Just How Rare Is The Elusive Shiny Rayquaza In Pokémon GO And The Core Games? - ExpertBeacon (2024)

ByJames DornLast Update onMay 12, 2024

As an avid Pokémon GO player and shining hunting veteran across the main series games, few shinies captivate me like the elusive black Rayquaza. Its mesmerizing jet-black figure etched with fiery yellow designs is truly a sight to behold.

But exactly how rare is this exotic dragon? What are the odds of adding Shiny Rayquaza to your roster? Let‘s investigate Rayquaza‘s shiny rates across the games.

Rayquaza‘s Shiny Debut in Pokémon GO Made It More Attainable

Rayquaza first debuted as a shiny raid boss in Pokémon GO on March 1st, 2018. Based on aggregated player data, its estimated shiny rate for that initial EX raid appearance was the standard for legendaries at the time – 1 in 19 [1].

After its EX raid tenure ended, Rayquaza returned to normal raids with boosted odds in 2019 and 2021 events. During these appearances, analysis of combined player data found its shiny rate improved to an estimated:

• 1 in 20 in 2019 (with a 95% CI between 1 in 12 and 1 in 33) [2]
• 1 in 24 in 2021 (with a 95% CI between 1 in 17 and 1 in 38) [3]

While the 2021 rate was slightly rarer, Rayquaza‘s repeat showings have made its shiny more accessible in GO compared to the core games.

Rayquaza‘s Shiny Remains Elusive in the Core Games

In the main series Pokémon RPGs, players have discovered Shiny Rayquaza maintains the base shiny odds. Without manipulating RNG or utilizing glitches, the chances sit at:

• 1 in 4096 in Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald
• 1 in 4096 in HeartGold, SoulSilver

The following table illustrates how this compares to other rare shiny legendaries in the core games:

In Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire, the shiny charm can be obtained to improve the odds to 1 in 1365. However, this still means only a 0.07% chance per encounter.

Across its core series appearances, authentic shiny Rayquaza remains exceptionally rare.

Rayquaza‘s Shiny Rarity Makes It One of the Most Coveted Finds

So how does Shiny Rayquaza‘s rarity compare to other shiny legendary Pokémon?

Rayquaza Has More Favorable Odds in Pokémon GO

Thanks to repeat raid events, Shiny Rayquaza is easier to obtain in GO compared to fellow legendary counterparts. Based on aggregated player data, these are the estimated GO shiny rates for rare raid bosses [4]:

This data shows Rayquaza as one of the more common shiny legendaries available in raids.

In Core Games, Rayquaza Ties for Lowest Odds

In the main RPGs, Rayquaza shares the daunting base rate of 1 in 4096 with most stationary super-rare legends. This includes the legendary birds, Mewtwo, and weather trio masters.

Compared to roaming legends like the dogs (1 in 8192) and ultra beasts (1 in 1024), Rayquaza has lower shiny odds.

Based on these comparisons, Rayquaza resides among the rarest of the rare for authentic shinies in the core meta game.

Its Striking Design Drives High Demand

Beyond the numbers, Rayquaza‘s breathtaking black shiny form stokes interest and demand. The vibrant yellow markings popping against an all-black body is an instantly recognizable signature shiny.

As Rayquaza is:

• An iconic dragon pseudo-legendary
• One of the most competitively viable legends
• Featured heavily in promotions and the franchise lore

Its awe-inspiring shiny design combined with legendary status makes Shiny Rayquaza one of the most coveted Shinies among players.

Maximize Your Shiny Rayquaza Odds with These Hunting Tips

While daunting, with patience and perseverance, all trainers can eventually add Shiny Rayquaza to their collection. Here are some tips to boost your odds:

In Pokémon GO:

• Raid relentlessly during Rayquaza raid events
• Trade with friends to reroll for a chance at lucky shiny
• Complete dragon and flying-type Field Research tasks
• Use raid passes on gym badges you have gold or silver

In Core Games:

• SR hunt in Omega Ruby & Alpha Sapphire after obtaining Shiny Charm
• Trade foreign Ditto for Masuda Method + Shiny Charm odds
• Catch Rayquaza in Ultra Wormholes in Ultra Sun/Moon
• Utilize RNG manipulation and frame advances if willing

The path to a shiny Rayquaza will be paved with patience. But the payoff of encountering its awe-inspiring black sheen will be well worth the effort. Never give up, and may Ray‘s emerald shadow grace your roster soon!

References

[1] The Silph Road Rayquaza EX Raid Megathread
[2] The Silph Road Rayquaza Raid Weekend 2019 Analysis
[3] The Silph Road Rayquaza Raid Analysis 2021
[4] The Silph Road Legendary Raid Boss List