Tutorials

Are Shiny Pokemon Actually Stronger Than Regular Ones?

Published

1 year ago

September 13, 2023

Are Shiny Pokemon Actually Stronger Than Regular Ones

You’re playing Pokémon and encounter a wild Pokémon. But something seems a little off – its coloration looks different! Upon closer inspection, you realize it’s a rare alternate color variant called a “Shiny” Pokémon. A jolt of excitement surges through you.

But as you prep for battle, a question lingers in your mind – do these Shiny Pokémon have any competitive edge over regular ones? Are they truly stronger, or is the color variation merely cosmetic?

Well trainer, we’re gonna get to the bottom of this question once and for all! Grab your Poké Balls and let’s investigate if Shiny Pokémon really have better stats or are simply visual collectibles.

Table of Contents

Shininess Doesn’t Affect A Pokémon’s Power

In the earlier Pokémon games like Gold, Silver, and Crystal, a Pokémon’s “shininess” was actually determined by their hidden stats, known as IVs (individual values). Certain IV combinations resulted in a chance of the Pokémon being Shiny.

Since higher IVs meant stronger underlying stats, Shiny Pokémon tended to have slightly better Attack IVs on average in Gen 2. So you could say they were slightly stronger than normal ones.

But! This changed in Pokémon Ruby and Sapphire (Gen 3). From that point onward, a Pokémon’s shininess was calculated completely separately from its IVs and stats.

What does this mean? Well, it means that whether a Pokémon turns out Shiny or not is totally random chance – it’s no longer connected to the Pokémon’s IVs or potential battle strengths.

So in all the modern Pokémon games, Shiny Pokémon have precisely the same underlying base stats, IVs, EVs, and movesets as regular versions. A Shiny Charmander will grow up to be the exact same Charizard as a regular one, powers and all!

The bottom line: Shininess is purely visual – it does not make a Pokémon inherently stronger or improve its battling capabilities.

Color Is The Only Difference Between Shinies and Normals

Since a Pokémon’s shininess no longer affects its stats, what exactly makes a Shiny Pokémon special?

Quite simply – its color! Shinies come in alternate colors that set them visually apart from their regular versions. That’s the one and only difference between a Shiny ‘mon and its normal variant.

Some Shinies have very subtle color changes, like Shiny Bulbasaur being a slightly bluer shade of green. Others have super dramatic differences, like red Gyarados instead of its usual blue!

But regardless of the color variation, Shinies provide no extra abilities, moves, stat bonuses, or anything else that would give them an edge in battle. It’s 100% aesthetic.

So you can impress your friends with your hot pink Shiny Espeon as you crush the Elite Four! But it won’t inherently perform better than a regular Espeon at the same level with the same moveset.

Shinies offer zero combat strengths over their regularly colored counterparts. The alternate colors are simply for show.

Rarity And Accomplishment Are The Real Rewards

If Shiny Pokémon aren’t actually stronger, what makes them so gosh darn desirable to catch? Why do people spend hours “Shiny Hunting” trying to find them?

Two key reasons:

Rarity – Shinies are super crazy rare. You only have a 1 in 4096 chance of stumbling across one in the modern games! That tiny chance of finding one makes Shinies feel special.
Sense of accomplishment – Catching a Shiny takes patience and dedication. Tracking down that 1 in 4000 Pokemon gives you a major feeling of achievement once you succeed!

It’s human nature to want rare and difficult things, even if they don’t offer any practical advantage. The prestige and bragging rights that come with catching an elusive Shiny ‘mon are what fuels the thrill of hunting them.

Sure, regular Pokémon can be just as strong in battle. But do any of your friends have a jet black Charizard or a lime green Bulbasaur? Probably not! The color variations that set Shinies apart satisfy collectors and bring exclusive flair to your teams.

And let’s be real – if Shinies were super common and easy to get, they wouldn’t feel nearly as special anymore. It’s the crazy low odds of finding them that make the payoff so sweet when you finally catch one!

Shinies are rewarding because they push your skill, patience, and endurance as a trainer to the limit. Not because they offer any competitive edge.

Shiny Evolutions Retain Their Unique Colors

What happens when you evolve a Shiny Pokémon? Will it stay Shiny, or turn into a regular version of its evolution?

Fear not, trainers! When you evolve a Shiny Pokémon, its evolution will remain Shiny as well!

For example, say you caught a Shiny Eevee. If you evolve that Shiny Eevee into Espeon, Umbreon, or any of Eevee’s other evolutions, they will appear in their unique Shiny coloration.

