Just when you thought you were finally free, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet have decided to drop an event that’s giving major group project energy, and not in a good way. 🙃 A new global event series, “Challenge the Shiny Treasures of Ruin!”, is basically asking the entire player base to team up and defeat each of the four Ruin legendaries-Wo-Chien, Chien-Pao, Ting-Lu, and Chi-Yu-a casual . If we collectively manage to not flop, a shiny version of that Pokémon will be distributed to everyone. Say less.
So What’s the Catch? (There’s Always a Catch)
Here’s the tea. These legendaries will pop up in 5-star Tera Raids, but you can’t actually catch them. No, that would be too easy. You’re there for one reason and one reason only: to add another KO to the global counter. All of the work, none of the immediate reward. It’s a thankless job, but someone’s gotta do it for that shiny drip.
To even participate, you need to connect your Switch to the internet, get the latest Poké Portal News, and have a paid Nintendo Switch Online membership to raid with others. Yes, your wallet is crying. We know.
Event Schedule: Don’t Be Late 🗓️
The event is split into parts, so you can’t just grind it all out in one weekend. Procrastinators, this is your nightmare.
- Shiny Wo-Chien: Friday, August 8, 2025, to Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Shiny Chien-Pao: Friday, August 22, 2025, to Tuesday, September 30, 2025
- Shiny Ting-Lu & Chi-Yu: Dates are still TBD. They’re gatekeeping the rest of the schedule, which is such a vibe.
How to Not Be a Liability in Raids
Look, we’re all in this together, so please don’t be the person who brings a level 50 Sprigatito to a 5-star raid. For the love of Arceus, level up your Pokémon to 100 and optimize their stats. Here’s a cheat sheet so you don’t embarrass yourself.
Wo-Chien (The Moody Snails)
This Grass/Dark type has a 4x weakness to Bug, so it’s time for your bug Pokémon to finally shine. It’s also weak to Fire, Ice, and Fairy. Top-tier picks include Armarouge, Ogerpon (Hearthflame Mask), and Cinderace. Honestly, Ogerpon with Ivy Cudgel is going to eat.
Chien-Pao (The Angsty Weasel)
This Dark/Ice kitty is entering its flop era with a massive 4x weakness to Fighting. This is where you bring out the big guns. Iron Hands is the obvious choice, because of course it is. That thing is in every raid guide. Annihilape and Gallade also put in major work here.
Ting-Lu & Chi-Yu (The Other Two)
For the Dark/Ground moose Ting-Lu, you’ll want Water, Grass, or Ice types. Think Azumarill or Baxcalibur. And for the fiery fish Chi-Yu, Water and Ground types are your best friends. Gastrodon will absorb its attacks for breakfast, and Azumarill makes another appearance. Versatile queen.
Okay, So How Do I Get My Shiny? ✨
If-and that’s a big if-the community hits the one million KOs for each Pokémon, codes for the shiny versions will be dropped on the official Pokémon website and socials. The catch? The codes will be released at a “later, as-yet-unannounced date.” The suspense is killing me. Or not.
So, is this a thinly veiled attempt to get us all logging back in and grinding for hours? Obviously. Am I still going to do it for a pixelated creature with a different color palette? Absolutely. Now get out there and start battling. Don’t make me do all the work.
