Cracking the Code: Unveiling the Secrets of Shiny Raid Den Odds

The allure of a Shiny Pokémon is undeniable. These rare, differently colored versions of our favorite pocket monsters are highly sought-after, and Raid Dens offer one avenue for dedicated trainers to pursue them. However, navigating the world of Raid Den shiny odds can be confusing, as it varies significantly across different Pokémon games. To put it simply, the Shiny odds in Raid Dens depend heavily on the specific Pokémon game, whether it’s Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, or Pokémon GO, and even specific event circumstances within those games. Odds vary with in-game items, such as the Shiny Charm. Let’s dive deep to explore the complex world of Shiny Pokémon hunting!

Decoding the Odds: A Game-by-Game Breakdown

Pokémon Sword and Shield

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, Max Raid Battles offered a tantalizing opportunity to snag Shiny Pokémon. However, these raids are governed by specific rules. The base shiny odds in Sword and Shield raids are typically 1 in 4096, matching the odds of a regular wild encounter. However, Dynamax Adventures were different.

• Dynamax Adventures: These special raids from The Crown Tundra DLC presented much better odds. Without the Shiny Charm, the odds were 1 in 300. With the Shiny Charm, these odds improved even further to 1 in 100. This makes Dynamax Adventures an extremely popular method for hunting Shiny Legendary Pokémon.

It’s crucial to remember that the Shiny Charm does not affect the odds of standard Max Raid Battles. The only time your odds are boosted is during Dynamax Adventures.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet introduced Tera Raid Battles, which offer another chance to add Shiny Pokémon to your collection. Here’s what you need to know:

• Tera Raids: The base shiny odds in Tera Raids start at 1 in 4,103.05, which are slightly worse than normal encounters. Unfortunately, there are no known modifiers that change these odds. Items like the Shiny Charm DO NOT affect the shiny odds in Tera Raid dens.

Because the Shiny Charm and other similar modifiers do not influence the shiny chance in Tera Raids, it makes hunting for shinies very difficult in Scarlet and Violet.

Pokémon GO

Pokémon GO presents its own set of rules and variables when it comes to Shiny Pokémon encounters in Raids. The odds are dependent on a variety of factors.

• Raid-Exclusive Pokémon: Some Pokémon are only available in Raids, making them the only avenue to obtain their Shiny forms.

• Base Odds: On average, there is a 1 in 500 chance of getting a shiny in a raid. This is approximately 0.2%. However, the rate appears to be eight times higher for certain rare spawns, Shadow Pokémon, and raid Pokémon, which leads to a 1 in 62.5 chance of a shiny, or 1.6%.

• Event Boosts: Raid Hours and other special events often feature increased shiny odds for specific Raid Bosses. Pay attention to announcements from Niantic to capitalize on these opportunities.

• Remote Raids: There has been conflicting data about Remote Raids. Some players have reported that the odds are lower, and Niantic has confirmed that the issue was an “unfortunate technical error”.

Understanding Key Concepts

• Shiny Charm: This Key Item, obtainable in most Pokémon games, increases the odds of encountering Shiny Pokémon. However, it does not affect standard Max Raid Battles in Sword and Shield or Tera Raids in Scarlet and Violet.

• Shiny Locked: Some Pokémon, particularly Legendary Pokémon, are Shiny Locked in certain encounters, meaning they cannot appear as Shiny no matter how many times you encounter them. Be sure to research which Pokémon are locked before beginning your Shiny hunt.

• Individual Shiny Rolls: In most cases, each player in a Raid Battle has an individual Shiny roll. This means one player could encounter a Shiny, while others don’t, even when facing the same Raid Boss.

• Determining Shininess: In both Max Raids and Tera Raids, a Shiny Pokémon‘s alternate coloration is visible right from the start of the battle. This is a crucial difference from Pokémon GO, where you won’t know if a Pokémon is Shiny until after the battle.

Master the Hunt: Strategies and Tips

• Prioritize Dynamax Adventures (Sword and Shield): If you’re hunting Shiny Legendary Pokémon in Sword and Shield, Dynamax Adventures are by far your best bet.

• Stay Informed on Events (Pokémon GO): Keep an eye on Pokémon GO announcements for Raid Hours and other events that boost Shiny odds.

• Know Your Target: Research whether the Pokémon you’re hunting is Shiny Locked. It’s also wise to know what the Shiny version of the Pokémon looks like.

• Shiny Sandwiches don’t affect Eggs: The Shiny Sandwiches you can make in Scarlet and Violet will not improve your chances of getting a shiny egg.

FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered

1. Does the Shiny Charm affect all Raids?

No. The Shiny Charm only affects Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield. It has no effect on standard Max Raid Battles in Sword and Shield or on Tera Raids in Scarlet and Violet.

2. Are all Legendary Pokémon available as Shiny in Raids?

No, some Legendary Pokémon are Shiny Locked in specific games, meaning they cannot be encountered as Shiny through any method.

3. Can everyone in a Raid get a Shiny if one person does?

No. Each player has an individual Shiny roll. If one player encounters a Shiny, it doesn’t guarantee that others will too.

4. Are the Shiny odds different in Remote Raids in Pokémon GO?

While there has been confusion around the issue, Niantic has stated that it was a “technical error” and the rates are the same.

5. How can I tell if a Pokémon in a Max Raid or Tera Raid is Shiny?

The Shiny coloration will be visible at the start of the battle.

6. Do Shiny Sandwiches increase the chances of getting a Shiny in Tera Raids?

No, they do not. Shiny Sandwiches have no effect on the shiny odds of Tera Raids.

7. What are the base Shiny odds in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

The base shiny odds are 1/4096.

8. Are any Pokémon in Raids guaranteed to be Shiny?

No, there is no guarantee.

9. Do Mega Raids have increased Shiny odds in Pokémon GO?

Winning multiple Mega Raids increases the chances of encountering the Mega raid boss’ Shiny variant.

10. Do Shiny Raid Bosses have a 100% catch rate?

No, they do not have a 100% catch rate.

11. Are Max Raid den Legendaries Shiny Locked?

Calyrex, the 2 horses, 3 galarian birds, victini, keldeo, cosmog and poipole are all shiny locked. Every legendary in max raid and all of the regis can be shiny hunted.

12. What is the rarest Shiny in Pokémon GO?

There are many rare shinies, but some include Unown, Heracross, and Pawniard.

13. Does Raid Hour have increased Shiny odds?

Some raid bosses may have their shiny form available during raid hours, increasing the odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon.

14. Is Shiny Magikarp rare?

A Shiny creature is extremely rare, so it’s simply a case of checking every one you are looking for – such as Magikarp – in the hope it will be a different colour.

15. Are you guaranteed a shiny after 20 raids?

After 20 raids, you have hit the statistical avg and every raid after that means the probability of you getting a shiny is increased, regardless of the fact that each raid is a fairly weighted 1:20 chance.

Conclusion

Navigating the world of Shiny Raid Den odds requires knowledge and patience. By understanding the mechanics of each Pokémon game and utilizing the best strategies, you can greatly increase your chances of encountering these coveted Shiny Pokémon. Happy hunting, and remember to be persistent! And if you are interested in learning more about the educational applications of games, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.