Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Mass Outbreak schedule, shiny odds & locations

Shiny hunting is arguably the most exciting part of Scarlet and Violet. Trainers grind day and night for these rare Pokemon, and Gen 9 has made hunting for shinies bigger and better than ever with a series of events called Mass Outbreaks.

So, here’s all about the active and upcoming Mass Outbreaks, what they are, shiny chances, and more.

Current Mass Outbreak in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Alola to Honolulu

The current Mass Outbreak in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet will run until August 22, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET / 12:59 PM BST / 11:59 PM GMT. Here are the featured species:

• Paldea – Wattrel
• Kitakami – Riolu
• Blueberry Academy – Comfey

You’ll have increased odds of encountering them with a high shiny possibility as well as the Pumped-Up Mark during the event.

Upcoming Mass Outbreaks in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

A flight of Dragons

The next Mass Outbreak will bring the spotlight upon Pseudo Legendaries, running from August 22, 2024, at 5 PM PT / 8 PM ET / 1 AM BST (August 23) / 12 AM GMT (August 23) until September 1, 2024, at 4:59 PM PT / 7:59 PM ET / 12:59 PM BST / 11:59 PM GMT.

This exciting event will host the following:

• Paldea – Larvitar and Bagon
• Kitakami – Goomy and Hisuian Sliggoo
• Blueberry Academy – Beldum

Hisuian Sliggoo cannot be normally encountered in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, so don’t miss the chance to catch this fan-favorite species.

Also, you’ll have increased odds of encountering them with increased shiny possibility as well as the Charismatic Mark.

What is a Mass Outbreak?

In Mass Outbreaks, spawns of the same species appear in certain locations. This gives trainers more chances to find a shiny, sometimes even a marked Pokemon.

The spawning zones will be marked on the map with the shape of the featured species if you have it unlocked in your Pokedex. Otherwise, it will appear as a (???) symbol.

Remember that to participate in these events, you must have the latest version of Pokemon Scarlet and Violet installed on your Nintendo Switch. You will also need to download the latest Poke Portal News through your in-game menu interface.

Are shiny odds boosted in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Mass Outbreaks?

Yes, shiny odds are boosted in Scarlet and Violet Mass Outbreaks, as confirmed in an official Pokemon blog.

The blog mentions: “You’ll have the highest chance of encountering a Shiny Pokemon when you receive the message that says ‘There are not many [Pokemon] left from the original outbreak…'” So keep a lookout for shiny encounters when this message pops up.

How to take advantage of Mass Outbreaks

Here’s some advice to make the most of the Mass Outbreak events in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:

• Make sure you have your Shiny Charm.
• Make sure you have enough Herba Mystica.
• Eat a Shiny Sandwich. Here’s a Shiny Sandwich recipe guide.

Also, keep in mind that Shiny Sandwiches have various effects besides enhancing your chances of finding a shiny variant, such as boosting your chances to get a Marked species and the rewards you get for capturing them.

While you enjoy Mass Outbreaks in Scarlet and Violet, don’t forget to check out the secret room in Area Zero and keep a lookout for shiny Paradox Pokemon.