Does the Shiny Charm Work on Arceus in BDSP? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is a bit complex. In Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP), the Shiny Charm does not affect static encounters like Arceus. Static encounters have their shiny status determined when the game begins, so soft resetting is the method to catch a shiny Arceus. However, the Shiny Charm does affect the shiny odds of Pokémon found in breeding eggs, drastically improving your chances of hatching shiny Pokémon in BDSP.
Understanding Shiny Hunting in BDSP and Legends: Arceus
Shiny hunting is a cornerstone of the Pokémon experience for many players. The thrill of encountering a differently colored variant of your favorite creature is a special kind of satisfaction. However, understanding how shiny rates and mechanics work across different games, especially Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl (BDSP) and Pokémon Legends: Arceus, is crucial for efficient hunting.
The Shiny Charm’s Role in BDSP
In BDSP, the Shiny Charm ONLY impacts the odds of hatching shiny Pokémon from eggs. It does not influence the shiny rate for wild encounters, including Legendary Pokémon like Arceus. The base shiny rate in BDSP is 1/4096. While this might seem daunting, dedicated players have proven that shiny Arceus is obtainable through persistent soft resetting.
Static Encounters and Soft Resetting
Static encounters are Pokémon that appear in the same location each time, making them ideal targets for soft resetting. This process involves battling the Pokémon, and if it’s not shiny, resetting the game without saving. Since the shiny status is determined upon the game starting, each reset gives you another roll of the dice.
The Shiny Charm’s Impact in Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus handles shiny hunting differently. The Shiny Charm does affect wild encounters in this game, including most Pokémon. The base shiny rate in Legends: Arceus is also 1/4096, but this can be significantly improved by:
- Completing Pokédex entries: Reaching Research Level 10 doubles the shiny chance for that Pokémon.
- Perfecting Pokédex entries: Achieving perfect Research Level for a Pokémon further increases the shiny chance.
- Mass Outbreaks: These events drastically increase the likelihood of finding shiny Pokémon in a specific location.
With all these factors combined, the shiny rate in Legends: Arceus can be reduced to as low as 1/585. Unfortunately, many Legendary Pokémon are shiny locked in Legends: Arceus, preventing them from being shiny.
FAQ: Shiny Hunting and the Shiny Charm
Here are fifteen frequently asked questions about shiny hunting, the Shiny Charm, and how it all works in Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
1. How do I get the Shiny Charm in BDSP?
To obtain the Shiny Charm in BDSP, you need to complete your National Pokédex, meaning you must have seen all 493 Pokémon in the game. After completing the pokedex, go talk to Professor Oak in Sandgem Town. He will reward you with the Shiny Charm. Remember, it only affects egg hatching rates in BDSP!
2. Is Arceus shiny locked in BDSP?
No, Arceus is not shiny locked in BDSP. This means you can encounter a shiny Arceus through soft resetting after obtaining the Azure Flute.
3. What is soft resetting?
Soft resetting involves restarting your game without saving. To soft reset in BDSP, hold down L + R + Start + Select all at the same time. This allows you to repeat an encounter with Arceus or another static encounter Pokémon and check if its shiny.
4. How long does it take to get a shiny Arceus in BDSP?
The time it takes to find a shiny Arceus varies greatly due to the 1/4096 shiny rate. Some players get lucky in a few resets, while others can spend hundreds of hours soft resetting before finding the shiny.
5. Does the Shiny Charm work on all wild encounters in BDSP?
No, the Shiny Charm in BDSP only affects the odds of hatching shiny Pokémon from eggs. It does not increase the shiny rate of wild encounters, including Legendaries.
6. What are the shiny odds in Legends: Arceus?
The base shiny odds in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are 1/4096. This can be improved by completing Pokédex entries, achieving perfect Research Levels, and encountering Mass Outbreaks.
7. Are any Pokémon shiny locked in Legends: Arceus?
Yes, unfortunately, all 11 available Legendaries in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are shiny locked, including Dialga, Palkia, and Arceus himself.
8. Does completing the Pokédex increase shiny odds in BDSP?
No, completing the Pokédex in BDSP only unlocks the Shiny Charm, which only affects egg hatching.
9. What is the Masuda method?
The Masuda method involves breeding two Pokémon from different regions (different language games). This increases the base shiny chance from 1/4096 to 1/682. With the Shiny Charm, the odds are further improved to 1/512.
10. How do Mass Outbreaks affect shiny odds in Legends: Arceus?
Mass Outbreaks significantly increase the shiny rate of Pokémon that are spawning in the outbreak location. The shiny rate is increased to 1/158.2 after you clear 15 outbreaks, or 1/152.9 if the Pokémon has a complete Pokédex entry.
11. Can I see shiny Pokémon in the overworld in Legends: Arceus?
Yes, in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, shiny Pokémon appear in the overworld with a distinct sparkle effect and sound, making them easier to spot.
12. Are gift Pokémon shiny locked in BDSP?
Generally, gift Pokémon are shiny locked in BDSP. However, the post-game Eevee is an exception and can be shiny.
13. Is Shaymin shiny locked in BDSP?
No, Shaymin is not shiny locked in BDSP. You can reset this encounter as many times as needed to obtain a shiny.
14. Why are some Pokémon shiny locked?
Game developers often shiny lock certain Pokémon to maintain their rarity or for storyline purposes. It helps prevent these special Pokémon from becoming too common within the player base.
15. What is the easiest way to increase shiny odds in Legends: Arceus?
The easiest way to increase shiny odds in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is to focus on Mass Outbreaks and to ensure the Pokémon you are hunting has a completed (level 10) or perfect Pokédex entry.
Conclusion
While the Shiny Charm doesn’t work on static encounters like Arceus in BDSP, it is invaluable for those looking to breed shiny Pokémon. Understanding the shiny hunting mechanics in both Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl and Pokémon Legends: Arceus allows you to maximize your efforts and hopefully add some coveted shiny Pokémon to your collection. Remember to be patient, persistent, and enjoy the thrill of the hunt!
For more information on game mechanics and the educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Happy hunting!