In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, shiny hunting is a rewarding yet challenging endeavor, with dedicated players spending countless hours trying to find and capture these rare variations. However, shiny hunters focusing on Riolu are currently facing a unique and frustrating challenge that is making their pursuit even more difficult.

The Challenge of Capturing Shiny Riolu

Since its release in 2022, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has remained popular despite its initial mixed reviews due to performance issues. Among the many features that continue to engage players is the thrill of shiny hunting—tracking down and capturing the elusive shiny versions of Pokémon, which have become a staple of the series since Generation 2.

The odds of encountering a shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet are 1 in 4096, even with the Shiny Charm, which increases the chances slightly. For many players, the thrill of the hunt is what keeps them engaged, but for those hunting Riolu, the excitement is often dampened by a recurring issue: the Pokémon’s tendency to use the move Final Gambit, effectively knocking itself out before it can be captured.

A Common Problem with a Possible Solution

One player, known as Rocke7Bobert, recently shared their frustrating experience on Reddit, highlighting this issue. In a video posted on the r/PokemonScarletViolet subreddit, they encountered a shiny Level 62 Riolu. However, before they could capture it, the Riolu used Final Gambit, sacrificing itself and ending the encounter prematurely. This experience is not unique, as many other players in the comments shared similar stories of losing shiny Riolu due to this self-destructive move.

I like the non-shiny version better anyways
byu/Rocke7Bobert inPokemonScarletViolet

Fortunately, there is a workaround that some players have discovered. Final Gambit, a Fighting-type move, can be avoided by using a Ghost-type Pokémon in battle. Since Ghost-types are immune to Fighting-type moves, this strategy prevents Riolu from using Final Gambit and allows the player to safely attempt a capture.

The Highs and Lows of Shiny Hunting

Shiny hunting in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is filled with memorable moments, both good and bad. While encounters like the one described above can be disheartening, they are part of what makes shiny hunting such a compelling aspect of the game. Players often share their tales of near-misses and eventual triumphs, contributing to the community’s shared experience.

For example, shortly after the game’s release, a player shared their story of missing out on a shiny Flamigo due to an ill-timed phone call. On the other hand, there are stories of perseverance paying off, like the player who finally captured a shiny Shaymin in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond after a decade of trying.

Final Thoughts

The pursuit of shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet can be as frustrating as it is rewarding, especially when dealing with tricky opponents like Riolu. While the journey to capture these rare creatures is fraught with challenges, it is these very challenges that make the victories all the more satisfying. As players continue to adapt and find new strategies, the hunt for shiny Pokémon remains one of the most thrilling aspects of the game.

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