How to Catch a Smeargle in Pokémon GO

Here’s another Pokémon fun fact: the “paint” that comes from a Smeargle’s tail is actually a bodily fluid secreted through a special organ. As to which of a typical body’s numerous fluids it is, I have no idea, but a Smeargle’s paint is used to mark its territory, which does have some less than pleasant implications. In lieu of thinking too hard about that, let’s talk about how to catch a Smeargle in Pokémon GO.

The Johto Collection Challenge in Pokémon GO is still in full swing, and will be until the end of the day on Sunday, January 31st. We’ve already covered how to catch the elusive Sudowoodo, and most of the other Pokémon for the challenge are still wandering around with boosted spawn rates. However, there’s one bounty on the catch list that can’t be found in the wild or during Field Research tasks: Smeargle. No sir, the only place you can find a Smeargle is in your own imagination.

How to Catch a Smeargle in Pokémon GO

Being an artsy sort, it makes sense that Smeargles would appear in a creative setting, and what’s more creative than taking AR screenshots with your favorite Pokémon in your room?

Pull your camera out of your bag and start taking AR photos with your Pokémon. Any Pokémon in any location is fine, so have some fun with it! You’re gonna need to take at least ten pictures, and possibly a lot more, in order to catch a Smeargle’s interest. If luck shines upon you, then while one of your AR pictures is developing, you may spot a Smeargle lurking the background. You’ve just been photobombed!

Right after Smeargle photobombs you, back out of your camera and bag to the map. Smeargle will immediately appear in the field nearby, so interact with it to catch it. Be careful, as unlike Sudowoodo, Smeargle can run away, and if it does, it won’t show up in any more photos until the next day. To get the best odds, make sure to feed it a berry and use high catch rate Poké Balls. With any luck, you’ll successfully bag it for the Johto Collection Challenge.