How Rare is a Perfect Shiny in Pokémon GO?
The quest for a perfect shiny Pokémon, often referred to as a “shundo,” is the holy grail for many dedicated Pokémon GO players. Understanding the odds involved in obtaining one can be a daunting task, but let’s break it down. The rarity of a shundo in Pokémon GO is extraordinarily high, making it one of the most coveted prizes in the game. The standard rate for finding a shiny Pokémon is approximately 1 in 500, or 0.2%. The chance of catching a Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15) in the wild is about 1 in 4,096, or 0.0244%. To calculate the odds of finding both a shiny and a perfect Pokémon simultaneously, you multiply these probabilities: (1/500) * (1/4096) = 1/2,048,000. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the probability of encountering a shundo in the wild is approximately 1 in 2,048,000. However, the odds can vary based on the specific Pokémon, events, and encounter methods, such as raids or special research. Some Pokémon species have boosted shiny rates, and certain encounter methods guarantee higher IV floors, significantly affecting the overall odds of finding a shundo.
Unpacking the Rarity: A Detailed Look
The base rates provide a starting point, but the actual rarity is more nuanced. Certain Pokémon species have permanently boosted shiny rates, while others have lower rates. Additionally, certain encounter methods, such as Raids, Research Tasks, or Lucky Friends trades, can significantly impact the IV floor (the minimum possible IV value). Let’s explore each of these factors:
Base Shiny Rates
- Standard Shiny Rate: Around 1 in 500 (0.2%).
- Boosted Shiny Rate: Some species have permanently boosted shiny rates, such as 1 in 62.5 (1.6%).
- Lowered Shiny Rate: Some species have a permanently less-boosted shiny rate of 1 in 125 (0.8%).
- Legendary and Mythical Pokémon: Have a boosted shiny rate from raids and special research, usually around 1 in 20 (5%).
IV Floors
- Wild Encounters: Standard chance of a perfect IV is 1 in 4,096.
- Weather Boosted Encounters: Increase the odds of a perfect IV to 1 in 1,728.
- Raid Encounters, Research Tasks, and Eggs: Guarantee a minimum IV of 10, meaning the odds of a perfect IV are 1 in 216.
- Lucky Friends Trades: Guarantee a minimum IV of 12, significantly increasing the odds of a perfect IV to around 1 in 64 during the trade.
Calculating Shundo Odds
The most favorable scenarios for obtaining a shundo are those with boosted shiny rates and higher IV floors. For example, consider a Legendary Pokémon from a raid with a shiny rate of 1 in 20 and an IV floor of 10. The probability of getting a shundo in this case is (1/20) * (1/216) = 1/4320. This is significantly better than the base rate of 1 in 2,048,000! However, this still means you’ll need, on average, 4320 raid encounters before you see one of these ultra-rare Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a “shundo” in Pokémon GO?
A “shundo” is a slang term used by Pokémon GO players to describe a shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs (15/15/15). It combines the desirability of a rare shiny Pokémon with the battle effectiveness of a Pokémon with maximum stats.
2. Is it possible to increase my chances of finding a shundo?
Yes! Focus on events, research tasks, and raids that offer higher shiny rates or guaranteed minimum IVs. Utilizing Lucky Friends trades also dramatically increases your chances of acquiring a perfect Pokémon.
3. Are some Pokémon more likely to be shundos than others?
Yes. Pokémon with permanently boosted shiny rates are generally more likely to be shundos. Raid-exclusive and research-exclusive Pokémon with a guaranteed IV floor have the highest probability as the odds increase considerably.
4. What is the difference between IVs and EVs?
IVs (Individual Values) are like the “genes” of a Pokémon, ranging from 0 to 15 for each stat. EVs (Effort Values) are earned through battling and training, with the ability to increase specific stats up to a certain limit. In Pokémon GO, EVs are not present, so maximizing IVs is essential for optimal performance.
5. How does weather boosting affect the chance of finding a shundo?
Weather boosting only improves the odds of finding a perfect Pokémon if you’re trying to find one in the wild. A weather boosted wild catch increases your odds to a 1 in 1,728 chance. However, it doesn’t affect the probability of finding a shiny.
6. Are Shadow Pokémon more likely to be shundos?
The shiny rate for some Shadow Pokémon has been known to be boosted, but only certain shadow pokemon encounters. Shadow Pokemon cannot be traded, making them more elusive.
7. Should I purify Shadow Pokémon?
Purifying a Shadow Pokémon increases its IVs but can also significantly diminish its attacking power. Therefore, purifying depends on the specific Pokémon and your goals, with some preferring the greater attack damage of a Shadow Pokémon over a perfect IV.
8. How do Lucky Friends impact my chances of getting a shundo?
Becoming Lucky Friends with another player guarantees a minimum IV floor of 12/12/12 during the trade. This dramatically increases your chances of getting a hundo (100% IV) to roughly 1 in 64 per trade, making it one of the most effective methods.
9. What are the odds of getting a hundo Pokémon through a Lucky Trade?
With a minimum IV floor of 12, there are only 64 possible IV combinations, making the odds of getting a hundo during a Lucky Trade approximately 1 in 64, or 1.56%.
10. Is it better to have a shiny Pokémon or a hundo Pokémon?
This depends on personal preference. Hundos are more effective in battles due to their perfect stats, while shinies are rare and sought after for their unique appearance. A shundo combines the benefits of both!
11. Can Legendary Pokémon be shiny and have perfect IVs?
Yes, but the odds are extremely low. Typically, Legendary Pokémon have a better shiny rate during raids or special events (approximately 1 in 20), but obtaining perfect IVs is still a matter of chance (1 in 216 due to the IV floor in Raids).
12. What are the rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Some of the rarest shiny Pokémon include Shiny Spinda, Event Pokemon, Shiny Alolan Grimer, Shiny Nidorina/Nidoqueen, and Shiny Alolan Vulpix. These either have very limited availability or extremely rare spawn rates.
13. Are all Pokémon available in their shiny form in Pokémon GO?
No, not all Pokémon are available as shinies in Pokémon GO. New shiny forms are often released during events or updates.
14. What are the benefits of having a hundo Pokémon?
Hundo Pokémon perform optimally in battles and raids due to their maximum stats. They are also highly valued by collectors.
15. Where can I learn more about Pokémon GO strategies and tips?
You can learn more about Pokémon GO, as well as other gaming strategies, by visiting the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They provide tons of additional insights!
The Takeaway
Hunting for a shundo in Pokémon GO requires patience, dedication, and a good understanding of the game’s mechanics. By focusing on events with boosted shiny rates and utilizing methods that increase IV floors, such as Lucky Friends trades, you can significantly improve your chances of obtaining this ultra-rare prize. Good luck, and happy hunting!