Unlocking the Secrets of Shiny Hunting: Masuda Method in Pokémon Sun and Moon
So, you’re on the hunt for those elusive, shimmering shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Sun and Moon using the famed Masuda Method? You’ve come to the right place. The burning question on every trainer’s mind is: what exactly are the odds?
The straightforward answer: Without the Shiny Charm, the Masuda Method in Pokémon Sun and Moon gives you approximately a 1 in 682 chance of hatching a shiny Pokémon. If you’re fortunate enough to possess the coveted Shiny Charm, these odds improve drastically to approximately 1 in 512.
Delving Deeper: How the Masuda Method Works
The Masuda Method, named after Game Freak’s Junichi Masuda, is a breeding technique that drastically increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon. It works by breeding two Pokémon that originate from games of different languages. For example, breeding a Japanese Ditto with an English Rowlet will activate the Masuda Method.
This method essentially increases the number of times the game rolls to determine if an egg will contain a shiny Pokémon. Without the method, and prior to the introduction of easier shiny hunting methods in later games, the chance was a grueling 1 in 4096!
Shiny Charm: Your Best Friend in Shiny Hunting
The Shiny Charm is an item obtained by completing the Alola Pokédex (excluding Mythical Pokémon) in Pokémon Sun and Moon. Once acquired, it further boosts your shiny odds. The charm stacks with the Masuda Method, making your shiny hunts significantly more efficient.
The Shiny Charm essentially triples your chance of encountering or hatching a Shiny Pokémon. The base chance is 1/4096, and the Shiny Charm makes your chance 3/4096 before the Masuda Method is even applied.
Understanding the Nuances of Probability
It’s important to remember that these are probabilities, not guarantees. Even with the Masuda Method and Shiny Charm, you are not assured a shiny Pokémon after hatching 512 eggs. Each egg has an independent 1 in 512 chance. You could get lucky and hatch a shiny within the first few eggs, or it might take hundreds or even thousands of attempts. Patience and persistence are key!
Shiny Hunting Strategy
Step 1: Acquire a Foreign Pokémon
Obtain a Pokémon from a game of a different language than your own. The ever-useful Ditto is a fantastic choice, as it can breed with almost any Pokémon. You can acquire a foreign Ditto through trading online.
Step 2: Obtain the Shiny Charm
Complete the Alola Pokédex to earn the Shiny Charm. This will significantly enhance your shiny hunting efficiency.
Step 3: Start Breeding
Place your foreign Pokémon (e.g., foreign Ditto) and the Pokémon you want to breed for a shiny (e.g., Rowlet) in the Day Care.
Step 4: Hatch Eggs Efficiently
Use a Pokémon with the ability Flame Body or Magma Armor in your party to halve the number of steps required to hatch eggs.
Step 5: Repeat and Persist
Hatch those eggs! Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see a shiny right away. Keep breeding and hatching, and eventually, that elusive shiny Pokémon will be yours.
FAQs: Shiny Hunting Deep Dive
What are the odds of getting a shiny Pokémon without the Masuda Method or Shiny Charm in Sun and Moon?
The base odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon in the wild or through breeding without any boosts in Pokémon Sun and Moon are 1 in 4096.
Does the shiny parent affect the chance?
While it’s a popular misconception, a shiny parent does not directly increase the odds of hatching a shiny offspring when using the Masuda Method. The shiny status of the parents is irrelevant. The language difference is what matters.
Does the shiny sandwich affect eggs?
No, shiny sandwiches do not exist in Pokémon Sun and Moon, as they were introduced in later games like Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. So that will not affect hatching eggs.
Can Ditto breed with Ditto?
Unfortunately, Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto. Ditto can only breed with non-Ditto Pokémon.
Can you get multiple Lucky Eggs in Sun and Moon?
No, you can only obtain one Lucky Egg in Pokémon Sun and Moon.
Where is the Lucky Egg in Pokémon Sun and Moon?
The Lucky Egg is given to you by Professor Kukui at his lab after you have defeated the Elite Four and completed the game and have captured at least 50 unique Pokémon.
What does shiny Froakie look like?
A shiny Froakie is light blue, almost white.
What are the Masuda method odds with Shiny Charm sun and moon?
As mentioned earlier, the odds with the Masuda Method and Shiny Charm in Pokémon Sun and Moon are approximately 1 in 512.
What are the odds of getting a shiny egg in sun and moon?
The odds depend on whether you’re using the Masuda Method and have the Shiny Charm. Without either, the odds are 1 in 4096. With the Masuda Method alone, it’s roughly 1 in 682. With both, it’s approximately 1 in 512.
How many Eggs does it take to hatch a shiny scarlet and violet?
This question is irrelevant in Pokémon Sun and Moon as those games do not exist in those versions.
Can you breed two Shinies to get a shiny?
Breeding two shinies does not increase the chance to get a shiny using the Masuda Method.
What are the odds of getting a shiny with a sandwich?
Since Sandwiches do not exist in these games, so this is irrelevant to the game.
What is the most expensive card in sun and moon team up?
1 Latias & Latios-GX (Alternate Full Art)
What was the first secret rare Pokemon?
Dark Raichu.
Does a Shiny Charm affect breeding?
Yes! The Shiny Charm works with every method including breeding.
The Educational Side of Pokémon
Believe it or not, Pokémon can even be used as a tool for learning. The strategic thinking, resource management, and probability calculations involved in shiny hunting and competitive battling can be surprisingly beneficial for cognitive development. You can learn more about how games are used for educational purposes on the Games Learning Society website: GamesLearningSociety.org.
In conclusion, shiny hunting with the Masuda Method in Pokémon Sun and Moon can be a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. By understanding the probabilities, utilizing the Shiny Charm, and employing efficient breeding techniques, you can significantly increase your chances of obtaining those coveted shiny Pokémon. Happy hunting!