Shiny hunting has always been a defining part of the Pokémon experience for completionists and collectors alike. From chain encounters in Diamond & Pearl to picnic resets in Scarlet & Violet, players have found countless ways to chase that rare sparkle. But according to a recent update from content creator Austin John Plays, Pokémon Legends: Z-A may have introduced the most efficient shiny hunting method the franchise has ever seen—so effective, in fact, that it’s almost too easy.

How the New Shiny Hunting Method Works

The trick revolves around understanding how Pokémon spawn within Legends: Z-A. Every Pokémon within a 50-meter radius of your position is generated instantly—even before the game’s “Now Saving” prompt appears. This means that all potential Pokémon, shiny or not, already exist in that zone the moment you arrive at a fast travel point.

The process is as simple as this:

  1. Choose a fast travel location (ideally near multiple spawn points).

  2. Load into the area, allowing the game to populate nearby Pokémon.

  3. Immediately fast travel away, then return to repeat the process.

That’s it. Each time you load in, the same pool of Pokémon respawns, giving you repeated chances to encounter a shiny.

Even without the Shiny Charm, players can average around five to seven shiny Pokémon per hour using this technique. With the charm, the rate increases dramatically—though Austin notes that the game’s internal save system caps visible shiny spawns at ten, so periodic clearing is necessary to refresh those slots.

Why It’s So Effective

What makes this approach revolutionary is how it leverages the game’s underlying code rather than RNG manipulation or exploits. You’re not breaking the game—you’re simply reloading natural spawns through legitimate fast travel.

This method works in virtually every location across Legends: Z-A, from Wild Zones to city rooftops. Whether you’re hunting for a Spritzee near Café Novel or a Froakie in Wild Area 16, the mechanic applies consistently.

For players who prefer a fully automated approach, the simplicity of the inputs even allows for the use of turbo controllers or macros. Set up a loop that repeats “open menu, select location, confirm fast travel,” and you could theoretically shiny hunt in your sleep.

The Drawbacks — Efficiency Over Enjoyment

While undeniably powerful, many players (including Austin himself) argue that this method removes much of the thrill from shiny hunting. Traditional methods like SOS chaining, Poké Radar, or mass outbreaks demanded focus and skill, creating memorable stories for every rare find.

In contrast, the fast travel reset method can feel mechanical and repetitive. As Austin puts it, it’s “disgustingly simple”—something you can do while watching Netflix or even automate entirely. For purists, that makes it less of a “hunt” and more of a grind.

Still, for collectors or players who want to complete their shiny dex quickly, this technique is a game-changer. It also opens up possibilities for those who prefer to buy shiny Pokémon from other players or marketplaces rather than spend hours hunting themselves. With the method’s speed and consistency, even those who buy Pokémon for Legends ZA might reconsider doing the work manually.

Practical Tips for Players

  • Pick efficient spawn points: Fast travel locations surrounded by dense spawns (such as rooftops or clustered Wild Zones) yield the best results.

  • Use the Shiny Charm if available: It increases your odds significantly.

  • Manage your shiny slots: Since only ten shinies can exist at once, clear caught Pokémon regularly.

  • Consider macros cautiously: While legal, they reduce the interactive fun of the process.

  • Balance efficiency with enjoyment: If shiny hunting becomes monotonous, mix it up with other gameplay activities.

Whether you view it as a blessing or a curse, this fast travel shiny method reshapes how players approach rare Pokémon in Legends: Z-A. It’s accessible, powerful, and incredibly efficient—but it also challenges the traditional joy of discovery. For dedicated collectors, it’s a tool worth mastering. For others, it might serve best as a backup when patience runs thin.

Either way, Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues to prove that innovation in Pokémon gameplay can come from both design and community discovery.