Pokemon Scarlet & Violet Ruinous Shrines Guide: Where and how to find all Ruinous Shrines
Many Pokemon games have Legendary Pokemon that players can discover and capture outside of the main box legends assigned to each game; Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet are, of course, one of them. We've already covered where you can find all of the Ominous Stakes that you'll need to remove in order to unseal their shrines - but if you want some more details about where to actually find where these Pokemon are being held without outright being spoiled, here's all you'll need to know.
How to unlock the Ruinous Shrine locations
Did you know that an NPC can actually mark the locations for all 4 of the shrines on your map? It's true; the Academy's History teacher, Raifort, will actively task you with capturing all 4 of the Ruinous Pokemon, and will mark the locations of their shrines on your map if you talk to her after completing all of the History track at the Academy. While we have a guide going over every class and the answers for their exams, here's what you'll specifically want to answer to get the shrines marked on your map in-game:
History Midterm
- What is the name of the geological formation in the center of the Paldea region?
- The Great Crater of Paldea
- What was long believed to rest in the depths of Area Zero?
- Treasure
- How many years ago did the Paldean Empire begin to rule this region?
- Approximately 2,000 years ago
- How many years ago was this academy built?
- 805 years ago
- Those seeking _______ need look no further than the oranges of Paldea.
- Knowledge
History Final
- What is the area within the Great Crater of Paldea called?
- Area Zero
- How many years ago was this academy founded?
- 805 years ago
- Which of these did not appear in the Paldean fairytale about the four treasures?
- A folding fan
- Which Area Zero Expedition member wrote the record of the team's activities?
- Heath
- How many years ago did Professor Sada invent Tera Orbs?
- 10 years ago
Once you've completed with the final exam, return to the Academy's lobby and find Raifort standing off to the side on the main floor; talk with her, and after she enlists your help with capturing the 4 Ruinous Legends she'll mark your in-game map with the locations of the 4 shrines that they are housed in.
Where to find each Ruinous Shrine
If you don't want to go through the trouble of unlocking their locations yourself, we have screenshots of what Raifort will give you embedded down below, as well as a description for which of the shrines will house which Legendary Pokemon - in-case you're aiming for a specific Ruinous Legend, of course.
Chien-Pao's Icerend Shrine
Chien-Pao's shrine can be found in West Provence, at the location marked above. Chien-Pao is an Ice/Dark-type Pokemon in the shape of a weasel, with fangs made up of a cursed broken sword.
Chi-Yu's Firescourge Shrine
Chi-Yu's shrine can be found in North Provence, though perhaps Northeast is the better description. Chi-Yu is a Fire/Dark-type Pokemon in the form of a flaming fish; the only tangible portion of the Pokemon being made up of the cursed beads that the Pokemon sprung forth from in ancient times.
Ting-Lu's Groundblight Shrine
Ting-Lu's shrine can be found in North Provence, albeit in the Northwestern portion of the map, directly north of the region's gigantic lake. Ting-Lu is a Ground/Dark-type Pokemon that resembles a deer or moose; the bowl or vase which the Pokemon coalesced from is attached to its antlers at the base, and sits atop the Pokemon's head.
Wo-Chien's Grasswither Shrine
Wo-Chien's shrine can be found in South Provence, on the Southeastern regions of the map. Wo-Chien is a Grass/Dark-type Pokemon that inhabits the form of a snail, with the tablets that record its cursed magic making up its shell.
Once you've found all 4 of the Ruinous Legends, don't forget to return to Raifort to receive the praise for your efforts. You don't actually get much for doing so, but you wouldn't want to leave her hanging, would you? Either way - good luck!