Are Primal Groudon and Kyogre Shiny Locked? A Definitive Guide

Yes, the primal forms of Groudon and Kyogre are, unfortunately, shiny locked in the original Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire (ORAS) games. This means that encountering a shiny version of these Pokemon during the main storyline within these specific games is impossible. However, the availability of shiny versions changes drastically when considering other Pokemon games and Pokemon GO.

Understanding Shiny Locking

What is Shiny Locking?

Shiny locking refers to a game mechanic where certain Pokemon encounters are programmed to never appear as shiny. Game developers usually implement this for story-relevant legendaries to ensure a consistent narrative experience or for event-exclusive Pokemon. It doesn’t mean the Pokemon can’t be shiny, just not in specific encounters within a particular game.

Why Are Legendaries Often Shiny Locked?

The reasons behind shiny locking are varied and often speculated. It could be due to the complexity of programming shiny variations for specific events or to maintain the rarity and value of shiny Pokemon. For example, the legendaries in Pokemon Legends: Arceus were all shiny locked. While that was disappointing for shiny hunters, many of those same monsters have appeared as shiny in past games.

Groudon and Kyogre: A Shiny History

ORAS: The Shiny Lock

As mentioned, Groudon and Kyogre are shiny locked in the main story encounter of Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire. The PokeNav Plus staticky-looking screen will not allow you to obtain a shiny version. This limitation was a disappointment for many players hoping to add these coveted shinies to their collection within these specific 6th generation games. It’s important to remember that this restriction only applies to the scripted encounters within ORAS.

Ruby, Emerald, and Earlier Generations

In the original Ruby and Emerald versions, as well as other compatible earlier games, Groudon and Kyogre were not shiny locked. This means that players could, and still can, hunt for shiny versions of these Pokemon in those games and, using the Pokemon Bank and Pokemon Transporter, transfer them to later generations. This is how players can obtain a legitimate shiny Groudon or Kyogre capable of undergoing Primal Reversion.

Pokemon GO

Pokemon GO offers another avenue for obtaining shiny Groudon and Kyogre. While the base form needs to be shiny first, the Primal Reversion into Primal Groudon or Primal Kyogre will maintain that shiny status. Keep in mind that shiny legendary encounters in Pokemon GO are rare and require dedicated raiding and some luck. Encountering a legendary Shiny is challenging, and demands rigorous gameplay.

Is Shiny Groudon Available?

Yes, Shiny Groudon is available, but not directly in ORAS. You can obtain it through:

• Transferring from older games (Ruby, Emerald, etc.).
• Finding it (as base form) in Pokemon GO and then Primal Reverting.

Is Shiny Kyogre Available?

Yes, Shiny Kyogre is available, but not directly in ORAS. You can obtain it through:

• Transferring from older games (Ruby, Emerald, etc.).
• Finding it (as base form) in Pokemon GO and then Primal Reverting.

Primal Reversion: A Shiny Transformation

Shiny Groudon and the Red Orb

A Shiny Groudon from a previous game, when holding a Red Orb, will undergo Primal Reversion and become a Shiny Primal Groudon. The Red Orb isn’t limited to Pokemon from ORAS; any Groudon holding it can Primal Revert.

Shiny Kyogre and the Blue Orb

Similarly, a Shiny Kyogre from a previous game, when holding a Blue Orb, will undergo Primal Reversion and become a Shiny Primal Kyogre. Transferring a Shiny Kyogre is always something special!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the shiny status of Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre:

1. Can you shiny hunt Primal Groudon and Kyogre directly?

No, you cannot directly shiny hunt the Primal forms. You must obtain the shiny base form first and then trigger Primal Reversion.

2. Are all legendaries in ORAS shiny locked?

No, not all legendaries in ORAS are shiny locked. Only the main story Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza and Deoxys are locked. Other legendaries available through Soaring in the Sky can be shiny.

3. Can Rayquaza be caught in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire?

Yes, Rayquaza can be caught in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, specifically during the Delta Episode after climbing Sky Pillar.

4. Is Mega Rayquaza also shiny locked in ORAS?

Yes, Mega Rayquaza is also shiny locked in the same way as Groudon and Kyogre.

5. What are Primal Groudon’s weaknesses?

Primal Groudon is weak against Ground and, critically, Water-type attacks (due to its Desolate Land ability removing the Fire-type weakness). Primal Groudon resistances include Bug, Fairy, Fire, Poison and Steel-types. It is immune to Electric-type attacks.

6. What are Primal Kyogre’s weaknesses?

Primal Kyogre is weak against Grass and Electric-type attacks.

7. Is Primal Reversion a permanent transformation?

No, Primal Reversion is not permanent. In the main series games, the transformation lasts as long as the Pokemon holds the appropriate Orb. In Pokemon GO, Primal Reversion lasts for a limited time, after which the Pokemon reverts to its base form.

8. What color is Shiny Kyogre?

The Shiny Kyogre has a noticeable change in color. Its normal blue coloring is swapped with a bright pink!

9. Are Mythical Pokemon like Meloetta shiny locked?

Some Mythical Pokemon are indeed shiny locked. As of Generation 8, Pokemon like Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Hoopa, and Volcanion cannot be legally obtained in shiny form.

10. Is there a Shiny Eternatus event?

Yes, there was a special Shiny Eternatus distribution event for Pokemon Sword and Shield before the release of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

11. How does Primal Groudon compare to Mega Rayquaza in strength?

While both are incredibly powerful, Mega Rayquaza generally has the edge due to its higher base stats. Its base stat is matched by Mega Mewtwo at 780, while Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre have base stats of 770.

12. How easy is Rayquaza to catch in raids?

Rayquaza is often considered easier to catch in raids due to its relatively low defense stat and its double weakness to Ice-type attacks.

13. Are all legendaries in Pokemon Legends: Arceus shiny locked?

Yes, all available legendaries in Pokemon Legends: Arceus were shiny locked.

14. What is the best strategy for catching Rayquaza in Pokemon GO?

Stock up on Golden Razz Berries and practice your excellent throws to increase your chances of catching Rayquaza.

15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics and intricacies of Pokemon games?

You can delve deeper into the world of game-based learning and explore how games contribute to education and skill development by visiting the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Conclusion

While shiny Primal Groudon and shiny Primal Kyogre are unavailable through direct encounters in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, they remain obtainable through transfers from older games and through Pokemon GO. Knowing these avenues allows dedicated shiny hunters to add these impressive Pokemon to their collections. Understanding the specifics of shiny locking and the different methods of obtaining these rare variations keeps the hunt engaging and rewarding. Happy hunting!