Cracking the Code: Which Pokémon Spawn in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
Massive Mass Outbreaks (MMOs) in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are a thrilling feature that offers players a fantastic opportunity to encounter and catch a large number of Pokémon, including some rare species. So, which Pokémon exactly can you expect to find swarming these outbreak locations? The answer, while seemingly simple, has nuances. Almost every Pokémon in the Hisui region’s Pokédex, excluding Legendary Pokémon and initial starter Pokémon, is fair game. This opens up a vast array of possibilities for your hunting expeditions!
The first step in your quest is to find a location that is having a massive mass outbreak. To do this, you must keep returning to Jubilife Village until Ress (the gate guard) mentions reports of a Massive Mass Outbreak.
Delving Deeper: The Massive Mass Outbreak Roster
While the broad strokes are clear – no Legendaries or original starters – the specific Pokémon that can spawn varies from location to location. The game uses an element of randomness to determine which species will be featured in each outbreak. This means that while you might find a Pikachu outbreak in the Obsidian Fieldlands one day, you could encounter a swarm of Parasect in the Crimson Mirelands the next.
Furthermore, the game’s mechanics require you to have already caught at least one of a Pokémon species before it becomes eligible to appear in a Massive Mass Outbreak. This encourages exploration and completion of your Pokédex, making the outbreaks a reward for dedicated trainers.
Notably, even Pokémon that are typically rare spawns in the wild can become significantly more common during MMOs. This includes Pokémon like Unown, Spiritomb, and even the Hisui region’s version of starter Pokémon (Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott), who are normally excluded. This provides a unique chance to add these elusive creatures to your team.
Unlocking the Secrets: Advanced MMO Strategies
Successfully navigating MMOs involves more than just showing up and throwing Poké Balls. Understanding the dynamics of these outbreaks can dramatically improve your experience and your chances of catching rare and shiny Pokémon.
Exploiting Shiny Odds
The most significant advantage of MMOs is the dramatically increased odds of encountering shiny Pokémon. The base shiny rate in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is already better than some previous games, but MMOs kick it up a notch.
By defeating or capturing a certain number of Pokémon within an outbreak (60 or more is the commonly accepted threshold), you further increase your odds. Combining this with the Shiny Charm, which you receive for completing your Pokédex, can result in incredibly favorable shiny hunting conditions.
Alpha Encounters
Keep an eye out for Alpha Pokémon within the outbreaks! While their appearance is less frequent than regular Pokémon, MMOs provide a chance to encounter these powerful and larger variants. An outbreak can only have one Alpha Pokémon at a time.
Special Outbreaks
Occasionally, you might encounter a “special” mass outbreak. These are identified by a shiny border on the Pokemon icon and a 4-point star icon on the map.
The exact effects of special outbreaks are still being researched, but many players believe they increase the likelihood of encountering Alpha Pokémon, or the evolutions of the listed Pokémon. For example, if you encounter an outbreak of Pikachu with the shiny border, this could indicate a second wave of Alpha Pokemon appear if you clear the outbreak, or there’s a high probability of encountering a Raichu.
Factors Affecting Outbreaks
Several factors influence the occurrence and continuation of MMOs. Outbreaks can be interrupted by rainfall, causing them to cease. If this happens, simply return to Jubilife Village and then back to the affected region to see if new outbreaks have spawned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Massive Mass Outbreaks
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the mechanics and possibilities of Massive Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Legends: Arceus:
1. Can Legendary Pokémon appear in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
No, Legendary Pokémon cannot appear in Massive Mass Outbreaks. These powerful and unique Pokémon are typically found through dedicated story events or specific quests.
2. Can starter Pokémon (like Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup) appear in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
The original starters from the Sinnoh region (Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup) do not appear in MMOs. However, the Hisuian starters (Rowlet, Cyndaquil, and Oshawott) can appear in MMOs after you’ve obtained them.
3. How do I trigger a Massive Mass Outbreak?
To trigger a Massive Mass Outbreak, repeatedly enter and exit Jubilife Village. When you attempt to leave, Ress at the gate will inform you of any ongoing outbreaks in the various regions.
4. Does the Shiny Charm affect the shiny odds in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
Yes, the Shiny Charm significantly improves your chances of finding shiny Pokémon in Massive Mass Outbreaks. It stacks with the increased odds provided by the outbreak itself and the bonus from defeating/catching Pokémon.
5. How many Pokémon spawn in a Massive Mass Outbreak?
Each Massive Mass Outbreak typically generates between 10 and 15 Pokémon.
6. Can Alpha Pokémon spawn in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
Yes, Alpha Pokémon can spawn in Massive Mass Outbreaks, although their appearance is less common than regular Pokémon.
7. What does the shiny symbol on the map during a Massive Mass Outbreak mean?
The shiny symbol (a 4-point star) on the map indicates a “special” Massive Mass Outbreak, which may increase the likelihood of encountering Alpha Pokémon or evolved forms of the outbreak species.
8. Do I need to beat the game to trigger Massive Mass Outbreaks?
No, you do not need to complete the main storyline to trigger Massive Mass Outbreaks. They become available after a certain point in the game, relatively early on.
9. Can rain stop a Massive Mass Outbreak?
Yes, rainfall can cause a Massive Mass Outbreak to end prematurely. Return to Jubilife Village and re-enter the area to check for new outbreaks.
10. Is there a way to guarantee a specific Pokémon appears in a Massive Mass Outbreak?
No, there’s no way to guarantee a specific Pokémon will appear. The outbreaks are randomly generated, although influenced by the region and your Pokédex completion.
11. What is the best strategy for shiny hunting in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
The best strategy involves defeating or capturing at least 60 Pokémon in the outbreak to maximize your shiny odds, using the Shiny Charm, and utilizing strategic gameplay (like saving before encountering the final Pokémon in each wave) to reset if no shiny appears.
12. Can I find Spiritomb in Massive Mass Outbreaks?
Yes, Spiritomb can appear in outbreaks after you’ve completed the wisp sidequest. However, it is a relatively rare occurrence.
13. If I fail to catch an Alpha in an Outbreak, can another Alpha appear in that same outbreak?
No, Outbreaks can only have one Alpha Pokémon spawned at a time.
14. What are the base shiny rates in Scarlet and Violet and Arceus?
Base shiny rate in Scarlet and Violet: 1/4086. The standard shiny rate in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is 1/4096.
15. How do sandwiches affect the shiny rates in Mass Outbreaks?
Sparkling Power Level 1 doubles your shiny odds to 1/2048. A sandwich with Sparkling Power Level 2 triples your shiny odds to 1/1365.67. A sandwich with Sparkling Power Level 3 quadruples your shiny odds to 1/1024.38.
Final Thoughts: Embracing the Hunt
Massive Mass Outbreaks are a cornerstone of the Pokémon Legends: Arceus experience. Understanding which Pokémon can spawn, utilizing effective strategies, and maximizing your shiny odds can lead to unforgettable moments and a truly impressive Pokédex. So, grab your Poké Balls, head out into the Hisui region, and embrace the thrill of the hunt!
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