Shiny Pokémon have always been a major part of the excitement in every Pokémon title, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues that tradition with stunning visuals and new hunting methods. Whether you’re a veteran shiny hunter or someone looking to start with your first special Pokémon, this guide covers everything you need to know about shiny starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A—and how to get them efficiently.
What Are Shiny Starters in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?
Just like in previous Pokémon games, shiny starters are rare color variants of your chosen partner Pokémon at the beginning of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. While their stats are the same as regular ones, their alternate colors make them highly sought after among collectors and players who want to stand out. In Legends: Z-A, the starter trio once again takes center stage, and getting a shiny version of them is a true badge of dedication.
Can You Get a Shiny Starter at the Beginning?
In many Pokémon games, starter Pokémon are shiny-locked, meaning you can’t obtain them in shiny form through normal selection at the start. While Pokémon Legends: Z-A hasn’t officially confirmed whether the starters are shiny-locked, based on trends from Legends: Arceus, there’s a good chance they may be. If that’s the case, you’ll need to find or breed shiny versions later in the game.
That said, if shiny starters are not locked, you can use the classic soft-reset method:
Save before choosing your starter.
Pick your Pokémon and check if it’s shiny.
If not, reset the game and try again.
It can take dozens—or even hundreds—of attempts, so patience is key.
Best Methods to Hunt Shiny Starters
Once you progress further in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, there may be alternative ways to obtain shiny starters:
Mass Outbreaks and Distortions: Similar to Legends: Arceus, these events might feature starter Pokémon, giving you a higher chance of encountering a shiny.
Breeding Mechanics: If Z-A includes daycare or breeding features, pairing compatible Pokémon can yield offspring with a small shiny chance. Using the Shiny Charm, which increases shiny odds, will further improve your results.
Trading With Other Players: If hunting isn’t your thing, trading remains an easy option. Many players look for opportunities to exchange or showcase their shinies, making it possible to get your desired shiny starter through community interaction.
Why Shiny Starters Are Worth the Effort
Besides their visual appeal, shiny starters hold great sentimental and trade value. A shiny starter often becomes a core part of a player’s journey and can even be a centerpiece in online battles or showcases. If you plan to build a rare and unique team, investing time to get one of these Pokémon is absolutely worth it.
Where to Find Shiny Pokémon Easily
For players who want to fill their collection quickly, there are community markets and trading hubs where players discuss ways to buy Pokémon Legends ZA shiny Pokémon or exchange shinies at fair value. Similarly, those searching for cheap Legends ZA Pokémon can look for in-game trading circles where players offer duplicates from shiny hunts. Always make sure trades are legitimate and stay within the game’s fair play guidelines.
Final Tips for Shiny Hunters
Always save before major encounters—shinies can appear anywhere.
Use items or methods that boost shiny rates when available.
Keep your Pokémon storage organized, so you can easily spot new shinies.
Enjoy the hunt—shiny Pokémon are about patience, persistence, and a bit of luck.
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, shiny starters represent the perfect blend of rarity and pride for dedicated players. Whether you’re grinding through resets or trading with others, getting your first shiny starter is one of the most rewarding experiences the game has to offer.
