Is Tera Charizard Shiny Locked? Unveiling the Truth Behind the Black Dragon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Yes, the 7-Star Tera Charizard event in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet was Shiny Locked. This means that no matter how many times you battled and caught the event Charizard, it would never be a shiny version. Game Freak specifically programmed the event so that the Charizard obtained through it could not appear as its alternate color. This decision sparked much discussion within the Pokémon community, as shiny hunting is a popular endgame activity. But fret not! There are other ways to obtain a Shiny Charizard in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, and we’ll explore those in detail.
Understanding Shiny Locking and Tera Raids
Before we dive deeper, let’s clarify a few key concepts. Shiny locking refers to the deliberate programming of a Pokémon encounter to prevent a shiny variant from appearing. This is often done for event Pokémon or those tied to specific story elements.
Tera Raids, on the other hand, are cooperative battles against powerful Pokémon with unique Tera Types. They are a significant source of rare items, valuable resources, and the chance to catch Pokémon not readily available in the wild.
While the event Charizard was shiny locked, it’s important to understand the general rules surrounding shinies in Tera Raids, which we’ll cover shortly.
How Can You Get a Shiny Charizard in Scarlet & Violet?
Despite the 7-Star event’s restriction, all hope is not lost for those seeking a black Charizard! The primary method is through breeding.
Here’s the breakdown:
- Obtain a Charmander or Charmeleon: Transfer a Charmander or Charmeleon from Pokémon HOME, if you have one from previous games. This is currently the primary method to obtain the Pokemon.
- Breeding for Shiny Charmander: Use the Masuda method to increase your chances of hatching a shiny Charmander. This involves breeding a Charmander or Charmeleon with a Ditto from a game of a different language (e.g., a Japanese Ditto). This significantly boosts your chances.
- Shiny Charm: Further increase your odds by obtaining the Shiny Charm, awarded for completing the Paldea Pokédex. This item further increases your odds of encountering or hatching shiny Pokémon.
- Patience and Perseverance: Shiny hunting requires dedication. Be prepared to hatch many, many eggs before a shiny Charmander appears!
- Evolution: Once you hatch a shiny Charmander, level it up to evolve it into a shiny Charmeleon and finally, a majestic Shiny Charizard.
Shiny Hunting in Tera Raids: Beyond the Event
While the 7-Star Charizard was an exception, some Tera Raid Pokémon can be shiny. However, the odds are generally the standard shiny rate, around 1 in 4,103.05. Modifiers like the Shiny Charm do not affect the odds in Tera Raids.
This makes shiny hunting in Tera Raids a considerable time investment, but the reward of a shiny Tera Pokémon can be well worth it.
Important Considerations for Tera Raid Shiny Hunting
- 5-Star Raids Only: According to information available so far, only 5-Star Tera Raids can potentially yield shiny Pokémon. Lower-star raids are thought to be shiny-locked.
- No Visual Cues: The Terastal effect obscures the Pokémon’s true colors, making it impossible to visually confirm a shiny before the battle. You’ll only know if it’s shiny during the encounter and after you catch it.
- Catch Rate: Tera Raids have a 100% catch rate after defeating the Pokémon. This means you can use any Poké Ball you desire without fear of failure.
The Allure of Shiny Charizard: A Collector’s Dream
The black Shiny Charizard is a highly sought-after Pokémon, coveted by collectors and competitive players alike. Its striking color scheme and iconic status make it a prized possession. Whether you obtain it through diligent breeding or a stroke of luck in a Tera Raid, a Shiny Charizard is a testament to your dedication and a symbol of Pokémon mastery.
Remember, the journey to catch ’em all, especially the shiny ones, is part of the fun! Embrace the challenge, and happy hunting!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Charizard and Tera Raids
1. Can all Tera Raid Pokémon be shiny?
No, not all Tera Raid Pokémon can be shiny. Generally, only 5-Star Raids have the potential to contain shiny Pokémon. Lower-star raids are typically shiny-locked.
2. What are the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon in a Tera Raid?
The base odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon in a Tera Raid are approximately 1 in 4,103.05. Unlike wild encounters, the Shiny Charm does not affect these odds.
3. Is it possible to see if a Tera Raid Pokémon is shiny before starting the battle?
No, unfortunately, you cannot visually determine if a Tera Raid Pokémon is shiny before initiating the battle. The Terastal effect obscures the Pokémon’s true colors.
4. Can I use the Masuda method to increase my shiny chances in Tera Raids?
No, the Masuda method only applies to breeding, not to Tera Raid encounters.
5. What is the best strategy for shiny hunting in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
The best strategy for shiny hunting is a combination of using the Masuda method for breeding, obtaining the Shiny Charm, and targeting specific outbreaks in the wild. Tera Raids offer a supplementary, albeit less efficient, method.
6. What is the rarest shiny Charizard card?
The 2002 Neo Destiny Shining Charizard #107 (1st Edition) is considered one of the rarest and most valuable Charizard cards, fetching tens of thousands of dollars at auction. The 1st Edition Charizard (4/102) from the original Base Set is also highly valuable and sought after.
7. Are all Tera Raid Pokémon guaranteed catches?
Yes, all Tera Raid Pokémon have a 100% catch rate after being defeated.
8. What are Tera Shards used for?
Tera Shards are used to change a Pokémon’s Tera Type at the Treasure Eatery in Medali. This allows you to customize your Pokémon to better suit your team composition and strategy.
9. Is Koraidon/Miraidon shiny locked?
Yes, the story Koraidon and Miraidon are shiny locked. You cannot get their shiny variants through normal gameplay.
10. Are the odds of finding a shiny in the wild better than in Tera Raids?
Yes, the odds of finding a shiny in the wild can be better than in Tera Raids, especially when utilizing Outbreak bonuses and the Shiny Charm.
11. What are Ability Patches and how do I get them?
Ability Patches allow you to change a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability. They are rare rewards obtained by completing high-level Tera Raids.
12. Why are some Tera Raid symbols glowing or flashing?
Glowing or flashing Tera Raid symbols indicate higher-star raids, which are more challenging and offer better rewards.
13. What is the importance of Tera Types in competitive battling?
Tera Types are crucial in competitive battling, as they allow you to change a Pokémon’s typing, granting it new strengths, weaknesses, and strategic options. Choosing the right Tera Type can turn the tide of battle.
14. Where can I learn more about game-based learning and the educational aspects of gaming?
You can learn more about game-based learning and the educational aspects of gaming at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org.
15. Why is Shiny Charizard so popular?
Shiny Charizard’s popularity stems from its striking black color scheme, its iconic status as a Generation 1 Pokémon, and its overall powerful presence. It is both aesthetically pleasing and strategically valuable, making it a highly desirable addition to any Pokémon collection.