Shiny Pokémon return in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, meaning players have a chance to capture specially-colored (and notably rare!) Pokémon they find in the wild. Shinies (called this due to the “sparkle” effect displayed when they come out of their Poké Balls) have been a mainstay of the series for a long time, and finding one can be incredibly exciting! While Shiny hunting remains largely the same as in past games, Scarlet and Violet also introduce new mechanics to make it easier to find these uncommon Pokémon out and about. Keep reading for our full guide to how Shinies work and how to catch them in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet!
How to tell if a Pokémon is Shiny
Shiny Pokémon are usually easy to recognize given their different coloration. For instance, a regular Gyarados is blue, while a Shiny Gyarados is red. However, some Shiny Pokémon colorations are very similar to a Pokémon’s regular color, like with Pikachu. Fortunately, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet denote Shinies by also showing light and sparkles around them when they appear. Hence, like we mentioned before, the name “Shiny.”
Shiny Pokémon odds in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Like other Pokémon games, Shiny odds in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are 1/4096. The professor in the game actually says that the rate is 1/4000, but the real number is likely still 4096.
Can my starter be Shiny?
From everything we have seen so far, it appears that starter Pokémon are Shiny locked. This means your starter has no chance at being Shiny.
How do I encounter Shiny Pokémon?
Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet can be encountered anywhere in the overworld. Sadly, unlike games like Pokémon Legends: Arceus where you get both an audible cue when a Shiny Pokémon was near by. That sound is gone in Scarlet and Violet. Luckily, you will be able to see Shiny Pokémon on the world map without triggering an encounter!
Can I increase my Shiny odds in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes! After completing your regional Dex, an item called the Shiny Charm is available in the game, increasing your base odds of encountering a Shiny to around 1/1128. You also have the ability to make special sandwiches that can boost your Shiny chances even higher. Sadly, one of the main ingredients you need to make these sandwiches don’t start dropping until the end game. Check out our Shiny sandwich guide for all the ingredients.
Are Shiny odds increased in Mass Outbreaks?
Yes! Mass Outbreaks are back in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, and finding them and defeating Pokémon found in a Mass Outbreak can massively increase your Shiny chances. Austin John Plays actually did a video on the odds that we embedded below. But the quick math is this:
- Defeat 30 Pokémon – 1/2046
- Defeat 60 Pokémon 1/1365
If you combine these odds with the Shiny Charm or with special sandwiches, those odds increase significantly.
Are Shiny odds increased in Tera Raids?
We don’t know about this one quite yet. We do know that Shiny Pokémon DO exist in Tera Raids, we just don’t know how boosted they could be.
More Pokémon Scarlet and Violet guides
Looking for more help with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Check out our other guides!
Leave a Comment
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.
