Can you get a Shiny Starter Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

Starter Pokemon are precious partners who will journey with their trainers until they’ve reached the peak of their adventure. Of course, it’d be better if they were a little more uniquely colored than the rest. But what are the odds of you getting a shiny starter in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Let’s find out.

Are Starter Pokémon Shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?

Unfortunately, starter Pokémon are shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. This is the case since Pokémon Sword and Shield, where the games are programmed to shiny lock NPC-given items like certain eggs, starters, and NPC-traded Pokémon.

But don’t worry! You can shiny “hunt” starter Pokémon via breeding. You can breed starters by coupling a female species of it and a male Pokémon in the same egg group (such as terrestrial or monster-like). You can always wait for a Ditto if you don’t have a female starter. You can also capture all three starters later on in your adventure.

Related: All ‘Paradox’ Pokémon & typings in Scarlet and Violet leaks

What are the chances of a Shiny Starter Pokémon in Scarlet & Violet?

Since Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is heavily inspired by many mechanics introduced in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, its shiny rates are the same. That’s 1/4096 or roughly 0.02%. We know it’s low, but wild Pokémon spawn in hoards. You don’t need to battle them 1v1 and face that excruciating 1/4096 shiny odds. Eating sandwiches can also increase your encounter odds, making shiny hunting that much easier.

Every starter you can have in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

• Fuecoco
• Quaxly
• Sprigatito
• Scorbunny
• Sobble
• Grookey
• Rowlet
• Fennekin
• Froakie
• Chespin
• Oshawott
• Cyndaquil
• Charmander

For more help with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, take a look at What is the final evolution of Sprigatito in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet? and All Gym Leaders in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet (So far) here at Pro Game Guides.