Are the Ultra Beasts Shiny Locked? A Deep Dive into Pokémon’s Interdimensional Enigmas

The answer is nuanced. In Pokémon Sun and Moon, yes, all Ultra Beasts were shiny locked. This meant that regardless of how many encounters you initiated, the game’s code prevented these specific Pokémon from appearing in their shiny forms. However, the good news for shiny hunters is that in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, none of the Ultra Beasts are shiny locked. This opened the floodgates for dedicated players to embark on the challenging but rewarding quest of obtaining shiny versions of these interdimensional creatures. So grab your Beast Balls and get ready for a thrilling hunt!

Understanding Shiny Locking and Ultra Beasts

Before diving deeper, let’s clarify the terms. Shiny locking refers to a game mechanic where certain Pokémon are programmed to never appear in their shiny form during a specific encounter. This is usually applied to legendary or mythical Pokémon, often distributed through events, to maintain their rarity and value.

Ultra Beasts are a group of extradimensional Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sun and Moon. They are powerful and unique creatures that pose a significant threat to the Alola region. Catching them is a crucial part of the post-game storyline.

The Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon Advantage

The decision by Game Freak to remove the shiny lock on Ultra Beasts in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (USUM) was a significant win for the shiny hunting community. It added a new layer of challenge and replayability to the games, as players could now dedicate countless hours to soft resetting in pursuit of these elusive color variants.

The Odds: A Test of Patience

The odds of encountering a shiny Ultra Beast in USUM are the standard for stationary encounters: 1/4096. This means that on average, you’ll need to encounter a specific Ultra Beast 4096 times to see its shiny form. The Shiny Charm, obtained by completing the Alola Pokédex, reduces these odds to 1/1365.33, significantly improving your chances.

Soft Resetting: The Hunter’s Technique

The primary method for shiny hunting Ultra Beasts (and other stationary encounters) is soft resetting. This involves saving your game before encountering the Pokémon, battling it, and if it isn’t shiny, resetting the game without saving. This allows you to re-encounter the same Pokémon repeatedly until it appears shiny. The process can be tedious, but the reward of obtaining a shiny Ultra Beast is often worth the effort.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shiny Ultra Beasts

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the topic of shiny Ultra Beasts:

1. Are all Ultra Beasts in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon huntable for their shiny forms?

   Yes, all of the Ultra Beasts obtainable in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon can be shiny. This includes Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, and Guzzlord, as well as Stakataka and Blacephalon (exclusive to Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon respectively).

2. Does the Shiny Charm affect the shiny odds for Ultra Beasts?

   Yes, the Shiny Charm does affect the shiny odds for Ultra Beasts. With the Shiny Charm, the odds are approximately 1/1365.33.

3. Can I use the Masuda method to breed shiny Ultra Beasts?

   No, Ultra Beasts are not breedable. They cannot be bred with Ditto or any other Pokémon. Soft resetting is the only method to obtain shiny versions of these Pokémon.

4. Is it possible to find shiny Ultra Beasts in Max Raid Adventures in Sword and Shield?

   No, Ultra Beasts are not available in Max Raid Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Their shiny forms can only be obtained in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

5. Are the Ultra Beasts shiny locked in Pokémon GO?

   The availability of shiny Ultra Beasts in Pokémon GO varies. Some have been released in their shiny forms during special events, while others have not yet been released. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements for updates. For example, while Guzzlord has a shiny form available in Pokemon Go, Kartana’s shiny form is not available yet.

6. What is the best strategy for shiny hunting Ultra Beasts?

   The best strategy is to save your game before initiating the encounter with the desired Ultra Beast. If it is not shiny, soft reset your game by pressing L+R+Start/Select simultaneously (or the equivalent button combination on your 3DS model). Repeat until the shiny appears. Having the Shiny Charm helps to significantly increase your odds.

7. Are there any ways to manipulate the game to increase my chances of finding a shiny Ultra Beast?

   No, there are no legitimate ways to manipulate the game to guarantee a shiny Ultra Beast. Shiny hunting relies on luck and patience. Any methods claiming to guarantee shinies are likely illegitimate and could potentially damage your game.

8. Is Poipole shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?

   No, Poipole is not shiny locked. While it is a gift Pokémon, it can be shiny.

9. What happens if I accidentally defeat an Ultra Beast I was trying to shiny hunt?

   If you accidentally defeat an Ultra Beast before realizing it was shiny or without saving, you can still encounter it again. After defeating the Elite Four, the Ultra Beasts will reappear at their respective locations, allowing you to continue your shiny hunt.

10. Are the Tapu Pokémon (Koko, Lele, Bulu, Fini) shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?

    Yes, the Tapu Pokémon are shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

11. What is the most challenging Ultra Beast to shiny hunt?

    The difficulty of shiny hunting an Ultra Beast often depends on personal preference and luck. However, those with longer cutscenes or more challenging encounter conditions might be considered more tedious.

12. Are there any visual or auditory cues to indicate an Ultra Beast is shiny before engaging in battle?

    No, there are no visual or auditory cues. You will only know if an Ultra Beast is shiny when the battle begins and you see its color variation. This is why saving before the encounter is crucial.

13. What is the difference between the shiny and non-shiny forms of Guzzlord?

    The normal Guzzlord is primarily black, green and yellow. The shiny Guzzlord is primarily black, purple and yellow.

14. Are Cosmog, Solgaleo, and Lunala shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon?

    Yes, Cosmog, Solgaleo, and Lunala are shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of Pokémon games and the educational aspects of gaming?

    You can explore resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society promotes research and understanding of how games can be used for learning and education.

The Allure of Shiny Hunting

Shiny hunting, while time-consuming, is a rewarding pursuit for many Pokémon fans. It requires dedication, patience, and a bit of luck. Obtaining a shiny Ultra Beast is a testament to a player’s commitment and a symbol of their passion for the game. The thrill of finally encountering that elusive shiny after hundreds or even thousands of resets is a feeling that many hunters find incredibly satisfying.

The removal of the shiny lock on Ultra Beasts in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon was a gift to the shiny hunting community, adding another layer of depth and challenge to these already engaging games. So, if you’re up for the challenge, dive in and start your quest for those elusive shiny Ultra Beasts!