How to get shiny Zacian, Zamazenta in Pokemon Sword and Shield

Shiny Zacian and Zamazenta represent some of the most sought-after Pokemon variants currently available in the franchise. Their distinctive color schemes and competitive viability make them prime targets for dedicated collectors and competitive battlers alike.

Zacian consistently ranks among the most dominant Pokemon across all generations, while Zamazenta provides exceptional defensive capabilities. The primary challenge stems from both cover legendaries being shiny-locked within Pokemon Sword and Shield’s core gameplay experience.

Unlike Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, which permitted shiny hunting for nearly all legendary creatures, Sword and Shield implemented stricter distribution controls. This strategic limitation by The Pokemon Company creates scarcity and maintains these shiny forms as premium collector’s items.

However, strategic players have previously accessed these rare variants through specific distribution channels. Current acquisition methods require careful planning and awareness of historical distribution patterns.

Can you get shiny Zacian and Zamazenta?

Shiny Zacian and Zamazenta received exclusive distribution through Mystery Gift functionality during a narrow window in October and November 2021. This limited-time availability created significant collector demand and secondary market value.

Across North American and European markets, retail partners including GameStop and EB Games distributed single-use codes that redeemed either shiny Zacian or shiny Zamazenta. The distribution followed version-specific rules: Zacian codes exclusively worked in Pokemon Shield, while Zamazenta codes only functioned in Pokemon Sword.

South Korea implemented an alternative distribution method tied to Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl purchases. Players could obtain these Pokemon in either Sword or Shield, though distribution still occurred through promotional codes rather than in-game encounters.

Pro Tip: Always verify your game version before trading for shiny codes, as version incompatibility remains the most common acquisition mistake.

Are Zacian and Zamazenta shiny-locked?

Yes, both Zacian and Zamazenta remain permanently shiny-locked within Pokemon Sword and Shield’s native gameplay.

Players encounter and capture these legendaries during the post-game narrative in their respective versions. Traditional shiny hunting techniques involving repeated soft resets prove completely ineffective due to programmed restrictions.

This design decision contrasts sharply with previous Pokemon generations where determined players could eventually obtain shiny legendaries through persistence. The implementation prevents what could otherwise become tedious grinding for optimal outcomes.

To date, promotional code distribution represents the sole legitimate method for acquiring shiny Zacian or Zamazenta. Uncertainty surrounds potential future availability, though precedent exists through events like the shiny Zeraora distribution.

More probable is that players must await ninth-generation titles featuring post-game areas designed for catching legacy legendaries, similar to Ultra Wormholes or Dynamax Adventures mechanics.

Common Pitfall: Many players waste hours attempting to soft reset for shiny legendaries unaware of the permanent lock implementation.

Is there a shiny Eternatus?

No legitimate method exists for obtaining shiny Eternatus without utilizing unauthorized game modifications or hacking tools.

Eternatus joins its Galar counterparts with identical shiny lock restrictions throughout Pokemon Sword and Shield. Players must capture this third legendary as part of the main storyline progression.

The mandatory capture scenario eliminates any possibility of encountering a shiny variant through normal gameplay. This consistency across all three major legendaries suggests deliberate design rather than oversight.

The transformation likelihood depends entirely on future in-game distribution events or physical promotions mirroring the Zacian and Zamazenta model.

Strategic Insight: Monitor official Pokemon announcements around major game releases or anniversary events, as these often coincide with special distributions.

Substantial potential exists for shiny Eternatus availability through Pokemon GO integration in the foreseeable future. Such implementation would enable transfer to Sword and Shield via Pokemon HOME connectivity.

Additionally, The Pokemon Company may orchestrate special in-game events similar to the shiny Zeraora distribution, which required community-wide raid battle participation targets.

Long-term collectors should monitor ninth-generation game features, particularly any mechanic resembling the Ultra Wormholes from Ultra Sun and Moon or Dynamax Adventures from Sword and Shield’s Crown Tundra.

Optimization Tip: Maintain active Pokemon HOME subscription and regularly check mystery gift options, as distributions sometimes occur with minimal advance notice.

For comprehensive gameplay strategies beyond legendary hunting, consult our Complete Guide for foundational mechanics.

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