So collecting a full set of Eevee evolutions in their Shiny forms is totally possible! It just takes a whole lot of Shiny Eevee hunting to make it happen.

This applies to all Pokémon – evolve a Shiny Weedle, and you’ll end up with a colored Beedrill. A Shiny Wimpod will turn into a special Golisopod. And so on!

Shiny versions retain their unique colors when evolved. So you can build complete alternate color Pokédex collections if you have the patience!

Some Legendaries Are “Shiny Locked”

As we’ve covered, Shinies are incredibly rare finds out in the wild. But did you know there are some Pokémon that are totally locked from ever appearing Shiny?

These unobtainable Shiny Pokémon are usually Legendaries or Mythicals. For example, the Legendary titans Regirock, Regice, and Registeel cannot be found in Shiny form in their regular encounters.

Certain Pokémon also have Shiny locks during main story moments. That First Partner Pikachu you received? Sadly unable to be Shiny. Legendaries you catch as part of the plot? Shiny locked as well.

These locks exist to preserve the prestige and exclusivity of certain rare Pokémon. After all, coming across a colored Legendary would be crazy! So they save those for special distributions and events.

That said, through manipulating RNG or participating in Max Raid events, many formerly locked Shinies have become obtainable. So don’t lose hope if you really want a specific Shiny Legend!

While some Pokémon are permanently Shiny locked, most can be found or obtained in Shiny form through hardcore hunting methods.

FAQ

Are Shinies stronger in Pokémon GO?

Nope! Just like the main series games, Shinies in GO offer no combat advantages. A Shiny Vaporeon will have the same CP limit and moves as a regular one. Their rarity and visual appeal are what makes them desirable.

Should I keep or transfer Shinies?

Keep them! Shinies are rare collector’s items. Even if their stats aren’t ideal for battling, you may not come across that particular Shiny again for a very long time, if ever.

How do I tell if a Pokémon is Shiny before catching it?

Watch closely when encountering wild Pokémon! Shinies have alternate colors and a special sparkling animation plays when they appear. If you see any color abnormality, get ready to catch a Shiny!

Are Shadow Pokémon better than Shinies?

Shadow Pokémon deal more damage, but also take more damage. Shinies have no statistical advantages but are much rarer. It depends if you value power or prestige more! Both are cool to collect.

Conclusion

And there you have it, trainers! While Shiny Pokémon are incredibly awesome to discover, they offer no inherent competitive strengths over their regular colored counterparts.

A Pokémon’s shininess is determined purely by chance and has no connection to its potential stats or battling capabilities. The alternate colors are simply a visual treat!

What makes Shinies so coveted are their 1 in 4000 rarity and the immense feeling of accomplishment when you finally encounter one. Plus, they retain their special colors when evolved, allowing for full Shiny collections.

So get out there and start searching! Part of the fun is never knowing when you’ll stumble across the next Shiny. Just don’t expect it to sweep your battles – appreciate it for its aesthetic appeal and the rewards of your dedication as a trainer when you finally catch it!

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Tutorials

How to Fix GTA V Won’t Launch Issue

Published

2 weeks ago

September 8, 2024

Tharu

Key Takeaways:

Check if your system meets the minimum requirements for running GTA V.
Update your game files or verify them through the launcher.
Update your graphics drivers to the latest version.
Run GTA V as administrator and check compatibility mode settings.
Disable background programs that could interfere with the game.
Reinstall or repair Visual C++ Redistributable if there are missing or corrupted files.

If you’re struggling to launch Grand Theft Auto V (GTA V) and it’s stuck on the loading screen or doesn’t start at all, don’t worry—this guide will help you solve the issue step by step. Below, you’ll find several proven fixes that can help you get back into the game in no time.

1. Ensure Your PC Meets the Minimum System Requirements

Before diving into more complex solutions, it’s crucial to make sure your PC meets the minimum requirements for running GTA V. You can check Rockstar Games’ official website to verify the system specifications for your version of the game.

If your system is underpowered or lacking the necessary hardware, upgrading your RAM, graphics card, or other components might be necessary.

Minimum System Requirements:

OS: Windows 7 64-bit and above
Processor: Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 / AMD Phenom 9850
RAM: 4GB
GPU: NVIDIA 9800 GT 1GB / AMD HD 4870 1GB
Storage: 72 GB

If your PC meets or exceeds these specs but GTA V still won’t launch, keep reading.

2. Verify Game Files Through the Launcher

Corrupted or missing game files are a common reason why GTA V fails to launch. You can verify and repair the game files through the Rockstar Games Launcher or the Steam platform.

