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Shiny hunting has always been one of the most thrilling endgame activities in any Pokémon title, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues that legacy. However, a recent method discovered by content creator Austin John Plays has completely changed the game. This new technique is so efficient that many players are calling it the most effective shiny hunting strategy in any Pokémon game ever made — though not everyone agrees it’s fun to use.
Understanding the 50-Meter Spawn Radius
At the core of this method lies the understanding of Pokémon spawn behavior in Legends: Z-A. When a player loads into an area, all Pokémon within a 50-meter radius are immediately generated — even before the “Now Saving” icon appears. This means that whether or not you can see them, every potential spawn in that circle is already determined, including whether they’re shiny.
Here’s the trick: by repeatedly fast traveling to a specific point, you’re constantly regenerating every Pokémon within that radius. That means every Patrat, Gastly, or Pidgey nearby has a new chance to appear shiny each time you reload the area.
This simple yet powerful approach doesn’t rely on items, battles, or complicated sequences. It’s so straightforward that you can literally do it while watching a show.
Step-by-Step: How It Works
Even without the Shiny Charm, this process can yield 5 to 7 shinies per hour, purely through repetition. With the charm, that number can double — though the game appears to cap memory saves at around ten shinies at a time.
Automating the Hunt
While this shiny hunting method is ridiculously efficient, it’s also undeniably repetitive. Many players are already experimenting with macro controllers or turbo functions to automate the process. Using tools like programmable Arduino boards or the Collective Minds Switch Up (originally popularized for Sword and Shield egg hatching), players can set their controllers to repeat travel and button inputs automatically.
That said, automation removes almost all player interaction. As Austin points out, it makes shiny hunting feel more like watching a process than playing a game. Still, for completionists chasing every shiny form, it’s hard to argue with the results.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
Cons:
This technique has sparked debate within the community. Some see it as a clever optimization of in-game mechanics, while others feel it removes the soul of shiny hunting — that rush of excitement after hours of effort.
Alternatives and Player Tips
If you prefer a more engaging experience, you can still combine traditional methods with this new one. For example, use fast travel shiny checks to identify promising zones, then switch to manual exploration for a more active hunt.
And if you’re just starting your shiny journey, you can buy shiny Pokémon from other trainers or marketplaces to fill gaps in your collection — just make sure to trade safely. Similarly, for players looking to gear up or stock up for faster exploration, getting cheap Legends ZA items can be a practical move. Many players rely on U4GM for in-game materials or resources to make their grind more manageable.
This new shiny hunting technique in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is revolutionary in its efficiency. It’s accessible, simple, and incredibly productive — but also divisive. Whether you embrace it as a tool for completion or reject it in favor of traditional methods depends entirely on how you define “fun” in shiny hunting.
Understanding the 50-Meter Spawn Radius
At the core of this method lies the understanding of Pokémon spawn behavior in Legends: Z-A. When a player loads into an area, all Pokémon within a 50-meter radius are immediately generated — even before the “Now Saving” icon appears. This means that whether or not you can see them, every potential spawn in that circle is already determined, including whether they’re shiny.
Here’s the trick: by repeatedly fast traveling to a specific point, you’re constantly regenerating every Pokémon within that radius. That means every Patrat, Gastly, or Pidgey nearby has a new chance to appear shiny each time you reload the area.
This simple yet powerful approach doesn’t rely on items, battles, or complicated sequences. It’s so straightforward that you can literally do it while watching a show.
Step-by-Step: How It Works
- Choose a Fast Travel Point: Select a location with multiple Pokémon spawns within 50 meters. Wild Zones or cafes like Novel Café Truck #3 work particularly well.
- Fast Travel Repeatedly: Simply open the map, fast travel to that point, and repeat.
- Check for Shinies: After several reloads, inspect the nearby area. Any Pokémon within range could now appear as shiny.
Even without the Shiny Charm, this process can yield 5 to 7 shinies per hour, purely through repetition. With the charm, that number can double — though the game appears to cap memory saves at around ten shinies at a time.
Automating the Hunt
While this shiny hunting method is ridiculously efficient, it’s also undeniably repetitive. Many players are already experimenting with macro controllers or turbo functions to automate the process. Using tools like programmable Arduino boards or the Collective Minds Switch Up (originally popularized for Sword and Shield egg hatching), players can set their controllers to repeat travel and button inputs automatically.
That said, automation removes almost all player interaction. As Austin points out, it makes shiny hunting feel more like watching a process than playing a game. Still, for completionists chasing every shiny form, it’s hard to argue with the results.
The Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Extremely time-efficient; no manual battles or resets.
- Works in every location with a fast travel point.
- Does not require special items or modifications.
Cons:
- Highly repetitive and potentially boring.
- May reduce the sense of achievement.
- Some players view it as borderline exploitative.
This technique has sparked debate within the community. Some see it as a clever optimization of in-game mechanics, while others feel it removes the soul of shiny hunting — that rush of excitement after hours of effort.
Alternatives and Player Tips
If you prefer a more engaging experience, you can still combine traditional methods with this new one. For example, use fast travel shiny checks to identify promising zones, then switch to manual exploration for a more active hunt.
And if you’re just starting your shiny journey, you can buy shiny Pokémon from other trainers or marketplaces to fill gaps in your collection — just make sure to trade safely. Similarly, for players looking to gear up or stock up for faster exploration, getting cheap Legends ZA items can be a practical move. Many players rely on U4GM for in-game materials or resources to make their grind more manageable.
This new shiny hunting technique in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is revolutionary in its efficiency. It’s accessible, simple, and incredibly productive — but also divisive. Whether you embrace it as a tool for completion or reject it in favor of traditional methods depends entirely on how you define “fun” in shiny hunting.