How to Get Shiny Pokémon – Complete Shiny Hunting Guide
Shiny Pokémon are rare alternate-colored variants with a base encounter rate of 1 in 4,096. With the right methods the odds can increase dramatically. This guide covers every mainstream shiny hunting technique.
Base Odds
No boosts: 1/4096 (Gen 6+) or 1/8192 (Gen 1–5). With Shiny Charm: 1/1365. Masuda Method only: 1/683. Masuda Method + Shiny Charm: 1/512.
Shiny Charm
Obtained by completing the National (or regional) Pokédex and speaking to a professor or NPC. Adds 2 extra shiny rolls, effectively tripling the base rate. Stacks with almost every other shiny hunting method.
Shiny Rate Quick Reference
| Method | Base Rate | With Shiny Charm |
|---|---|---|
| Standard encounter | 1/4096 | 1/1365 |
| Masuda Method | 1/683 | 1/512 |
| SOS Chain (×31+) | 1/315 | 1/273 |
| Mass Outbreak (×60+) | 1/158 | 1/137 |
Hunting Methods
Masuda Method
Breed two Pokémon from games with different language settings. The shiny rate becomes 1/683, or 1/512 combined with the Shiny Charm. Best used to get a shiny Pokémon with specific IVs and nature.
SOS Chaining (Gen 7)
In Sun/Moon/USUM: call for help in battle and keep defeating called allies while keeping the original Pokémon alive. At 31+ SOS calls, the shiny rate reaches approximately 1/315 (1/100 with Shiny Charm).
Poké Radar Chaining (Gen 4 / Gen 6)
Use the Poké Radar and maintain a chain by always stepping into shaking grass patches. At chain 40, the shiny rate reaches approximately 1/200. Breaking the chain resets the odds to base.
Mass Outbreaks (Gen 8 / Gen 9)
Massive Mass Outbreaks in Legends: Arceus and Mass Outbreaks in Scarlet/Violet significantly boost shiny rates. In PLA with Shiny Charm and perfect research: approximately 1/128. In SV with Shiny Charm and Sparkling Power Lv. 3 sandwich: approximately 1/512.
Soft Resetting (SR)
Save in front of a legendary, starter, or gift Pokémon. Encounter it, check if shiny, and reset the game if not. Each attempt is 1/4096 without Shiny Charm or 1/1365 with it. No additional boosts apply.
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