Should I Keep Bad Shiny Pokémon? A Collector’s Conundrum

The eternal question plagues Pokémon trainers worldwide: Should you keep a shiny Pokémon, even if it has terrible stats? The short answer is almost always, yes! Shiny Pokémon are rare and valuable, and there are several reasons to hold onto them, even if they aren’t battle-ready. Think of them as trophies, potential trade fodder, or simply a testament to your dedication as a trainer. Their rarity alone makes them worth keeping, and you might regret transferring one later.

The Allure of the Shiny

Shiny Pokémon, those recolored variants that gleam with an alternative hue, are the holy grail for many trainers. They represent a significant investment of time and luck. Finding one in the wild, hatching one from an egg, or earning one through a raid is a moment of pure elation. Discarding that feeling and those digital bragging rights should be a decision weighed carefully.

Why Keep a “Bad” Shiny?

Here’s a deeper look at why holding onto that seemingly useless shiny is a smart move:

• Rarity and Collectibility: Shiny Pokémon are fundamentally rare. The base rate in Pokémon GO, for example, is roughly 1 in 500 encounters. Some events or special spawns may increase these odds, but the underlying fact remains: shiny Pokémon are unique and highly sought after. As collectables, they become more appealing over time.
• Trading Value: Even a shiny with poor stats can be valuable to other players. Some trainers are simply driven by collecting every possible shiny, regardless of its performance in battle. Trading platforms and communities thrive on the exchange of these rare creatures, so you might be able to snag a powerful Pokémon or a sought-after item in exchange for your “bad” shiny.
• Potential Future Use: Game mechanics change! Today’s useless shiny might become tomorrow’s powerhouse. Move updates, new battle formats, or even rebalancing of stats could suddenly make your “bad” shiny viable. Patience can pay off.
• Sentimental Value: Sometimes, it’s just about the thrill of the hunt. That shiny Beedrill you stumbled upon after hours of searching might not be a competitive threat, but it’s a reminder of your dedication and good fortune. Sentimental value is a perfectly valid reason to keep a Pokémon.
• Storage is (Usually) Manageable: Games like Pokémon GO often have storage limits, but they usually offer ways to expand it. While space constraints might eventually force tough decisions, prioritize keeping your shinies.
• Cosmetic Appeal: Shiny Pokémon look different, and some shiny forms are particularly striking. If you enjoy the aesthetic, that’s reason enough to keep it.

The Caveats: When Might Transferring Be Acceptable?

While generally, the answer is to keep those shinies, there are a few rare exceptions:

• You absolutely need the storage: If you’re completely maxed out on storage and can’t afford to expand, and you have multiple copies of the same shiny Pokémon, consider transferring one of the weaker ones. Make sure you won’t regret it later.
• It’s a duplicate of a highly common shiny: Some shiny Pokémon are more common than others, particularly those featured in Community Days. If you have several identical shinies from a Community Day, keeping only the ones with the best stats might be a reasonable choice.
• You’re absolutely certain you’ll never use it or want it: This is a highly subjective reason, but if you truly despise the shiny’s design or have no interest in trading it, you could transfer it. But be warned: regret is a powerful emotion!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Pokémon

Here are some common questions about shiny Pokémon to further refine your knowledge:

1. What are the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The base shiny rate in Pokémon GO is around 1 in 500. However, this can change during events. Community Days often feature a boosted shiny rate for the featured Pokémon, usually around 1 in 25. Certain Raid bosses and research tasks may also offer increased shiny odds.

2. Do shiny Pokémon have better stats?

No. Shiny Pokémon are purely cosmetic. They have the same potential stats as their non-shiny counterparts. A shiny Charizard is not inherently stronger than a regular Charizard.

3. What is IV?

IV is short for Individual Values. These are hidden stats that determine a Pokémon’s potential in battle. Each Pokémon has IVs for Attack, Defense, and HP, ranging from 0 to 15. Higher IVs translate to higher stats when the Pokémon is powered up. It’s important to find Pokemon with better IVs to become powerful.

4. Is it possible to increase the odds of finding a shiny?

While you can’t directly force a shiny encounter, you can increase your chances by:

• Participating in events: These often feature increased shiny rates for certain Pokémon.
• Shiny checking: Actively tap on and encounter as many Pokémon as possible. The more encounters, the higher your chance of finding a shiny.
• Using lures and incense: These attract more Pokémon, leading to more encounter opportunities.

5. What is the difference between a “lucky” Pokémon and a shiny Pokémon?

Lucky Pokémon require a trade to obtain in Pokémon GO, and they require less stardust to power up, and have higher minimum IVs. They have nothing to do with shiny Pokémon, which are purely color variants.

6. Can all Pokémon be shiny?

No. Some Pokémon are “shiny locked”, meaning they cannot be found in their shiny form in certain games. This often applies to Mythical Pokémon, certain Legendary Pokémon, and event-exclusive Pokémon. Be sure to check if the Pokemon you are interested in can be shiny before attempting to find it.

7. How do I know if a Pokémon is shiny?

Shiny Pokémon have a distinctly different color palette than their standard counterparts. In Pokémon GO, a sparkling effect appears when encountering a shiny Pokémon.

8. Are hacked shiny Pokémon safe to use?

Using hacked shiny Pokémon can carry risks. While simply possessing one might not trigger an immediate ban, using them in online battles or trading them could lead to penalties. It’s best to avoid hacked Pokémon altogether.

9. Should I evolve my shiny Pokémon?

This is a matter of personal preference. Consider whether you prefer the shiny form of the evolved Pokémon. Some shiny evolutions are highly sought after, while others are considered less appealing.

10. What are some of the rarest shiny Pokémon?

Rarity varies depending on the game and event. In Pokémon GO, some of the rarest shinies include Unown, Pawniard, Fomantis, and certain regional Pokémon. This can change with events and the introduction of new Pokémon.

11. Can I get a shiny Pokémon from a Research Breakthrough?

Yes, but only if the Pokémon featured in the Research Breakthrough can be shiny. Check event announcements for details.

12. How do IVs (Individual Values) affect a shiny Pokémon’s performance?

IVs affect a shiny Pokémon’s stats just like any other Pokémon. Higher IVs mean stronger stats. A shiny Pokémon with perfect IVs is highly desirable for competitive battling.

13. Can I transfer shiny Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can transfer shiny Pokémon from Pokémon GO and other compatible games to Pokémon HOME. This allows you to consolidate your shiny collection in one place.

14. What are the best resources for learning more about shiny Pokémon?

Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia are excellent resources for comprehensive information about shiny Pokémon, including their availability, shiny forms, and event details. You can also participate in online communities and forums dedicated to Pokémon collecting. Don’t forget to explore educational resources like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, where you can find information on educational games and the science behind them. The Games Learning Society also has many great games available.

15. Should I trade a shiny Pokémon for another shiny Pokémon?

This depends on your personal preferences and the value of the Pokémon involved. Consider the rarity of each shiny, their IVs, and their usefulness in battle. Trading a common shiny for a rare one can be a good move, but ultimately, the decision is up to you.

The Final Verdict

While there might be rare exceptions, the general rule of thumb is to keep your shiny Pokémon, regardless of their stats. They are rare, valuable, and represent a significant achievement in the world of Pokémon collecting. You never know when they might become useful or valuable in the future. Don’t let that shiny trophy gather dust in the PC, make it into a friend and enjoy!