Masuda Method – The Complete Pokémon Game Guide

What is the Masuda Method and why was it named after him?

The Masuda Method is a fan-made term describing a method of increasing the chances of obtaining Shiny Pokémon by cross-breeding species from different language versions of the games. The method was named after Junichi Masuda, co-founder of Game Freak and director of numerous Pokémon games, who described the technique on his blog in December 2007. Masuda designed this method for Pokémon Diamond and Pearl as a way to encourage players to use the Global Trading System (GTS), the first platform enabling international online trading.

The Masuda Method can be considered one of the most important Shiny hunting techniques in the fan community. Most experienced players use this method as their primary method for breeding Shiny Pokémon, especially in newer generations of games.

The Masuda Method Mechanic in Pokémon Games

Basic Operation

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the standard chance of encountering a Shiny Pokémon is 1 in 4096. The Masuda Method significantly increases this probability by adding additional “rolls” when generating a Pokémon’s personality from an Egg.

When two Pokémon from different language versions of the games are used for breeding, the game performs 6 additional checks to see if the Pokémon will be Shiny, giving a chance of 6/4096 (approximately 1 in 683). This method works by increasing the number of attempts to generate a Shiny Pokémon with each Egg.

Identifying Pokémon Origin

Since Generation VI, Pokémon origins can be easily identified thanks to a special language tag visible on the status screen. Pokémon from a foreign language version will have designations such as “JPN” (Japanese), “KOR” (Korean), “ITA” (Italian), “FRA” (French), or “GER” (German). If a Pokémon doesn’t have this tag, it means it’s from the same language version as the player’s game.

Using Ditto in the Masuda Method

Ditto is the most commonly used Pokémon in the Masuda Method due to its unique ability to breed with virtually any Pokémon from the egg group. A foreign-language Ditto can be paired with any Pokémon in the player’s collection, making it a versatile breeding tool.

Contrary to popular belief, a Ditto doesn’t have to be Japanese—it simply has to be from a different language version than the partner’s Pokémon. For example, a German Ditto paired with an American Charizard will perform just as well as a Japanese Ditto paired with the same Charizard.

Obtaining a Foreign-Language Ditto

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the player community established a special trading code: 4448-4448, which players around the world use to trade their Ditto for foreign-language Ditto. This code is widely used by fans on platforms like Reddit and YouTube, making acquiring a foreign-language Ditto relatively simple.

Impact of a Shiny Charm on the Masuda Method

A Shiny Charm is an item that significantly increases the chances of obtaining a Shiny Pokémon, which can be obtained by completing the Pokédex. When combined with the Masuda Method, the effects stack, creating the most effective method for breeding Shiny Pokémon.

Detailed probability statistics:

• Without bonuses: 1/4096 (0.024%)
• Masuda Method only: 6/4096 (approximately 1/683, 0.15%)
• Shiny Charm only: 3/4096 (approximately 1/1365, 0.07%)
• Masuda Method + Shiny Charm: 8/4096 (1/512, 0.20%)

This is the best available combination for obtaining a Shiny Pokémon through breeding, offering the same chances as the KO method combined with a Shiny Charm.

Practical Application of the Masuda Method

Preparing for Breeding

Before starting the Masuda Method, it’s worth preparing accordingly:

• Obtaining a foreign-language partner – most often Ditto, but a specific Pokémon with a compatible type can also be used.
• Verifying Different Language Origins – Checking Language Tags
• Preparing a Pokémon with Flame Body or Steam Engine – Speeds up Egg Hatching

Breeding Process

The player places two Pokémon of different language origins in the Nursery and then regularly retrieves eggs. Each has an increased chance of being Shiny, according to the statistics described earlier. On average, using the Masuda Method with a Shiny Charm, you can expect one Shiny Pokémon for every 512 eggs.

Advanced Aspects of the Masuda Method

Generation VIII and IX Bug

In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there’s a bug affecting the first roll when generating eggs. Instead of the planned 7 additional rolls for the Masuda Method, the game actually performs only 6, meaning the odds remain the same as in previous generations (6/4096 instead of 7/4096). This bug also affects the performance of a Shiny Charm used alone – instead of 3/4096, it only produces 2/4096. However, combining the Masuda Method with a charm still works correctly, offering a full 8/4096 chance.

Control over stats

1. One of the greatest advantages of the Masuda Method is the ability to control the characteristics of the Pokémon being bred. Players can influence:
2. Pokémon’s Nature (alignment) using Everstones
3. Individual Values ​​(IVs) using Power Items
4. Abilities by breeding with Pokémon with desired Abilities
5. Moveset by planning the parents’ appropriate movements

Process Optimization

Experienced breeders use various optimization techniques:

• Using Pokémon with Flame Body – reduces the number of steps required to hatch an egg by half
• Cycling in appropriate locations – long, straight routes allow for quick movement
• Batch hatching – collecting a larger number of eggs before hatching
• Box organization – systematically organizing Shiny and breeding Pokémon

Comparison with other Shiny Hunting Methods

The Masuda method offers unique advantages compared to other Shiny Pokémon hunting techniques in Scarlet and Violet:

VS Wild Encounters

• Masuda method: 1/512 with a Shiny Charm
• Wild Encounters: 1/4096 without bonuses

VS Outbreak Method

• Outbreak: 1/512 under optimal conditions, requires active play

VS Sandwich + Outbreak

• Sandwich method: 1/1024

The Masuda method is distinguished by its stability and the ability to obtain competitive-ready shiny Pokémon, making it the preferred method for competitive players.

Common Errors and Problems

Origin Verification

The most common error is incorrectly verifying the Pokémon’s origin. The player must ensure that both parents actually come from different languages ​​– the presence of a language tag in one and the absence of one in the other confirms different origins.

Mythology of Japanese Pokémon

Many people mistakenly believe that Pokémon must be Japanese for the method to work. In reality, the language difference is enough – a French Pokémon with an American Pokémon will work identically to a Japanese Pokémon with an American Pokémon.

Patience – the key to the effectiveness of the Masuda Method

Despite the increased odds, the Masuda method still requires patience. Even with a 1/512 chance, it’s possible to hatch over 1,500 eggs without obtaining a Shiny – this is normal statistical behavior, not a game bug.

The Masuda method remains one of the most reliable and predictable methods for obtaining Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Its effectiveness, combined with the ability to obtain competitive-ready Pokémon, makes it an indispensable tool for any serious Pokémon fan involved in Shiny hunting.