... Read moreHey fellow trainers! You might have seen my post about hunting down a Shiny Tornadus, specifically its amazing Therian Forme, with zero phases! It was an incredible moment, and I wanted to share a bit more about what makes this shiny so special and offer some tips for anyone else dreaming of catching their own.
First off, what makes Shiny Tornadus (Therian Forme) such a prize? When you finally encounter it, you'll immediately notice its distinct appearance. Unlike its standard blue and green form, the shiny version transforms into a vibrant green with striking purple accents and prominent white horns. The large purple and yellow appendage that extends from its back truly makes it stand out. It’s a spectacular legendary Pokémon that truly shines in its alternate color palette, making it a highly coveted catch for any collector. Seeing that unique green pop up on a legendary is an unforgettable experience!
Now, about "phasing" – if you're new to shiny hunting, this term might sound a bit confusing. In simple terms, a "phase" refers to encountering a non-target shiny Pokémon during your hunt for a specific shiny. For instance, if you're hunting Shiny Tornadus in a location with other possible shiny encounters, and you find a shiny of a different species before finding Tornadus, that would be considered a "phase." My "0 phases" hunt means I didn't encounter any other shiny Pokémon before my target, the Shiny Tornadus Therian Forme, appeared. It was pure luck and certainly not the norm for most shiny hunts, which often involve dozens, if not hundreds, of phases! It really makes the successful catch feel even more special.
So, how do you even begin to hunt for a legendary like Shiny Tornadus Therian Forme? In Pokémon Sword and Shield, the most common method for legendary Pokémon like Tornadus is through Dynamax Adventures in the Crown Tundra. This involves teaming up with other trainers (or NPCs) to battle through a series of Max Raid battles, culminating in a battle against a legendary Pokémon. The great thing about Dynamax Adventures is that all Pokémon encountered, including the legendary at the end, have increased shiny odds, and you get to see if they're shiny after the adventure, when you choose which Pokémon to keep. This means you don't have to restart your game if the legendary isn't shiny – you just try again!
Here are a few tips I always keep in mind when going for a challenging shiny like Tornadus:
Patience is Key: Shiny hunting is a marathon, not a sprint. Some hunts can take hundreds or even thousands of encounters. Don't get discouraged if your target doesn't show up immediately. My "0 phases" was a rare exception!
Get the Shiny Charm: If you haven't already, make sure to complete your regional Pokédex to obtain the Shiny Charm. This item significantly increases your chances of encountering a shiny Pokémon, making the hunt much more manageable.
Prepare Your Team: For Dynamax Adventures, try to choose rental Pokémon that offer good type coverage and utility. Having moves like False Swipe, Thunder Wave, or Sleep Powder can be helpful for catching, although in Max Lairs, the legendary is guaranteed to be caught if you win the battle. Focus more on winning the adventure consistently.
Stay Focused: It's easy to get distracted during long hunts. Put on some music, a podcast, or a show in the background, but always keep an eye on the screen for that tell-tale sparkle and unique color palette.
Enjoy the Journey: While the goal is the shiny, the process itself can be quite enjoyable. Connecting with other hunters, sharing stories, and the anticipation build-up are all part of the fun.
Catching a Shiny Tornadus Therian Forme is a fantastic achievement, and I hope my experience encourages you to embark on your own legendary shiny hunt. The feeling of finally seeing that majestic green and purple form appear on your screen is absolutely priceless. Happy hunting, everyone!