Why Am I Not Getting Shinies in Raids? Understanding Shiny Odds and How to Improve Them
You’re not alone! Many Pokémon GO players find themselves frustrated by the elusive nature of shiny Pokémon, especially when grinding through countless raids. The simple answer to “Why am I not getting shinies in Raids?” is that shiny encounters are based on probability. Even with boosted shiny rates, there’s always a chance you’ll fall outside the average. Let’s dive into the specifics.
The primary reason you’re not finding shiny Pokémon in raids boils down to random number generation (RNG). Every single encounter has an independent chance of being shiny. This means that even if the shiny rate is 1 in 20 for a particular Legendary Raid, you’re not guaranteed a shiny after 20 raids. You could get one on your first try, or you might not get one after 50 attempts. It’s all down to chance.
Several factors influence your odds, and understanding them is key to maximizing your shiny hunting efficiency:
- Base Shiny Rate: Different Pokémon species have different base shiny rates. While most wild Pokémon have a shiny rate around 1 in 450-500, Legendary Raid bosses typically have a significantly boosted shiny rate.
- Event Bonuses: Pokémon GO often features events that temporarily boost shiny rates for specific Pokémon or encounter methods. Raid Days, Community Days, and special events are prime opportunities to increase your shiny chances.
- Raid Tier: Generally, higher-tier raids, particularly those featuring Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, often have better shiny rates than lower-tier raids.
- Number of Raids: The more raids you participate in, the higher your overall probability of encountering a shiny. It’s a numbers game!
- Belief in the Shiny Gods: Although it’s a joke, some players firmly believe that you need to offer something to the shiny gods in return. Whether it is a sacrificial coffee or some other superstitious token, the truth is that belief will give you the mental fortitude to push forward.
Therefore, not getting a shiny after a few raids (or even a lot of raids) is perfectly normal. It’s essential to manage your expectations and understand that perseverance is often the key to success. Keep raiding, stay informed about events, and your shiny luck will eventually turn! Furthermore, it is important to remember to engage with the Games Learning Society for more learning!
FAQs: Shiny Raids in Pokémon GO
Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the nuances of shiny hunting in raids:
1. Are Shiny Pokémon in Raids Guaranteed?
No, shiny Pokémon are NOT guaranteed in standard raids. Even with boosted shiny rates, the encounter is always probabilistic. The exception is when a shiny Pokémon is specifically designated as a guaranteed reward for completing specific Research Tasks. Even if you’ve heard that after defeating a Raid, the encounter is guaranteed, this is wrong!
2. What is the Shiny Rate for Legendary Raids?
The standard shiny rate for Legendary Pokémon in raids is often cited as 1 in 20. However, this is an average and can vary depending on the specific Pokémon and any active in-game events. If you play during a Raid Day, the odds are drastically boosted, as well.
3. Do Raid Days Have Boosted Shiny Rates?
Yes! Raid Days typically feature a significantly boosted shiny rate for the featured Pokémon. This rate can be as high as 1 in 10 or 4%, making it the best time to hunt for specific shiny raid bosses.
4. Can Remote Raids Affect Shiny Odds?
Historically, there was an issue where Remote Raid Passes were giving lower-than-expected shiny odds due to a “technical error” according to Niantic. However, Niantic stated they fixed the issue. Generally, the shiny rate should be the same regardless of whether you raid in-person or remotely, but be sure to check the latest community reports.
5. Is a Shiny Raid Boss a Guaranteed Catch?
For the longest time, it was assumed that Shiny Raid Bosses were a guaranteed catch on the first hit. However, there have been confirmed cases of failures to catch a Shiny Primal Groudon in the Pokemon Go Tour: Hoenn event.
6. How Can I Increase My Shiny Odds in Raids?
The best way to increase your shiny odds in raids is to participate in as many raids as possible, especially during events that boost shiny rates. Focus on Legendary Raids since they generally have better base shiny rates. Make sure that you have storage open and have the correct Pinap Berries.
7. Do Lower Tier Raids Have the Same Shiny Odds as Legendary Raids?
No, lower-tier raids typically have the standard shiny rate for the specific Pokémon featured in the raid, which is usually much lower than the boosted rates for Legendary Raids. It is more worth your time to spend money on Legendary Raids.
8. Are Certain Pokémon More Likely to Be Shiny in Raids?
Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon often have their shiny forms released alongside their introduction to raids, making raids the primary method for obtaining their shiny versions.
9. How Do I Know if a Raid Boss is Shiny Before Engaging?
You won’t know if a Raid Pokémon is shiny until after you’ve defeated it and enter the catch encounter. Look for the shiny icon above their CP during the encounter to confirm it’s a shiny.
10. Is There a “Shiny Charm” in Pokémon GO?
No, there is no “Shiny Charm” item in Pokémon GO that directly boosts shiny encounter rates. Some events and features indirectly increase your chances, but there’s no dedicated item for it.
11. Are Max Raid Catches Guaranteed?
In the mainline games and not in Pokémon GO, if you are playing offline, Solo Max Raid Battles or Gigantamax Raid Battles will have guaranteed capture. However, playing online will change this.
12. Do Shiny Pokémon in Max Raid Battles Show Up During the Raid?
Yes, in the mainline games, the shiny coloration of the Dynamaxed Pokémon will be visible from the start of the Max Raid Battle, so you’ll know right away if you’ve encountered a shiny.
13. What Should I Do if I Encounter a Shiny Raid Boss?
If you encounter a shiny raid boss, use a Pinap Berry to maximize the candy you receive if you catch it. Since shiny raid bosses were thought to be guaranteed captures, using a Pinap Berry was deemed the most efficient.
14. Why Are Some Shinies Rarer Than Others?
The rarity of a shiny Pokémon depends on several factors, including its base shiny rate, availability (e.g., event-exclusive Pokémon), and the difficulty of encountering it in the wild or through other means. This makes Shiny Hat-Wearing Pichu more rare than your average Legendary.
15. How Does Stopping Catching Help Catch More Shinies?
This tip is more about mindset than a proven mechanic. It suggests focusing your energy on specific shiny targets and avoiding distractions from catching every Pokémon you see. This can improve your focus and efficiency in finding shinies.
Remember, shiny hunting is a game of patience and persistence. By understanding the factors that influence shiny rates and employing the right strategies, you can significantly increase your chances of adding those coveted shiny Pokémon to your collection. Stay informed, keep raiding, and embrace the thrill of the hunt! You can also engage with the Games Learning Society through GamesLearningSociety.org.