Since its release, Pokemon Legends: Z-A players have found ways to increase their chances of finding shiny Pokemon. Some of these methods are legit; some may be on the border of exploitation.
One of the most popular methods, the “spawn overload,” has been the crux of many a shiny hunting adventure to this point. However, unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end, and with Pokemon Legends: Z-A version 2.0 and the release of the Mega Dimension DLC, that method has been removed from the game.
Spawn Overload Shiny Hunting Is No More In Pokemon Legends: Z-A
The “spawn overload” shiny hunting method saw players tricking Pokemon Legends: Z-A into filling multiple spawn points in the same general location at the same time. It allowed six alpha Pokemon to spawn under the tower in Wild Zone 20, allowed you to get three Chespin in Wild Zone 17, and allowed you to overload another section of Wild Zone 20 to regularly spawn Charmander and Tepig, among others.
The method survived a couple of early updates, but as of today, with the release of the Mega Dimension DLC, it is no more.
Pokemon Legends: Z-A’s Rarest Shiny Has Odds Of More Than One In Three Million
Good luck getting that one, trainers.
The news was first reported by Papa Jefè, a prominent YouTuber who had made numerous guides on how to maximize the spawn overloads. These videos were viewed tens of thousands of times (including by myself), with detailed information on exactly how to overload various sections of Legends: Z-A’s map.
Breaking the news, he said, “Early test results appear to show that Spawn Overloading is in fact… patched. Let me know your own test results, but I’m unable to make extra spawns appear in Z20, Z17, Turbo Tree, etc. Tried known working methods on Switch 1 and Switch 2 versions.”
Usually, the suggestion would be not to update your game, leaving it at the previous version. However, as the method requires you to quit out of Legends: Z-A multiple times, the game will update itself. You can always try disconnecting your Nintendo Switch from the internet to bypass the update, though. Whatever happens, it’s a major blow for shiny hunters.
Early test results appear to show that Spawn Overloading is in fact… patched.
The rest of the patch notes for version 2.0.0 read:
Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC Additional Story Content Now Available:
- Players who have purchased the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC (sold separately) can now enjoy its additional story content.
- To progress through the story of the Mega Dimension DLC, you must first have completed the main story of Pokémon Legends: Z-A. For more details about Mega Dimension, please visit the official website:
New Pokémon:
- Players who have not purchased the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Mega Dimension DLC can still encounter or obtain the Pokémon added to Mega Dimension via communication features.
Fixes Applied:
- Several issues have been fixed.
- Released
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October 16, 2025
- ESRB
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Everyone 10+ / Fantasy Violence, In-Game Purchases
- Publisher(s)
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Nintendo, The Pokemon Company
