Will the Ultra Beasts Be Shiny? A Deep Dive into the Interdimensional Pokemon

Yes, Ultra Beasts can be shiny in many of the Pokemon games they appear in. Unlike some Legendary Pokémon, most Ultra Beasts are not shiny locked in games like Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, meaning that diligent players can indeed encounter and catch shiny versions of these intriguing creatures. However, shiny availability can vary between games and specific events, so let’s explore the nuances of hunting these elusive, interdimensional Pokémon.

Understanding Ultra Beasts and Shiny Hunting

Ultra Beasts are a unique class of Pokémon introduced in the Sun and Moon generation. Coming from Ultra Space through Ultra Wormholes, they are neither fully Legendary nor ordinary Pokémon, occupying a sort of middle ground. Their unusual origins and often bizarre appearances have made them fan favorites, and many trainers are eager to add shiny versions to their collections.

Shiny hunting, for the uninitiated, is the pursuit of Pokémon with alternative color palettes, known as “shiny” Pokémon. These variations are purely cosmetic, but their rarity makes them highly sought after. Typically, the base odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon are 1 in 4096 in modern Pokémon games, a number that can be improved with items like the Shiny Charm.

Ultra Beasts, in games where they are not shiny locked, adhere to these same shiny hunting principles. Players can encounter them through specific in-game events or locations and then repeatedly “soft reset” their game (restarting the game before saving after the encounter) until a shiny version appears. This process can be time-consuming, requiring patience and dedication.

Shiny Ultra Beasts Across Different Games

The ability to hunt for shiny Ultra Beasts varies across different Pokémon titles:

• Pokémon Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon: This is the primary playground for shiny Ultra Beast hunting. None of the Ultra Beasts are shiny locked in these games, allowing players to potentially obtain shiny versions of Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, and Guzzlord.

• Pokémon Sword and Shield: Ultra Beasts were added to these games through the Crown Tundra DLC. They can be encountered in Dynamax Adventures, where all Legendary and Ultra Beast encounters have boosted shiny odds.

• Pokémon GO: The availability of shiny Ultra Beasts in Pokémon GO is event-dependent. Niantic, the game’s developer, typically releases shiny variants of Pokémon gradually, often as part of special events or updates. Keep an eye on official announcements to know when specific Ultra Beasts will be available in their shiny forms. Currently, the shiny form of some Ultra Beasts like Guzzlord is available in Pokémon GO.

• Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: At the time of writing, it’s crucial to check community resources and official announcements for information on the availability of shiny Ultra Beasts in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as this can be updated through game patches.

Key Considerations for Shiny Ultra Beast Hunting

Before embarking on a shiny Ultra Beast hunt, consider these important factors:

• Shiny Lock: Always confirm whether the specific Ultra Beast you are targeting is shiny locked in the game you are playing. Resources like Serebii.net or Bulbapedia are excellent sources for this information.

• Shiny Charm: The Shiny Charm, an item obtainable in most Pokémon games after completing the regional Pokédex, significantly increases your chances of encountering shiny Pokémon. It’s highly recommended for any serious shiny hunter. Currently, the Shiny Charm changes the base Shiny rate from 1/4096 to 1/1365.67.

• Patience: Shiny hunting can be a test of endurance. Be prepared to spend hours, or even days, resetting your game or encountering Pokémon repeatedly.

• Encounter Method: Understand the specific encounter method for the Ultra Beast you are targeting. Some encounters may require specific in-game events or locations.

Enhancing Learning Through Gaming

The pursuit of shiny Ultra Beasts in Pokémon games might seem like a simple pastime, but it also cultivates valuable skills. Players learn about probability, resource management, and persistence. Games can be powerful educational tools, and organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org are dedicated to exploring and promoting the educational potential of games.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Ultra Beasts

1. Are all Ultra Beasts shiny locked in every Pokémon game?

No, not all Ultra Beasts are shiny locked. It depends on the specific game. For example, they are not shiny locked in Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, but their availability in shiny form in Pokémon GO is event-based.

2. What are the odds of finding a shiny Ultra Beast?

The base odds for finding a shiny Ultra Beast are typically 1 in 4096 in modern Pokémon games. This can be improved to 1 in 1365.67 with the Shiny Charm.

3. Can you soft reset for shiny Ultra Beasts?

Yes, in games where Ultra Beasts are not shiny locked, you can soft reset your game to try for a shiny encounter. Save before the encounter and restart the game if the Ultra Beast isn’t shiny.

4. Is the Shiny Charm necessary for shiny hunting Ultra Beasts?

While not strictly necessary, the Shiny Charm significantly increases your chances of finding shiny Pokémon, making the hunt for shiny Ultra Beasts much more efficient.

5. Are shiny Ultra Beasts stronger than regular Ultra Beasts?

No, shiny Ultra Beasts are not stronger. The only difference is their appearance. A shiny Ultra Beast is simply a rarer, differently colored version of the standard Ultra Beast.

6. Which Ultra Beast has the best shiny form?

This is subjective, but many players consider Nihilego, Celesteela, Xurkitree, and Pheromosa to have excellent shiny forms. Ultimately, the “best” shiny is a matter of personal preference.

7. Can you breed Ultra Beasts to get shiny versions?

No, Ultra Beasts cannot be bred, so the Masuda Method (breeding Pokémon from different language regions to increase shiny odds) is not applicable.

8. Are shiny Ultra Beasts available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Check community resources and official announcements for updates on the availability of shiny Ultra Beasts in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, as this can change with game patches.

9. Is it possible to get a shiny Kartana and Celesteela in Pokémon GO raids?

Currently, you can’t encounter Shiny Kartana and Shiny Celesteela in the raids, but you can win many in-game items, including two Ultra Beasts encounters.

10. Are there any differences between star and square shinies for Ultra Beasts?

The visual difference between star and square shinies is purely aesthetic. They both have the same base shiny odds, although square shinies are considered rarer in some contexts. Square rarity is 1 in 65536!

11. Can I transfer shiny Ultra Beasts between games?

Yes, you can transfer shiny Ultra Beasts between compatible games using services like Pokémon Home.

12. Is it easier to get a shiny Ultra Beast in Dynamax Adventures?

Yes, Dynamax Adventures in Pokémon Sword and Shield have significantly boosted shiny odds for all Legendary and Ultra Beast encounters.

13. What is the rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

The rarest shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO often varies depending on events and availability. Some examples include Unown, Heracross, Pawniard, Shellos, Foongus, Wurmple, Joltik, Fomantis.

14. Can you get a shiny version of all Ultra Beasts?

The answer depends on the game. In Ultra Sun and Ultra Moon, you can obtain shiny versions of all Ultra Beasts that are available in the game.

15. How do I know if an Ultra Beast is shiny before catching it?

Before catching an Ultra Beast, look for the distinct color variation that denotes a shiny Pokémon. Some games may also have a sparkle animation upon encounter to indicate a shiny. If there is a specific shiny beast the player is attempting to find, they should start by traveling to one of its dens. Once there, target each beast and look for a sparkle symbol next to its name at the top of the screen to determine whether it’s shiny.