Now that the wait for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is over, players are enjoying the fresh crop of new creatures included in the Nintendo Switch games, and as always, the search for the elusive Shiny Pokémon is alive and well for the most hardcore trainers. The ins and outs of Shiny Hunting can be rather complex, but even casual Pokémon players have a chance at stumbling across these elusive alternate color schemes.
From unique variants such as Shiny Rabsca and Roaring Moon to the simplistic yet unbelievably cute Pawmot, players have made it their mission to collect as many of these alternate versions as they can. However, some of them are beyond wonderful and stand out as the best-designed new Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.
10 Shiny Klawf
Generation 9’s signature Rock-type creature and edible crab in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet that always looks ready to throw hands with any opponent is none other than Klawf. To attack prey from above, this fight-chaser latches upside-down on cliffs and has no blind spots thanks to its protruding eyes.
The dexterous Klawf puts all its strength into its claws, clasping onto things tightly and never letting go. The Pokémon's Shiny form in Scarlet and Violet mirrors the physicality of a Maryland blue crab with rosy cheeks, the beautiful sky blue of its incredibly sturdy shell perfectly harmonizing with its beige underbelly.
9 Shiny Garganacl
A Rock-type native to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Paldea region, Garganacl is known for being a gentle giant. By rubbing its fingers together and sprinkling salt on a wounded Pokémon, Garganacl can heal them from severe injuries. Additionally, it is one of the strongest Scarlet and Violet Pokémon in the wild.
Based on a lump of rock salt, the bizarre yet kind creature greatly resembles a Minecraft character, with blocks and rectangles resting high on its shoulders. Scarlet and Violet's Shiny Pokémon version of Garganacl gives off a cool, historic vibe due to its upper body’s structure and sand-colored hue, comparable to the ruins of a temple stacked around its head.
8 Shiny Glimmora
Glimmora is one of the few Pokémon that are more than meets the eye. The Rock/Poison-type opens up its glistening petals when it senses danger and can shoot beams of fire from its bristled body.
While its regular form is beautiful as is, its Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Shiny variant is breathtaking, with floaty hues from cyan to baby blue, glowing like a flower just waiting to bloom. The orb-shaped Shiny Pokémon’s yellow eyes, which peek out from the darkness of its interior, complement the color variation generously, making it one of the most impressive Pokémon Scarlet and Violet species.
7 Shiny Revavroom
Another rather odd Pokémon, Revavroom is one of the most gimmicky new Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. Ironically, despite essentially being a literal car engine, the Poison/Steel-type is remarkably slow and has a pretty low Attack.
Manifesting gas with poisonous materials and rock minerals, Revavroom can create energy for its eight cylinders. Though its normal colors are rather lackluster and lack a certain shine, its Shiny variant is quite the opposite. Like a fabulous, gold-plated Roomba, the Shiny Scarlet and Violet Pokémon’s coloring is striking, its magenta eye only adding to its appeal.
6 Shiny Pawmot
Shiny Pawmot may look like an adorable, berry-scented animal plush, but this Pokémon surprisingly packs a punch. As one of the best Paldean creatures, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's Pawmot can hold the same amount of electricity as an electric car.
Capable of reviving a knocked-out Pokémon using Revival Blessing, the Electric/Fighting-type is great for competitive play, and a super cute buddy as well. With this Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet looking like a strawberry shortcake mixed with a Pikachu and a teddy bear, the huggable pocket monster is dangerously endearing.
5 Shiny Rabsca
The newest Bug/Psychic-type Pokémon to hit the franchise, Rabsca is peculiar in that the ball it holds above its “head” might actually be its real body. Only found in the Asado Desert, the insect takes quite a bit of walking to evolve from Rellor in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
The Shiny Pokémon Scarlet and Violet form of Rabsca is a sight to behold, despite its well below-average size and its predecessor being a dung beetle. The contrast between the alternate version’s golden body truly causes the pink and red sac strung above its “body” to resemble a sparkling ruby as it visually pops, though its regular version looks great as well.
4 Shiny Brute Bonnet
Brute Bonnet is a regional-specific Paradox Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet that bears an uncanny resemblance to Sun and Moon’s Amoonguss, but is instead a Grass/Dark-type that doesn’t evolve from or into any other Pokémon.
Appearing to be a grunge and poisonous mushroom-like Pokémon with attitude and flowing neon green streaks in its “hair,” the Shiny variant of Brute Bonnet is quite the looker, seemingly a complete color invert from its normal form, save for a slight difference in the shade of green falling from its head. This Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet has become a must-have for both super fans and casual players alike.
3 Shiny Toedscruel
One of the new convergent species to hit Pokémon's Generation 9, Toedscruel is a Ground/Grass-type inspired by Tentacruel and a toadstool. Being surprisingly tanky with a great Speed stat, the Pokémon is one of the most underrated Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, having great flexibility in competitive battles.
Gathering in groups deep within forests, it's incredibly easy to tell this Scarlet and Violet Shiny Pokémon variant from its regular form. Though they absolutely hate it when strangers approach them, it's definitely worth it for its alternate coloring. The white and black of its head, along with its purple mouth, give it a gothic feel. Also, its gradient pink tentacles are awesome, looking like sour gummy worms cascading from its body.
2 Shiny Roaring Moon
The impressively powerful Roaring Moon is yet another Paradox Pokémon that’s only available after finishing the Victory Road, Starfall Street, and Path of Legends campaigns. It is sought after by the entire community and is one of the rarest spawns in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
It can be found only in a hidden cave, so getting this Shiny Pokémon variant in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will likely be a frustrating task, especially for those in Violet since it is a Scarlet version exclusive. Based on the fan-favorite Salamence, but with a prehistoric twist, the Dragon/Dark-type Pokémon’s massive red wings with the added yellow accents of the spikes surrounding its head and mint green body of its Shiny form is a glorious sight to behold.
1 Shiny Skeledirge
Debatably the best final evolution of all the Scarlet and Violet starters, Skeledirge mirrors the ferociously hot ghost pepper with its epic, usually bright red design and crocodile shape. The newest Fire/Ghost-type of the Pokémon franchise brings new variety to the archetype as a bulky foe. Additionally, it might even be the strongest Pokémon starter evolution ever.
Skeledirge’s regular design is already one of the coolest in the game, but its Shiny Pokémon version in Scarlet and Violet takes its formation to a whole other level. The entertaining concept of a pepper crocodile combined with a bright pink body makes it stick out as the most detailed new Shiny. Its long, white head with squares of purple and magenta aligned down the middle makes it look like a captivating Day of the Dead mosaic, or a stained-glass window shimmering in the light, helping it earn the title of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet's best new Shiny.
Source: Pokémon Channel/YouTube