How to tell if a Pokémon is Shiny in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Owning a Shiny Pokémon is one of the ultimate flexes you can have as a trainer. There is only a 0.02% chance of encountering one in the field. However, Pokémon Scarlet & Violet has made Shiny hunting a little bit easier with sandwich encounter buffs and multi-spawning of Pokémon in the overworld. Still, how can you tell a Pokémon is Shiny from a glance? Let’s find out.

Is there a way to know if a Shiny Pokémon spawns in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

Aside from noticing the color difference from afar, there’s no other way to tell Pokémon is a Shiny outside of battles. This isn’t like Pokémon Legends: Arceus, where a unique sound effect plays when a Shiny Pokémon spawns on the map. Walk or ride Koraidon/Miraidon slowly if you’re Shiny hunting. Enter areas with Mass Outbreaks as much as possible to increase your chances of encountering one.

Related: Does the Masuda method work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

However, once you enter into a battle with a Shiny Pokémon, there will be a star confetti animation to show that it’s one. So, if you’re not sure if a Pokémon is Shiny, just enter into a battle with it to check. This is especially true for Shiny Pokémon that are just a shade off the original’s color scheme like Ghastly, Quaxly, and Sprigatito.

Are there Shiny locked Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet?

If you’re planning to Shiny hunt Pokémon, know that there are Pokémon that are Shiny locked in the game. Specifically, these are the NPC-given Pokémon (like starters and NPC-traded Pokémon) and the box art legendaries. Although, Fuecoco, Quaxly, and Sprigatito can later be Shiny hunted in the wild.

For more help with Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, take a look at Pokémon Scarlet & Violet – Who is better Koraidon or Miraidon? Can you get both? and Pokémon Scarlet & Violet Breeding Guide here at Pro Game Guides.