Does Everyone Get a Shiny From a Raid? Unraveling the Mystery of Shiny Encounters in Raids
The short and definitive answer is no, everyone does not get a shiny from a raid. In Pokémon GO, as in most Pokémon games, shiny Pokémon encounters are determined individually for each player. If you see a shiny, that doesn’t mean your raidmates will too. It’s all based on a roll of the dice (or rather, the game’s algorithm) for each participant.
Understanding Shiny Mechanics in Raids
Shiny Pokémon are highly sought-after variants of standard Pokémon, distinguished by their alternate color palettes. The hunt for these elusive creatures is a core element of the Pokémon experience. Raids, in particular, offer unique opportunities to encounter shiny versions of powerful Pokémon, including legendaries and those not typically found in the wild. However, the process is shrouded in some mystery and misunderstanding.
Individual Shiny Rolls
The most important concept to understand is that shiny checks are performed on a per-player basis. When a raid boss appears, the game independently determines whether or not the Pokémon will be shiny for each individual participating in the raid. This means that you might encounter a shiny while your friends do not, and vice versa. It’s a game of chance for each player involved. Think of it like everyone rolling their own dice simultaneously.
Shiny Odds and Permaboosted Pokémon
The odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon in a raid vary depending on the Pokémon. Featured Community Day Pokémon generally have an increased shiny rate, often around 1 in 25. Some Pokémon are permaboosted, meaning they consistently have higher shiny rates than the standard wild Pokémon. For legendary raids and three-hour Raid Days, the shiny rate has been observed to be around 1 in 10, which is significantly higher than many other encounter types.
Guaranteed Catch for Shiny Raid Bosses
It’s important to note that if you do encounter a shiny raid boss in Pokémon GO, it’s a guaranteed catch on the first successful hit. This is why players often advise using a Pinap Berry on a shiny raid boss, as you’re guaranteed to catch it and will receive extra candy. However, the same cannot be said for the Pokémon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
Why Are Shinies So Rare?
The scarcity of shiny Pokémon is what makes them so desirable. Imagine if everyone got a shiny from every raid—they wouldn’t be nearly as special. The rarity encourages players to participate in multiple raids, building community and engagement with the game. It’s a clever mechanic that keeps players coming back for more, fueled by the thrill of the hunt and the potential reward.
The Games Learning Society may be interested in analyzing these game mechanics and their effects on player engagement. See more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Raids
1. What are the odds of getting a shiny in a raid?
The odds vary depending on the Pokémon featured in the raid. Legendary raids and some special event raids often have shiny odds of around 1 in 10 or 1 in 20. Community Day raids have slightly higher odds of around 1 in 25. Standard Pokémon in raids usually have the base shiny rate, which is around 1 in 500.
2. Does Raid Hour increase shiny chance?
Raid Hour doesn’t inherently increase the base shiny chance, but it does increase the number of raids appearing, which in turn gives you more opportunities to encounter a shiny Pokémon.
3. Are shiny odds lower for Remote Raids?
No, shiny odds should be the same for remote raids and in-person raids. There was a temporary technical error in the past that caused lower shiny rates for Remote Raids, but Niantic confirmed that this has been resolved.
4. Is a shiny from a raid a guaranteed catch?
Yes, in Pokémon GO, a shiny raid boss is a guaranteed catch on the first hit. Use a Pinap Berry to maximize your candy rewards. This is not true for all Pokémon games.
5. Can I tell if a Pokémon is shiny before the encounter?
No, you cannot tell if a raid boss is shiny until the encounter begins. Once the raid boss appears on your catch screen, you’ll see the shiny animation and color variation if it is indeed shiny.
6. What is a Permaboosted Pokémon?
A Permaboosted Pokémon is one that has a permanently increased shiny rate. These Pokémon typically have shiny rates significantly better than the standard 1 in 500, often around 1 in 64 or lower.
7. Do shiny sandwiches work on eggs?
No, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, shiny sandwiches do not affect the shiny chance of eggs. They only boost the shiny rate of Pokémon appearing in the overworld.
8. Can only one person get a shiny in a raid?
Yes, shiny encounters are individual. If one player gets a shiny, it doesn’t guarantee that others in the same raid will also encounter a shiny version of the same Pokémon.
9. How do I increase my shiny odds?
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can increase your shiny odds by:
- Crafting sandwiches that boost Shiny rates.
- Encountering Pokémon at Mass Outbreaks.
- Obtaining the Shiny Charm.
10. Are shiny raid bosses always perfect IVs?
No, a shiny raid boss is not guaranteed to have perfect Individual Values (IVs). IVs and shiny status are determined separately.
11. What is the hardest shiny Pokémon to get in Pokémon GO?
Some of the hardest shiny Pokémon to obtain in Pokémon GO include:
- Event Pokémon (like hat-wearing Pikachu)
- Regional Pokémon
- Ditto
- Kecleon
12. Are shiny odds boosted in Max Raids in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, the base shiny odds in Max Raid Battles in Pokémon Sword and Shield are the same as standard wild encounters (1 in 4096) unless you have the Shiny Charm, which improves those odds.
13. How rare is a perfect Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
The base chance of finding a perfect (100% IV) Pokémon in the wild is 1 in 4,096. This chance is improved if the Pokémon is weather-boosted, which increases the odds to 1 in 1,728.
14. What is the lamest shiny Pokémon?
This is subjective, but some commonly cited “lame” shinies are those with very subtle color differences from their original forms, such as Garchomp or Gholdengo.
15. Can you fail a shiny in Pokémon Sleep?
No, you cannot fail to catch a shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Sleep as long as you have biscuits available to feed it. Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Sleep are guaranteed to join your party after being fed one biscuit.
Conclusion
While the possibility of encountering a shiny Pokémon in a raid is undeniably exciting, it’s crucial to remember that the odds are not in everyone’s favor. Each player has an independent chance, meaning multiple shiny encounters in a single raid are rare but possible. The thrill of the hunt, coupled with the knowledge that a shiny raid boss is a guaranteed catch, keeps players engaged and coming back for more. Understanding the mechanics behind shiny encounters can help manage expectations and make the hunt even more enjoyable. So, keep raiding, and may the odds be ever in your favor!