How to catch shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet: Shiny Charm item & odds explained

In Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, there are various methods of increasing the odds of finding and catching shiny Pokemon. The Shiny Charm item is the best one, so here’s all you need to know when it comes to shiny hunting in Scarlet and Violet.

Shiny Pokemon have been a part of the Pokemon games since Gold & Silver, and these alternately colored versions of Pokemon are extremely rare. They remain the most highly sought-after but elusive features of the franchise in Scarlet and Violet.

Luckily there are a few things you can do to increase your odds of encountering a shiny Pokemon from the base chances of 1/4096.

Here’s everything you need to know about Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet.

• Do Pokemon appear Shiny in Scarlet & Violet’s overworld?
• Can the Let’s Go feature defeat Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet
• How to get Shiny Charm in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet
• Mass Outbreaks shiny odds boost
• Does the Masuda Method for breeding Shiny Pokemon work?
• How to use Sandwiches to improve Shiny odds

Do Pokemon appear Shiny in Scarlet & Violet’s overworld?

Shiny Pokemon will appear in the Scarlet and Violet overworld. This will make catching shiny Pokemon in the open world slightly easier, as long as players know what to look for.

Can the Let’s Go feature defeat Shiny Pokemon in Scarlet & Violet?

The Let’s Go auto-battle feature in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet cannot defeat Shiny Pokemon in the overworld.

This new feature is certainly handy as it’ll allow your Pokemon to roam free and gain EXP independently. You won’t have to worry about the feature ruining your chances of catching a shiny Pokemon.

How to get Shiny Charm in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

As with previous Pokemon games, trainers can get the Shiny Charm item in Scarlet and Violet by completing the Paldean Pokedex. Naturally, this will take some time, and players will likely only obtain it after sinking many hours into the game.

Catching every Pokemon in the game may seem like a daunting task but the Shiny Charm is invaluable for shiny hunters as it cuts the base odds of encountering a shiny Pokemon by half to a possible 1/2048.

Mass Outbreaks boost shiny odds in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

The Pokemon Company confirmed via an official blog post that during Mass Outbreaks, players can boost their shiny spawn odds by defeating the spawned Pokemon. This shiny odds boost starts when the “There are not many [Pokemon] left from the original outbreak…” message appears on screen.

Many creatures from the same species will spawn in each Mass Outbreak, and by using the Let’s Go feature you can easily defeat them. Shiny Pokemon can’t be defeated by this feature, and the community believes that after defeating 60 or more Pokemon of the same species, the odds are increased.

Does the Masuda Method for breeding Shiny Pokemon work in Scarlet & Violet?

Yes, the Masuda Method for breeding shiny Pokemon works in Scarlet & Violet. This is a special method that boasts increased odds of obtaining a shiny when breeding. To effectively use the Masuda Method you’ll have to breed two Pokemon of different language origins.

In Pokemon Scarlet & Violet, Eggs are obtained via the Pokemon Picnic and the Masuda Method requires two compatible Pokemon from games in different languages. Without a Shiny Charm, the rate to breed a Shiny using this method is 1/683.

How to use Sandwiches to improve Shiny odds in Scarlet & Violet

Thanks to the Herba Mystica obtained from defeating Titan Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet and beating 5-Star Tera Raid Battles, you can craft Sparkling Power.

This rare item can be added to Sandwiches that boost the odds of encountering shiny Pokemon. The effects will last for 30 minutes and only affect wild encounters across Paldea.

You can combine Sandwiches with the Shiny Charm and Mass Outbreaks for the best chances of encountering shinies.

If you’re interested in even more Pokemon Scarlet & Violet content and guides, we have plenty more for you to check out below:

Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: Can you change time of day? | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC: How to get Terapagos | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to get Hydrapple | Pokemon Scarlet & Violet: How to get Duraludon & Archaludon | What is Stellar-type in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet DLC? 19th Tera Type explained