This page details everything you need to know about Mass Outbreaks in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, including what they are and how to find them!

What is a Mass Outbreak?¶

Mass Outbreaks are outbreaks of specific Pokémon that happen across Paldea. During a Mass Outbreak, you’ll be able to battle between 100-120 of the same Pokémon until the mass outbreak disperses. When you come across a Mass Outbreak, you’ll probably find between 10 and 20 of the same Pokémon, but they’ll keep respawning until you hit 100-120 and then it ends. You can use the Let’s Go! feature to keep beating up the Pokémon and respawning more in. This can also be a great way to farm XP and specific items!

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A Mass Outbreak means that you’ll be able to spawn in 100-120 of the same Pokémon!

How to Find a Mass Outbreak¶

Mass Outbreaks are events that happen all across the Paldea map. Multiple outbreaks can happen at once, and to find one, open up your map and look either for a black ? with a shiny background or a Pokémon with a shiny background (see pictures below). You can also just randomly come across one when you’re travelling around - just keep an eye out for a pop up message on the top right side of your screen that informs you if there’s a Mass Outbreak nearby!

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(1 of 2) If you’ve encountered the Pokémon before, its face will show up on the map during a Mass Outbreak

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If you’ve encountered the Pokémon before, its face will show up on the map during a Mass Outbreak (left), if its a new Pokémon then it’ll have a question mark on the map. (right)

How to Find a Shiny in Mass Outbreaks¶

During Mass Outbreaks, you’ll have a slightly increased chance of also finding Shinies. After around 20 to 30 Pokémon are defeated or captured, you will have an increased chance of 1 additional roll at a chance of being Shiny. After battling or capturing another 20 to 30 Pokémon, you’ll have a total of 2 additional Shiny Rolls.

You can increase your odds even further by holding a Shiny Charm or by eating Sandwiches that increase your Shiny finding rates!

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Mass Outbreaks are great for increasing your chance of finding Shinies!