Table of Contents

Chasing Rainbows: Shiny Hunting Ultra Beasts in Sword and Shield

Quick answer

This page answers Can you shiny hunt ultra beasts in sword and shield? quickly.

Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.

Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.

Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.

▶

Yes, you absolutely can shiny hunt Ultra Beasts in Pokemon Sword and Shield! Thanks to the Crown Tundra DLC, these otherworldly creatures are available for capture in the Dynamax Adventures, and unlike some other legendary encounters, they are not shiny locked. This means that with patience, determination, and perhaps a little luck, you can add these vibrant and unique shiny Pokemon to your collection. Prepare for a thrilling hunt that will test your endurance and reward you with some of the most sought-after treasures in the Pokemon world.

Diving into Dynamax Adventures for Shiny Ultra Beasts

The key to shiny hunting Ultra Beasts in Sword and Shield lies within the Dynamax Adventures. Located in the Crown Tundra’s Max Lair, these adventures involve teaming up with three other trainers (either human players or AI) to battle through a series of Dynamax Pokemon dens, culminating in a guaranteed encounter with a Legendary or Ultra Beast at the end.

Understanding the Shiny Odds

Before embarking on your quest, it’s essential to understand the shiny odds. In Dynamax Adventures, the standard shiny rate is 1 in 300 without the Shiny Charm, and a much more favorable 1 in 100 with the Shiny Charm. This is a significant improvement over the usual wild encounter rates, making Dynamax Adventures the most efficient method for shiny hunting many legendaries and all Ultra Beasts. Therefore, obtaining the Shiny Charm should be your top priority.

Preparing for Your Hunt

To maximize your chances of success, meticulous preparation is key:

Obtain the Shiny Charm: Complete the Pokedex to unlock the Shiny Charm, significantly increasing your shiny odds.
Plan Your Route: Decide which Ultra Beast you’re hunting and strategize your route through the Dynamax Adventure to increase your chances of encountering it.
Assemble a Strong Team: Consider using Pokemon that are effective against a variety of types, as you won’t know what you’ll encounter along the way. Pokemon with supportive abilities, like healing or stat boosts, can also be valuable.
Stock Up on Resources: Ensure you have plenty of Pokeballs (ideally Beast Balls for thematic appropriateness!), as you only get one chance to catch the final Pokemon. Also, prepare berries for healing your Pokemon throughout the Dynamax Adventure.

The Hunting Process: Rinse and Repeat

The core loop of shiny hunting Ultra Beasts in Dynamax Adventures is simple:

Start a Dynamax Adventure: Select the Ultra Beast you want to hunt.
Battle Through the Dens: Choose your path carefully, considering type matchups and the potential for encountering your desired Ultra Beast.
Encounter the Ultra Beast: Reach the end of the adventure and battle the Ultra Beast.
The Moment of Truth: After defeating the Ultra Beast, you’ll be given the option to choose one Pokemon to keep. This is where you check for shininess.
Keep or Release:
- If the Ultra Beast is shiny, select it and save your game. Congratulations!
- If the Ultra Beast is not shiny, do not save. Instead, exit the game without saving. This will allow you to try the Dynamax Adventure again with the same Ultra Beast at the end.

Important Tip: Because the shininess is determined after the battle, you can encounter the same Ultra Beast multiple times until it is shiny without affecting the outcome.

Patience is a Virtue

Shiny hunting is a test of patience. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t find your shiny Ultra Beast immediately. Remember that each encounter is another chance, and the thrill of finally finding that coveted shiny makes the effort worthwhile. Remember you can learn more information by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of shiny hunting Ultra Beasts in Sword and Shield:

Are all Ultra Beasts available in Dynamax Adventures? Yes, all eleven Ultra Beasts (Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord, Poipole, Naganadel, Stakataka, and Blacephalon) are available in Dynamax Adventures.
Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to participate in Dynamax Adventures? Yes, a Nintendo Switch Online subscription is required to play Dynamax Adventures with other human players. However, you can still play solo with AI teammates without a subscription.
Can I influence which Ultra Beast appears at the end of a Dynamax Adventure? While you can’t guarantee a specific Ultra Beast, you can influence the outcome by choosing paths that have a higher chance of leading to it. Online resources and guides can provide information about the encounter rates for each Ultra Beast.
What are the best Pokemon to use in Dynamax Adventures? Versatile Pokemon with good type coverage and strong attacking stats are ideal. Consider using Pokemon like Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, or legendaries with diverse movepools.
Should I use Beast Balls or other Pokeballs to catch Ultra Beasts? While any Pokeball can catch an Ultra Beast in Dynamax Adventures, Beast Balls are particularly fitting due to their lore and design. However, Ultra Balls, Timer Balls, or Dusk Balls are also reliable choices.
Does the Shiny Charm affect the shiny odds for all Pokemon in Dynamax Adventures? Yes, the Shiny Charm increases the shiny odds for all Pokemon encountered in Dynamax Adventures, not just the Ultra Beasts.
Can I use a Master Ball on an Ultra Beast in a Dynamax Adventure? Yes, you can use a Master Ball, but it’s generally not recommended as other Pokeballs are usually sufficient, and Master Balls are rare.
Is there a limit to how many times I can attempt a Dynamax Adventure? No, there is no limit. You can attempt Dynamax Adventures as many times as you like.
What happens if I accidentally save after choosing a non-shiny Ultra Beast? Unfortunately, if you save after choosing a non-shiny Ultra Beast, you will have to start a new Dynamax Adventure. This is why it’s crucial to avoid saving until you’ve confirmed the shininess of the Pokemon.
Are Ultra Beasts shiny locked in any other Pokemon games? In the original Pokemon Sun and Moon, Ultra Beasts were shiny locked. However, in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, they are not shiny locked and can be shiny hunted. This is the same case for Sword and Shield.
Are square shinies rarer than star shinies in Dynamax Adventures? While square shinies are generally rarer in the wild, in Dynamax Adventures, the odds are reversed. Square shinies are more common than star shinies.
Can I trade shiny Ultra Beasts obtained in Dynamax Adventures? Yes, shiny Ultra Beasts obtained in Dynamax Adventures can be traded like any other Pokemon.
What is the best way to coordinate Dynamax Adventures with friends for shiny hunting? Use online communication platforms like Discord or messaging apps to coordinate which Ultra Beast you’re hunting and to share strategies.
Are there any websites or resources that can help me track my shiny hunting progress? Yes, there are several online tools and spreadsheets that can help you track your shiny hunting attempts and manage your Pokemon collection.
What should I do if I’m feeling burnt out from shiny hunting? Take a break! Shiny hunting can be a time-consuming and sometimes frustrating process. It’s important to take breaks and engage in other activities to avoid burnout.

Shiny hunting Ultra Beasts in Pokemon Sword and Shield is a rewarding endeavor that combines strategy, patience, and a touch of luck. By understanding the mechanics of Dynamax Adventures and preparing effectively, you can increase your chances of adding these dazzling creatures to your team. Happy hunting, and may the odds be ever in your favor!