How Do People Get Shiny Locked Pokémon?
The seemingly paradoxical question of how to obtain shiny locked Pokémon often perplexes Pokémon trainers. The very term “shiny locked” implies that these Pokémon are, by design, unavailable in their alternate colorations through normal gameplay. So, how exactly do players acquire these seemingly impossible shinies? The answer lies primarily in hacking, modding, and using third-party tools. While legitimate methods are generally non-existent, understanding the nuances of how these illegal Pokémon enter circulation provides crucial insight into the world of Pokémon collecting.
To be clear, shiny locked Pokémon are not obtainable through legitimate means. Game developers intentionally program specific Pokémon to never appear as shiny within the game’s code, typically those involved in pivotal story moments or given as gifts during events. When you come across a shiny version of one of these creatures, it is almost guaranteed to be the product of illicit activity. The following methods are responsible:
- Code Manipulation: Hackers and modders utilize software to delve into the game’s code. By directly altering the game’s programming, they can force any Pokémon to appear in its shiny form, irrespective of the intended shiny lock. This method allows for the creation of Pokémon that are otherwise inaccessible to the average player. This includes changing encounter flags for Pokémon encounters that are normally not shiny.
- Save Editing: Many third-party tools allow for editing save files. This can involve changing existing Pokémon within a player’s box, altering the properties of encounterable Pokémon, or directly injecting entirely new Pokémon into the game. Save editors can force any Pokémon to become shiny, circumventing the game’s original programming.
- Exploiting Glitches or Bugs: While exceedingly rare, some glitches in the game code might be discovered that, if exploited, could enable a Pokémon to generate as shiny. These are often accidental and are quickly patched by game developers.
- Modified Hardware: Some hardware modifications exist that allow for direct manipulation of game data, essentially bypassing the game’s intended safeguards.
- Distribution of Hacks: Once created via one of the above methods, these hacked shiny Pokémon often make their way into online trading and surprise trades. This is how most players who possess these illegal Pokémon have received them.
It’s vital to remember that acquiring shiny locked Pokémon through these methods comes with potential risks. While owning them offline may be harmless, using them in official online battles or trades is highly discouraged and can lead to bans from the game. Furthermore, these Pokémon are deemed illegal by the Pokémon Company and are considered to have no legitimate standing within the community.
Why Are Shiny Locked Pokémon a Thing?
Shiny locking is an intentional design choice, not an oversight. Game developers utilize it for several strategic purposes.
Preserving the Rarity and Value of Shiny Pokémon
The core concept behind shiny Pokémon is their rarity. When a Pokémon is shiny, its alternate coloration sets it apart from its normal counterparts, creating a sense of achievement and wonder. The extremely low odds of encountering shinies naturally encourage players to spend more time exploring, battling, and interacting with the games. If every Pokémon, including legendaries and mythicals, could be shiny, this special aspect of the game would be significantly diluted.
Controlling the Distribution of Shiny Legendaries and Mythicals
Legendary and mythical Pokémon are typically distributed during special events, often with strict limitations to control their availability. Shiny locking these creatures ensures that they can only be obtained through these controlled, often time-limited, events if or when a shiny version becomes available. This method preserves their exclusiveness and keeps their value among the community high. It also can be a marketing tool, driving up attention when these special Pokémon are finally made shiny.
Preventing Cheating
While this isn’t a complete deterrent, it’s a measure aimed at minimizing widespread cheating for rare Pokémon. Without shiny locks, modders could potentially easily obtain shiny legendaries and mythical Pokemon early in a game’s life cycle, flooding the market and devaluing the genuine efforts of others who hunt for the shiny version via regular gameplay. While people have always found a way to overcome the locks, it does limit their availability when compared to if they were not shiny locked.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some commonly asked questions about shiny locked Pokémon, providing further insight into this intricate part of the Pokémon universe.
