In Pokémon Legends: Arceus, your character begins by falling out of the sky (quite literally) and onto the shore of the ancient region of Hisui. In the distant past, you must pay your keep by becoming a part of the Galaxy Expedition Team and learning everything you can about the Pokémon across the region. This sometimes includes paying a visit to Mass Outbreak sites...
As you fill out your Pokédex, report findings to Professor Laventon, and unlock new areas, you will encounter up to 242 Pokémon. Most of them will reside in specific areas, and, occasionally, something strange happens to them. You may find that you've returned to your studies and plan to go battle with Pokémon across Crimson Mirelands or Alabaster Icelands, then you're told that there is a Mass Outbreak occurring.
These are never really explained, but they're good fun, and give you the chance to go shiny hunting. In this guide, we've explained everything you need to know about Mass Outbreaks and hunting for shiny Pokémon during them in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
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+ 2What Are Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Whenever a Mass Outbreak is happening, the Security Corp member who resides by the gates of Jubilife Village will alert you as you're leaving. Once you're out on your excursion, you can check your Arc Phone to see exactly where the Mass Outbreak is happening, and which Pokémon is multiplying at a radical rate.
The amount of Pokémon that spawn during a Mass Outbreak is unknown, but this seems to depend on the species of Pokémon and how many you're able to catch before the Outbreak ends. As you catch the 'mons, more will immediately spawn, but you'll have to be careful of any incoming attacks if you wish to catch 'em all.
click to enlarge + 2What To Do During A Mass Outbreak in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
If a Mass Outbreak is happening in a nearby area, you should act fast and at least go to check it out. Catching these Pokémon in quick succession or battling multiple of them at once is a great way to learn more about them, fill out your Pokédex further, and increase your Survey Corps rank.
How you act depends on the Pokémon and their nature. If it is an aggressive Pokémon, it is best to proceed with caution and use Smoke Bombs or Stealth Spray to catch as many of them as possible while they're unaware. For more skittish Pokémon who tend to flee, you should take the same approach.
However, we found that some Pokémon (see the Tangela above) love people and will even flock to you. We found that Psyduck would do this too. In this case, take advantage and catch as many as possible. However, after you've caught a few, they'll catch on and become angry!
How to Catch Shiny Pokémon During Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Legends: Arceus
Whenever a Mass Outbreak is happening, the chances of a shiny Pokémon appearing is 25x more than normal. Additionally, if you have completed the Pokédex entry for that Pokémon and possess a Shiny Charm, your chances of encountering a shiny are increased to 32x more than normal.
Under the best of circumstances, this means your chances of catching a shiny Pokémon during a Mass Outbreak in Pokémon Legends: Arceus are increased to 8%. This is perhaps one of the best features of the new title, giving players slightly increased chances of encountering extra-rare 'mons. We love to see it.
That's everything there is to know about Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, and we wish you luck catching 'em all. As you wait for a Mass Outbreak to occur, why not check out another strange occurrence in Hisui, known as Space Time Distortion? And there's even more neat Pokémon to be grabbed if you collect all eight gift Pokémon too.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Pokémon Legends Arceus and Guides page.