Can’t find Scatterbug on the map? Learn the only correct way to trigger Scatterbug encounters using postcards and finish your Vivillon medal before 2026.
Introduction: Stuck on “Catch a Scatterbug”? You’re Not Alone
If you’re currently stuck on the task “Catch a Scatterbug” and can’t find one anywhere on the map, you’re not doing anything wrong. This exact issue is why searches for how to catch Scatterbug in Pokémon GO are surging in December 2025.
Many players assume Scatterbug works like a normal Pokémon spawn—but that assumption is what causes the confusion.
Right now, the Best Friends Forever Timed Research requires players to catch a Scatterbug, yet the game never clearly explains how this Pokémon appears. Scatterbug does not spawn in the wild, does not show up during events, and cannot be attracted using Incense or Lures. Instead, it’s unlocked through a mechanic-based system tied to postcards and tracked via the Vivillon Collector Medal.
Good news: Scatterbug isn’t rare or bugged—it’s just unlocked differently.
This guide shows the only correct way to trigger a Scatterbug encounter, explains how the postcard system actually works, and shares practical tips to help you:
- Complete the timed research before it expires
- Farm Scatterbug for candy and better IVs
- Hunt shiny Scatterbug efficiently
- Progress toward finishing your Vivillon collection before 2026
Why Scatterbug Is Suddenly Trending in Pokémon GO (December 2025)
Scatterbug hasn’t changed—but December gameplay has. Multiple events and player goals overlap this month, pushing more players into contact with the postcard system than ever before.
Best Friends Forever Timed Research (Ends Dec 29, 2025)
The biggest reason Scatterbug is trending right now is the Best Friends Forever Timed Research.
Step 2 of this questline directly requires players to “Catch a Scatterbug”, which immediately stops progress for anyone unfamiliar with how Scatterbug encounters are unlocked. Because Scatterbug never appears on the overworld map, many players assume something is broken or that they simply haven’t been lucky enough yet.
The task gives no hint that postcards are involved, which is why so many players search for help.
Winter Holiday Event = More Gifts, More Confusion
The Winter Holiday event heavily encourages social gameplay. With bonuses like 2× XP for sending gifts, players are opening and sending gifts far more frequently.
This increased gift activity exposes players to postcards more often, causing them to notice Vivillon Medal progress without understanding how that progress turns into an actual Scatterbug encounter.
More gifts = more postcards—but only if you pin them correctly.
Shiny Scatterbug + Year-End Goals
Another major driver is Shiny Scatterbug, which became available globally in February 2025. Since Scatterbug evolves into Vivillon—and there are 18 different regional patterns—this becomes a long-term collection and shiny-hunting goal.
December is traditionally a catch-up month in Pokémon GO. Players focus on finishing medals, completing Pokédex entries, and closing long-term goals before the year ends, which naturally increases interest in Scatterbug strategies.
What Scatterbug Is (And Why You’ll Never See It in the Wild)
Scatterbug behaves very differently from most Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
It is not a wild spawn, meaning you will never encounter it by walking around, using Incense, or participating in themed events. Weather boosts and spawn rotations have no effect on its appearance.
Instead, Scatterbug encounters are unlocked entirely through progress on the Vivillon Collector Medal, which is tied to the postcard system.
No postcards = no Scatterbug, no matter how long you play.
The Only Way to Encounter Scatterbug in Pokémon GO
There is only one reliable method to encounter Scatterbug.
You must pin postcards from gifts, and those postcards must all come from the same geographic region. Spinning PokéStops, battling, walking, or raiding does nothing to trigger Scatterbug encounters.
Once you understand that postcards are the trigger, the system becomes predictable instead of frustrating.
How to Catch Scatterbug in Pokémon GO (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Open Gifts From Friends
Gifts sent by friends are the only source of postcards in Pokémon GO. Each gift contains a postcard tied to the real-world location of the PokéStop or Gym where it was obtained.
