SOS Chaining is widely considered the best way to shiny hunt in the Generation 7 games due to its simplicity and the range of shiny Pokémon available. This guide will go over how to shiny hunt with this method and how to optimize it to get the exact Pokémon you want.

SOS chaining is a method of shiny hunting that uses the mechanic in the Alola region called SOS battles. These occur in Totem Battles but can also happen in wild battles. In the latter scenario, a Pokémon will call for help when its health is lowered.

This will result in another Pokémon joining the battle, most commonly of the same species. In a regular battle, this can be frustrating. However, we can exploit this mechanic to our advantage.

As the title of this guide suggests, we can use the SOS calling feature to yield shiny Pokémon. Furthermore, as the chain increases, there is a higher chance of a Pokémon with perfect IVs to spawn.

While a Pokémon will naturally call for help when its health is low, this will only occur once, so we need a way to activate constant SOS calling from that Pokémon. We can force this to happen by using an Adrenaline Orb. 

These can be found in all Pokémon Centers after beating the third trial - Kiawe’s Trial on Wela Volcano - and cost $300. 

is also highly recommended to bring the Pokémon down to 1 HP. 

 are great candidates due to their high Attack stats and sleep inducing moves 

First, use an Adrenaline Orb to force indefinite SOS calls for help. 

Next, bring the target Pokémon down to 1 HP using 

Now, you want to keep the Pokémon with lowered health alive so that it calls for help, and another Pokémon will come to its aid every time.

Continue knocking out the new Pokémon that arrives until a shiny one appears.

In short, the bigger your chain is, the better the shiny odds, maxing out at 1/315 without Shiny Charm and 1/273 with the Shiny Charm.

What Pokémon Are Exclusive to This Method?

While you can hunt many Pokémon with this method, some are exclusive to SOS battles.

You have to swap the main calling Pokémon out occasionally; otherwise, it will run out of moves, struggle, and faint. To fix this issue, you can either keep track of how many Power Points (PP) it has or bring another Pokémon in your party.

 is a great Pokémon, as its Ghost-type gives it an immunity to Fighting and Normal-type moves. The recommended move set for this Trevenant is:

Its Hidden Ability, Harvest, is also necessary for this to work. The Trevenant needs to hold a Leppa Berry, which can be given to it either in or outside of battle, so don’t worry if you forget. To start with this method, use the move skill swap on the Pokémon you wish to be the main. This will give the Pokémon the Harvest ability, and then Trick will be used to give the Pokémon a Leppa Berry. Once this is done, you’ll be set up to hunt endlessly!

Guides

Shiny Hunting

SOS Chaining: Guide to Shiny Hunting in the Alola Region

 is a Ground-type Pokémon first introduced in 

. Mudbray’s design is based on a donkey. Its normal form presents with a light brown body, a beige underbelly, muzzle and legs, dark brown eyes, long brown ears with pink insides and a black mane, tail and hooves. As a shiny, it changes its appearance to a golden brown body, a bright white muzzle, underbelly and legs and a dark blue mane and tail, with the rest of its appearance staying the same.

You need to have unlocked the ability to climb with 

 to reach the recommended shiny hunting location for 

. This ability is unlocked after defeating the False Dragon Titan.

 is on the west side of the ruins, located west of The South Province (Area Five) Watchtower.

 is to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Ground Lv.3 Sandwich. Since Mudbray is the only Ground-type Pokémon that spawns in the area, it can be easily isolated using this sandwich.

The easiest way to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Ground Lv.3 Sandwich is by using:

A combination of 1 Salty Herba Mystica + 1 Sweet/Spicy/Sour Herba Mystica

If you don’t have Salty Herba Mystica, you can use this recipe:

Any 2 Herba Mystica combinations besides 1 Sweet + 1 Sour

 is to travel up and down the specified area, ensuring Mudbray leaves the screen as you go to reset the spawns. Be sure not to travel too far away from the ruins, as if you do other Pokémon may spawn. Additionally, you can also open and close a picnic to reset the spawns in the area.

Discover the best strategy for finding and capturing shiny Mudbray in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Mudbray Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Poison-type Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Red & Blue.  Grimer's design is based on toxic waste and pollution. Its normal color scheme presents a purple pile of sludge with white eyes and black pupils. Grimer opens its mouth to reveal a gray tongue. Shiny Grimer turns a basil-green color with no change to the eyes and a pale red tongue.

 at Level 38.  Muk is the final stage of this evolutionary line.

 is the beach and grassy area west of Levincia City on the eastern coast of Paldea.

 is to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Poison Lv.3 Sandwich. Since Grimer is the only Poison-type Pokémon that spawns in that area, it can be easily isolated.

