AllPokemonplayers are familiar with the concept of “shinies”: rare Pokémon variations bearing an alternate color scheme. Since they’re incredibly scarce, they serve as a badge of honor for dedicated Trainers, a testament to the hours of searching required to find one. Though they don’t have any special powers, players love shinies for their rarity and unique style.
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However, not all shiny recolors are done well. It’s bad enough when they barely look different from their original versions, but some are garish or just plain bizarre, detracting from their appeal. Here are a few belovedPokemonwhose shiny variants ruin their excellent designs.
Updated July 16, 2025 by Demaris Oxman:Often when Pokemon fans discuss the worst shiny sprites, the discussion focuses on those who barely look different from the normal versions. And while it’s disappointing and confusing to come across a shiny that even doesn’t look different from the normal sprite, it’s even worse to find one of these prized Pokemon that’s actually quite hideous. Some Pokemon have shiny versions that simply don’t fit their theme, use unattractively garish colors, and detract from the look of the Pokemon rather than feeling like something special. With that in mind, this list has been updated to include a few more shiny Pokemon whose design is worse than the original.
13Venusaur
While it’s not the worst of the worst, this Gen I starter’s shiny variation is deeply disappointing. While the regular form is beautifully vibrant, shiny Venusaur looks sickly. The yellowed green of its body and leaves, coupled with the sickly yellow of its floral elements, makes it look like it’s wilting.
A better recolor for Venusaur could have been to change the body to a dark green or dark blue, and the flower deep purple. This would have retained the lush tropical vibe, as well as hinting at Venusaur’s secondary Poison typing.
12Noivern
A few shiny variants use this tactic, taking the same colors from the regular sprite and swapping around where they’re used in the design. Unfortunately for Noivern, this technique resulted in a letdown of a shiny sprite.
ThisGen VI Flying/Dragon Pokémon’soriginal design is bold without being gaudy; the bright accent colors don’t overpower it. On the other hand, the shiny version puts the red and turquoise front and center. The colors no longer complement each other; rather, they clash in an unattractive way. This shiny sprite might have looked much better if it had gone with a different color scheme altogether.
11Tranquill
This Gen V Normal/Flying type is said to be a symbol of peace, much like the real-world doves that it is based on. Its shiny sprite, however, does not project the image of kindness, loyalty, and tranquility that Tranquill is said to embody. Its garish green, complemented by clashing salmon-red accents, turn this gentle bird into a disaster.
What’s more, this poor choice is unique in Tranquill’s evolutionary line; neither Pidove nor Unfezant is subjected to the same treatment. In particular, male Unfezant’s shiny sprite is actually quite well-done. A better version of Tranquill’s shiny could have incorporated the same purple shades that its evolved form does, while perhaps swapping gray for white to further hint at peace-loving doves.
10Ursaring
“Sickly green” appears to be a running theme with poorly designed shiny Pokémon. Ursaring’s shiny form is a harsh, loud radioactive shade, transformingthis magnificent bearinto an eyesore.
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A green shiny form isn’t necessarily a bad choice for Ursaring, but it’s been executed poorly. A dark pine green, perhaps with dark gold accents, would have suited this forest-dwelling Normal-type Pokémon perfectly. Another great choice could have been to turn this woodland brown bear into another species, like a polar or black bear.
9Lucario
Lucario is a fan favorite, andfor good reason: this Fighting/Steel type is powerful, fast, and beautifully designed. Unfortunately, with the alternate color palette, its grace and poise don’t translate to its shiny form. Bright colors don’t fit with this Pokémon’s poised, stoic nature—and these particular shades aren’t visually appealing either.
As with Noivern, swapping the main and accent colors didn’t work out for Lucario. This regal-looking Pokémon’s shiny form is garish and loud, with an icky yellow-green as the dominant color. Simply choosing different hues (perhaps the dark red that is often used to represent the Fighting type) would have resulted in a much better shiny.
8Ferrothorn
Ferrothorn’s shiny variant doesn’t really make sense. In its regular form, the silver colors reflect its Steel typing, while the greenery representsits Grass-type parts. The shiny version turns these to khaki yellow and dull red.
Furthermore, these colors are, again, just not good to look at. An inverted color scheme, as was done with Lucario and Noivern, actually would have worked very well for shiny Ferrothorn, as its colors complement each other very well. Sadly, players are currently stuck with an ugly, insipid shiny for this powerful Pokémon.
7Bruxish
This Gen 7 Water/Psychic type perfectly portrayed the aesthetic of a brightly colored tropical fish, ideal for a setting like Alola. Its shiny form, however, undercuts this and transforms it into something horrifically clownish.
While the original sprite’s coloring isn’t exactly understated, its swirling hues are hypnotic in a strangely beautiful way, fitting with the in-game descriptions of its psychic powers. On the other hand, it’s hard to imagine being captivated by its shiny sprite — which is, quite frankly, ugly. There are so many other possibilities to combine bright, contrasting colors that could have fit Bruxish much better.
6Scrafty
Too many bright colors in high volume usually tend to clash, and shiny Scrafty is no exception. This Fighting/Dark type Pokemon’s original form features warm colors that coordinate well, and also evoke the feeling of its desert habitat. Its shiny variant, however, is painted orange, bright yellow, and neon green.
Shiny Scrafty no longer looks tough or intimidating, the whole conceit of its personality. It looks less like a fighter, and more like a clownish caricature — not something aFighting-type Trainerwould be proud to have on their team. Creating a dark color scheme to highlight this Pokemon’s secondary typing would have been a much better choice.
5Groudon
This legendary Ground-type and mascot of Gen III’sPokemon Rubyis powerful, intimidating, and truly looks like something that could end the world if given the chance. However, that sense of power does not translate to its shiny sprite. As the curse of sickly yellowish-greenish-brown strikes again, Groudon is left looking pallid and ill.
There’s no way to argue that this color scheme befits Groudon’s silhouette, nor the grandeur that the legendary Pokemon is supposed to possess. A dark color would have fit this Pokemon well — perhaps even a color inversion, with dark grey as its main color and red highlights, creating a volcanic effect.
4Barbaracle
Barbaracle’s design isn’t exactly subtle to begin with, what with its stripes and spikes. The shiny version, though, takes it to another level. It looks like something out of Dr. Seuss — and not in a good way. The pink-and-green stripes are bright and lurid, and really don’t make sense with its typing.
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Blue shades could have worked well for shiny Barbaracle, perhaps paired with gray or black, in representation of its type combination. The shades of its current shiny variant, though, are more reminiscent of a badly designed floral Pokemon, not a Rock/Water type.