How to Verify on Rockstar Games Launcher:

Open the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Go to Settings > My Installed Games.
Select Grand Theft Auto V and click Verify Integrity.

How to Verify on Steam:

Open Steam and navigate to Library.
Right-click Grand Theft Auto V and select Properties.
Go to the Local Files tab and click Verify Integrity of Game Files.

This will replace any corrupted or missing files with new ones.

3. Update Graphics Drivers

Outdated or incompatible graphics drivers are a frequent cause of launching issues in GTA V. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed for your graphics card.

How to Update NVIDIA Drivers:

Visit the NVIDIA official website.
Download the latest GeForce Experience software.
Open GeForce Experience and navigate to the Drivers tab.
Install the latest driver.

How to Update AMD Drivers:

Go to the AMD Driver Support page.
Select your GPU model and download the latest driver.
Install and restart your PC.

Regularly updating your drivers can resolve not just GTA V launching issues but also improve overall game performance.

4. Run GTA V as an Administrator

Sometimes, GTA V requires administrative privileges to launch properly. Running the game as an administrator ensures it has the necessary permissions.

Steps to Run as Administrator:

Right-click the GTA V desktop icon or the Rockstar Games Launcher.
Select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box that says Run this program as an administrator.
Click Apply and then OK.

Try launching the game again.

5. Disable Background Programs

Certain background programs, like antivirus software, VPNs, or even other game launchers, can conflict with GTA V and prevent it from launching.

How to Disable Programs:

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager.
Go to the Processes tab.
Look for any unnecessary programs (e.g., antivirus software, VPNs, or overlay programs like Discord) and click End Task.

Once these programs are closed, relaunch GTA V to see if it works.

6. Reinstall or Repair Visual C++ Redistributable

GTA V requires specific versions of Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable to function properly. If these files are missing or corrupted, the game won’t launch.

How to Repair or Reinstall Visual C++ Redistributable:

Press Windows + R and type appwiz.cpl.
Scroll down to Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable.
Right-click and select Repair.

If repairing doesn’t work, download the latest versions from the Microsoft website and install them.

7. Reinstall GTA V (Last Resort)

If none of the above solutions work, reinstalling GTA V might be your last resort. This can solve deeper issues that might be caused by corrupted installation files.

How to Reinstall:

Open Rockstar Games Launcher or Steam.
Uninstall GTA V from your library.
Reinstall the game, ensuring you have a stable internet connection to avoid corrupt downloads.

Conclusion

Getting GTA V up and running after a launch issue can be frustrating, but with the steps outlined above, you’re likely to fix the problem. By verifying game files, updating your drivers, and checking for conflicting software, you can resolve most issues and enjoy the game.

FAQs

1. Why does GTA V keep crashing on launch?

GTA V may crash on launch due to corrupted game files, outdated drivers, or conflicting background programs.

2. How do I update my Rockstar Games Launcher?

To update your Rockstar Games Launcher, simply restart it. If an update is available, it will prompt you to install it automatically.

3. Does reinstalling GTA V delete my saved progress?

No, your saved progress is stored separately in the cloud if you are using a linked account, or locally on your PC. Be sure to back up your save files before reinstalling, just in case.

4. Will updating my drivers improve performance?

Yes, updating your drivers can not only resolve launching issues but also improve overall performance, including frame rates and stability.

5. How do I fix a missing or corrupt .dll file in GTA V?

Reinstall or repair the Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable packages, as .dll issues are often linked to these components.

Tutorials

How to Fix Red Dead Redemption 2 Crashes on High-End PCs: Solutions for RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D Users

Published

2 weeks ago

September 1, 2024

Tharu

How to Fix Red Dead Redemption 2 Crashes on High End PCs Solutions for RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D Users

Key Takeaways

Quick Fix: Adjust game settings and update drivers to stabilize Red Dead Redemption 2 on RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D systems.
Common Issues: High-end hardware like RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D might experience crashes due to driver conflicts, incorrect settings, or overheating.
Step-by-Step Solutions: Detailed steps to resolve crashes, including driver updates, in-game setting adjustments, and checking hardware temperatures.
FAQs: Answers to common questions about optimizing Red Dead Redemption 2 on top-tier hardware.

Red Dead Redemption 2 is an epic game that pushes the boundaries of graphics and gameplay. However, even with top-tier hardware like the RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D, some players face frustrating crashes. You might wonder why your high-end rig isn’t delivering the flawless experience you expected. The good news? There are solutions. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into the common causes of these crashes and provide clear, actionable steps to get you back in the saddle.

Quick Answer: Why Does Red Dead Redemption 2 Crash on High-End PCs?

