Is Pokémon Starters Shiny Locked?
For Pokémon trainers, one of the most exciting aspects of the game is the potential to catch and collect Shiny Pokémon. These rare, alternate-colored Pokémon are coveted by many, but it’s natural to wonder whether some Pokémon are off-limits. Specifically, do Pokémon starters come with this shiny restriction? Let’s dive into the details to find out.
Straight Answer: Yes, Some Pokémon Starters Are Shiny Locked
In Generation 2, Game Freak introduced Shiny locking, a mechanism that locks certain Pokémon from becoming shiny. These locks apply not only to specific Pokémon but also to their evolutions and some Legendary Pokémon. It’s essential to understand which Pokémon are affected, particularly when it comes to start Pokémon.
How Does Shiny Locking Work?
Shiny locking applies to specific Pokémon that can’t be made shiny using the usual methods ( breeding, evolving, or capturing). This means that any shiny-locked Pokémon cannot be obtained as shiny from the wild, eggs, or trading. When these Pokémon are evolved, the shiny lock remains intact. This applies to Dual-type and Egg Group– restricted Pokémon, including start Pokémon.
List of Pokémon Starters That Are Shiny Locked
| Starter Pokémon | Generation | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito | Gen 9 | Dual-type, Egg Group restriction (Undiscovered Egg Group) |
| Torchic, Mudkip, Treecko | Gen 3 | Dual-type restriction, Egg Group restriction ( Water 1 and Field/Dragon Egg Groups) |
Breeding Shiny Starters
Since breeding is one of the only ways to obtain a Shiny Pokémon, let’s explore this option for our shiny-locked starters.
- Egg-group restrictions: If the male and female starters belong to different Egg Groups (or are part of an undetermined Egg Group, as in the case of Generation 9), you’ll need to use the IV calculator to find a pair with compatible IVs.
Shiny Mew and Mewthree – Special Cases
For now, let’s consider a few exceptions to the standard shiny locking rules. Shiny Mew, despite being a Mythical Pokémon, can be bred as shiny using the Mew Egg. Mewtwo, however, remains untouched by shiny locks and will always be obtainable in its shiny form. Unfortunately, Shiny Mewthree is also non-negotiable due to the Mythical status and other restrictions.
Shiny Locks in Legacy and Future Games
This leaves us wondering: how many other Pokémon might be vulnerable to shiny locking? Consider the possibility that even older Pokémon could have previously existing shiny locks that went under the radar. Moreover, as new Pokémon and genes are introduced, this rule could potentially expand. Are there other shiny locks yet to be discovered? Maybe.
Conclusion: When to Expect Shiny Pokémon Starters
When a shiny-locked starter does become available, there may be specific requirements for spawning or obtaining them as shiny. Until then, if you’re interested in hatching shiny starters, stay tuned for future game releases and updates.
By embracing the limitations of Shiny locking, we can cherish the excitement of discovery as we uncover more Pokémon in their shiny forms. Are you ready to continue on this adventure, anticipating those rare, elusive, shiny Pokémon?
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