1. What does “Shiny Locked” actually mean?
“Shiny Locked” refers to a specific Pokémon that the game’s code prevents from appearing in its alternate shiny color during regular gameplay. They are programmed to always appear in their normal color, regardless of how many times you try to encounter them. These Pokémon are usually those that are involved in cutscenes, given as gifts, or special events.
2. Is it possible to get shiny locked Pokémon through legitimate trading?
No, not at all. Shiny locked Pokémon cannot be legitimately traded. The game code will not allow them to have the Shiny form. Any traded Pokémon that are shiny and should be shiny locked are hacked.
3. Are there any exceptions to Shiny Locks?
There are a few instances where previously shiny locked Pokemon have had their locks removed as part of special distributions or events. However, these are always limited-time events. Certain event Pokemon also may have had their shiny locks removed. As for normal gameplay, a shiny locked Pokemon cannot be found in the wild.
4. Can you tell if a Pokémon is hacked by checking its stats?
While a Pokémon with perfect stats is a red flag, it does not automatically mean it is hacked. However, if the Pokemon is also shiny and is considered shiny locked, this is a high indication that the Pokemon is hacked and illegal. It is a good practice to be suspicious of all shiny Pokémon with perfect stats that are given to you by surprise trade.
5. Why are some Mythical and Legendary Pokémon Shiny Locked?
This is to preserve their rarity and ensure they are only obtainable through official events and limited-time distributions if and when their shiny form is distributed. This also helps reduce cheating and allows game companies to hype up special events.
6. Is it safe to keep hacked shiny Pokémon offline?
Yes, it is generally safe to keep hacked shiny Pokémon offline. The risks only arise when you use them in online battles or trades, where you might face penalties or bans.
7. Will I be banned for having shiny locked Pokémon if I don’t use them online?
No, there is usually no consequence for owning hacked Pokémon offline if you do not use them for online gameplay. The game will only ban players that are using illegal Pokemon in multiplayer battles or trades.
8. How can I tell if a Pokémon I received via Surprise Trade is hacked?
Be wary of Pokémon received through Surprise Trade that are both shiny and have perfect stats, especially if they are a legendary or mythical Pokémon that is known to be shiny locked. These are very strong indicators that they are hacked and illegal.
9. Can you obtain Shiny Zacian or Zamazenta now?
Yes. At one point, these two pokemon were considered Shiny locked. However, they were made available via special codes distributed by GameStop. If you have a legitimate code and you redeemed it, your Zacian or Zamazenta would be considered to be a legitimate and legal shiny Pokemon.
10. Is it bad to release hacked shiny Pokémon?
Many players opt to release hacked shiny Pokémon, especially if they’re unsure of their legality. It’s not detrimental, but some trainers choose to take held items and then release them. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preference.
11. Is a Shiny Arceus possible?
No. All 5 mythical Pokemon in the game Pokemon Legends: Arceus are shiny locked. As such, a shiny Arceus is currently not obtainable through any legitimate means.
12. Can you breed for a shiny Kubfu?
No. Kubfu is a legendary and cannot be bred. The Kubfu you receive cannot be shiny, and there is no legitimate method to obtain a Shiny Kubfu.
13. Is shiny Marshadow legal?
No. Marshadow is a shiny locked Pokemon. The only way to obtain it as shiny is through illegitimate means.
14. Why are some Shiny Pokémon considered “weak”?
Shiny Pokémon are not inherently weaker than their non-shiny counterparts. The only difference is their color. Any stat differences were in the gen 2 games, and were minor. Shiny pokemon are only different from their original counterparts cosmetically.
15. What should I do if I receive a hacked shiny Pokémon?
You have a few options: you can release it, keep it offline as a novelty, or use it as an object lesson in the dangers of illegitimate Pokémon. Just be certain not to use them in online battles or trades, as this could lead to a ban.
Understanding how shiny locked Pokémon are obtained, and why they exist in the game, offers a deeper appreciation of the effort and dedication that goes into collecting and trading in the Pokémon community. While the temptation to acquire these exclusive creatures might be strong, engaging with the game honestly and within its intended parameters always yields a more rewarding and safer experience.