What Pokeball Do Eggs Hatch Into? The Definitive Guide
So, you’ve got a Pokémon egg, and you’re anxiously awaiting its hatching. A burning question plagues every aspiring Pokémon trainer: What Pokéball will that little critter emerge from? The simple answer: the egg will hatch into a Pokéball inherited from the mother Pokémon or a standard Pokéball in specific scenarios involving Ditto or certain special balls. This inheritance mechanic, introduced in later generations, adds another layer of strategy and customization to breeding. But, like any good mechanic, it comes with nuances and exceptions. Let’s dive deep into the details.
Understanding Pokéball Inheritance: The Basics
Starting in Generation VI (Pokémon X and Y), Game Freak introduced the concept of Pokéball inheritance. This means the offspring Pokémon will hatch within a Pokéball that matches a parent’s. However, it’s not quite as straightforward as simply inheriting the same ball from both parents.
- The Mother’s Influence: The primary determinant is the mother Pokémon’s Pokéball. If you’re breeding a female Pokémon with a male Pokémon, or with Ditto, the baby Pokémon will hatch in a replica of the mother’s Pokéball. So, if your female Eevee is in a Moon Ball, her offspring will also emerge from Moon Balls.
- Ditto’s Unique Role: Ditto throws a wrench into the system. Since Ditto can breed with almost any breedable Pokémon, its mechanics are slightly altered. When breeding any Pokémon with Ditto, the non-Ditto Pokémon is effectively treated as the ‘mother’ for Pokéball inheritance purposes, regardless of its actual gender. The Pokémon will hatch in a standard Pokéball. However, if Ditto holds an Everstone it is possible to pass a different Pokéball based on which zone the breeding occurred!
- Genderless Pokémon: Genderless Pokémon, like Magnemite or Bronzor, always rely on Ditto for breeding. So they too, follow Ditto’s rules and hatch into standard Pokéballs.
- Exceptions to the Rule: Not all Pokéballs can be passed down. The Master Ball and Cherish Ball are special case items. If either parent is in one of these balls, the baby Pokémon will instead hatch in a standard Pokéball. These balls are unique and not meant for mass reproduction.
- Same-Species Breeding: If you are breeding two of the exact same species, then there’s a chance that either parent’s Pokéball will be inherited.
A Visual Guide to Pokéball Inheritance
To summarize:
| Breeding Pair | Resulting Pokéball |
|---|---|
| ————————————- | ———————————– |
| Female Pokémon + Male Pokémon | Mother’s Pokéball |
| Female Pokémon + Ditto | Mother’s Pokéball |
| Male Pokémon + Ditto | Standard Pokéball |
| Genderless Pokémon + Ditto | Standard Pokéball |
| Female Pokémon (Cherish/Master Ball) + Any | Standard Pokéball |
| Male Pokémon (Cherish/Master Ball) + Any | Standard Pokéball |
| Same Species Pokémon (M/F) | Either Parent’s Pokéball (random) |
This table offers a concise overview of how Pokéball inheritance operates. Keep it handy when planning your breeding projects!
The Significance of Pokéball Inheritance
Why does Pokéball inheritance matter? For many players, it’s about aesthetics. A Pokémon in a specific ball simply looks cooler. Imagine a shiny Charizard emerging from a Luxury Ball – the ultimate in style and sophistication!
Beyond aesthetics, Pokéball inheritance also adds a layer of collecting and trading to the Pokémon experience. Certain Pokéballs are rarer or more difficult to obtain, making Pokémon bred in those balls highly sought after. This system encourages players to explore all corners of the game, experiment with different breeding strategies, and connect with other trainers to complete their collections. You might find players on trading forums specifically seeking a Pokémon with a certain ability in a certain Pokéball.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokéball Inheritance
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of Pokéball inheritance:
- Does hatching an egg use a Pokéball from my inventory? No! The Pokéball “materializes” when the egg hatches. It doesn’t consume one from your bag.
- Can the Master Ball be passed down? No. Pokémon bred from a parent in a Master Ball will hatch in a standard Pokéball.
- Can the Cherish Ball be passed down? No, just like the Master Ball, the Cherish Ball is not inheritable.
- What happens if both parents are in different Pokéballs when breeding same species? There is a 50% chance the egg will hatch into either the mother’s or father’s pokeball.
- If a Pokémon is holding an Everstone, does it affect Pokéball inheritance? Holding an Everstone ensures the Nature of one of the parents gets passed down. However, it has no bearing on the Pokéball inheritance itself. Ditto is an exception to the rule.
- Can I breed two Dittos together? No, Ditto can only breed with non-Ditto Pokémon.
- Can legendary Pokémon pass down their Pokéballs? Most legendary Pokémon cannot breed at all. The exception is Manaphy, which can breed with Ditto to produce Phione. However, Phione is not considered a legendary Pokémon. If you could breed a Legendary that was in a standard ball with a Ditto, the rule that Ditto must hatch into a standard ball would apply.
- What is the best Pokéball to use for breeding? There isn’t a “best” ball. It depends on your preference for aesthetics and collectability. Rare balls like Dream Balls or Apriballs (Level Ball, Moon Ball, Friend Ball, etc.) are often popular.
- Does the region or location where I breed Pokémon affect Pokéball inheritance? No, the location does not have any impact on what pokeball the baby will hatch into.
- If I breed a foreign Pokémon, does it influence the Pokéball? The Pokémon origin has no impact on what ball the baby will hatch into.
- What are egg moves, and how do they relate to breeding? Egg moves are special moves that a Pokémon can learn only through breeding. They are passed down from the father. Though unrelated to the Pokéball, egg moves are a critical element of many breeding projects. This is related to breeding as a mechanic.
- How can I increase my chances of breeding a shiny Pokémon? Shiny Pokémon are determined by a complex system of random number generation (RNG). The Shiny Charm item, obtained by completing the Pokédex, increases your odds. Masuda method (breeding Pokémon from different language games) also helps, but these do not alter the ball the egg will hatch into.
- Can I breed Pokémon from different games together? No, you cannot breed Pokémon across different generations of games.
- How do I get rare Pokéballs like Apriballs? Apriballs are typically obtained through special in-game events, completing quests, or purchasing them with BP (Battle Points). Some games offer only one of each per playthrough, making them valuable.
- Are there any online resources for planning my breeding projects? Absolutely! Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia offer comprehensive databases and breeding guides. Additionally, online communities and forums dedicated to Pokémon breeding can provide valuable insights and tips. Remember to always stay curious and continue to explore how Games Learning Society can continue your learning journey. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org!
Mastering the Art of Pokéball Breeding: Key Takeaways
Pokéball inheritance adds a rich layer of depth to the Pokémon breeding experience. By understanding the rules, exceptions, and nuances of this mechanic, you can create Pokémon teams that are not only powerful and strategically sound but also visually stunning. Whether you’re aiming for the perfect shiny Pokémon in a matching Apriball or simply want to add a touch of personalization to your team, Pokéball breeding empowers you to express your creativity and passion as a Pokémon trainer.