Pokemon’s Latest Shiny Giveaway is a Tale of Two Sinnoh Regions

Pokémon fans can earn two highly coveted shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Home, but the path to claim them presents unique challenges depending on which Sinnoh region you’re revisiting.

Fans of the Pokémon franchise have a rare opportunity to snag two shiny Pokémon in Pokémon Home—shiny Enamorus and shiny Manaphy. However, the journey to earn these legendary creatures differs dramatically, as they are tied to completing the Hisui Dex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the Sinnoh Dex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, respectively. Despite both regions sharing a connection, the gameplay experience and challenges posed by these two tasks couldn't be more different, revealing two very different sides of an iconic Pokémon region.

A Tale of Two Sinnoh Regions

While the Hisui and Sinnoh regions are technically the same in Pokémon lore—just separated by time—the gameplay experience between Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the remakes Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl could not be more distinct. Legends: Arceus introduced action-RPG mechanics and real-time creature capturing, a dramatic shift from the series' traditional turn-based approach. Meanwhile, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl took the classic Sinnoh games and remade them with a more traditional, yet outdated, feel. This contrast makes completing each Pokedex for the shiny rewards a very different experience, with one more enjoyable than the other.

The Allure of Shiny Enamorus in Pokémon Legends: Arceus

For many fans, Pokémon Legends: Arceus was a refreshing take on the franchise. The game’s open-world exploration and real-time monster capturing made completing the Pokedex far more engaging than in past titles. Earning shiny Enamorus by completing the Hisui Dex is an exciting challenge for fans who haven't revisited Legends: Arceus since its release.

While there are some hurdles, like tracking down all the wisps needed to access Spiritomb, the game’s dynamic gameplay makes the Pokedex completion process feel rewarding. Features such as the use of Ride Pokémon like Wyrdeer and Braviary streamline the often tedious task of hunting for elusive Pokémon. This adds a sense of adventure and ease to the process, making it one of the most enjoyable Pokedex completion experiences in the series. As a result, earning shiny Enamorus becomes a well-deserved and satisfying reward for completing the Hisui Dex.

The Struggles of Completing the Sinnoh Dex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl

On the flip side, the Sinnoh Dex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl is a more tedious and divisive undertaking. Released only a few months before Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the remakes of Diamond and Pearl failed to meet many fans' expectations. Many players were hoping for a full remake of Pokémon Platinum, but the decision to stick with the original Diamond and Pearl versions meant the games retained much of the pacing and design flaws from those early titles.

The Sinnoh Pokedex in BDSP is also somewhat limited, missing certain Pokémon available in the post-game, like Gliscor and Yanmega, and those exclusive to the Grand Underground. This limits the total number of Pokémon needed to complete the Pokedex, but that doesn’t make the experience any less frustrating. Traversing the Sinnoh region is significantly slower and more restrictive than in Legends: Arceus, as players are forced to use outdated mechanics like HMs and are hindered by awkward hitboxes when cycling or surfing.

For many fans, the thought of earning shiny Manaphy may not be enough to make the grind worthwhile, especially when compared to the far more rewarding experience of completing the Hisui Dex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.

Conclusion: The Shiny Enamorus and Manaphy Giveaway Offers Two Different Paths

While the shiny Pokémon giveaway in Pokémon Home gives players a chance to earn two iconic shinies, the journey to claim them varies drastically depending on the game you’re revisiting. For those willing to tackle the challenge, completing the Hisui Dex in Pokémon Legends: Arceus is far more enjoyable and rewarding, thanks to the game’s innovative mechanics and streamlined traversal. In contrast, completing the Sinnoh Dex in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl can feel like a slog, given the game’s restrictive mechanics and slower pace.

Ultimately, the shiny Enamorus reward feels like a far more appealing prize for most players, offering an experience that blends adventure with a satisfying sense of accomplishment. Meanwhile, the shiny Manaphy in BDSP may be more of a challenge than many fans are willing to endure.