Are the Tapu Pokémon Shiny Locked? A Comprehensive Guide
The answer to whether the Tapu Pokémon are shiny locked is a bit complex and depends on the game and context. Generally, in the original Sun and Moon games, the Tapu Pokémon (Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini) were shiny locked. This means that you couldn’t encounter their shiny forms through normal gameplay. However, this changed with Pokémon GO and through special event distributions. Let’s dive into the specifics.
Shiny Locking Explained
What Does Shiny Locked Mean?
Shiny locking refers to a game mechanic where certain Pokémon are programmed not to appear in their shiny forms during regular encounters. This prevents players from soft-resetting (repeatedly restarting the game) to obtain a shiny version of a specific Pokémon. Shiny locking is often used for legendary Pokémon or those involved in crucial story events.
Why Shiny Lock Pokémon?
Game developers often shiny lock Pokémon for a few reasons:
- Rarity and Exclusivity: Shiny locking can make certain shiny Pokémon obtainable only through special events, increasing their value and desirability.
- Story Consistency: Sometimes, a Pokémon’s role in the story doesn’t align with it being shiny. Shiny locking ensures that all players experience the story in the intended way.
- Event Distribution: Shiny locking allows developers to distribute shiny versions of these Pokémon through limited-time events, creating excitement and engagement within the player base.
The Tapus and Their Shiny Status
Sun and Moon Era
In Pokémon Sun and Moon and their Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon counterparts, the Tapu Pokémon were initially shiny locked. This meant that the Tapus you encountered during the main story could not be shiny, regardless of how many times you reset the game. This decision was likely made to maintain the integrity of the storyline and to preserve the value of any future shiny distributions.
- Tapu Koko: Shiny locked in the initial encounter.
- Tapu Lele: Shiny locked in the initial encounter.
- Tapu Bulu: Shiny locked in the initial encounter.
- Tapu Fini: Shiny locked in the initial encounter.
Pokémon GO Breakthrough
Pokémon GO offered a new avenue for obtaining shiny Tapu Pokémon. Unlike the main series games, Pokémon GO events have featured shiny versions of the Tapus in raids. This provided players with a chance to encounter and catch shiny Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini during specific timeframes. The shiny rates are typically around the standard legendary Pokémon shiny odds of approximately 1 in 20.
- Tapu Koko: Available as a shiny during specific raid events.
- Tapu Lele: Available as a shiny during specific raid events.
- Tapu Bulu: Available as a shiny during specific raid events.
- Tapu Fini: Available as a shiny during specific raid events.
Event Distributions
While the in-game encounters were initially shiny locked, The Pokémon Company has distributed shiny Tapu Pokémon through special events. For example, a shiny Tapu Koko was distributed as part of a promotional event. These distributions offered a guaranteed way to obtain a shiny Tapu without relying on the random chance of an encounter.
- Shiny Tapu Koko Event: A notable distribution that allowed players to obtain a guaranteed shiny.
- Shiny Tapu Fini Event: Distributed in the past, requiring trading to obtain now.
FAQs: Your Tapu Shiny Questions Answered
1. Can Tapu Koko be shiny in Sun and Moon?
No, the Tapu Koko encountered in the initial Sun and Moon playthrough is shiny locked. However, a shiny Tapu Koko was distributed through an event.
2. Is Tapu Lele shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Moon?
Yes, the Tapu Lele encountered in the initial Ultra Sun and Moon playthrough is shiny locked. No shiny can be encountered through regular gameplay.
3. Can you get a shiny Tapu Bulu in Sun and Moon?
No, the Tapu Bulu encountered in the initial Sun and Moon playthrough is shiny locked. The only method would be through trading or obtaining through a special event.
4. Is Tapu Fini shiny locked in Sun and Moon?
Yes, the Tapu Fini encountered in the initial Sun and Moon playthrough is shiny locked.
5. How do you get shiny Tapus in Pokémon GO?
In Pokémon GO, you can encounter shiny Tapu Koko, Tapu Lele, Tapu Bulu, and Tapu Fini through Legendary Raids during their respective events. After defeating a Tapu Raid, there’s a chance (around 1 in 20) that the encounter will be a shiny Tapu.
6. What are the odds of finding a shiny Tapu in Pokémon GO?
The odds of encountering a shiny Tapu in Pokémon GO raids are generally around 1 in 20, which is the standard shiny rate for Legendary Pokémon in the game.
7. Were shiny Tapus ever available in the main series games outside of events?
No, outside of special event distributions, the Tapu Pokémon were shiny locked in the main series Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, and Ultra Moon games.
8. Can you trade for a shiny Tapu in Sun and Moon if someone obtained it through an event?
Yes, if someone obtained a shiny Tapu through an event distribution in Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, or Ultra Moon, they can trade it to you. Ensure the shiny Tapu is legitimate to avoid issues.
9. Are all Ultra Beasts shiny locked?
No, not all Ultra Beasts are shiny locked. In Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, most Ultra Beasts are obtainable in their shiny forms through soft-resetting, with the exception of Necrozma.
10. Can Necrozma be shiny in Sun and Moon?
No, Necrozma is shiny locked in Sun and Moon. The only legitimate way to obtain a shiny Necrozma is through Pokémon Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra DLC.
11. What other Pokémon are impossible to get shiny?
Some other Pokémon that are historically impossible to get shiny (without hacking) include Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, and Magearna.
12. How rare is a shiny in Sun and Moon?
The base shiny rate in Sun and Moon is 1 in 4,096. However, using the Shiny Charm can increase your odds to 1 in 1,365.
13. Are Reshiram and Zekrom shiny locked?
Yes, Reshiram and Zekrom were shiny locked in the original Black and White games and also in Black 2 and White 2.
14. Are Gigantamax Pokémon shiny locked?
Some Gigantamax Pokémon, particularly those received as gifts, are shiny locked. For example, the special Gigantamax Pikachu and Eevee gifts are shiny locked.
15. What makes a shiny Pokémon valuable?
A shiny Pokémon’s value comes from its rarity and the effort required to obtain it. The low encounter rates, coupled with the randomness of the process, make finding a shiny Pokémon a significant achievement for many players. The Games Learning Society can appreciate the game design behind shiny hunting, as these mechanics contribute to player engagement and a sense of accomplishment. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org for more information.