Shiny Hunting Guide

Increase your odds of finding shiny Pokémon

📖 16 min read🎯 Advanced Level✨ Shiny Guide

Understanding Shiny Odds

Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare color variants with different odds depending on the game generation and hunting method used. Understanding these odds helps set realistic expectations.

Gen 2-5

Base shiny rate for most games

1/8,192

Gen 6+

Improved base rate in newer games

1/4,096

With Shiny Charm

Gen 6+ with completed Pokédex reward

1/1,365

GO to Home

Pokémon GO Community Day transfers

1/64

📊 What These Odds Mean

1/4,096: ~2,048 encounters for 50% chance
1/683: ~342 encounters for 50% chance
Expected: You might need 2-3x the odds
Reality: Could happen on encounter 1 or 10,000+

🎯 Hunting Methods

Different hunting methods offer various advantages. Choose based on your target Pokémon, game version, and personal preference.

🥚

Masuda Method

Intermediate1/683 (with Charm)

Breeding with international parents

📋 Requirements

  • Two Pokémon from different language games
  • Access to Day Care/Nursery
  • Shiny Charm (optional but recommended)
  • Patience for egg hatching

✅ Advantages

  • Very reliable method
  • Can control nature/abilities
  • Works for most breedable Pokémon
  • Can get perfect IVs simultaneously

💡 Pro Tips

  • Use Flame Body/Magma Armor for faster hatching
  • Bike/run in circles near Day Care
  • Box full eggs, then hatch in batches
  • Foreign Ditto works for any breedable Pokémon
🎣

Chain Fishing

Easy1/100 (at max chain)

Consecutive successful catches while fishing

📋 Requirements

  • Fishing rod (Super Rod recommended)
  • Pokémon with Suction Cups/Sticky Hold
  • Area with 100% fishing encounter rate
  • Patience and focus

✅ Advantages

  • Relatively quick results
  • Works in most water areas
  • Low preparation required
  • Can chain multiple species

💡 Pro Tips

  • Don't move from your fishing spot
  • Always reel in when you get a bite
  • Use Suction Cups to prevent "nothing seems to be biting"
  • Chain breaks if you encounter different species
📱

DexNav Chaining

Intermediate1/173 (at high levels)

Using DexNav search function repeatedly

📋 Requirements

  • Pokémon Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire
  • DexNav (obtained early in game)
  • Pokémon registered in DexNav
  • Sneaking ability

✅ Advantages

  • Shows potential moves/abilities
  • Can hunt specific Pokémon
  • Improves IVs over time
  • Visual shiny preview

💡 Pro Tips

  • Sneak slowly to avoid startling
  • Use Circle Pad for precise movement
  • Higher search level = better odds
  • Encountering other Pokémon doesn't break chain
🆘

SOS Chaining

Intermediate1/315 (at chain 31+)

Pokémon calling for help in battles

📋 Requirements

  • Pokémon Sun/Moon/Ultra versions
  • Adrenaline Orb (increases call rate)
  • False Swipe or weak moves
  • Leppa Berries for PP restoration

✅ Advantages

  • Guaranteed higher stats (4+ IVs)
  • Hidden abilities possible
  • Multiple species in some areas
  • Can hunt legendary Pokémon allies

💡 Pro Tips

  • Keep original Pokémon at low HP
  • Use Adrenaline Orb on first turn
  • KO helpers, keep original alive
  • Weather effects can interrupt calls
📡

Radar Chaining

Hard1/200 (at chain 40)

Using Poké Radar for consecutive encounters

📋 Requirements

  • Poké Radar (post-game item)
  • Large patch of grass (9x9 minimum)
  • Max Repels for clean chains
  • Understanding of shaking patterns

✅ Advantages

  • Very high shiny rates when done right
  • Can hunt rare Pokémon
  • Shows exact location of encounters
  • Multiple shiny chances per chain

💡 Pro Tips

  • Always go to farthest shaking patch
  • Reset radar every 50 steps
  • Avoid patches at edges
  • Different shake types have different meanings

🎒 Preparation Checklist

Proper preparation makes shiny hunting more efficient and prevents losing shinies due to poor planning.

Essential Items

Shiny Charm (complete Pokédex first)
Plenty of Poké Balls (Ultra/Dusk balls)
Max Repels for clean encounters
Leppa Berries/PP restoration items

Helpful Pokémon

False Swipe user (Gallade, Absol)
Sleep/paralysis inflictors
Synchronize for nature control
Flame Body for egg hatching (Talonflame)

Quality of Life

Comfortable gaming setup
Podcast/music for grinding
Counter app for tracking encounters
Backup power source for handhelds

🎯 Target Selection Strategy

🌟 Best Beginner Targets

Easy to Hunt

  • • Magikarp (fishing chains)
  • • Caterpie/Weedle (common spawns)
  • • Starter Pokémon (soft reset)
  • • Eevee (multiple evolution options)

Great Shinies

  • • Charizard (black)
  • • Umbreon (blue rings)
  • • Rayquaza (black/gold)
  • • Metagross (silver)

⚠️ Difficult Targets

Legendary Pokémon:Shiny-locked in many games, require soft resetting
Roaming Pokémon:Can flee from battle, very difficult to chain
Gender-specific:Some Pokémon only evolve with specific genders

🧠 Mental Game & Patience

Staying Motivated

🎵 Entertainment

Listen to podcasts, music, or watch shows while hunting. Keep your mind occupied during repetitive encounters.

📊 Track Progress

Use counter apps or paper to track encounters. Seeing progress helps maintain motivation during long hunts.

🎯 Set Milestones

Celebrate encounter milestones (1000, 2000, etc.). Take breaks when you hit odds to prevent burnout.

👥 Community Support

Join shiny hunting communities online. Share your hunts and celebrate others' success to stay motivated.

⚠️ Common Mistakes

❌ Fatal: Using moves that can cause fainting on a shiny. Always use False Swipe or weak moves first!

❌ Avoid: Running out of PP during a shiny encounter. Bring Leppa Berries or Ethers.

❌ Avoid: Breaking chains accidentally by encountering wrong Pokémon or leaving the area.

❌ Avoid: Hunting without save states. Always save before shiny encounters in case something goes wrong.

🏆 Success Stories & Motivation

Remember: Every Hunter Gets Lucky Eventually

Quick Luck:Some hunters find shinies in under 100 encounters. It could happen to you!
Persistence Pays:Many successful hunters have gone 10,000+ encounters. The shiny is worth the wait.
Multiple Hunts:Most hunters work on multiple targets. Switch between hunts to prevent burnout.

What's Next?

Ready to start your shiny hunting journey? These guides will help you along the way: