How To Tell if a Pokemon Is Shiny in Sword and Shield

Capturing every Pokemon can be monumental, even for veteran Pokemon trainers. It will require a ton of coordination with friends, the internet, and whoever else might be able to help you out. However, there are even rarer versions of every Pokemon known as Shiny Pokemon. These are alternate color schemes for every Pokemon with a scarce chance of occurring. How can you tell if a Pokemon is Shiny in Sword and Shield? We have the answer for you below.

How To Tell if a Pokemon Is Shiny in Sword and Shield

First off, you’ll notice immediately because the color of your Pokemon will be different. For instance, with Charizard, it will be black instead of Charizard’s iconic orange design. It’s a pretty obvious distinction from its original form. However, not every Shiny Pokemon is as drastic a departure as that. So luckily, there is another way to tell. When the encounter with the wild Pokemon beings, if it’s Shiny, stars will explode when it enters the field, indicating a Shiny Pokemon.

Now there are two different types of Shiny Pokemon in Sword and Shield: Square Shinies and Star Shinies. The color of the Pokemon is the same, but the type of explosion that happens when the Pokemon enters the field is unique.

Related: Pokemon Sword and Shield Gym Order

With Star Shinies, you’ll have stars explode, like in every other Pokemon game. With Square Shinies, it will have squares explode. Outside of these differences, the Pokemon is the same.

• Star Shinies are more common with breeding Pokemon.
• Square Shinies are more common with wild Pokemon.

Certain Pokemon are Shiny-locked, which means you can not obtain them by resetting the game, and most breed them to obtain their Shiny form.

• Starter Pokemon.
• Legendary Pokemon.
• Wild Area Pokemon above your level before collecting every badge.

That’s everything you need to know about how to tell if a Pokemon is Shiny in Sword and Shield. If you haven’t checked it out yet, there’s a Pokemon Presents in August to showcase the upcoming Scarlet and Violet games.