If you use an auto-renamer that reads notes from shinydat, use a simple rule line at the top like: #RENAME:species:iv%:shiny?S: Example rule (not required for all tools): #RENAME:species:iv%if shiny then S
If you downloaded a shinydat file from a forum, Discord, or YouTube link:
If you executed the file, consider factory resetting your device if you suspect a rootkit or persistent malware.
In cheat communities, shinydat is sometimes claimed to be:
None of these are real. Shiny status is determined server-side by Niantic. No local file can force a shiny spawn. The only thing PGSharp can do is automatically flee from non-shiny Pokémon, which is a built-in feature (no external file needed).
Some advanced users invert the logic. Instead of showing all possible shinies, they use a notshiny.txt. This file blocks common, worthless spawns so you only see rare or unconfirmed shiny possibilities.
In simple terms, a shiny.dat file is a custom data file that modifies how Pokémon are displayed on the Pgsharp map. When loaded correctly, it adds a special indicator (like a different color or icon) to wild spawns that are shiny-eligible or already confirmed as shiny variations.
Without this file, Pgsharp will show all Pokémon normally. With it, you can:
Note: The ShinyDat file does not guarantee a shiny catch. It only shows you which spawns can be shiny or have a shiny model.
Let's move from theory to practice. Follow these steps meticulously.
The biggest risk in this ecosystem is malware. Malicious actors sometimes distribute fake shiny.dat files that contain scripts or junk data. Only use sources from well-known PGSharp communities.