The easiest way to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Poison Lv.3 Sandwich is by using:

If you don't have Salty Herba Mystica, then use this recipe:

Any 2 Herba Mystica combination besides: 1 Sweet + 1 Sour

is to travel between the beach and grassy area, ensuring Grimer leaves the screen to reset the spawns. Another way to reset the spawns is to open and close a picnic to reset all the spawns.

tends to blend in with the grass making it difficult to spot. Pay close attention when hunting the grassy area so you don't miss the shiny. 

A guide to hunting shiny Grimer in gen 9 (Scarlet & Violet).

Grimer Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Bug/Poison type Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Gold & Silver. Spinarak’s design is based on a spider. Its normal color scheme presents a lime green body, yellow legs with black bands, two red fangs, black and white eyes, and a white horn. The black pattern on its back, which is supposed to resemble a face, is used to confuse predators and prey alike. 

As a shiny, its body changes to light blue. The legs become lilac with teal bands, and the fangs change to a pastel orchid tone. The pattern on its back changes to a teal color to match the bands on its legs, while the horn and eyes remain relatively unchanged.

You need to have purchased The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC.

is beside the bus stop in the South Area of Kitakami.

is to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Poison Lv.3 Sandwich. Spinarak is the only Poison-Type Pokémon that spawns in that area so that it can be easily isolated.

If you don't have Salty Herba Mystica, use this recipe:

is to travel along the grass, ensuring Spinarak leaves the screen to reset the spawns. Another way to reset the spawns is to open and close a picnic.

Spinarak can be tricky to spot in the tall grass because of its green coloring. Look closely at the legs and watch for the pink coloring to spot the shiny ones.

A guide to hunting shiny Spinarak in Generation IX (Scarlet & Violet).

Spinarak Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

is a Fighting type Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Black & White. Its design is based on a combination of a weasel and martial artist. Its normal form presents a light-yellow body, red eyes, and red accents on its legs, arms, and the tip of its tail. Shiny Mienfoo has a light gray body with lavender eyes and body accents.

You need to have purchased The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC

is on the grassy area in the south-west part of Kitakami.

is by making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Fighting Lv.3 Sandwich. 

also spawns in this area during the day, so you must hunt at nighttime to isolate Mienfoo.

The easiest way to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Fighting Lv.3 Sandwich is by using:

1 Salty Herba Mystica + 1 Spicy Herba Mystica

Any combination of 2 Herba Mystica except 1 Sweet + 1 Sour and 2x Sweet

is to travel around the grass, ensuring Mienfoo leaves the screen to reset the spawns. Another way to reset the spawns is to open and close a picnic.

A guide to hunting shiny Mienfoo in Generation IX (Scarlet & Violet).

Mienfoo Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Ground/Ghost Pokémon first introduced in 

. Sandygast’s design is based on the idea of a sandcastle possessed by a ghost. Its normal form has a sandy beige body and eyes, representing sand, and a small red shovel on its head. Its shiny form makes Sandygast’s body look like it’s made of black sand, while its shovel changes to yellow and its eyes to blue.

 is on the Secluded Beach in the southwest area of Paldea.

 is to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Ground Lv.3 Sandwich. Sandygast is the only Ground-type Pokémon that spawns in the suggested area, so it can be easily isolated using this Sandwich.

Any 2 Herba Mystica combination besides 1 Sweet + 1 Sour

 is to travel along the Secluded Beach, ensuring that any spawned Pokémon leave the screen as you move to reset the spawns. If needed, you can also reset the spawns by opening up a picnic and then closing it back out.

It’s important to note that when it’s raining in the game, Sandygast will automatically melt and despawn. Thankfully, if a shiny Sandygast spawns during rain, it won’t despawn, giving you a chance to capture it — phew!

Discover the best strategy for finding and capturing shiny Sandygast in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Sandygast Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Grass Type Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Ruby & Sapphire. Its design is based on an acorn. Its normal color scheme presents a dark brown body, gray cap, black eyes, pastel cream accents and feet. 

Shiny Seedot keeps the same base colors, but they all become a few shades lighter, with the body being more of a burnt sienna shade of brown.

 is on the grassy area around the lake in the northeast of Kitakami.

 is by making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Grass Lv.3 Sandwich. Since Seedot is the only Grass-type Pokémon in that area, you’re guaranteed to encounter plenty of them.

The easiest way to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Grass Lv.3 Sandwich is by using:

1 Salty Herba Mystica + 1 Spicy/Sour Herba Mystica

Any combination of 2 Herba Mystica except 1 Sweet + 1 Sour

To reset the spawns, travel around the grassy area where Seedot spawns, ensuring the Pokémon disappears on-screen. Another way to reset the spawns is to open up and close a picnic.

Depending on the lighting and time of day, shiny 

 can be tricky to spot. The easiest way to spot the shiny is to focus on the lighter gray cap.

