Are There Any Pokémon with No Shiny? Unveiling the Truth Behind Elusive Variants
The world of Pokémon is vast and full of secrets, and one of the most sought-after treasures within it is the Shiny Pokémon. These differently colored variants are exceptionally rare, adding an extra layer of excitement to the hunt. But a question that often echoes among trainers is: Are there any Pokémon that simply don’t have a Shiny form? The short answer is yes, but it’s more nuanced than a simple definitive statement. While every Pokémon technically has a shiny variant coded into the game, some are Shiny Locked, meaning that players cannot legitimately obtain them in their shiny forms through normal gameplay.
Understanding Shiny Locks and Exceptions
The concept of Shiny Locks is crucial to understanding why some Pokémon are effectively without a Shiny form. A Shiny Lock is a programming mechanism implemented by the developers that prevents a specific Pokémon from appearing as Shiny in certain encounters or circumstances. This is usually reserved for Legendary or Mythical Pokémon encountered during specific story events or special distributions.
Meltan and Melmetal once stood out as exceptions in the main series games. Initially exclusively available in Pokémon GO and transferred to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, they did not have a Shiny form for a long period. However, Shiny Meltan and Melmetal have been released in Pokémon GO during limited-time events, meaning they eventually became obtainable.
However, even though all Pokémon are programmed with a shiny form, there are some in specific games that are Shiny Locked. The starter Pokémon given to you in Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet are Koraidon and Miraidon and both are Shiny Locked. This means it’s not possible to add a Shiny version of them to your team unless you hack the game to modify them or obtain a Shiny version. Other Legendaries in these games have been Shiny Locked as well, for example, Enamorus, which is shiny locked and is usually used for trade among players.
Factors Influencing Shiny Availability
Several factors dictate whether a Pokémon is obtainable in its Shiny form:
- Game Mechanics: The game itself must allow for Shiny encounters. Older games had different Shiny generation mechanics than modern ones.
- Event Exclusivity: Some Shinies are only available through special events, such as Community Days in Pokémon GO or limited-time distributions in main series games.
- Programming Intent: Developers intentionally lock certain Pokémon from being Shiny to maintain the game’s balance, storyline, or perceived value.
- Version Differences: It can depend on the version of the game you are playing. Some shiny locks might exist in one game but not in another.
Ultimately, while almost every Pokémon has a Shiny form somewhere within the code of the game, the practical reality is that Shiny Locks and event-exclusive releases mean that obtaining a Shiny version of some Pokémon can be incredibly challenging, sometimes impossible without external tools or game manipulation. Understanding this distinction is key to navigating the complexities of Shiny hunting. Engaging with the community, understanding game mechanics, and following official announcements are crucial for any aspiring Shiny hunter. The quest for these elusive variants adds a rich layer to the Pokémon experience, reminding us of the depth and complexity of this beloved franchise. The Games Learning Society offers a place to discuss these issues and learn with other players at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions About Shiny Pokémon
Here are 15 frequently asked questions that can provide even more insights into the fascinating world of Shiny Pokémon:
1. What does “Shiny Locked” actually mean?
“Shiny Locked” refers to Pokémon that cannot appear as Shiny during specific encounters within a game due to programming restrictions. Even if you encounter the Pokémon hundreds or thousands of times, it will never be Shiny through legitimate gameplay.
2. Are all Legendary Pokémon Shiny Locked?
Not all Legendary Pokémon are permanently Shiny Locked. Many Legendaries become available in their Shiny forms through events, special distributions, or specific in-game encounters. Some games, however, have Legendaries that are Shiny Locked for the game’s lifespan.
3. Can Mythical Pokémon be Shiny?
Traditionally, most Mythical Pokémon were Shiny Locked upon their initial release. However, some Mythical Pokémon have been released in their Shiny forms through special events or game updates, demonstrating that Shiny availability can change over time.
4. What is the difference between a Shiny and a “Secret Shiny?”
A standard Shiny Pokémon has the star-shaped particle effect when it appears. A “Secret Shiny,” also known as a “Square Shiny”, displays a square-shaped particle effect. They are rarer in certain games and can be more desirable among collectors.
5. Can Starter Pokémon be Shiny?
The initial encounter of the starter Pokémon in some games can be Shiny Locked. However, if the starter Pokémon can be bred, then it may be possible to find a shiny version of them using this breeding method.
6. What increases the chances of finding a Shiny Pokémon?
Several factors can increase the chances of finding a Shiny Pokémon:
- Shiny Charm: An item obtainable in most Pokémon games that increases the odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon.
- Masuda Method: Breeding Pokémon from different language games significantly increases Shiny odds.
- Outbreaks: Certain Pokémon games have outbreaks, and Pokémon in these outbreaks have increased shiny odds.
7. Is it safe to trade for Shiny Pokémon online?
Trading for Shiny Pokémon online involves risks. There’s a chance the Pokémon could be hacked or illegitimate. Always be cautious and research the trader beforehand.
8. Are Hacked Shiny Pokémon illegal?
Using hacked or illegitimately obtained Pokémon in official competitions can lead to disqualifications and bans. However, keeping them for personal use is generally tolerated, as long as you don’t use them in competitive online battles.
9. What should I do if I receive a hacked Shiny Pokémon in a Surprise Trade?
The responsible course of action is to release the hacked Pokémon immediately. This prevents the potential danger of spreading illegitimate Pokémon and maintaining fair gameplay.
10. What is the “Masuda Method” for Shiny hunting?
The Masuda Method involves breeding two Pokémon from games of different languages. This significantly increases the chance of hatching a Shiny Pokémon. It’s named after Junichi Masuda, a game director and composer at Game Freak.
11. Can Alpha Pokémon be Shiny?
Yes, Alpha Pokémon can be Shiny in games where Alpha Pokémon exist, like Pokémon Legends: Arceus. These are highly sought after due to their size and rarity.
12. What are the odds of finding a Shiny Alpha Pokémon?
Finding a Shiny Alpha Pokémon is exceptionally rare. Given the base Shiny odds and the Alpha spawn rate, the chance is significantly lower than finding a regular Shiny.
13. Why were Shiny Pokémon created?
There are many theories about why Shiny Pokémon were created. It is suggested that Shiny Pokémon were created as a way to make Gyarados stand out against the lake and be more noticeable to players, as the old pixel graphics of Gold and Silver would have made finding a blue Gyarados difficult in the lake’s murky waters.
14. Is there a “ugliest” Shiny Pokémon?
Beauty is subjective, but some Shiny Pokémon are often criticized for their underwhelming or unappealing color palettes. Examples often mentioned include Espeon, Garchomp, and Regice, whose Shiny forms have minimal changes or undesirable colors.
15. Are Shiny Pokémon always female?
No, the gender of a Shiny Pokémon is determined by the same factors as a regular Pokémon. While some species have skewed gender ratios, Shiny status doesn’t influence a Pokémon’s likelihood of being male or female.
By staying informed, using effective hunting methods, and understanding the factors affecting Shiny availability, Pokémon trainers can embark on a rewarding quest to expand their collection of these highly coveted variants.