Should I Keep All My Shinies? A Collector’s Guide
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The short answer? Yes, absolutely keep all your Shiny Pokémon! Unless you have a very specific reason to part with one, the sheer rarity and trade value of these shimmering creatures makes them worth holding onto. Think of them as digital collectibles with potential future utility and bragging rights. This article will delve into the nuances of shiny ownership, covering everything from trading strategies to evolution considerations, and answer some frequently asked questions.
Why Keeping Your Shinies is the Smart Move
Shinies are, by their very nature, rare. In Pokémon GO, for instance, the base rate of encountering a Shiny Pokémon in the wild is approximately 1 in 500. Some events and specific Pokémon have boosted shiny rates, but the underlying principle remains: they are significantly harder to obtain than their regular counterparts.
Trade Value: The Golden Ticket
The primary reason to hoard your Shinies is their trade value. Even if you personally dislike a particular Shiny, there’s a high probability that another player desperately wants it. Trading opens up a world of possibilities, allowing you to acquire Pokémon you need for your Pokédex, complete research tasks, or simply obtain Pokémon with better stats.
The Lucky Trade Factor
Beyond basic trading, Shiny Pokémon play a significant role in Lucky Trades. A Lucky Trade guarantees that both Pokémon involved become Lucky, meaning they require significantly less Stardust to power up. Trading a Shiny with someone who has the same Shiny significantly increases the chances of a Lucky Trade. This is especially valuable for Pokémon that are powerful in raids or the Go Battle League.
A Shiny is Forever (Almost)
Shiny Pokémon are often compared to Legendary Pokémon in terms of rarity and perceived value. Discarding a Shiny is akin to throwing away a Legendary – a move many players would consider sacrilegious. The time and effort required to obtain a Shiny often outweighs any perceived inconvenience of keeping it in your storage.
Don’t Fall for the Hype: IVs Aren’t Everything
While individual values (IVs) are an important factor for serious battlers, they shouldn’t be the sole determining factor in whether to keep or transfer a Shiny. A Shiny with subpar IVs is still a Shiny. In many cases, the sheer novelty and bragging rights associated with owning a Shiny outweigh the marginal stat gains from a Pokémon with perfect IVs.
Evolution: To Evolve or Not to Evolve?
Deciding whether to evolve your Shiny is a matter of personal preference. Here’s a breakdown of factors to consider:
Aesthetic Appeal
The primary reason to evolve a Shiny is aesthetics. Some Shiny evolutions have stunning color palettes that are far more desirable than their base forms. Consider whether you prefer the Shiny’s base form or its evolved form before making a decision.
Rarity Implications
Evolving a Shiny can sometimes impact its perceived rarity. A base-form Shiny is generally considered more valuable if the evolved form has been featured in a Community Day with boosted shiny rates. This is because more players likely have the evolved Shiny, increasing the value of the original base form.
The “Double Shiny” Strategy
A common strategy is to keep a base-form Shiny and evolve a second Shiny of the same species. This allows you to have both forms, maximizing your Shiny collection and trade potential. If you’re dedicated to Shiny hunting, aiming for duplicates can be a worthwhile endeavor.
Strategic Shiny Management
While hoarding every Shiny is generally recommended, a bit of strategic thinking can maximize their value:
Prioritize Lucky Trade Candidates
Identify Shinies that are also strong Pokémon in raids or the Go Battle League. These are prime candidates for Lucky Trades, as powering them up will require less Stardust after the trade.
Consider Event-Exclusive Moves
Before evolving a Shiny, consider whether its evolved form benefits from any event-exclusive moves. These moves are often only available during specific time windows and can significantly increase the Pokémon’s value and utility.
Be Aware of Shiny Locked Pokémon
Certain Pokémon in the main series games and Pokémon GO are Shiny locked, meaning they cannot be encountered as Shiny under normal circumstances. Knowing which Pokémon are Shiny locked can help you avoid wasting time searching for something that doesn’t exist. This information is always changing, so it is important to stay current.
