Pokémon Legends: Arceus is here, drawing players into the Hisui region for an all-new kind of adventure. New species and situations can be found throughout, and we’re here to help you fill out your Pokédex! But what if you’re looking for a something more… unique? We’re happy to report that Shiny Pokémon have made a return in Legends. Here’s what you need to do to find one.
Are there Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Yes! Shiny Pokémon exist in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and can be found roaming around the Hisui overworld. Shiny hunters rejoice!
Where to find Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Unlike other Pokémon games, Shiny Pokémon are visible in the overworld in Legends. There’s no need to engage a Pokémon in battle to see if it’s Shiny. At the moment, the best way to get one is to ride around the world and keep your eyes open. If you don’t see one, exit the stage and come back, as Pokémon do not respawn once you have entered an area.
What are the Shiny odds in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Like other Pokémon games, Shiny odds in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are 1/4096. That means (conceivably) every 1 out of 4,096 Pokémon you encounter should be Shiny.
Can I increase my Shiny odds in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Yes! By finishing the Legends: Arceus (and the Pokédex), you’ll dramatically improve your Shiny odds at certain points in the game. You can improve your odds of catching a Shiny of a specific Pokémon species for reaching Species Research Level 10 for that Pokémon. Each Species Research Level 10 you complete will knock the Shiny odds for that Pokémon down to 1/2048. Then, on top of that, getting Species Research Perfect by finishing a page will knock that even further down to 1/1024.
An item called the Shiny Charm is available in the game, increasing your base odds of encountering a Shiny to 1/1128. In tandem with a Species Research Level 10 for a specific Pokémon, your odds improve to 1/820. In tandem with a Species Research Perfect, though, the Shiny Charm will improve your odds to 1/586.
However, getting the Shiny Charm is a major task. Check out our full guide about the Shiny Charm to learn how you can get your own. There may be other methods to increase your odds, but they haven’t been discovered just yet.
Shiny hunting through Mass Outbreaks
A new method called “Mass Outbreak Hunting” has also been found that significantly increases Shiny odds. Check out our guide to Shiny hunting using the Mass Outbreak method!
Can Starter Pokémon be Shiny in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Unfortunately, it appears that Starter Pokémon are Shiny locked, meaning you won’t be able to reset for a Shiny Rowlet, Cyndaquil, or Oshawott.
More Pokémon Legends: Arceus guides
Looking for more help with Pokémon Legends: Arceus? Check out our other guides!
Written by Jason Ganos
Nintendo super fan since birth, Jason is the creator of Amiibo News and editor-in-chief at Nintendo Wire. One of his life goals is to provide the latest Nintendo news to fellow gamers with his natural know-how.