A guide to hunting shiny Seedot in Generation IX (Scarlet & Violet).

Seedot Shiny Hunting Guide (Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Grass/Water Pokémon first introduced in 

. Its design is based on a lily pad. In its normal form, Lotad presents with a large blue body, a green lily pad on its back, small white eyes with black pupils, and a large wide mouth. As a shiny, its body changes from blue to burgundy, its lily pad changes to a teal color, and its mouth and eyes stay the same.

Pokémon Scarlet & Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero 

 is on the lake in the northeast part of Kitakami.

 is by making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Grass Lv.3 Sandwich. This is an especially effective method, as Lotad is the only Grass-type Pokémon that spawns in that lake.

 is to travel around the lake until any spawned Lotad leaves the screen, as this will reset the spawns. Avoid going too close to the grass outside the lake, as this could cause Pokémon other than Lotad to spawn.

We hope this shiny guide helps you hunt for the elusive shiny Lotad – good luck!

Discover the best strategy for finding and capturing shiny Lotad in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Lotad Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

is a Ground/Grass type Pokémon first introduced in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Toedscool’s design is based on a Japanese wood ear mushroom. As a convergent species of 

, it shares a similar look with its Kanto counterpart. However, unlike Tentacool, Toedscool uses its tentacles as legs to run across the ground!

Its normal form presents a peach color with yellow orbs on its head and gray tentacles, while its shiny form becomes a pale gray with light gray orbs. Toedscool is the first stage of its evolutionary line, evolving into 

The best location to hunt shiny Toedscool in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is the path around Groundblight Shrine in the northwest part of Paldea.

The best shiny hunting method for Toedscool is to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Ground Lv.3 Sandwich. Since it's the only Ground-type Pokémon that spawns in the area, it can easily be isolated

If you don't have Salty Herba Mystica then use this recipe:

Any 2 Herba Mystica combination besides: 1 Sweet + 1 Sour, 2x Sweet, and 2x Sour

Keep a close eye for spawns around the trees and bushes where Toedscool likes to hide.

Make sure to stay on or near the main path, as other Pokémon may spawn if you veer too far off course.

A guide to hunting shiny Toedscool in gen 9 (Scarlet & Violet).

Toedscool Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is a Normal type Pokémon introduced in Scarlet & Violet. It is classified as the Hog Pokemon. Lechonk evolves into 

 at Level 18. The form of Oinkologne that it evolves into depends on the Lechonk’s gender. Lechonk is normally a dark gray pig, but when it is shiny it turns bright pink.

Lechonk’s optimal shiny hunting location is Poco Path in the grass patch on the right as soon as you enter the area. This is the best location to shiny hunt Lechonk because it’s the only place it can be isolated. There are other Lechonk habitats, but they all share habitats with other Normal-type Pokémon.

You should use a Normal-type sparkling and encounter power sandwich in order to hunt Lechonk. Lechonk is the only Normal-type Pokémon in this area, so it’s easy to isolate with an encounter power sandwich. Run around the grass patch until a shiny Lechonk appears.

There are two recipe options for a Sparkling Power: Normal Lv. 3 sandwich.

To make a Sparkling Power: Normal Lv. 3 sandwich using any kind of Herba Mystica, you need:

 also spawns in Poco Path but not in the grass patch Lechonk spawns, so don’t go too far from the grass patch.

A shiny hunting guide for Lechonk in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Lechonk Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is the water type starter in the Alola region in which it was first introduced.

It is based on a circus performing sea lion or the spotted seal. Its normal appearance presents a light blue color with white markings on its face, flippers, and ruff collar. Its nose and the tips of the flippers are pink. As a shiny, it becomes a darker blue and its collar also becomes pink.

 in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is on the beach beside the border of the Coastal Biome and Savanna Biome.

is by making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Water Lv.3 sandwich. Popplio is the only water type that spawns on the sand so it can be easily isolated.

You need to have beaten the main story in Paldea and Kitakami

You need to have purchased the Coastal Biome starter upgrade in the BB League Room for 3000 BP

The easiest way to make a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Water Lv. 3 sandwich is by using:

If you don't have Salty Herba Mystica use this recipe:

Any 2 Herba Mystica Combinations besides Sweet + Sour and Sweet + Sweet

 you can either ride up and down the beach, or picnic reset after checking every Popplio spawn.

 can be really hard to notice depending on the lighting. To make this hunt easier, pay close attention to the pink collar

Be sure to stay clear of the water since other Pokémon will spawn beside and in the water

A guide to hunting Popplio in gen 9 (Scarlet & Violet).

Popplio Shiny Hunting Guide (Scarlet & Violet)

 is the water type starter in Kalos, where it was first introduced. Its design is inspired by a frog and ninja mixed together. Its normal appearance presents a nice blue color, while the shiny form becomes a desaturated blue. Its evolution, 

, is also the first starter to be Water & Dark type.

