Shiny hunting has long been one of the greatest challenges of the Pokémon series, but the Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet bring this task within easier reach. Finding a Shiny Pokémon is still no simple undertaking, but players no longer need to entrust their fate to the wind and hope that luck comes their way. Learning how the Mass Outbreak system works makes adding Shiny Pokémon to the Pokédex a goal that can be more quickly achieved than ever before.
Mass Outbreaks are not a new addition to the Pokémon franchise, first appearing in a very different form in Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal, but it wasn't until Pokémon Legends: Arceus that the full Shiny-hunting potential of the feature was realized. A Mass Outbreak spawns a large swarm of one type of Pokémon at a map location, and Legends: Arceus Mass Outbreaks increased the Shiny Pokémon spawn rate. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet revise this system, improving the chance of a shiny Pokémon depending on how many Pokémon someone defeats or captures in the outbreak. If players focus their attention on fully clearing an outbreak, the odds that they'll encounter a Shiny Pokémon by the end are dramatically higher than at the start.
Scarlet & Violet's Secret To Mass Outbreaks & Shiny Pokémon
Dealing with large numbers of Pokémon that appear in a Mass Outbreak is also easier than ever in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Although traditional battles still make up much of the gameplay experience, the title also features a "Let's Go" mode that allows players to send a Pokémon forward to fight opponents on its own. If a Shiny does spawn, the player's auto-battling Pokémon won't attack it, meaning there's no risk of accidentally ruining the search for a Shiny through this method. Like in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Shiny Pokémon are visible in the overworld, so a player can quickly identify and capture one with a Poké Ball if it spawns.
Players serious about Shiny hunting can employ a few more tricks to make the best use of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Mass Outbreaks. After completing the main storyline of Scarlet and Violet, players can participate in 5-star Tera Raid battles to obtain Herba Mystica, an ingredient useful for increasing the rate of Shiny Pokémon. Players that are even more dedicated can obtain a Shiny Charm after completing the Pokédex entirely, which roughly doubles the odds of finding a Shiny. All of these benefits stack on top of each other, making the potential for shiny hunting in mass outbreaks in the Scarlet and Violet post-game higher than ever.
Of all the new features that Pokémon Scarlet and Violet bring to the table, the revised Mass Outbreak system is one of the most exciting for players dedicated to Shiny hunting. Shiny Pokémon still won't be dropping into anyone's lap, but there would be no thrill in it if they did. Experienced players willing to put in some time and effort can bend the odds in their favor thanks to a system that is demanding but fair. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Mass Outbreaks bring new potential for easier Shiny hunting to the table, but it's up to the player to rise to the challenge.