Shiny Arcanine: How to Get & Use in Pokémon Games?
Shiny Arcanine is a rare, alternate-colored version of the Fire-type Pokémon Arcanine. It has a golden-yellow coat instead of the usual orange. Players can obtain Shiny Arcanine through breeding, wild encounters, or special events in various Pokémon games.
Obtaining Shiny Arcanine
Shiny Arcanine is a highly sought-after Pokémon due to its rarity and striking appearance. There are several methods to obtain this golden version of Arcanine across different Pokémon games.
Breeding Method
One of the most common ways to get a Shiny Arcanine is through breeding. This method involves hatching Growlithe eggs until a shiny version appears. Here’s how to do it:
- Obtain a Ditto and a Growlithe (or Arcanine).
- Place them in the Pokémon Nursery or Daycare.
- Collect and hatch eggs.
- Check each hatched Growlithe for the shiny coloration.
- If you get a Shiny Growlithe, evolve it into Arcanine using a Fire Stone.
The odds of hatching a Shiny Pokémon are typically 1 in 4,096. However, you can improve these odds using the Masuda Method, which involves breeding Pokémon from different language games. This method increases the shiny odds to about 1 in 683.
Wild Encounters
In some Pokémon games, you can find Shiny Arcanine in the wild. The odds are usually very low, but there are ways to increase your chances:
- Use the Shiny Charm item, which boosts shiny encounter rates.
- Look for Arcanine in areas where it commonly appears.
- In games with visible Pokémon in the overworld, check for the shiny sparkle effect.
- In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, look for mass outbreaks of Growlithe or Arcanine.
Special Events and Distributions
Occasionally, The Pokémon Company releases special event distributions for Shiny Arcanine. For example, in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, a Shiny Arcanine distribution event took place from June 30 to July 3, 2023. Players could obtain this special Arcanine using a Mystery Gift code.
To participate in these events:
- Stay updated on official Pokémon news channels.
- When an event is announced, follow the instructions to receive the Mystery Gift.
- Usually, you’ll need to enter a code in the Mystery Gift menu of your game.
- Make sure to claim the gift before the distribution period ends.
Appearance and Characteristics
Shiny Arcanine stands out from its regular counterpart due to its distinct coloration. Understanding its appearance and characteristics can help you identify it quickly.
Color Differences
Regular Arcanine:
- Orange fur with black stripes
- Cream-colored mane, tail, and leg fur
Shiny Arcanine:
- Golden-yellow fur
- Lighter cream or white mane, tail, and leg fur
- Black stripes remain the same
The color change is significant enough that even new players can easily spot the difference. The golden hue gives Shiny Arcanine a more regal and majestic appearance, fitting its Pokédex description as a legendary Pokémon.
In-Game Sparkle Effect
When you encounter a Shiny Arcanine in battle or in the overworld (in games that show Pokémon outside of battles), you’ll notice a distinct sparkle animation. This effect helps players quickly identify shiny Pokémon, even if they’re not familiar with the color differences.
Stats and Abilities
It’s important to note that Shiny Arcanine does not have different base stats or abilities compared to its regular form. The differences are purely cosmetic. Arcanine, shiny or not, has the following base stats:
- HP: 90
- Attack: 110
- Defense: 80
- Special Attack: 100
- Special Defense: 80
- Speed: 95
Arcanine can have one of three abilities:
- Intimidate: Lowers the opponent’s Attack stat when entering battle.
- Flash Fire: Powers up Fire-type moves if hit by one; gives immunity to Fire-type moves.
- Justified (Hidden Ability): Raises Attack when hit by a Dark-type move.
Using Shiny Arcanine in Battle
Shiny Arcanine is not just a trophy Pokémon; it’s also a formidable battler. Its high Attack and Special Attack stats, combined with good Speed, make it a versatile attacker.
Competitive Movesets
Here are some effective movesets for Shiny Arcanine in competitive battles:
- Physical Attacker:
- Flare Blitz
- Extreme Speed
- Wild Charge
- Morning Sun
- Special Attacker:
- Fire Blast
- Solar Beam
- Snarl
- Morning Sun
- Support:
- Will-O-Wisp
- Snarl
- Morning Sun
- Roar
Strategy Tips
- Use Intimidate to lower your opponent’s Attack upon entry.
- Extreme Speed is a priority move that can help you finish off weakened foes.
- Morning Sun provides recovery, allowing Arcanine to stay in battle longer.
- Will-O-Wisp can cripple physical attackers by burning them.