FAQs: Your Shiny Questions Answered
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the world of Shiny Pokémon:
1. Are Shinies worth money?
Shiny Pokémon cards can be valuable collectibles, especially those from older sets like the Neo Series. The value depends on the card’s condition, rarity, and demand. In Pokémon GO, while you can’t directly sell Shiny Pokémon, you can trade them for other in-game items or Pokémon that have real-world value to some players.
2. Do Shinies cost more to trade?
Yes, trading Shiny Pokémon is more expensive in terms of Stardust, especially if one or both players don’t already own the Shiny being traded. The cost is significantly lower if both players have the Shiny registered in their Pokédex.
3. What is the rarest Shiny?
The rarest Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO are often those that have limited availability, such as those tied to specific events or those with very low spawn rates in the wild. Unown forms, Pawniard, and certain region-exclusive Pokémon are often considered highly rare.
4. Is a Shiny Charizard rare?
Yes, a Shiny Charizard is generally considered rare and desirable, especially the card version of the Shining Charizard. The card holds a lot of value and is an sought after addition to any collection of cards.
5. Do all Shinies have a 100 catch rate?
No, only Shiny Legendary Pokémon encountered after completing a raid have a guaranteed catch rate. Shiny Pokémon encountered in the wild have the same catch rate as their non-Shiny counterparts.
6. Is it bad to keep hacked Shiny Pokémon?
In Pokémon GO, possessing hacked Shiny Pokémon can be risky. While simply owning one might not trigger immediate consequences, using it in battles or trades could violate the game’s terms of service and lead to penalties. However, the Games Learning Society is actively exploring the ethics surrounding hacking, and its place in gaming culture. Find out more on GamesLearningSociety.org.
7. Should I keep all my event Pokémon?
While not as valuable as Shinies, event Pokémon can still hold sentimental or trade value. Consider keeping those with high CP or those you plan to evolve.
8. How often should you get a Shiny Pokémon?
The average encounter rate for a Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is approximately 1 in 500. However, this rate can vary depending on events and specific Pokémon.
9. Can the 4 Ruin Pokémon be Shiny?
No, the four Ruin Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu) are Shiny locked, meaning they cannot be encountered as Shiny.
10. What is the hardest Shiny Pokémon to get?
The hardest Shiny Pokémon to obtain are often those with low spawn rates, complex evolution methods, or those found in areas that are difficult to access. Tynamo and Ditto are considered difficult to find in their shiny forms.
11. What is the strongest Shiny Pokémon?
“Strongest” is subjective and depends on the context (PvP, Raids, etc.). However, Shiny Mega Rayquaza, Primal Kyogre and Groudon, and Giratina are often considered among the most powerful Shiny Pokémon.
12. Why are Shiny Pokémon a big deal?
Shiny Pokémon are a big deal because of their rarity and the effort required to obtain them. They are a symbol of dedication and good luck, and they provide a unique aesthetic appeal for collectors and players alike.
13. How to get Stardust fast?
To get Stardust quickly, catch as many Pokémon as possible, especially during events with Stardust bonuses. Open daily gifts from friends, participate in Go Battle League, and hatch eggs.
14. What Pokémon Cannot be traded in Pokemon go?
Mythical Pokémon (like Celebi and Deoxys), Shadow Pokémon, Eggs, and Pokémon that have already been traded cannot be traded in Pokémon GO.
15. Is there a Shiny Guzzlord?
Yes, Shiny Guzzlord is available in Pokémon GO through 5-star raids. Winning these raids increases your chance of encountering a Shiny Guzzlord.
Final Thoughts
The world of Shiny Pokémon is filled with excitement, strategy, and a healthy dose of luck. While the decision to evolve or trade is ultimately yours, the general rule remains: cherish your Shinies. They are a testament to your dedication and a valuable asset in the ever-evolving landscape of the Pokémon universe. Happy hunting!