For players diving into Pokémon Legends ZA, acquiring a shiny Larvitar can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. In this guide, I’ll break down two of the most effective methods I’ve tested, providing detailed steps and insights to help streamline your shiny hunting journey. Whether you prefer an active approach or a more AFK-friendly method, this guide has you covered.

Method 1: Zone 15 Rooftop Spawns

The first method involves heading to Zone 15, specifically a rooftop area accessible via the hollow elevator near Café Kizuna. On this rooftop, three Larvitar spawn in a relatively small area. While the idea of three targets might sound promising, the reality is that shiny chances remain extremely low, and patience is crucial.

Here’s the step-by-step process:

Approach the rooftop and locate the three Larvitar.

Move approximately 70–80 meters away to force them to despawn.

Return to the area, and the Larvitar will respawn once you’re around 40 meters away.

Repeat this back-and-forth method, checking each time for shininess.

An alternative within this method involves knocking out all three Larvitar before they respawn. The process is as follows:

Just before the two-minute respawn timer, save the game.

Use a move like Earthquake to defeat all three simultaneously.

Exit and reload the game, ensuring you saved before respawn.

Check if any are shiny, and repeat as necessary.

Despite appearing efficient, I found this method time-consuming and luck-dependent. After extensive testing, shinies were elusive, but for those seeking the thrill of active hunting, this approach can still be engaging.

Method 2: Zone 13 AFK-Friendly Strategy

For players looking for a simpler and less hands-on approach, Zone 13 offers an effective alternative. This method allows for AFK-friendly shiny hunting, which is particularly convenient for multitasking.

Here’s how to proceed:

Spawn in Wild Zone 18 and head towards the hollow elevator near Zone 13.

Use the rooftop route—rolling off ledges and gliding—to reach the Larvitar spawn point. A ladder may be an alternative if you don’t have glide abilities.

Once you locate the Larvitar, use a nearby bench as a save point. Sleeping repeatedly at this bench allows for repeated respawns while you AFK.

Using a macro controller (optional), you can automate the process for hours without manual input.

During my testing, I successfully obtained two shiny Larvitar within roughly two hours while AFKing. This method proves efficient for players seeking a low-effort strategy, allowing them to focus on other tasks or simply relax while hunting.

Additional Tips

Experiment with Pokéball types: While I usually don’t match Pokéballs to Pokémon, many players have found increased catch success using specific Pokéballs.

Patience is key: Even with optimized methods, shiny hunting is inherently luck-driven. Persistence will eventually pay off.

For players interested in shortcuts, options to buy shiny Pokemon Legends ZA or buy alpha shiny Pokemon ZA exist, though hunting them manually can be far more satisfying and rewarding.

In Pokémon Legends ZA, shiny Larvitar hunting can be approached in two primary ways: the active Zone 15 rooftop method and the AFK-friendly Zone 13 strategy. Both methods have pros and cons—while Zone 15 requires hands-on patience and repetitive checking, Zone 13 allows for automated, low-effort hunting. By following these strategies, players can significantly improve their chances of adding a shiny Larvitar to their collection.