Even powerful systems can run into trouble with demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. The crashes you’re experiencing are often due to driver issues, overheating, or conflicting in-game settings. By updating drivers, adjusting settings, and monitoring temperatures, you can significantly reduce or eliminate these crashes.

Common Causes of Crashes on RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D

1. Driver Conflicts

Outdated or incompatible drivers can cause stability issues. With high-end GPUs like the RTX 4090, staying up-to-date with the latest NVIDIA drivers is crucial.

2. In-Game Settings

Red Dead Redemption 2 is known for its demanding graphics. Even with powerful hardware, settings like Ultra textures or high-level anti-aliasing can lead to instability.

3. Overheating

Powerful components generate a lot of heat. If your system isn’t adequately cooled, overheating can lead to crashes during intense gaming sessions.

4. Software Conflicts

Background applications or services, especially those that interact with the GPU, can interfere with Red Dead Redemption 2’s performance, causing crashes.

Step-by-Step Guide to Fix Crashes

1. Update Your Drivers

NVIDIA RTX 4090: Head to the NVIDIA website and download the latest drivers for your GPU. Make sure you choose the drivers specifically optimized for Red Dead Redemption 2.
AMD Ryzen 7800X3D: Ensure your chipset drivers are up to date. Visit the AMD website for the latest updates.

2. Adjust In-Game Settings

Textures: While the RTX 4090 can handle Ultra settings, try reducing textures to High to see if stability improves.
Anti-Aliasing: Set this to TAA or FXAA instead of MSAA to reduce the load on your GPU.
V-Sync: Enable V-Sync to avoid screen tearing and potentially stabilize your frame rates.

3. Monitor and Manage Temperatures

Use HWMonitor or MSI Afterburner to keep an eye on your GPU and CPU temperatures. Aim to keep your GPU below 85°C and your CPU below 80°C during gameplay.
Optimize Cooling: Consider improving your case airflow or even upgrading your cooling system if temperatures are consistently high.

4. Close Background Applications

Disable Overlay Software: Applications like NVIDIA GeForce Experience, Discord, or Steam overlay can sometimes conflict with the game. Disable these and test if stability improves.
Clean Boot: Perform a clean boot of your system by disabling unnecessary startup programs that might be hogging resources.

5. Check for Windows Updates

System Stability: Ensure your Windows OS is up to date. Microsoft often releases patches that can improve system stability, especially with new hardware.

6. Tweak Power Settings

Balanced vs. High Performance: Set your power plan to High Performance in the Windows power settings to ensure your CPU and GPU are running at their full potential.

FAQs

1. Why does Red Dead Redemption 2 crash even on a powerful system?

Crashes often occur due to driver conflicts, overheating, or overly aggressive in-game settings, even on high-end systems.

2. Can reducing in-game settings help with stability?

Yes, lowering settings like textures and anti-aliasing can reduce the load on your GPU, improving stability.

3. Is overheating a common issue with RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D?

Yes, overheating can cause crashes, especially in demanding games like Red Dead Redemption 2. Monitoring and managing temperatures is key.

4. How can I ensure my drivers are always up to date?

Use NVIDIA GeForce Experience for GPU drivers and AMD’s auto-detect tool for CPU drivers to stay updated.

5. Does closing background applications really help?

Absolutely, background apps can hog resources and interfere with your game’s performance, leading to crashes.

6. Are Windows updates important for gaming stability?

Yes, keeping Windows updated ensures compatibility with the latest hardware and can improve overall stability.

Conclusion

Dealing with crashes in Red Dead Redemption 2 on a high-end system like the RTX 4090 and Ryzen 7800X3D can be frustrating, but with the right tweaks and updates, you can enjoy a smooth and immersive experience. By following these steps—updating drivers, adjusting in-game settings, managing temperatures, and eliminating background conflicts—you’ll be back to roaming the Wild West without a hitch. Happy gaming!

Tutorials

RDR2 Not Launching: How to Fix ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ Error

Published

3 weeks ago

September 1, 2024

Tharu

RDR2 Not Launching How to Fix Launch Through Rockstar Launcher Error

Key Takeaways

The ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ error in RDR2 is a common issue, especially for new players.
You can solve this error by verifying your game files, updating drivers, or adjusting Windows settings.
We’ll walk you through each fix step by step so you can get back to gaming.

Quick Answer

If RDR2 isn’t launching due to the ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ error, start by verifying the integrity of your game files through the Rockstar Launcher or Steam. Updating your graphics drivers, running the game as an administrator, and disabling certain Windows features like fullscreen optimizations can also help resolve the issue.

