Pokemon GO Spotlight Hour Guide Jan. 25: Minun

Niantic Labs has revealed that this week's Spotlight Hour will feature the electric-type, Minun, in Pokemon GO.

Most trainers should remember Minun from its feature in the spin-off series, Pokemon Ranger, or for its unique relationship with fellow electric-type mouse, Plusle. Both hail from the Hoenn region and are known for their supportive nature. So, what better choice for the next Spotlight after Plusle than Minun?

Minun has a PokeDex number of #312 and is also known as the "Cheering" Pokemon, like Plusle. It has no concern for its own health and/or safety and will often short out its own body attempting to put on the most supportive, encouraging display it can for its partner.

Minun will be appearing more frequently in the wild from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 25. Trainers who participate will get double the transfer candy.

For better or worse, Minun and Plusle are mirror-images of each other, which means trainers may find some repeat information from the latter's Spotlight article issued last week.

Can Minun be Shiny in Pokemon GO?

Yes, Minun can be shiny in Pokemon GO!

Shiny Minun was implemented during Pokemon GO Fest 2018—eight months after its debut in December 2017. In contrast to its normal palette and its partner, Plusle, shiny Minun actually replaces its sky blue accents with a pastel emerald green.

Best Stats/IV for Minun in Pokemon GO

Minun is a pure electric type with a particular vulnerability to ground-types. It can withstand attacks from flying, steel, and other electric-types.

It has the following stats:

• Maximum CP: 1915
• Maximum HP: 142
• Attack: 147
• Defense: 150
• Stamina: 155

Its IV can be tracked by its CP total at every level. For convenience, we’ve listed the totals in 10-level increments:

• Level 1: 23
• Level 10: 484
• Level 20: 968
• Level 30: 1452
• Level 40: 1694
• Level 50: 1915

Best Moveset for Minun in Pokemon GO

Minun, like Plusle, has its best moveset containing the quick move Spark and charged move Thunderbolt. Both these moves benefit from the Same-Type Attack Bonus (STAB) 20% damage buff.

Spark is the only move in Minun’s quick move pool that benefits from STAB, making it the only real choice. It does 10 damage per second (DPS) while generating 13 energy per second (EPS).

Again, like Plusle, Minun has two electric-type charged moves: Thunderbolt and Discharge. Discharge does cost less energy per cast, the nearly 10-point difference between the two moves’ DPS output immediately places it in the bottom tier. Thunderbolt does 38 DPS for 20 energy which allows players to cast it every three seconds or so.

Is Minun Good in Pokemon GO?

Unfortunately, Plusle and Minun are more for show than anything else in Pokemon GO. While the two work in a pinch when trainers go to reach for an electric-type in a battle or Raid, they are rarely the ideal choices. The two are easily outdone by the likes of Zekrom, Raikou, Jolteon, Electivire, Manetric, and so on.

As such, Minun’s appeal is mostly aesthetic. However, this is a rare opportunity for American and African trainers as the Pokemon is regional to Europe, Asia, and Australia.