemon GO sprite Shadow

Shadow Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokemon in Pokemon GO, originally from the Kanto region (#127, Generation 1). With a max CP of 3,345 and base stats of 238/182/163 (Atk/Def/Sta), Shadow Pinsir has a total stat product of 583. Shadow Pinsir's best moveset is Bug Bite and X Scissor, making it a competitive Bug-type attacker for raids.

Shadow Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. It resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks. Shadow Pinsir is a 5.0 km buddy Pokemon.

Stats

Max CP
3,345
Lv.40: 2,959 Lv.50: 3,345
Attack 238
Defense 182
Stamina 163
Total 583
Buddy 5.0 km Gen 1 · Kanto 2nd Move: 75,000 Dust · 75 Candy

Rankings

Raid Attacker
Bug type
Bug type
Bug Attacker
B
#15
15.3
DPS
262
TDO
0 type Bug Bite
Bug type X Scissor

Moves

Fast Moves

Bug
Bug Bite STAB
10
DPS
5.0 PWR 6 EN 0.5s DUR 12 EPS Rainy
Bug
8
DPS
4.0 PWR 8 EN 0.5s DUR 16 EPS Rainy
Fighting
11.3
DPS
17.0 PWR 12 EN 1.5s DUR 8 EPS Cloudy

Charged Moves

Fighting
42
DPS
105.0 PWR 100 EN 2.5s DUR
Fighting
28.3
DPS
85.0 PWR 50 EN 3.0s DUR
Normal
17.5
DPS
35.0 PWR 33 EN 2.0s DUR
Bug
X Scissor STAB
30
DPS
45.0 PWR 33 EN 1.5s DUR
Fighting
Submission Elite
27.5
DPS
55.0 PWR 50 EN 2.0s DUR

Best Moveset Analysis

For raids and gym battles, Shadow Pinsir's best offensive moveset is Bug Bite combined with X Scissor, achieving 15.3 DPS and 262 TDO as a Bug-type attacker (ranked #15, Tier B).

Among fast moves, the highest DPS option is Rock Smash (11.3 DPS), while Fury Cutter generates energy the fastest (16 EPS). Note that Submission is an Elite TM move and cannot be obtained through regular TMs.

Evolution

Raid Guide

Shadow Pinsir as Raid Boss

Not Currently in Raids

Shadow Pinsir is not currently available as a raid boss. When Shadow Pinsir returns to raids, here are the best counters to defeat it. A 100% IV Shadow Pinsir from raids would have 1690 CP at level 20, or 2113 CP at level 25 with weather boost.

How to Get Shadow Pinsir

Shadow Pinsir can be encountered in the wild in Pokemon GO.

A Shadow version of Shadow Pinsir is available from Team GO Rocket. Shadow Shadow Pinsir knows Frustration as its charged move, which can be removed with a Charged TM. Purifying costs 5,000 Stardust and 5 Candy, and the purified form learns Return. Walking Shadow Pinsir as your buddy earns 1 candy every 5.0 km.

Shadow Pinsir Catch CP

These are the possible CP values when encountering Shadow Pinsir in different scenarios. The range shows minimum (lowest IV floor) to maximum (100% perfect IV).

Wild Catch
Level 1–30
74 – 2,557 CP
Wild (Weather Boost)
Level 1–35
74 – 2,768 CP
Raid Catch
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP
Raid (Weather Boost)
Level 25
2,056 – 2,155 CP
Egg Hatch
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP
Research Encounter
Level 15
1,250 – 1,310 CP
GO Battle League
Level 20
1,653 – 1,733 CP

A 100% IV Shadow Pinsir from raids or eggs will show 1,690 CP at level 20. If you see this number, don't hesitate — it's a perfect catch!

Trainer Tips

Shadow Pinsir is a Bug-type Pokemon with a stat total of 583. With its high Attack stat (238), Shadow Pinsir is best suited for offensive roles in both raids and PvP.

Watch out for Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves when using Shadow Pinsir. These types deal super effective damage that can cut into Shadow Pinsir's performance.

