Imagine catching rare, shimmering Pokémon without lifting a finger—sounds too good to be true, right? Well, in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it’s not just possible; it’s already happening. Released just yesterday, the game has already seen players uncover a mind-blowing exploit that lets them farm Shiny Pokémon—those coveted, alternate-colored creatures—without even touching their controllers. Yes, you read that right. And this is the part most people miss: the game’s new mechanics make Shiny hunting easier than ever, but this method takes it to a whole new level of hands-off efficiency.
Here’s the deal: in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Shiny Pokémon no longer despawn once they appear in the overworld. That means they stick around until you either catch them or knock them out, eliminating the heart-stopping fear of losing them mid-hunt. This change alone is a game-changer for Shiny hunters, but players have already found a way to exploit it further. In Wild Zone 3, there’s a specific building where walking through the entrance transports you to the roof. Here’s the clever part: by rigging your controller’s left stick with a hair tie or rubber band to constantly push backward, your character will automatically walk back and forth between the entrance and the roof. Each time you pass through, new Pokémon spawn—but any Shiny Pokémon already present stay put. The result? You can leave the game running for hours and return to a treasure trove of Shinies waiting to be caught.
But here’s where it gets controversial: this method is so efficient that some players are running multiple instances of the game simultaneously, racking up Shinies with zero effort. Clips have already surfaced of trainers snagging multiple Shiny Pokémon in just a few hours, all while AFK (away from keyboard). For example, one player tweeted about catching four different Shinies in the same area, while another boasted about securing a Shiny Alpha Litleo without breaking a sweat. Even Professor Rex, a well-known Pokémon personality, chimed in, calling this the future of Shiny hunting in 2025.
Now, this isn’t without its downsides. While it’s undeniably effective, it’s also a surefire way to accelerate Joy-Con drift—that pesky issue where your controller’s analog stick starts moving on its own. So, if you decide to try this, proceed with caution. But the bigger question is: does this method cheapen the Shiny hunting experience? Some players argue that the thrill of the hunt lies in the effort and patience required, and this exploit feels like cheating. Others see it as a clever use of the game’s mechanics. What do you think? Is this a genius hack or a step too far? Let’s debate it in the comments—but first, grab your hair ties and get ready to redefine what it means to be a Shiny hunter in Pokémon Legends: Z-A.
