Which Starter Pokémon are Shiny Locked? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The world of Pokémon is vast and filled with secrets, and one of the most sought-after treasures is the elusive shiny Pokémon. However, not all Pokémon are created equal when it comes to shiny hunting. A phenomenon known as shiny locking prevents certain Pokémon from appearing in their alternate color palettes under normal circumstances. This article dives deep into which starter Pokémon have been shiny locked across different generations, exploring the intricacies of this frustrating but understandable game mechanic.
Which Starters are Shiny Locked?
The answer is generation-dependent and often varies within a generation. While many older Pokémon games allowed for shiny starter Pokémon, more recent entries have increasingly implemented shiny locks on the initial starter selection. Here’s a breakdown:
-
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (Gen 9): The starter Pokémon Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly are shiny locked during the initial selection. While you can’t get a shiny starter from the initial pick, you can breed them later to potentially obtain a shiny version.
-
Pokémon Sword and Shield (Gen 8): The Galar starters, Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, were shiny locked at the beginning of the game. This marked a notable shift towards shiny locking the beginning-game starters in core series games.
-
Pokémon Sun and Moon/Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon (Gen 7): There is contradictory information online if Litten, Rowlet, and Popplio can be shiny.
-
Pokémon X and Y (Gen 6): The Kalos starters, Chespin, Fennekin, and Froakie, were not shiny locked. Players could potentially obtain a shiny starter through soft resetting.
-
Pokémon Black and White/Black 2 and White 2 (Gen 5): Snivy, Tepig, and Oshawott, were not shiny locked. This means that it was possible (though statistically improbable) to receive a shiny starter. The animation on the selection screen will not show a shiny. The Pokemon will be shiny when you send it out into battle.
-
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl/Platinum (Gen 4): Turtwig, Chimchar, and Piplup, were not shiny locked. These were among the last starters that were readily available as shinies upon selection.
-
Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen (Gen 3): The Kanto starters, Bulbasaur, Charmander, and Squirtle, were not shiny locked. It was possible, although extremely rare, to obtain a shiny starter.
-
Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire/Emerald (Gen 3): Treecko, Torchic, and Mudkip were not shiny locked. Meaning you can get them at the beginning of the game.
-
Pokémon Gold and Silver/Crystal (Gen 2): Chikorita, Cyndaquil, and Totodile, were not shiny locked.
-
Pokémon Red and Blue/Yellow (Gen 1): Shinies did not exist yet in these games.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Shiny Locked Starters
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you further understand the complexities of shiny locking and its implications for Pokémon players:
Are all Pokémon shiny locked?
No, definitely not. Only specific Pokémon are shiny locked. Typically, these include those received as gifts, certain legendaries encountered during specific events, and, increasingly, the initial starter Pokémon in newer games. The vast majority of Pokémon can be shiny.
Why do game developers shiny lock certain Pokémon?
There are several possible reasons. It could be to control the rarity and distribution of shiny Pokémon, prevent exploitation through soft resetting, or maintain the integrity of special events. Some also speculate it’s to reduce the workload of QA testing by removing shiny variants from scenarios where they might cause glitches or unintended behavior. The Games Learning Society, (link: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/) studies the relationship between game design, learning and player behavior, which can provide insight to the design decisions behind mechanics like shiny locks.
Can you breed for shiny starters if they are shiny locked at the beginning of the game?
Yes! This is a common workaround for obtaining shiny starters in games where they are shiny locked during the initial selection. You can breed your starter with a Ditto (or another compatible Pokémon) to hatch eggs, and each egg has a chance of containing a shiny Pokémon.
Does the Masuda method affect shiny starter breeding?
Absolutely. The Masuda method, which involves breeding Pokémon from different language game versions, significantly increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon. Using the Masuda method in conjunction with the Shiny Charm is the most effective way to hunt for shiny starters through breeding.
What is soft resetting, and why do players do it?
Soft resetting is the process of restarting your game without turning off the console. In older Pokémon games, players would repeatedly soft reset before choosing their starter, hoping to get a shiny. Given shiny rates it can still take hundreds or thousands of resets.
Is there a way to bypass shiny locks?
Not legally. Shiny locks are implemented at the code level. The only way to bypass them is through hacking or using external devices to modify the game, which is against the terms of service and can potentially corrupt your save data.
How can I tell if a Pokémon is shiny locked?
The most reliable way is to check online resources, such as Pokémon databases and community forums. These resources often document which Pokémon are confirmed to be shiny locked in each game. Trial and error by soft resetting is also another way to see if a pokemon is shiny locked.
Can event Pokémon be shiny?
It depends on the specific event and the Pokémon in question. Some event Pokémon are shiny locked, while others have a higher chance of being shiny. Official announcements from The Pokémon Company usually specify whether an event Pokémon can be shiny.
Do shiny charms affect shiny locked Pokémon?
No, the Shiny Charm only affects the odds of encountering shiny Pokémon in the wild or hatching them from eggs. It does not bypass shiny locks on specific Pokémon.
Are any legendary Pokémon shiny locked?
Yes, many legendary and mythical Pokémon are shiny locked. This is particularly true for those obtained through special distributions or those encountered during specific story events. For example, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the second Koraidon/Miraidon is shiny locked.
What is the shiny rate in Pokémon games?
The base shiny rate varies depending on the generation. In older games, it was typically 1/8192. Modern games have a base shiny rate of 1/4096, which can be further improved with the Shiny Charm.
Is it possible to get a shiny Gimmighoul or Gholdengo in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
No. Gimmighoul and Gholdengo are currently shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
What color are shiny Squirtle and Charizard?
Shiny Squirtle has a lighter blue color, with a lighter yellow shell. Shiny Charizard, however, is more popular with a black body and red wings.
Are the gift Pokémon shiny locked?
Yes, typically gift Pokémon are shiny locked; however, the gift Pokémon can be bred and given a chance for a shiny.
Is Blood Moon Beast Shiny Locked?
Bloodmoon Ursaluna is shiny locked, so you won’t be able to get a special variant of this Pokémon.
Understanding shiny locking is crucial for any serious Pokémon hunter. Knowing which Pokémon are unavailable in their shiny forms can save you countless hours of fruitless searching. Remember to stay informed about the latest game updates and community discoveries to optimize your shiny hunting efforts. You can also check out GamesLearningSociety.org for resources on how game mechanics shape player experience!