Shadow Pinsir's moves get a damage boost in Rainy weather. Take advantage of weather conditions to maximize your DPS in raids and gym battles.

Unlocking a second charged move costs 75,000 Stardust and 75 Candy. With 5 charged moves available, a second move gives Shadow Pinsir much better coverage in PvP battles.

Should I Invest in Shadow Pinsir?

Power-Up Costs

Level 20 → 40 (Standard)
135,000 Stardust
15 Candy
Level 40 → 50 (XL Candy)
0 Stardust
0 XL Candy
Total (20 → 50)
135,000 Stardust

Verdict

Situational
Shadow Pinsir is a solid but not elite Bug-type attacker, sitting at Tier B (#15) in raid performance. With a max CP of 3,345 and base stats of 238/182/163, it can fill a role on your team if you lack stronger Bug-type counters. The best moveset is Bug Bite paired with X Scissor. Consider investing if you need a Bug-type attacker now, but hold off on XL Candy investment as better alternatives exist. A useful stepping stone rather than an endgame pick.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best moveset for Shadow Pinsir in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Pinsir's best moveset is Bug Bite (fast) and X Scissor (charged), providing 15.3 DPS as a Bug-type attacker. This combination maximizes damage output thanks to STAB (Same Type Attack Bonus), strong energy generation from the fast move, and high DPE (damage per energy) on the charged move.
What are Shadow Pinsir's weaknesses in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Pinsir is weak to Fire, Flying, Rock-type moves. On the other hand, Shadow Pinsir resists Fighting, Grass, Ground-type attacks, so avoid using those types against it. To counter Shadow Pinsir effectively in raids and gyms, build a team using its weakest type matchups and pick attackers that have STAB moves of those types.
What is Shadow Pinsir's max CP in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Pinsir's maximum CP is 3,345 at level 50 (with XL Candy), or 2,959 at level 40. Reaching level 50 requires XL Candy, which is only available to trainers level 31 and above — earning XL Candy involves catching, hatching, transferring, and walking Pokemon. Shadow Pinsir's CP is calculated from its base stats: 238 Attack, 182 Defense, and 163 Stamina. Powering up from level 40 to 50 requires a significant investment of XL Candy and Stardust, so plan your resources carefully. A 100% IV Shadow Pinsir caught from raids or eggs (level 20) will have 1,690 CP, or 2,113 CP with weather boost (level 25).
What CP is a 100% IV Shadow Pinsir?
A perfect 15/15/15 IV Shadow Pinsir has the following CP at key levels: 1,268 CP at level 15 (research encounters), 1,690 CP at level 20 (raid and egg catches), 2,113 CP at level 25 (weather-boosted raids), and 3,345 CP at level 50 fully powered up. If you catch a perfect IV Shadow Pinsir, it is worth investing Stardust and Candy to power it up, especially if Shadow Pinsir ranks well in raids or PvP. A 100% IV (also called a "hundo") is the rarest IV combination, so tag and favorite it to make sure you don't accidentally transfer it.
How to get Shadow Pinsir in Pokemon GO?
Shadow Pinsir can be found in the wild, though it may be rare depending on your biome and current events.
Can Shadow Pinsir be shiny in Pokemon GO?
Shiny Shadow Pinsir's availability depends on whether Niantic has released its shiny form. Not all Pokemon have their shiny forms available yet. Check the current events page and Community Day announcements for any updates on shiny Shadow Pinsir availability and boosted shiny rates during special events.

Max CP per Level

L1 41 CP
L5 399 CP
L10 845 CP
L15 1,268 CP
L20 1,690 CP
L25 2,113 CP
L30 2,536 CP
L35 2,747 CP
L40 2,959 CP
L50 3,345 CP

Pokedex Info

Pokedex Number #127
Generation Gen 1
Region Kanto
Height 1.50 m
Weight 55.00 kg
Buddy Distance 5.0 km
Tradable No
2nd Charged Move 75,000 Dust / 75 Candy
Shadow Move Frustration
Purified Move Return
Purification Cost 5,000 Dust / 5 Candy