Similarly, picking a generation to hunt in is also an important step- some methods aren't available in some generations, and some Pokémon aren't available in some generations! Make sure the Pokémon you want is in a game you can play, or else you'll have a hard (read: Sisyphean) time hunting for it.

Please also be aware:

1. In generation I, there are no shiny Pokémon.
2. In generation II, female Pokémon with a 1♀ : 7♂ gender ratio cannot be shiny. This was fixed in later generations.
3. In generation III there are no ways to boost your odds of getting a shiny. You can only get a full-odds shiny; also, soft resetting will not work in Emerald due to a glitch.
4. In generation IV, the Masuda method and Poké Radar were introduced. A glitch called the Cute Charm glitch is exclusive to this generation.
• the Masuda method can be performed in any generation IV onwards.
5. In generation V, the Shiny Charm was introduced. It has been in every game since.
• Generation V also introduced the shiny lock, making the box legendaries unable to be shiny.
6. In generation VI, shiny odds were boosted to 1/4096.
• The Poké Radar was reintroduced in this generation.
• Pokémon in the Friend Safari are more likely to be shiny.
• Chain fishing was also introduced in this generation.
7. In generation VII, SOS battles boosted shiny odds.
8. In generation VIII, there are two kinds of shinies, star sparkles and box sparkles. Other than the sparkles, they look the same.
9. In Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, shiny Pokémon appear shiny in the overworld.