List of the Worst Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Catching Shiny Pokémon has become a staple for hard-core fans of the game since getting them all is quite difficult due to their rarity. Still, whether this exhausting task is worth it in the end is up to you. There is no other payoff than fulfilling your completionist urge as Shiny Pokémon don’t bring any other perks or advantages other than their slightly different color.

Considering that the difference between Shiny and regular Pokémon is visual only, we compiled a list of the worst Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet based on how unimpressed we were with their new looks.

9. Sprigatito

This starter Pokémon is cute in its original form, which means it is also cute as a Shiny. Still, that is the problem—these two versions are just too similar. A slightly softer green and purple eyes? It could have been so much more interesting! Therefore, here’s Sprigatito, taking the tenth place on our list of the worst Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.

8. Spidops

To begin with, this Bug-type Pokémon is a downgrade from its first form—Tarountula. It’s supposed to be impressive and intimidating, but it mostly looks like an angry grandpa. The Shiny version could have been its redemption, but, alas, no. The color scheme developers chose for Shiny Spidops doesn’t work. Grey, pink, and red accents? Pass!

7. Tinkatink

Tinkatink is another example where the developers could have done more. The original Tinkatink is adorable and the color palette works, but giving it some bronze armor doesn’t do anything to improve its original looks.

6. Oinkologne

In Oinkologne’s case, the more realistic look that it gets as a Shiny is disappointing. Compared to the black and violet regular, Shiny Oinkologne looks like any other animated pig out there.

5. Brambleghast

Brambleghast doesn’t offer much likability in any of its forms, to be honest, and changing its mid-section color to brown in the Shiny version doesn’t add anything to its personality or visual appeal.

4. Maushold

Good luck recognizing whether a Maushold you encounter is regular or Shiny. This charming little family makes sense as petite white mice, and then, its Shiny form is just… beige. Has anyone ever been impressed by anything beige?

3. Flamigo

A super-rare version of a beautiful pink flamingo that now looks like it’s been sick for months in the new pale pink shade? Catching a Pokémon that looks like this is disappointing no matter how rare it is.

2. Sableye

Sableye is an example of how the wrong color choice can ruin a perfectly good Pokémon. Purple works for Sableye, but this new Shiny version, which is a sickening shade of mustard yellow with soulless yellowish diamond eyes, looks like something right out of nightmares.

1. Tadbulb

Tadbulb takes first place on this list of the worst Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet for two main reasons. It is so tiny that you will strain your eyes trying to determine whether it’s regular or Shiny, and the already questionable design just got worse. A tadpole with a yellow helmet and an orange tail now just has a deeper orange tail, and that’s it for its Shiny counterpart. Do better next time, Game Freak!

Let us know which Shiny version was the most disappointing to you! If you’re still set on catching them all regardless, make use of our guides to hunting for and recognizing Shiny Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.