Is Shiny Hoopa a Thing? The Definitive Guide
No, Shiny Hoopa is currently not legitimately obtainable in any Pokémon game, including Pokémon GO and the main series games. Both forms of Hoopa – Hoopa Confined and Hoopa Unbound – are shiny-locked, meaning the game’s code prevents them from appearing in their shiny variant through any legitimate means. This shiny lock has been in place since Hoopa’s introduction and remains unchanged. Let’s delve into why and explore everything you need to know about this elusive Mythical Pokémon.
Why Can’t I Get a Shiny Hoopa?
The concept of shiny locking is intentional on the part of the Pokémon game developers. It’s used primarily for Mythical Pokémon and certain Legendary Pokémon distributed through special events. This prevents players from resetting their games repeatedly to hunt for a shiny version, preserving the exclusivity and perceived value of these rare Pokémon.
Hoopa, being a Mythical Pokémon tied to specific distribution events, falls squarely into this category. The official events designed to distribute Hoopa were programmed in such a way that any Hoopa received would be the standard color palette, thus making the shiny variant impossible to obtain through standard gameplay.
Understanding Shiny Locking
Shiny locking isn’t just a simple omission of the shiny sprite. It’s an active block within the game’s code. When the game generates a Pokémon, it rolls a random number to determine if it should be shiny. For shiny-locked Pokémon, there’s an additional check: if the Pokémon is Hoopa (or any other shiny-locked species), the game always forces the result to be non-shiny, regardless of the initial roll. This is why even dedicated shiny hunters can never legitimately encounter a Shiny Hoopa.
The Allure of Shiny Pokémon
Shiny Pokémon, also known as alternate color Pokémon, are versions of Pokémon with a different color palette than their standard forms. These Pokémon are incredibly rare, with a base chance of encountering one being approximately 1 in 4096 in recent games (prior to certain boosts from items or events). The rarity of shinies fuels a significant portion of the Pokémon collecting community, driving players to spend countless hours hunting for their favorite Pokémon in their alternate colors. This pursuit of rarity and unique visual appeal is a core element of Pokémon’s enduring popularity, as highlighted by research in fields like game studies and digital culture. Exploring these dynamics through the lens of educational games and learning is also a topic discussed within the Games Learning Society. You can visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about such topics.
Detecting Illegitimate Shiny Hoopa
Due to the shiny lock, any Shiny Hoopa you encounter is almost certainly illegitimate. This means it was obtained through hacking, exploiting glitches, or using external tools to modify the game. While it might appear visually appealing, it’s not a genuine representation of a Pokémon obtainable through fair gameplay.
Here are some red flags to look for:
- Unusual Origin: If the Hoopa’s origin details (e.g., met location, date met) don’t align with known distribution events, it’s likely hacked.
- Suspicious IVs/EVs: While not a definitive indicator on its own, perfectly optimized stats (IVs) and effort values (EVs) could be a sign that the Pokémon was generated using external tools.
- Impossible Movesets: If the Hoopa knows moves that it cannot legally learn through leveling up, TMs, or event distributions, it’s likely illegitimate.
The Implications of Using Illegitimate Pokémon
Using hacked or genned Pokémon can have several consequences:
- In Online Battles: Many online battle formats have checks to detect and disqualify illegal Pokémon. Using a Shiny Hoopa could result in being banned or restricted from competitive play.
- Risk of Save Corruption: While less common now than in older games, using hacked Pokémon could potentially corrupt your save data, leading to loss of progress.
- Ethical Considerations: Some players view using illegitimate Pokémon as unethical, as it undermines the intended gameplay experience and the effort of legitimate collectors.
FAQs About Shiny Hoopa
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the status of Shiny Hoopa:
1. Is Shiny Hoopa obtainable in Pokémon GO?
No, Shiny Hoopa is not obtainable in Pokémon GO. Both Hoopa Confined and Hoopa Unbound are shiny-locked within the game.
2. Can Hoopa raids be shiny?
No, Hoopa raids (when and if available) cannot yield a shiny Hoopa. The shiny lock applies to all forms of encounter.
3. Is shiny Meloetta legal?
Similar to Hoopa, Shiny Meloetta is also currently illegal. It is shiny-locked.
4. Is there a shiny Eternatus?
While Shiny Eternatus has been distributed via event, it was a limited-time event. Currently, it’s not obtainable.
5. Why is shiny Keldeo illegal?
Shiny Keldeo is currently unobtainable through legitimate gameplay. All Keldeo released via events have not been shiny, and the catchable Keldeo in the Isle of Armor is shiny-locked.
6. Is Shiny victini legit?
No, Shiny Victini is not obtainable through legitimate gameplay. It is shiny-locked.
7. Is there shiny Genesect?
Yes, Shiny Genesect is available. Different Genesect forms (like Douse Drive) have had shiny versions released in raids.
8. Is Zarude shiny locked?
Yes, Zarude and Dada Zarude are both shiny-locked.
9. Is Shiny Cosmog legal?
No, Shiny Cosmog and Cosmoem are not obtainable through legitimate gameplay. They are shiny-locked.
10. Can Kubfu be shiny?
No, Kubfu cannot be shiny due to its status as a Legendary Pokémon that is shiny-locked.
11. Is there a Shiny Zacian?
Yes, Shiny Zacian has been distributed via events. Keep an eye out for future distributions.
12. Is Mew shiny locked?
The initial Mew from the Faraway Island event in Generation III could be shiny. However, gift Mews from later generations are often shiny-locked.
13. Can Zeraora be shiny?
Yes, Shiny Zeraora was available through a special Max Raid Battle event in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
14. What Pokemon can’t be shiny?
As mentioned previously, examples include: Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Magearna, and certain event-exclusive Legendaries. This list can change with new game releases and events.
15. Is it OK to buy Shiny Pokémon?
The ethics of buying Shiny Pokémon depend on your personal values. However, be aware that purchasing illegitimate Shiny Pokémon may violate the terms of service of the game, and the Pokémon might not be usable in online competitions.
Conclusion
While the allure of a Shiny Hoopa is undeniable, it remains an unobtainable dream through legitimate gameplay. Understanding the concept of shiny locking and recognizing the signs of illegitimate Pokémon is crucial for any serious Pokémon collector or competitive player. Always prioritize ethical gameplay and enjoy the thrill of the hunt for legitimate shiny Pokémon!