The best location for shiny hunting Froakie in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet is right outside of The Coastal Plaza in the Coastal Biome of Blueberry Academy on the grass.

 is by making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Water Lv.3 sandwich, since Froakie is the only water type in the area and can be easily isolated.

You need to have The Hidden Treasures of Area Zero DLC bought

You need to have beaten the main story in Paldea and Kitakami 

You need to have bought the Coastal Biome starter upgrade in The BB League Room for 3000 BP

The easiest way of making a Sparkling and Encounter Power: Water Lv. 3 sandwich is by using:

Any 2 Herba Mystica combinations other than Sweet + Sour and Sweet + Sweet

To hunt this shiny, simply walk around the grass area. Once you've checked all the spawns, you can you either picnic reset or town reset by walking in and out of the coastal plaza. Try to avoid the sandy area, since 

 will spawn there. Be patient, and after a while the shiny should appear!

 can be a hard to notice shiny due to the lighting, so be sure to check each one closely! It can also sometimes hide in the tall grass, so make sure to check there as well. Happy hunting!

A guide to hunting the water starter Froakie in Generation 9 (Scarlet and Violet).

Froakie Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is most commonly found in the Savannah Biome in Blueberry Academy. You should hunt for it just to the left of where you enter the Terrarium.

 is easily found as an outbreak, however you can also hunt for the shiny using the sandwich method. With this method, it will be the only spawn you will see and makes for a quick and easy hunt.

You need to have bought the Scarlet/Violet DLC.

You need to have beaten both the main story in Paldea and the story in Kitakami.

You need to have unlocked the Savannah Biome starter Pokémon for 3000 BP.

 is a Fire-type Pokémon, so a Sparkling Power: Fire Level 3 sandwich will help isolate the spawn and increase our chance of finding a shiny.

, make your way to where you enter the terrarium for the first time. Then, go to the left of it until you are in the corner of the stairs and the wall. From there, start up a picnic, close it and you’ll have tons of spawns! The shiny should show up in no time!

Charmander’s shiny can be somewhat hard to tell, so make sure you’re looking carefully at each and every spawn.

With the release of The Indigo Disk DLC, shiny hunting starters has got a whole lot easier. Check out this guide for shiny hunting Charmander!

Charmander Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is Torchlit Labyrinth in the Coastal Biome of Blueberry Academy.

 is by making a sandwich, as Bulbasaur is the only grass type in the area and so it can be easily isolated with grass type encounter power.

You need to have unlocked the Coastal Biome starter Pokémon for 3000 BP.

To hunt the shiny, simply walk around the top of the cliff. You can make new spawns appear by running from one side to another, or by picnic resetting. Soon enough, the shiny will show up!

Knock out the Tera Zangoose, as it will chase you around!

Quick tips for shiny hunting Bulbasuar in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

Bulbasaur Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

The orchards around Cortondo are a great place to isolate this encounter. Use a grass type encounter & sparkling power sandwich, and you'll see tons of Smolivs.

Arboliva has cool, new signature ability called Seed Sower which automatically triggers 

 whenever it takes damage, boosting the power of Grass-type moves.

Let's hunt for a shiny Smoliv (or three)!

Smoliv Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

Happy Pokémon Day! To celebrate, let's hunt for a shiny 

Shiny Pikachu spawns can be isolated just west of Medali. Roam around this grassy hill area and you'll encounter lots of Pikachu.

 by using a thunderstone on it. Thunderstones are readily available at any Delibird Presents shop.

Pikachu Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

Shiny hunt Rockruff in the area south of West Province (Area One) - Central.

Rockruff evolves into Lycanroc at level 25, but it has 3 different forms depending on the circumstances at the time it evolves. 

Evolve Rockruff during the day, and it will evolve into its day form.

Dusk form requires Rockruff to evolve during dusk while having the ability Own Tempo.

I like to make a sparkling power sandwich to speed things up.

Where to hunt Rockruff and how to evolve it into all of it's Lycanroc forms.

Shiny Rockruff and Lycanroc Forms

A shiny Cetoddle has a slightly darker body, and orange coloration instead of pink.

Quick tips for hunting shiny Cetoddle and evolving it into Cetitan.

Cetoddle Shiny Hunting Guide (Pokémon Scarlet & Violet)

 is in the grassy areas just outside of Porto Marinada on the west coast of Paldea.

For the most efficient hunting, eat a level three psychic sparkling and encounter power sandwich and have the Shiny Charm.

, teach it Twin Beam when it reaches level 32.

The best places to hunt for shiny Girafarig.

Shiny Hunting

Scarlet & Violet Shiny Hunting