Can I Breed Zacian? The Definitive Guide for Pokémon Trainers

The short answer is a resounding NO. Zacian, like most Legendary Pokémon, cannot be bred in the Pokémon games. This is a fundamental rule that has been in place for many generations, and it persists in Pokémon Sword and Shield as well. The primary reason lies in the Undiscovered Egg Group, to which Zacian belongs. Pokémon in this group are inherently incapable of breeding, regardless of whether they are paired with a Ditto or another compatible species.

But let’s delve a bit deeper. Why can’t these majestic creatures produce offspring? What are the exceptions to this rule? And what are the implications for your breeding strategy? This article will explore all of these aspects, ensuring you have a complete understanding of the breeding limitations surrounding Zacian and other Legendary Pokémon.

Understanding the Undiscovered Egg Group

The Undiscovered Egg Group is essentially the “no breeding allowed” zone for Pokémon. This group primarily consists of Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, and certain Baby Pokémon. The rationale behind this restriction likely stems from the desire to maintain the rarity and uniqueness of these Pokémon. Imagine if players could simply breed countless Zacian; their value and significance would drastically diminish.

The Undiscovered Egg Group ensures that these powerful and often story-critical Pokémon remain special. This adds an element of challenge and encourages trading within the community, and even rewards those who participate in events such as those organized by the Games Learning Society to catch these rare specimens.

Why Breed at All? The Advantages of Pokémon Breeding

Before we explore the breeding limitations further, let’s briefly discuss why breeding is such a popular activity in the Pokémon world. Breeding offers several advantages:

• IV (Individual Value) Manipulation: Breeding allows you to create Pokémon with optimal IVs, which significantly impact their stats and competitive viability.
• Nature Control: You can influence a Pokémon’s Nature through breeding by using an Everstone on the parent with the desired Nature.
• Egg Moves: Breeding allows you to pass down specific moves (Egg Moves) from the father to the offspring, expanding the movepool of certain Pokémon.
• Shiny Hunting: Although the odds are still slim, breeding is a common method for increasing your chances of hatching a Shiny Pokémon.

Given these benefits, it’s understandable why trainers are keen to explore all breeding possibilities. However, when it comes to Legendary Pokémon, these doors are firmly closed, with one minor exception.

The Manaphy Exception: A Glimmer of Hope (Kind Of)

There’s always an exception to every rule! The sole “Legendary” Pokémon that can breed is Manaphy. However, there’s a catch. When Manaphy is bred with Ditto, it doesn’t produce another Manaphy egg. Instead, it produces a Phione.

Phione is a Water-type Pokémon that, while related to Manaphy, doesn’t evolve into it and is considered a Mythical Pokémon itself. So, while you can technically breed Manaphy, you won’t get more of the same. This exception is unique and doesn’t extend to any other Legendary or Mythical Pokémon.

What About Ditto? The Universal Breeding Partner

Ditto is the transforming Pokémon renowned for its ability to breed with almost any breedable Pokémon. Ditto can breed with pokemon of all sorts, but is Ditto really the universal partner? Unfortunately, even Ditto‘s impressive shapeshifting abilities can’t overcome the restrictions of the Undiscovered Egg Group. Ditto cannot breed with Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus, or any other Legendary Pokémon in the Undiscovered Egg Group.

Furthermore, Ditto cannot breed with another Ditto. The Ditto Egg Group is a closed loop, meaning they can only breed with Pokémon outside of their own group.

Obtaining Zacian and Other Legendaries

Since breeding is out of the question, the only way to obtain Zacian and other Legendary Pokémon is through in-game encounters, special events, or trading with other players.

In Pokémon Sword and Shield, you encounter Zacian (in Sword) or Zamazenta (in Shield) as part of the main storyline. These encounters are typically scripted, meaning you’ll have a guaranteed opportunity to catch them. However, keep in mind that you can only catch one Zacian or Zamazenta per game.

For additional Legendary Pokémon, you might need to participate in special events distributed by Nintendo or The Pokémon Company. These events often involve receiving a special code or visiting a specific location to obtain the Pokémon. Trading with other players is another option, but be prepared to offer valuable Pokémon in return for these coveted creatures.

Can Zacian Breed? – Frequently Asked Questions

Let’s address some of the most common questions regarding the breeding capabilities of Zacian and other Legendary Pokémon:

1. Can Zacian breed with Ditto?

No, Zacian cannot breed with Ditto. Both Zacian and Ditto are in Egg Groups that prevent this interaction.

2. Can I breed Zamazenta?

No, Zamazenta is also part of the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot be bred, even with Ditto.

3. Can you breed Eternatus with Ditto?

No, Eternatus, as a Legendary Pokémon, is similarly restricted and cannot breed with Ditto.

4. What Legendaries can be bred?

Manaphy is the only Legendary that can be bred, but it produces Phione instead of another Manaphy.

5. Can you breed Mewtwo to get Mew?

No, Mewtwo cannot be bred at all, and breeding it wouldn’t produce Mew even if it were possible. Mewtwo was created from Mew’s DNA but cannot produce its progenitor in an egg.

6. Can you breed two Dittos?

No, Ditto cannot breed with other Ditto. They belong to the same Egg Group, which is a closed loop.

7. Can I breed Legendaries with Ditto?

With the exception of Manaphy, no Legendary can be bred with Ditto. They are all in the Undiscovered Egg Group.

8. What Pokémon cannot be bred?

Pokémon that cannot be bred include most Mythical Pokémon, all Legendary Pokémon (except Manaphy), Baby Pokémon, Unown, and Ditto with another Ditto.

9. Is shiny Zacian possible?

Yes, Shiny Zacian and Shiny Zamazenta have been distributed as part of special events. Typically, these are obtained via code distribution through participating retailers.

10. Can you get Zacian twice?

No, you can only catch one Zacian in Pokémon Sword. To obtain another, you would need to trade with another player.

11. Is Zacian’s catch rate 100%?

No, Zacian has a base catch rate of 10 (3.9%), so you will need to weaken it and use appropriate Poké Balls to increase your chances of catching it. Eternatus has a 100% catch rate.

12. Can you breed Zeraora?

No, Zeraora is a Mythical Pokémon and cannot be bred.

13. Is Leon’s Charmander shiny locked?

Yes, the Charmander that Leon gives you is shiny locked and cannot be obtained as a shiny in the game.

14. What happens if you faint Eternatus?

If you faint Eternatus, you will have a chance to recapture them without fail, and they are guaranteed to be caught at that point.

15. What Pokémon can outspeed Zacian?

Faster revenge killers, such as Calyrex-Shadow, Choice Scarf Kyogre, and offensive Eternatus, can outspeed and knock out Zacian-C.

Conclusion: Embracing the Limitations

While the inability to breed Zacian and other Legendary Pokémon might be disappointing, it’s an integral part of the Pokémon experience. It underscores their rarity and encourages alternative methods of acquisition, such as trading and participating in special events. Understanding these limitations allows you to focus your breeding efforts on Pokémon that can be bred, optimizing their IVs, Natures, and move sets for competitive battles.

Remember, the Pokémon world is vast and ever-evolving. New events, new Pokémon, and new strategies are constantly emerging. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, keep having fun! Resources like the GamesLearningSociety.org and other online communities are excellent for staying informed and connected with fellow trainers.