How to Change Outbreaks in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Mass outbreaks are a feature that was present in previous Pokémon games and will be brought back for Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet. Trainers get the opportunity to capture Pokemon that are often impossible to obtain or extremely rare during outbreaks. Because of this, individuals that are working to finish off their Pokédexes will find that having this feature return is a great help.

This feature, which has also been referred to as swarms, was first available from Generation II to Generation V but was then removed. It has since made a comeback in more recent games such as Pokemon Legends Arceus and Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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What are Mass Outbreaks?

The term “Mass Outbreak” refers to the phenomenon that takes place when a specific species of Pokemon suddenly populates a certain area in great numbers. In previous games, the players’ televisions or other devices will typically serve as the notification source most of the time.

Mass Outbreaks will show up on your map in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and players will be able to experience mass outbreaks every day. The Pokémon that show up will be different each day, and their appearances will be determined randomly.

You can go to the location where there is a Mass Outbreak and battle or capture the Pokemon that are there. When you have successfully taken care of around 20 to 30 of the featured Pokemon, a message will appear informing you that the outbreak is beginning to wane. As soon as you have vanquished between 100 and 120 of the featured Pokemon, the Mass Outbreak will end completely.

People who want to hunt shiny Pokemon of a specific species will find that Mass Outbreaks are a great opportunity. Your chances of running into a shiny Pokemon go up by a small amount for every 20–30 Pokemon you catch. It is also possible to use outbreaks in conjunction with the Shiny Charm and the power of Shiny Sandwiches in order to increase the success rate of your Shiny hunting.

How to Change the Pokemon in the Mass Outbreak

As was mentioned earlier, the Pokemon that make an appearance in the Mass Outbreaks change on a daily basis. Changing the time settings on your Nintendo Switch is therefore the only way to alter the Pokemon that are available to catch.

You will need to navigate to the system settings of your Switch and change the day by setting the clock to 23:59. Once you have done this, you can save your changes.

It is not necessary for you to exit and re-enter your game because this method can be applied successfully even if the game is left open and running the entire time.

Final Thoughts

The Mass Outbreaks feature in the Pokemon games is a fantastic feature that makes it easier for players to complete their Pokedex or increase their chances of discovering a Shiny version of their chosen Pokemon. 

Players are undoubtedly relieved to see that it has been brought back, and it is highly probable that they will take full advantage of this returning feature in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.

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