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How Long Does It Take to Soft Reset for a Shiny Legendary?

The quest for a Shiny Legendary Pokémon through soft resetting is a marathon, not a sprint. There’s no definitive time, as it relies entirely on chance. However, we can estimate the average time. In games from Generation VI-VII (like Pokémon X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, Sun/Moon, and Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon), the base odds are 1 in 4096. Assuming a soft reset takes 30 seconds, you’re looking at an average of approximately 34 hours of continuous soft resetting to encounter a Shiny Legendary. Keep in mind, this is just an average – you could get lucky in the first few tries, or it could take significantly longer. So, prepare for the long haul!

Understanding Soft Resetting and Shiny Hunting

What is Soft Resetting (SR)?

Soft resetting is a method used by Pokémon trainers to quickly restart their game without fully powering down the system. This is especially useful when hunting for Shiny Pokémon, particularly legendaries, since these encounters are often scripted. By saving your game right before interacting with a Legendary Pokémon, you can quickly restart the game if the encounter isn’t a shiny. This saves considerable time compared to turning the console off and on each attempt.

The Mechanics of Shiny Hunting

Shiny hunting involves repeatedly encountering a specific Pokémon until it appears in its alternate, shiny color variation. The odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon are fixed for each game generation, and soft resetting is a method to reroll the encounter to get the desired Shiny.

Factors Influencing the Time Investment

Base Shiny Odds

The most significant factor is the base shiny odds. As mentioned earlier, the odds vary between generations:

Generation II-V: 1 in 8192 (extremely time-consuming)
Generation VI-VII: 1 in 4096 (more reasonable)
Generation VIII (Sword/Shield): Odds can be improved with the Shiny Charm and completing the Pokédex.
Generation IX (Scarlet/Violet): Varies depending on methods like Mass Outbreaks, but some are shiny locked.

Soft Reset Speed

The time it takes to perform a soft reset is crucial. Here’s how you can optimize it:

Practice: Get proficient with the button combination for your system (usually L+R+Start+Select).
Avoid Unnecessary Cutscenes: Save your game at the very last possible moment to minimize cutscene time during resets.

Game Mechanics

Certain game mechanics can influence the efficiency of shiny hunting:

Shiny Charm: This item significantly increases your odds of encountering a Shiny Pokémon. Obtaining it is often a lengthy process but well worth it.
Stationary Encounters: Soft resetting is most effective for stationary legendary Pokémon encounters, where you can save right before engaging.

Mental Preparation and Strategy

The Psychological Aspect

Shiny hunting can be mentally taxing. Here are some tips to stay sane:

Take Breaks: Don’t grind for hours on end. Short, frequent breaks can prevent burnout.
Set Goals: Decide how many resets you’ll do per session.
Stay Positive: Remember that it’s all down to chance, and the shiny will eventually appear.
Multitask: Watch a show or listen to a podcast while resetting to keep yourself entertained.

Planning Your Hunt

Research: Understand the specific Pokémon you’re hunting and the best method for the game you’re playing.
Preparation: Ensure you have plenty of time, patience, and a fully charged device.

Is Shiny Hunting Worth It?

This is a personal decision. For some, the satisfaction of obtaining a Shiny Legendary Pokémon is worth the time and effort. For others, it might not be. Weigh the pros and cons before committing to a potentially lengthy shiny hunting project. Remember that the GamesLearningSociety.org highlights the learning processes inherent in gaming, which can include the perseverance and problem-solving skills developed during shiny hunting.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can you get a shiny by soft resetting?

Yes, soft resetting is a common method to obtain shinies, especially for legendary Pokémon in games where they aren’t shiny locked. You save before the encounter, battle the Pokémon, and soft reset if it isn’t shiny, repeating until it is.
Are all Legendaries available as shinies through soft resetting?

No. Some legendary Pokémon are shiny locked in certain games, meaning they cannot appear as shiny, no matter how many times you soft reset. Research whether the Legendary you’re targeting can be shiny in the specific game you’re playing. The Pokémon of Ruin in Scarlet and Violet are Shiny locked.
What does “shiny locked” mean?

Shiny locked refers to Pokémon that are programmed to never appear as shiny in a particular game. This is often done for story-related Pokémon or promotional events.
What is the best game to soft reset for shinies?

Generally, games from Generation VI (X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire) and Generation VII (Sun/Moon, Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon) are good choices due to the 1 in 4096 shiny odds and the availability of many legendary Pokémon.
Does the Shiny Charm affect soft resetting?

Yes! The Shiny Charm greatly increases your chances of encountering a shiny Pokémon. In games where it’s available, obtaining the Shiny Charm before soft resetting is highly recommended. It is not available in all games however.
How do I know if the Legendary is shiny before catching it?

You’ll know the Legendary is shiny as soon as the battle starts. The shiny animation and alternate color palette will be immediately visible. You don’t need to catch it to determine if it’s shiny.
What are the odds of a shiny legendary in Pokémon Go?

In Pokémon GO, Legendary and Mythical Pokémon have boosted shiny odds, typically around 1 in 20. This makes shiny hunting for Legendaries in Pokémon GO significantly easier than in the main series games.
Can I use the Masuda method for Legendaries?

The Masuda method (breeding Pokémon from different language games) generally doesn’t apply to Legendaries obtained through soft resetting, as they are not bred. It is used for Pokemon from eggs.
What’s the easiest shiny Pokémon to obtain?

The ease of obtaining a shiny Pokémon depends on the game and method used. Some Pokémon with high spawn rates, like Tauros in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, can be easier to find through random encounters. However, “easiest” is subjective and depends on the game and method being used.
Are shiny starters shiny locked in recent generations?

Yes, in recent generations like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the starter Pokémon are shiny locked at the beginning of the game. You cannot soft reset to obtain a shiny starter. They may become available once the game is completed.
How many soft resets should I do before giving up?

There’s no right answer. Since it’s based on probability, you could get lucky on the first try or still be hunting after thousands of resets. Set personal limits for each session to avoid burnout.
What’s the rarest shiny Pokémon?

Determining the absolute rarest shiny Pokémon is difficult, as it depends on factors like encounter methods and availability. Shiny Spinda with unique patterns are often cited as some of the rarest.
Will soft resetting harm my console or game data?

No, soft resetting is a built-in feature that simply restarts the game. It doesn’t harm your console or game data, unless you do it while the game is in the middle of saving.
What is the best button combination for soft resetting?

The standard button combination for soft resetting on Nintendo systems is L+R+Start+Select. However, this can vary depending on the console and game. Consult your game manual or online resources for the correct combination.
What if I accidentally save over my pre-shiny encounter save?

This is a common fear! Always double-check that you’ve saved before initiating the encounter with the Legendary Pokémon. If you accidentally save after seeing a non-shiny, you’ll have to start a new game or trade from another game. Be careful!

Good luck, and happy shiny hunting! Remember to share your experiences and strategies with the community. For more on the intersection of gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

How long does it take to soft reset for a shiny legendary?