December event bonuses make gift exchanges faster and more frequent, which helps players accumulate postcards more efficiently.
Step 2 – Pin Postcards From the Same Region
Before discarding a gift, you must pin the attached postcard.
Only pinned postcards count toward Scatterbug progress, and region consistency is critical. All postcards contributing toward a single Scatterbug encounter must come from the same region.
Mixing regions slows progress and prevents encounters from triggering.
Step 3 – Pin 3 Postcards to Trigger Your First Encounter
Once you pin three postcards from the same region, your first Scatterbug encounter for that region becomes available.
You can claim this encounter directly from the Vivillon Collector Medal screen, and it immediately fulfills the “Catch a Scatterbug” requirement in the Best Friends Forever timed research.
Step 4 – Pin 9 Postcards for Additional Scatterbug Encounters
After the first encounter, the requirement increases.
Pinning nine additional postcards from the same region unlocks another Scatterbug encounter. Further encounters require higher postcard counts and are used to farm candy, IVs, and shiny checks.
Always claim the encounter before continuing progress.
Why Your Scatterbug Isn’t Appearing (Common December Mistakes)
Most December-related issues come from changes in player habits during events.
Opening gifts quickly for XP without pinning postcards results in zero progress. Pinning postcards from multiple regions spreads progress too thin to trigger encounters. Many players also expect Scatterbug to spawn naturally during Winter events, which never happens.
If you don’t check your Vivillon Medal, you might miss that an encounter is already ready.
Scatterbug Regions, Vivillon Patterns, and Medal Progress
Each Scatterbug evolves into a Vivillon with a region-specific wing pattern, and there are 18 known patterns in Pokémon GO.
Progress is tracked separately for each region, meaning you must repeat the postcard process multiple times to complete the full collection. The Platinum Vivillon Medal requires all patterns, making rare regions like Sandstorm, Ocean, and Sun major roadblocks.
December is when many players intentionally target these difficult regions to finish the medal before the year ends.
Shiny Scatterbug Hunting – What Matters in 2025
Shiny Scatterbug and Shiny Vivillon are available, but expectations matter.
Events do not boost shiny odds, and regions do not affect shiny rates. The most effective shiny-hunting strategy is increasing the number of Scatterbug encounters you unlock through postcards.
More postcard progress = more shiny chances.
Tips to Finish the Scatterbug Task Faster Before Dec 29
To complete the timed research efficiently, focus on one region at a time and avoid spreading postcard progress. Adding friends from specific regions reduces wasted pins.
While grinding XP through gift exchanges, always pin postcards before discarding gifts, and claim each Scatterbug encounter as soon as it becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I find Scatterbug on the map?
Scatterbug never spawns naturally and must be unlocked through pinned postcards.
How many postcards do I need?
Three postcards trigger the first encounter, nine trigger the next, and additional encounters require higher counts.
Does unpinning remove progress?
No. Once a postcard is counted toward medal progress, unpinning does not reverse it.
Can I catch multiple Scatterbug?
Yes. You can encounter multiple Scatterbug across different regions and milestones.
Is Scatterbug boosted during Winter events?
No. Events only increase gift activity, not Scatterbug encounter rates or shiny odds.
Conclusion: Scatterbug Isn’t Rare — It’s Just Misunderstood
Scatterbug feels confusing because Pokémon GO never clearly explains the postcard system. Once you understand that Scatterbug is mechanic-driven, not RNG-based, the process becomes straightforward and repeatable.
December is actually one of the best times to work on Scatterbug thanks to increased gift activity, social bonuses, and year-end motivation. With consistent postcard pinning and region focus, Scatterbug encounters become predictable—and far less frustrating.
Visit Our Post Page: Blog Page
Thank you so much! I didn’t even realize that I needed to tap on the medal to trigger the encounter with a scatterbug! It really is misunderstood and you did a great job breaking out down for me.