Shiny hunting in Pokemon Legends: Arceus is a thrilling yet challenging endeavor for many trainers. Whether you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex or simply want to show off your rare finds, securing shiny Pokemon can be a time-consuming but rewarding task. In this guide, I’ll share some of my own experiences and strategies for increasing your odds of encountering shiny Pokemon, along with some practical tips that might help you make the most of your shiny hunting efforts.
Before jumping into the tips and tricks, it’s essential to understand how shiny Pokemon spawn. These rare variants have a distinct coloration compared to their normal counterparts, making them highly coveted by players. However, catching them requires patience, strategy, and a bit of luck.
In Pokemon Legends: Arceus, shiny Pokemon are no different in terms of their behavior and movement patterns compared to regular Pokemon. The key difference lies in their shiny status, which is governed by a hidden mechanic known as the "shiny rate." This rate increases as you use certain methods such as the Shiny Charm, completing the Pokédex, or by using items that affect spawn rates.
Tip #1: Use the Shiny Charm Effectively
One of the easiest ways to increase your chances of finding shiny Pokemon is by obtaining the Shiny Charm. This item, available once you complete your Pokédex, boosts the shiny spawn rate significantly. The added bonus here is that the Shiny Charm affects all wild Pokemon, so it’s worth completing your Pokédex to make shiny hunting more rewarding.
Tip #2: Target Specific Areas for High Spawn Rates
Certain areas in Pokemon Legends: Arceus are more likely to spawn shiny Pokemon, particularly in Wild Zones with a high concentration of specific species. Spending time in these areas allows you to maximize your chances of encountering a shiny without having to travel across the entire map. For instance, Wild Zone 12 is known to offer a decent chance for shiny spawns, especially during night-time, which is when some species have a better shiny rate.
Tip #3: Maximizing Time of Day and Weather Conditions
Shiny hunting isn't just about where you are, but also when you hunt. Certain Pokemon species are more likely to appear at specific times of the day or in particular weather conditions. Be sure to plan your hunts around these factors. For example, some rare shiny variants only appear during specific weather patterns, which can make all the difference in your hunting strategy.
During one of my recent hunts in Wild Zone 12, I encountered several shiny Pokemon. It was an exciting session—though it did take some time and multiple trips to various areas. The first notable shiny was a Shiny Abomasnow. This was particularly special since it was the first time I had encountered a shiny of this species, and seeing that rare glow made all the grinding worth it.
Another shiny that stood out was a Shiny Machop. It was a perfect moment to practice the technique of choosing the right Poké Ball to catch the shiny without wasting too many resources. In this case, a Dust Ball worked beautifully, blending with Machop's color scheme and giving it a dramatic, cinematic catch animation.
But let’s not forget how finicky some Pokemon can be, especially when you’re trying to catch them! A perfect example is the Deli Bird. These little creatures are very evasive, and capturing one can be frustrating. I’d suggest saving your game right before attempting to catch them, as it can save you time and avoid repeating the process.
If you want to speed up your shiny hunting or perhaps just relax while someone else does the heavy lifting, services like U4GM offer options to buy shiny Pokemon. These services allow you to acquire shiny Pokemon without all the hassle of long hours spent in the wild. If you’re looking to save time and still want those rare finds, buying shiny Pokemon can be a viable option.
For those who prefer to get their shinies by grinding, there are always cheaper alternatives. Websites like cheap shiny Pokemon Legends ZA provide affordable shiny Pokemon, which can be a great option if you're not looking to spend too much on premium services but still want to add those rare ones to your collection.
Here are a few quick tips that I’ve learned during my own shiny hunting expeditions:
Patience is key. While the shiny rate is boosted with tools like the Shiny Charm, hunting for shinies still takes time. Plan to spend several hours per session to maximize your chances.
Use save states. Always save before engaging with a Pokemon that you want to catch, especially shiny ones. This prevents you from losing them if something goes wrong.
Check for shiny spawn spots regularly. Pokemon spawn in specific locations depending on the area, and some are more likely to be shiny than others.
Keep an eye on the time of day and weather. Some shiny Pokemon only appear under certain conditions, so take note of when and where they spawn.
Shiny hunting in Pokemon Legends: Arceus is an exciting challenge that offers a blend of strategy, luck, and perseverance. While some trainers may opt to buy shiny Pokemon for convenience, there’s something undeniably satisfying about finding your shinies the old-fashioned way. Whether you’re using the Shiny Charm, targeting specific wild zones, or catching them during specific weather conditions, the hunt is well worth it for those rare and special creatures.
Learn More: How to Catch or Buy Pichu in Pokemon Legends: Z-A
