Are Brilliant Diamond Starters Shiny Locked? A Comprehensive Guide
No, starters are NOT shiny locked in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP). This means you can obtain a shiny Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup right at the beginning of your adventure! Unlike some recent Pokémon games, BDSP allows you to soft reset to repeatedly encounter the starter selection screen until you find the elusive, differently colored version. This is great news for shiny hunters!
The Allure of Shiny Starters
The thrill of beginning your Pokémon journey with a shiny starter is undeniable. It’s a badge of honor, a symbol of dedication, and a unique Pokémon companion that sets you apart. Shiny hunting, although time-consuming, is a popular pastime for many Pokémon players. BDSP offers a more traditional approach to shiny hunting, harking back to earlier generations where patience and persistence are key.
Shiny Hunting the Starters in BDSP
The process is simple, albeit potentially lengthy. Follow these steps to shiny hunt for your desired starter:
- Start a new game and progress through the initial cutscenes until you reach the point where you can select your starter Pokémon.
- Choose your desired starter (Turtwig, Chimchar, or Piplup).
- Check if the Pokémon is shiny as soon as it appears on the screen after selecting it (either in the nickname screen or when it’s sent out for the first battle). Note the color variation. For example, a shiny Piplup has a lighter blue color than the normal dark blue.
- If it’s not shiny, soft reset your game by pressing L+R+Start (or Select). This will take you back to the title screen.
- Repeat steps 1-4 until a shiny starter appears!
Be prepared to dedicate a significant amount of time to this process, as the odds are not in your favor without any enhancements.
Understanding the Odds
The base shiny odds in BDSP are 1 in 4096. This means that, on average, you’ll need to encounter 4096 starters before finding a shiny one. However, this is purely based on probability, and you might get lucky much sooner or it could take even longer. These odds can be slightly improved by using the Masuda method for breeding (more on that later).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shiny Starters in BDSP
1. What is a “shiny locked” Pokémon?
A shiny locked Pokémon is a Pokémon that cannot appear as shiny in a particular game, regardless of how many times you encounter it. This is usually a deliberate design choice by the developers. In BDSP, thankfully, the starters are not shiny locked.
2. Can I see if the starter is shiny before choosing it?
No, you won’t know if the starter is shiny until after you’ve chosen it. You’ll typically see its shiny form either during the nickname screen or when it’s sent out in the first battle.
3. Does the Shiny Charm affect the starter Pokémon encounters?
Unfortunately, the Shiny Charm does NOT affect the starter encounters in BDSP. It only increases the odds of hatching shiny Pokémon through breeding, not for static encounters like the starter selection.
4. What is the Masuda method, and does it work for starters?
The Masuda method involves breeding two Pokémon of different languages. For example, breeding a Japanese Ditto with an English Pokémon. This significantly increases the chances of hatching a shiny Pokémon. However, this method does not work for obtaining shiny starters directly at the beginning of the game. It only applies to breeding.
5. Can I breed my starter later to get a shiny?
Yes, you can definitely breed your starter later in the game using the Masuda method. You’ll need a Ditto from a different region than your game. This is a good option if you don’t want to spend hours soft resetting at the beginning.
6. Where can I find a Ditto in BDSP?
Ditto can be found in the Grand Underground after obtaining the National Pokédex. They can appear in various hideaways.
7. What are the shiny forms of the starters?
- Shiny Turtwig: Features a lighter green color.
- Shiny Chimchar: Features a slightly lighter shade of red/orange.
- Shiny Piplup: Features a light blue color instead of the usual dark blue.
8. Is it possible to use glitches to get a shiny starter more easily?
While glitches might exist, they are often patched out in updates. Furthermore, using glitches could potentially corrupt your save file. It’s generally best to stick to legitimate methods like soft resetting or breeding.
9. Are any other Pokémon shiny locked in BDSP?
Yes, some Legendary Pokémon are shiny locked in BDSP. These include Manaphy (through the Mystery Gift egg), and the Mythical Pokemon Deoxys. However, most other Legendaries, including Dialga, Palkia, and those in Ramanas Park, are not shiny locked.
10. How long does it typically take to get a shiny starter?
This varies greatly depending on luck. Some players get a shiny starter within a few hours, while others might spend days or even weeks. With odds of 1 in 4096, prepare for a potentially long grind.
11. Is there anything I can do to make shiny hunting faster?
Unfortunately, there are no in-game items or mechanics that can speed up the process of shiny hunting for starters in BDSP. The only thing you can do is be efficient with your soft resetting to minimize the time between each encounter.
12. Should I get the National Pokédex before shiny hunting starters?
No, you don’t need to get the National Pokédex before shiny hunting starters. This is because you are encountering the starters as part of the main storyline, long before you have access to post-game content such as the National Dex.
13. If I fail a shiny encounter, is it gone forever?
No. Because the starters in BDSP are not shiny locked, if you accidentally defeat or run away from a shiny starter you can always restart the game and try to encounter it again.
14. Why are some Pokemon shiny locked in certain games?
Pokemon are shiny locked for a variety of reasons, some of which include the following: ensuring game balance, event distribution limitations, and story importance. The Pokemon Company will typically shiny lock Pokemon in instances where the game would be significantly impacted if the player were able to obtain shiny versions.
15. Can I use an Action Replay or similar device to force a shiny starter?
While devices like Action Replay might allow you to manipulate the game, using them is generally discouraged. It can potentially corrupt your save data, and it removes the sense of accomplishment that comes with legitimately obtaining a shiny Pokémon. It can also ruin the intended experience of the game as designed by the developers.
Final Thoughts
Shiny hunting for starters in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl can be a test of patience, but the reward is a unique and cherished Pokémon companion. With the knowledge provided here, you are now well-equipped to embark on your shiny hunting adventure. Remember to stay patient, stay persistent, and have fun!
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