How to Catch Shadow Exeggcute in Pokémon GO

Exeggcute is one of those Pokémon that I never felt especially inclined to catch. I mean, look at that thing; four of its heads look like they want to stab you in your sleep, and one of them has had its yolk cracked open. Exeggcute gives me the willies, even more so when it’s a Shadow Exeggute. If you’re of a braver constitution than me, then here’s how to catch Shadow Exeggcute in Pokémon GO.

The “Spring into Spring” event is currently underway in Pokémon GO, requiring players to catch 10 more-or-less Spring-themed Pokémon to complete the challenge and earn some cool rewards. The required Pokémon are as follows:

1. Exeggcute
2. Shadow Exeggcute
3. Buneary
4. Bunnelby
5. Plusle
6. Minun
7. Flower Crown Pikachu
8. Diggersby
9. Azumarill
10. Flower Crown Chansey

Most of these Pokémon can be acquired in the wild, during raids, or from completing Field Research Tasks, with the lone exception of Shadow Exeggcute.

How to Catch Shadow Exeggcute in Pokémon GO

Shadow Exeggcutes are only carried by members of Team GO Rocket. To catch it, you’ll need to defeat a Rocket grunt carrying one in battle. That’s not especially difficult in itself; rather, the tricky part is finding the right grunt.

Whenever you encounter a Rocket grunt at a PokéStop or in one of the floating Rocket balloons, they’ll dispense a little line of dialogue. These dialogue lines are actually hints as to which Type of Pokémon they’re packing. As Exeggcute is a Psychic type Pokémon, you want a Psychic trainer grunt. When you find a Psychic grunt, they’ll say this:

“Are you scared of psychics that use unseen power?”

If a grunt says this line, that’s your cue to take him to task. Bear in mind, though, that Psychic Rocket grunts can use Wobuffet and Slowpoke in addition to Shadow Exeggcute, so you may need to battle a few before you get what you’re looking for.

If you can defeat a Rocket grunt with a Shadow Exeggcute, you’ll get the chance to catch it for your challenge immediately afterward.