What is a Masuda Shiny?
The Masuda method, named after Pokémon game director Junichi Masuda, is a popular breeding strategy to increase the chances of obtaining a shiny Pokémon. In this article, we will delve into the world of shiny Pokémon and explore what makes the Masuda method so special.
What is a Shiny Pokémon?
Before we dive into the Masuda method, it’s essential to understand what a shiny Pokémon is. A shiny Pokémon is a rare variation of a regular Pokémon that has a different coloration. Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare in the wild, with a base rate of 1/8192. This means that players have only a 0.012% chance of encountering a shiny Pokémon in the wild.
The Masuda Method
The Masuda method is a breeding technique that takes advantage of the game’s mechanics to increase the chances of hatching a shiny Pokémon. The method involves breeding two Pokémon from different language versions of the game. This may seem strange, but bear with us as we explain why this is crucial.
How Does the Masuda Method Work?
When you breed two Pokémon from different language versions, the game combines the parent Pokémon’s data to create a new Pokémon. Normally, the resulting Pokémon would have a regular coloration. However, when using the Masuda method, the game combines the data in a way that increases the chances of the new Pokémon being shiny.
Here’s a breakdown of how the Masuda method works:
- Parent 1: Breed a Pokémon from the English language version of the game.
- Parent 2: Breed a Pokémon from the Japanese language version of the game.
- Hatched Pokémon: The resulting Pokémon will have a shiny chance increased by 6 times the standard rate. This means that the hatched Pokémon will have a 1/1365 chance of being shiny, compared to the standard 1/8192.
Boosted Shiny Rates
The Masuda method can also be used to further boost the shiny rate of a Pokémon. By using the Masuda method and then breeding the resulting Pokémon with a Ditto (a Pokémon that can change its appearance to match another Pokémon), the shiny rate can be increased even further. This results in a staggering 1/2048 chance of hatching a shiny Pokémon.
What are the Odds of Getting a Shiny Pokémon?
So, what are the odds of getting a shiny Pokémon using the Masuda method? Here’s a breakdown of the shiny rates for each generation:
- Generation IV: 1/1638
- Generation V: 1/1365
- Generation VI: 1/1365
- Generation VII: 1/1365
How to Know if an Egg is Shiny
But how can you know if an egg is shiny? Unfortunately, there’s no way to determine the shiny status of an egg without hatching it. However, players can use a few workarounds to increase the chances of getting a shiny Pokémon. These include:
- Saving before every hatched egg: Players can save the game before hatching each egg to create a backup in case the egg is not shiny.
- Using the Masuda method: As mentioned earlier, the Masuda method increases the shiny rate of a Pokémon.
- Breeding with a Ditto: By breeding the resulting Pokémon with a Ditto, players can further increase the shiny rate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Masuda method is a popular breeding technique that can increase the chances of obtaining a shiny Pokémon. By understanding how the method works and the benefits it offers, players can increase their chances of hatching a rare and beautiful shiny Pokémon. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, the Masuda method is definitely worth trying out.