Shiny hunting has always been one of the most rewarding challenges in Pokémon games, and Pokémon Legends ZA is no exception. Among the many sought-after shinies, Froakie — the beloved Water-type starter — stands out as a fan favorite. In this guide, we’ll break down two reliable methods to shiny hunt Froakie based on Rafel’s latest gameplay breakdown, while also sharing some key insights to make your shiny hunt smoother and more efficient.

Where to Find Froakie in Pokémon Legends ZA

To begin your shiny hunt, you’ll need access to Wild Zone 16, an area unlocked in the later part of the main story. This location is home to Froakie, which spawns on top of a stone pillar near the main gate of the zone. Other starters like Fennekin and Chespin can be found in nearby areas, but if your goal is a shiny Froakie, this is the place to focus on.

Once you arrive, you’ll easily spot a regular Froakie perched on the structure. From here, you can use one of two primary methods to reset its spawn and roll for that rare shiny appearance.

Method 1: The Classic Run-and-Reset Technique

This is the most consistent and widely recommended method.

Start from the main gate near the Froakie’s spawn point.

Run forward until you reach the manhole cover with a Greninja symbol — this marks the despawn boundary.

Once Froakie disappears from its perch, turn around and head back to the spawn area.

Each reset gives you a new chance for a shiny Froakie. To confirm that the method is working, observe whether the new spawn changes — for example, an Alpha Froakie might appear during one run and a normal Froakie on the next. This confirms that the spawn cycle is active and functioning properly.

The key here is patience and rhythm. This method doesn’t require complex setups — just persistence. Keep repeating the run between the gate and the Greninja manhole, and you’ll eventually encounter your shiny.

Method 2: The Fly-and-Reset Shortcut

If you prefer a faster but slightly less predictable method, you can use the Wild Zone 5 waypoint for quick resets.

By flying between Wild Zone 5 and Wild Zone 16, you essentially “reload” the area’s Pokémon spawns. This can occasionally result in shiny Froakie appearing instantly upon arrival. However, this approach has an interesting side benefit: you might encounter other shiny Pokémon, such as Medicham or Aerodactyl, that share spawn proximity with Froakie.

While this method involves more map transitions and loading screens, it’s ideal for players who want variety in their shiny hunting experience rather than focusing on a single target.

Which Method Is Better?

Both techniques are viable, but Method 1 (run-and-reset) tends to be the fastest and most efficient for Froakie specifically. It allows for tight control over the respawn timing, making it easier to maintain a consistent rhythm and quickly spot any shiny appearance.

That said, the fly-and-reset strategy remains an excellent alternative if you’re simultaneously interested in multiple shiny Pokémon in the same region.

Extra Tips for Shiny Hunters

Save before starting: Always save your game right before initiating your shiny hunt. This helps preserve your progress in case you make a mistake or accidentally knock out the shiny.

Use audio cues: Shiny Pokémon in Legends ZA often have a distinct sparkle sound when they spawn — keep your volume on to avoid missing it.

Optimize your route: Use visual landmarks like the Greninja manhole to keep your runs consistent.

Consider item boosts: Some players choose to buy Shiny Pokemon ZA services or resources that help improve shiny odds in general gameplay. While not necessary, these can save time for those seeking a complete shiny collection.

If you’re expanding your hunt beyond Froakie, you can also buy Shiny Pokemon Legends ZA collections to compare spawns and strategies with other rare species.

Shiny hunting in Pokémon Legends ZA captures the perfect blend of patience and reward. Whether you prefer the steady pace of the run-and-reset method or the fast resets of flying between Wild Zones, the process is as exciting as it is rewarding. Stay persistent, track your resets, and eventually, that gleaming Shiny Froakie will be yours.