- In double battles, consider pairing Arcanine with a Pokémon that can set up Sunny Day to boost its Fire-type moves.
Shiny Arcanine in Different Pokémon Games
Shiny Arcanine has appeared in multiple Pokémon games, with slight variations in how it can be obtained and used.
Pokémon GO
In Pokémon GO, Shiny Arcanine was introduced in September 2018. Players can obtain it by:
- Encountering and catching a Shiny Growlithe, then evolving it.
- Rarely encountering Shiny Arcanine directly in the wild or in raids.
Shiny rates in Pokémon GO are approximately 1 in 450 for standard wild encounters, but these odds can be boosted during special events.
Pokémon Sword and Shield
In Sword and Shield, players can find Arcanine in the Wild Area. Shiny hunting methods include:
- Random encounters in the overworld
- Max Raid Battles (rare chance of encountering a Shiny Arcanine)
- Breeding Growlithe eggs
The game also introduced Dynamax, allowing Arcanine to become gigantic and use powerful G-Max moves in battle.
Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Pokémon Legends: Arceus introduced a new regional variant: Hisuian Arcanine. Players can obtain Shiny Hisuian Arcanine by:
- Catching a Shiny Hisuian Growlithe and evolving it
- Participating in Mass Outbreaks of Hisuian Growlithe or Arcanine
This game made shiny hunting easier with visible Pokémon in the overworld and increased shiny rates during Mass Outbreaks.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
In Scarlet and Violet, players can obtain Shiny Arcanine through:
- Breeding Growlithe
- Tera Raid Battles (rare chance)
- Special event distributions
These games introduced Terastallization, allowing Arcanine to change its type in battle, adding a new strategic element to its use.
Trading Shiny Arcanine
Shiny Arcanine is a valuable Pokémon in the trading community due to its rarity and popularity. Here are some tips for trading:
- Verify the legitimacy of the Shiny Arcanine before trading. Hacked or cloned Pokémon are often frowned upon in the trading community.
- Use official trading platforms like Pokémon HOME or in-game trading features to ensure safe trades.
- Be prepared to offer other rare Pokémon, such as legendaries or other shinies, in exchange for Shiny Arcanine.
- Consider the IVs (Individual Values) and nature of the Shiny Arcanine when trading, as these factors can affect its value to competitive players.
Shiny Arcanine in Pokémon Culture
Shiny Arcanine holds a special place in Pokémon culture, often appearing in various media and events.
Anime Appearances
While Shiny Arcanine hasn’t had a major role in the Pokémon anime series, regular Arcanine has appeared multiple times. The most notable appearance was Gary Oak’s Arcanine, which he used in the Johto League.
TCG (Trading Card Game)
Shiny Arcanine has been featured on several Pokémon Trading Card Game cards. These cards are often highly sought after by collectors. Some notable Shiny Arcanine cards include:
- Shiny Arcanine from the Shining Legends expansion
- Arcanine BREAK from the Steam Siege expansion (while not technically “shiny,” it features a golden Arcanine)
Fan Art and Community
The Pokémon fan community has embraced Shiny Arcanine, with numerous artworks, fan theories, and discussions dedicated to this golden version of the fire dog. Its majestic appearance and the challenge of obtaining it have made it a favorite subject for fan creations.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the odds of encountering a Shiny Arcanine in the wild?
The base odds of encountering any shiny Pokémon in the wild are typically 1 in 4,096 in recent games. However, these odds can be improved with methods like the Shiny Charm or chain fishing. - Can Shiny Arcanine have different abilities than regular Arcanine?
No, Shiny Arcanine has the same possible abilities as regular Arcanine: Intimidate, Flash Fire, or Justified (Hidden Ability). - Is Shiny Arcanine stronger than regular Arcanine?
No, Shiny Arcanine has the same base stats and potential as regular Arcanine. The difference is purely cosmetic. - How long does it typically take to hatch a Shiny Growlithe?
This varies greatly due to the random nature of shiny Pokémon. It could happen on the first egg or after thousands. On average, with the Masuda Method and Shiny Charm, it might take a few hundred eggs. - Can I use cheats or hacks to get a Shiny Arcanine?
While it’s technically possible to use cheats or hacks, it’s not recommended. It’s against the spirit of the game and can result in penalties in online play or trading.
Samantha Yates is a creative writer and journalist with expertise in content creation and editing. She holds an MA in Creative Writing and brings professional experience from Lionbridge, where she developed engaging content for leading technology companies
