Will a Traded Shiny Egg Stay Shiny? Unraveling the Mysteries of Pokémon Genetics!
The short answer is: it depends! Whether a traded shiny egg will hatch into a shiny Pokémon isn’t a simple yes or no. It’s a fascinating interplay of game mechanics, hidden values, and a bit of luck. This guide will dive deep into the complexities of shiny Pokémon, egg generation, and trading systems to give you a comprehensive understanding of what to expect when trading those precious eggs.
The Intricacies of Shiny Generation
The key to understanding whether a traded egg will stay shiny lies in how the game determines shininess in the first place. This process has evolved across different generations of Pokémon games, making it crucial to consider the specific game you’re playing.
Generation 1 and 2: A World Without Shiny Eggs
In Generation 1 (Red, Blue, Yellow), shiny Pokémon simply didn’t exist. Shininess wasn’t a defined characteristic. In Generation 2 (Gold, Silver, Crystal), shininess was tied directly to a Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs). Certain IV combinations automatically resulted in a shiny Pokémon. This means a traded Pokémon from Generation 1 could potentially become shiny in Generation 2 if its IVs happened to align with the shiny criteria, but eggs weren’t part of this equation in these early games.
Generation 3 Onward: PID, IVs, and Trainer IDs
From Generation 3 (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald) onward, the mechanics became more complex. Shininess is determined by a combination of a Pokémon’s Personality Value (PID), IVs, and the Trainer ID (TID) and Secret ID (SID) of the trainer hatching the egg.
Here’s the breakdown:
- PID: A unique, randomly generated number assigned to each Pokémon when the egg is created.
- IVs: Determine a Pokémon’s stats.
- TID/SID: Unique identifiers assigned to each trainer’s game.
The game performs a calculation involving these values. If the result matches a specific range, the Pokémon will be shiny. Importantly, the PID and IVs are determined when the egg is received. However, the final determination of shininess happens upon hatching, when the game uses your TID/SID in the calculation.
The Traded Egg Scenario
This is where the “it depends” comes in.
- If the PID and IVs of the egg would result in a shiny Pokémon with both the original trainer’s TID/SID and the new trainer’s TID/SID, then the traded egg will hatch shiny.
- However, if the PID and IVs only align with the original trainer’s TID/SID, the egg will hatch non-shiny for the new trainer. Conversely, an egg that wouldn’t have been shiny for the original trainer could hatch shiny for the new trainer if their TID/SID lines up favorably with the egg’s PID and IVs.
In essence, the egg carries the potential for shininess, but whether that potential is realized depends on the trainer who hatches it.
Modern Games and Fixed Shiny Encounters
Modern Pokémon games, particularly those on the Nintendo Switch, have introduced further complexities. Some games feature fixed shiny encounters through events or specific in-game mechanics. In these cases, the shininess of the Pokémon might be pre-determined and unaffected by the trading process. However, for the vast majority of bred Pokémon and eggs, the principles described above still apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Eggs and Trading
Here are some common questions regarding shiny Pokémon, egg trading, and related mechanics:
1. Are eggs predetermined to be shiny?
Yes and no. The IVs, Nature, Ability, and PID are determined when you receive the egg. However, shininess is calculated again when the egg hatches, using the TID/SID of the trainer hatching it. So, the potential for shininess is set, but the final outcome depends on the hatcher.
2. Can you soft reset for shiny eggs?
Soft resetting on the same game will not change the shininess of an egg. The PID and IVs are already set. The only way to potentially change the outcome is by trading the egg to a game with a different TID/SID.
3. Do two shiny parents make shiny eggs?
While having shiny parents increases the shiny odds somewhat, especially when combined with the Masuda method (breeding Pokémon from different language regions), it doesn’t guarantee a shiny egg. The probability increases, but shininess is still ultimately determined by the random number generation process.
4. Does a shiny Ditto increase shiny egg odds?
Similar to having shiny parents, using a shiny Ditto in breeding improves the chances of hatching a shiny Pokémon, especially when used with a Pokémon from a different language region, but does not guarantee it.
5. What determines a shiny egg?
As discussed, the egg’s shininess is ultimately determined by a combination of its PID, IVs, and the TID/SID of the trainer hatching it. The game performs a calculation upon hatching to determine if the Pokémon is shiny based on these values.
6. How rare are shiny Pokémon?
The base shiny rate varies depending on the game generation. In recent generations, the base rate is often 1/4096. This can be improved with the Shiny Charm and the Masuda method. In Pokémon Go, the base shiny rate is commonly estimated to be around 1/500, but this can vary by event and Pokémon.
7. Does shiny sandwich affect eggs?
In games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, shiny sandwiches increase the odds of encountering shiny Pokémon in the wild, but they do not directly increase the chances of hatching a shiny egg.
8. How many eggs does it take to guarantee a shiny?
There’s no guarantee. The odds remain the same for each egg. However, with methods that increase your odds to 1/512, you’d statistically expect to hatch a shiny within 512 eggs on average.
9. Why is trading Shinies so expensive?
Trading shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO requires a significant amount of Stardust because of their rarity and value. The cost varies based on the friendship level between the trainers and whether either trainer has the shiny Pokémon registered in their Pokédex.
10. Can you trade a shiny Pokemon twice in Pokemon go?
No. Pokémon GO has a strict policy: once a Pokémon is traded, it cannot be traded again. This includes shiny Pokémon.
11. Does trading Shinies count as a special trade?
Yes. In Pokémon GO, trading a shiny Pokémon counts as a special trade. You can only make one special trade per day, except during special events.
12. What is the most soft resets for a shiny Pokemon?
There is no limit. Technically, there is an almost certainty of hitting a shiny in around 2,000 resets, however it is still a change and some people can go over 10,000 resets without finding a shiny.
13. Are shiny Pokemon worthless?
No. Shiny Pokémon are highly sought after by many players due to their rarity and unique appearance. They are valuable in terms of bragging rights and collection value, but they don’t have any functional difference in battle compared to non-shiny Pokémon.
14. Are starters shiny locked?
In some games, like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the starter Pokémon are shiny-locked, meaning they can’t be shiny, no matter how many times you reset. However, this isn’t true for all Pokémon games, and the possibility of getting a shiny starter depends on the specific game.
15. What happens when you trade Shinies?
In Pokémon GO, trading shiny Pokémon costs a significant amount of Stardust, depending on your friendship level and whether you both have that Pokémon registered. Remember, once traded, the shiny Pokémon cannot be traded again. Outside of Pokémon GO, the trade mechanics are determined by that individual game, but they can usually be traded multiple times between players.
Delving Deeper: The Educational Aspect
The complexities surrounding shiny Pokémon and egg trading highlight the underlying mathematical and statistical concepts embedded within these games. Understanding probability, random number generation, and the manipulation of game mechanics contributes to a deeper appreciation of the game’s design. Exploring these concepts through gaming can be a powerful tool for education, fostering critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Organizations like the Games Learning Society understand the power of video games in learning, and they promote research and practice in the field of game-based learning, you can find more about them at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion: Embrace the Uncertainty
Trading shiny eggs can be a gamble, but it’s a gamble rooted in fascinating game mechanics. While the egg carries the potential for shininess, the ultimate outcome rests on the TID/SID of the trainer who hatches it. Understanding the underlying principles empowers you to make informed decisions and appreciate the intricacies of the Pokémon world. So, trade wisely, and may your eggs hatch shiny!