Introduction

If you’ve been eagerly waiting to dive into the vast open world of Red Dead Redemption 2 (RDR2) but are stopped by the frustrating ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ error, you’re not alone. Many players, especially beginners, face this issue. It can be incredibly annoying, especially when all you want to do is ride through the Wild West. The good news? This error is usually easy to fix. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most effective solutions, step by step, so you can get back to gaming without any more headaches.

Verify Game Files

The first thing you should try when facing this error is verifying the integrity of your game files. This simple step can fix corrupt or missing files that might be causing the issue.

How to Verify Game Files

Through Rockstar Launcher:
- Open the Rockstar Launcher.
- Go to your Library.
- Click on Red Dead Redemption 2.
- Select Options (three dots next to the Play button).
- Click Verify Integrity.
- Wait for the process to complete and then try launching the game again.
Through Steam:
- Open Steam.
- Right-click on Red Dead Redemption 2 in your Library.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Local Files tab.
- Click Verify Integrity of Game Files.
- Once done, restart Steam and try launching RDR2.

This step often resolves issues where the game won’t start due to corrupted or missing files.

Update Your Graphics Drivers

Outdated or corrupt graphics drivers can prevent RDR2 from launching correctly. Ensuring your drivers are up-to-date is crucial for a smooth gaming experience.

How to Update Graphics Drivers

For NVIDIA Users:
- Open GeForce Experience.
- Go to the Drivers tab.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Download and install any available updates.
For AMD Users:
- Open AMD Radeon Software.
- Go to the Updates tab.
- Click Check for Updates.
- Install any available updates.
Manual Update:
- Visit the official website of your graphics card manufacturer.
- Search for your specific model.
- Download and install the latest driver version.

Updating your drivers is a vital step in ensuring RDR2 runs smoothly and without errors.

Run the Game as Administrator

Running the game or the Rockstar Launcher with elevated permissions can sometimes resolve launch issues. Here’s how to do it.

How to Run RDR2 as Administrator

For the Rockstar Launcher:
- Right-click the Rockstar Launcher icon on your desktop.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.
- Try launching the game again.
For RDR2:
- Navigate to the game’s installation directory.
- Right-click on RDR2.exe.
- Select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab.
- Check the box next to Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and then OK.

Running the game as an administrator can resolve issues related to insufficient permissions that prevent the game from launching.

Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Fullscreen optimizations in Windows can sometimes cause problems with games. Disabling this feature might help if you’re experiencing the ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ error.

How to Disable Fullscreen Optimizations

Navigate to the RDR2 installation folder.
Right-click on RDR2.exe.
Select Properties.
Go to the Compatibility tab.
Check the box next to Disable fullscreen optimizations.
Click Apply and then OK.

This setting can improve compatibility and performance by turning off certain Windows features that might interfere with the game.

Check Your Antivirus and Firewall

Your antivirus or firewall might mistakenly block RDR2 from launching, thinking it’s a threat. You can try adding the game and the Rockstar Launcher to the exception list to prevent this from happening.

How to Add Exceptions in Antivirus/Firewall

For Windows Defender:
- Open Windows Security.
- Go to Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Manage settings under Virus & threat protection settings.
- Scroll down to Exclusions and click Add or remove exclusions.
- Click Add an exclusion and select Folder.
- Add the RDR2 installation folder.
For Third-Party Antivirus:
- Open your antivirus software.
- Go to the Exclusions or Whitelist section.
- Add the RDR2 installation folder and the Rockstar Launcher executable.

This step helps in ensuring your antivirus or firewall isn’t the culprit behind the launch issue.

Reinstall the Rockstar Launcher

If all else fails, reinstalling the Rockstar Launcher could solve the problem. A fresh install might remove any corrupt files or settings that are causing the error.

How to Reinstall the Rockstar Launcher

Open Control Panel and go to Programs and Features.
Find the Rockstar Launcher in the list of installed programs.
Right-click and select Uninstall.
Follow the on-screen instructions to remove the launcher.
Visit the official Rockstar Games website.
Download the latest version of the Rockstar Launcher.
Install it and try launching RDR2 again.

Reinstalling the launcher can often resolve stubborn issues by replacing any corrupt or missing files.

Conclusion

Facing the ‘Launch Through Rockstar Launcher’ error in Red Dead Redemption 2 can be frustrating, but with these steps, you should be back in the saddle in no time. From verifying your game files to updating drivers and adjusting settings, each fix is designed to tackle the problem head-on. If one solution doesn’t work, try the next, and you’ll soon find yourself back in the wilds of RDR2.