What are the base odds of finding a shiny Pokémon?

The base odds of finding a shiny Pokémon are 1 in 4,096 (0.0244%) in most games from Generation 6 onward. In Generations 2-5, the odds were 1 in 8,192.

How does the Masuda Method improve shiny odds?

The Masuda Method involves breeding two Pokémon from different language games. It increases shiny odds to 1 in 1,365 (1,024 with Shiny Charm) in Generation 6+.

What does the Shiny Charm do?

The Shiny Charm is a key item obtained by completing the Pokédex. It further increases shiny odds by approximately 2x when combined with other methods.

How do chain fishing shiny odds work?

Chain fishing in Generation 6 increases shiny odds with each consecutive catch. At 20+ chain, the odds reach approximately 1 in 100. Use a Pokémon with Suction Cups to prevent fishing rod pulls.

Shiny Odds Calculator

Calculate your shiny Pokémon encounter odds with our free shiny odds calculator. Compare base rates, Masuda Method, Shiny Charm, chain fishing, and more across every generation.

Shiny Hunting Methods & Odds

Method	Base Odds	With Charm	Details
Base Rate (Gen 6+)	1 in 4,096	1 in 1,365	Standard wild encounters in Generation 6 and later.
Base Rate (Gen 2-5)	1 in 8,192	1 in 2,731	Standard wild encounters in Generations 2 through 5.
Masuda Method	1 in 683	1 in 512	Breed two Pokémon from different language games.
Chain Fishing (Gen 6)	1 in 200	1 in 200	Fish consecutively without moving. 20+ chain for best odds.
SOS Battles (Gen 7)	1 in 1,024	1 in 683	Chain SOS calls in Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon.
Dex Nav (Gen 6)	1 in 512	1 in 512	Search for Pokémon using the Dex Nav feature in ORAS.
Max Raid (Gen 8)	1 in 2,048	1 in 1,024	Max Raid Battles in Sword and Shield.
Tera Raid (Gen 9)	1 in 2,048	1 in 1,024	Tera Raid Battles in Scarlet and Violet.
Outbreaks (Gen 9)	1 in 2,048	1 in 1,024	Mass Outbreaks in Scarlet and Violet with 60+ defeats.
Masuda + Charm (Gen 6+)	1 in 512	1 in 512	Masuda Method combined with Shiny Charm.
Outbreak 60+ + Charm	1 in 512	1 in 512	Mass Outbreak with 60+ defeats, Sparkling Power, and Shiny Charm.

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How Shiny Probability Works

The probability of finding a shiny Pokémon depends on the method you use and the number of attempts you make. Each encounter is an independent event, meaning past encounters don't affect future ones. The formula is:

Probability = 1 - (1 - 1/odds)^attempts

For example, with base odds of 1 in 4,096 and 1,000 attempts, your probability is approximately 21.6%. With 4,096 attempts, it's about 63.2% (but never 100% — you're never guaranteed a shiny, just increasingly likely).

Shiny Hunting Methods Explained

Masuda Method

The Masuda Method, named after Game Freak director Junichi Masuda, involves breeding two Pokémon from games in different languages. This method has been available since Generation 4 and reduces the odds from 1/8192 to 1/2048 in Gen 4-5, and from 1/4096 to 1/683 in Gen 6+. With a Shiny Charm, it drops further to 1/512.

Shiny Charm

The Shiny Charm is a key item that increases the odds of encountering shiny Pokémon. It's obtained by completing the National Pokédex in most games. When combined with other methods like the Masuda Method or Mass Outbreaks, it provides the best odds available in the game.

Chain Fishing

Available in Generation 6 (X/Y, Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire), chain fishing requires you to fish consecutively without moving or failing. Each consecutive catch increases the shiny odds. Use a Pokémon with the Suction Cups ability in the lead position to guarantee a bite. At a 20+ chain, the odds reach approximately 1 in 100.

SOS Battles

In Generation 7 (Sun/Moon/Ultra Sun/Ultra Moon), you can chain SOS battles by keeping a wild Pokémon calling for help. After a chain of 70+, the odds drop to 1 in 1024 (or 1 in 683 with Shiny Charm).

Mass Outbreaks

In Generation 9 (Scarlet/Violet), Mass Outbreaks provide excellent shiny hunting opportunities. Defeating 60+ Pokémon in an outbreak increases the odds to 1 in 512 with a Shiny Charm and Sparkling Power level 3. This is currently the best method available in any Pokémon game.

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