Is the Nursery Toxel Shiny Locked? A Deep Dive into Pokémon’s Quirks
Yes, the Toxel received as a gift from the Pokémon Nursery on Route 5 in Pokémon Sword and Shield is, without a shadow of a doubt, shiny locked. This means that no matter how many times you reset your game or try different strategies, that particular Toxel will never appear as a shiny. It’s a pre-determined aspect of the game’s code, designed by the developers.
This might seem unfair, especially for shiny hunters dedicated to acquiring every differently colored Pokémon variant. However, it’s a common practice in the Pokémon world to prevent certain gift Pokémon or legendary encounters from being shiny, often for storyline or event-related reasons. The Toxel case, though, is somewhat peculiar, which is why it generates so much discussion within the community. The article you provided already highlights the reasoning, which is that a breeder is giving the player a hatched Toxel that they supposedly hatched as a gift but the Pokémon cannot be shiny. It makes no sense.
But don’t despair! While the gift Toxel is off-limits for shiny hunting, there are other ways to obtain a shiny Toxtricity. Keep reading to learn how. Let’s explore some of the most commonly asked questions about shiny locking and other shiny Pokémon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some FAQs with answers to give more insights.
1. Can Toxel from the Wild be Shiny?
Absolutely! While the nursery gift Toxel is shiny locked, wild Toxel encounters are not. This means you can find a shiny Toxel in the wild areas where it spawns, such as the South Province (Area Four) in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Remember to use methods to increase your shiny odds, such as the Shiny Charm and sandwich buffs in Scarlet and Violet.
2. Is Leon’s Gift Charmander Shiny Locked?
Yes, the Charmander you receive from Leon after becoming champion in Pokémon Sword and Shield is also shiny locked. However, just like Toxel, you can still obtain a shiny Charmander through other means, such as Max Raid Battles.
3. Is Type: Null Shiny Locked in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
Yes, unfortunately, Type: Null is another Pokémon subject to shiny locking in Sword and Shield. This is a bummer for collectors, as Type: Null’s evolution, Silvally, has a cool shiny form.
4. Can You Breed for a Shiny Toxel?
No, Toxel itself cannot be bred. Because it is a baby Pokémon, it must first evolve into Toxtricity. Toxtricity can be bred to obtain more Toxel. Toxel can also breed. This means you can use the Masuda method (breeding with a Pokémon from a different language region) combined with the Shiny Charm to significantly increase your chances of hatching a shiny Toxel.
5. What is the Masuda Method?
The Masuda method refers to breeding two Pokémon that originated from games of different languages. For example, breeding a Japanese Ditto with an English Toxtricity greatly increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon.
6. Is the Second Koraidon/Miraidon Shiny Locked?
Yes, the second Koraidon or Miraidon you receive in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is shiny locked. The Pokémon you ride around the region on is not shiny locked.
7. Can Marshadow be Shiny?
No, Marshadow is permanently shiny locked. Any claims or offers of a shiny Marshadow are likely illegitimate. It would be best to avoid them altogether.
8. Can Kubfu be Shiny?
No, Kubfu is another legendary Pokémon that cannot be shiny. This applies to the Kubfu you receive in the Isle of Armor DLC in Pokémon Sword and Shield.
9. What Other Legendary or Mythical Pokémon are Shiny Locked?
Several other legendary and mythical Pokémon have been subject to shiny locking in various games. Notable examples include:
- Victini, Reshiram, and Zekrom in Pokémon Black, White, Black 2 & White 2
- Many other legendary Pokémon in Pokémon X & Y
- Keldeo and Meloetta in Pokémon GO
The developers at Game Freak and The Pokémon Company often use shiny locking as a tool to control the distribution of rare Pokémon, especially those tied to specific events or promotions.
10. Why are Some Pokémon Shiny Locked?
There are various reasons why developers choose to shiny lock certain Pokémon. These can include:
- Story significance: To ensure consistent storytelling experiences.
- Event exclusivity: To preserve the value and rarity of event-distributed Pokémon.
- Technical limitations: In older games, certain Pokémon might have been shiny locked due to coding constraints.
11. What are the Odds of Finding a Shiny Pokémon?
The base odds of finding a shiny Pokémon in recent games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is 1 in 4096. However, this can be significantly improved by using the Shiny Charm and other methods, such as the Masuda method or Outbreak bonuses.
12. What is the Shiny Charm and How Does It Work?
The Shiny Charm is an item that increases your chances of finding shiny Pokémon. You can obtain it by completing the Pokédex in the game. With the Shiny Charm, the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon decrease to approximately 1 in 1365.33.
13. How Does the Outbreak Method Work in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, massive outbreaks of certain Pokémon occur frequently. Defeating or catching a large number of Pokémon in an outbreak increases your chances of finding a shiny version of that Pokémon. After defeating or catching 60 of the Pokémon, the odds improve significantly.
14. What are Some of the Most Underrated Shiny Pokémon?
Shiny hunting is a subjective matter, but some shiny Pokémon are widely considered underrated:
- Espeon: The original information in the document states that Espeon is a lame shiny, but some people like it!
- Alolan Raichu: Despite the Pikachu line sometimes having underwhelming shinies, this variant is cool.
- Ampharos: The pink shiny is well liked by some shiny hunters.
15. Where Can I Learn More About Pokémon Game Mechanics and Strategy?
To learn more about Pokémon, game mechanics, strategic gameplay, and educational aspects of gaming, consider exploring resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org. This organization studies how games can be used for learning and engagement.
Ultimately, while the shiny locked Toxel may be frustrating, remember that the world of Pokémon is vast and full of opportunities to hunt for and collect your favorite shiny creatures. Keep exploring, keep hunting, and enjoy the thrill of the chase!