In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, one of the most exciting and rewarding aspects of the game is the ability to breed Shiny Pokémon. For many players, the thrill of encountering a Shiny is a major draw, but breeding them is an entirely different challenge that adds layers of strategy and patience. In this guide, we'll break down how shiny breeding works, the mechanics behind Egg hatching, and share tips to help you on your way to collecting a shiny team.

Understanding Shiny Breeding Mechanics

First off, it’s essential to understand how Shiny Pokémon are created in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. Shiny Pokémon are rare variants of regular Pokémon with altered colors. The odds of encountering a Shiny in the wild are generally low, sitting at about a 1 in 4,096 chance. However, breeding allows players to stack odds in their favor to hatch a shiny.

In the game, the key to improving Shiny odds lies in the breeding process. By using certain items and ensuring the right conditions, you can significantly increase your chances of hatching a Shiny Pokémon from an egg.

The Role of the Shiny Charm

The Shiny Charm is one of the most valuable tools for anyone serious about breeding Shiny Pokémon. To unlock it, you'll need to complete the Pokédex, which might take a bit of time and effort. Once acquired, the Shiny Charm increases your chances of breeding a Shiny Pokémon, making it a must-have for any dedicated Shiny hunter.

Breeding Pairs and the Masuda Method

When it comes to breeding for Shiny Pokémon, pairing two Pokémon from different language games (a method known as the Masuda Method) can greatly enhance your chances. By breeding a Pokémon caught in one version of the game with a Pokémon from another language version, you increase your odds of receiving a Shiny egg significantly.

This is a powerful method, and many players make sure to breed with international friends or utilize online trade systems to get Pokémon from other regions. The Masuda Method is known for making Shiny hunting more accessible and rewarding.

The Role of IVs in Breeding

While IVs (Individual Values) don't affect whether a Pokémon will be Shiny, they are crucial if you're looking to breed high-stat Pokémon. Using a Destiny Knot on one of the Pokémon in the pair ensures that five of their IVs are passed down to the offspring. If you're interested in breeding a perfect Shiny Pokémon, focus on obtaining a pair with high IVs, as these will improve the overall quality of your Shiny offspring.

Additionally, if you're aiming for specific moves or characteristics, you may want to use items like the Everstone, which ensures that one parent’s nature will be passed down to the offspring. This can be particularly useful for competitive players who want to breed Shiny Pokémon with optimal stats and movesets.

The Egg Mechanics in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

When it comes to egg hatching, Pokémon Legends: Z-A sticks with a familiar process that many fans of the series will recognize. The Pokémon will need to be placed in the Day Care or Nursery, and after a certain amount of time and walking around, an egg will appear. While the egg can hatch at random intervals, some techniques can speed up the process.

One of the simplest ways to speed up egg hatching is to use a Pokémon with the Flame Body or Magma Armor ability. These abilities reduce the number of steps needed to hatch an egg, making the process much quicker. It's recommended to keep a Pokémon with one of these abilities in your party while you're breeding.

Additionally, by having a bike or fast mount, you can significantly reduce the time needed to hatch eggs. You can speed up the process by cycling around the breeding area, which will help you hatch eggs faster and improve your chances of getting a Shiny.


Shiny breeding in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is a rewarding, albeit time-consuming, endeavor. Whether you’re using the Masuda Method, leveraging the power of the Shiny Charm, or aiming for the best possible IVs, the effort will pay off when you see that elusive Shiny Pokémon emerge from an egg. It’s also worth noting that while breeding is a popular method for acquiring Shiny Pokémon, there are always options to buy Shiny Pokémon Legends ZA if you prefer not to spend the time on breeding.

However, for those dedicated to the grind, breeding not only offers a sense of accomplishment but also lets you control the stats, nature, and even the moves of your shiny companions. Best of luck, and may your eggs hatch with the best of luck and stats!