In regards to the "Cross-walk Method" for shinies || Why it doesn't work
Before I say anything, I'd just like to say that this is not meant to be rude to the person who invented this method, nor the people who believed it. I totally thought it was cool, and I totally say that if it feels right, then do it. However, I want to share this.
Basically I'll be telling you that the cross-walk method will not increase shiny chance. All you're doing in encountering, and paying more attention instead of a randomized mindless approach.
Each tile of grass in the friend safari has the exact rate throughout (assumed to be around 512 based on empirical evidence). This means that every pokemon you encounter has a 1/512 chance of being shiny. Basically, you can never encounter your shiny or get it in one encounter. With that said- that means that each piece of grass is individual and is not correlated. This works the exact same way as every pokemon game ever made including fan-games.
*Note that the shining charm does not work in the FS.
Fact 2: Exploiting Algorithms
For those of you who are unaware of what RNG abuse is, it is the exploitation of the random number generator in generations 3-5 using predictable algorithms. With that said, the RNG in X and Y is fairly different and is non-abusable, but still a similar concept. When you enter the game, you are given a seed based on various factors such as the time you enter in the game etc. This means that when you get a shiny is virtually pre-determined based on the RNG of the 3ds. Though we're unable to abuse this, it still is the same. The only way to manipulate this is to use the pokeradar- which is unable to be used within the premises of the safari.
"But it worked for me!" - Explaination
When I was a kid, there was a really cool concept that if you held 'a' when throwing a pokeball it would act as a masterball. Back then, it totally worked! But when I did it, I thought it was my fault that I didn't press 'a' long enough, or let go too early.
Basically, this is a case of classical conditioning:
- When you do the method and get a shiny, you believe it works.
- When you do it and you don't, you believe you messed up somewhere/you're unlucky
- When you do get your shiny, you are re-inforced that it 'works'- getting conditioned to complete the same task to believe it works. This constant conditioning is falsely making you believe that this task will reward you, when in reality, the 'reward' of the shiny is from generally walking around.
Also... I'm someone who walked into a safari and got a shiny. There was no 'crosswalk'. It was random.
The crosswalk method 'works' because you are raking up random encounters in a high shiny rate zone. It also gives you a sense of security that you can possibly manipulate the frequency of the shiny. I promise you, unless a producer states otherwise, it's just urban legend.
- A lot of us take these (Including me) and go about it the wrong way. Your goal isn't to prove that it works. All I see is people posting pictures of shinies saying that it worked for them- when you should be trying to disprove it. If you think it works, try to disprove it. Trying to prove it isn't doing you any favors- if it cannot be disproved, then it's real.
- Don't stop doing it just because it's not an actual method. Just don't go around saying it increases shiny rate- because it is impossible. It's okay to have pokemon rituals! I press [b] + [a] each time I throw a pokeball for good luck, though I know it does nothing.
- My suggestion is have something up like youtube or a tv with your 3ds volume up, encountering randomly. Using this method requires brain power, so this is more mindless and as effective.
I really hope that didn't come across as harsh. I wanted to let you guys know that this is the truth, as disappointing as it is. I really wish it were real, but it can't be at all. There will always be things like this in the community, but make sure it is 100% true with impherical evidence for and against with averages, proving and trying to disprove it.
I really hope I didn't just read a few odd articles and misinterpreted it- because I read exactly that this 'increases the shinies you encounter'.
I hope this helped! If anyone needs help filling their pokedex, please let me know. If you're desperate to get your charm, I will be happy to help as much as I can.
I am also free to RNG for you guys- even if it's just for IVs. I want to help for real. I know how frustrating this is. I'm on my 2000th eevee egg with SC and MM, and nothing- So I'm happy to help!
