Smeargle: The Ultimate Egg Move Tutor – Can It Really Pass Them On?
Yes, Smeargle can indeed pass on Egg Moves, making it an incredibly valuable tool for breeding in the Pokémon world. Its unique ability, Sketch, allows it to learn almost any move, effectively turning it into a living TM and a powerful breeding partner, especially for Pokémon in the Field Egg Group. Let’s dive into how this works and answer all your burning questions about Smeargle and Egg Moves.
Understanding Egg Moves and Breeding Mechanics
Before we delve into Smeargle’s role, it’s crucial to understand the basics of Egg Moves. These are special moves that a Pokémon can learn through breeding that it wouldn’t normally learn by leveling up or through TMs. Think of them as hidden talents passed down through generations!
Traditionally, the father Pokémon passed down Egg Moves, but later generations have changed this mechanic so either the mother or father can now pass down Egg Moves. This expanded accessibility has greatly impacted Pokémon breeding strategies.
Smeargle’s special because it can learn nearly any move through Sketch, meaning a Smeargle, regardless of gender, can be taught an Egg Move and then passed on to another Pokémon within its egg group. This opens up breeding possibilities that would otherwise be impossible or incredibly tedious.
Smeargle: The Key to Egg Move Mastery
Smeargle, the Painter Pokémon, boasts the unique move Sketch. Sketch allows Smeargle to permanently copy the last move used by an opponent. This means you can essentially teach Smeargle almost any move in the game (with a few exceptions like Sketch itself, Struggle, and others). This makes it a powerful breeding tool because it can learn and then pass down egg moves.
Think of Smeargle as a walking, talking, painting Egg Move TM! It can acquire moves that are otherwise inaccessible to certain Pokémon, bridging the gap and allowing for diverse move sets in competitive battling or simply for completionists seeking the perfect Pokémon.
How to Utilize Smeargle for Egg Moves
Here’s the typical process to utilize Smeargle in breeding:
- Teach Smeargle the Desired Egg Move: Use Sketch to copy the move from a Pokémon that knows it. Double battles are ideal for this.
- Breed Smeargle: Pair Smeargle with a Pokémon of the opposite gender (or with Ditto, as long as the other Pokémon is not a Ditto) that is in its Egg Group and can learn the Egg Move.
- Hatch the Egg: The resulting offspring will inherit the Egg Move.
By following these steps, you can strategically teach a baby Pokémon moves they would normally not learn.
Generation-Specific Notes
It’s vital to remember that the mechanics of Egg Move inheritance have changed across different generations of Pokémon games.
- Pre-Generation VI: Egg Moves could only be passed down by the father.
- Generation VI and Later: Either the male or female parent can pass down Egg Moves. This makes breeding far more flexible.
Understanding the specific mechanics of the game you’re playing is crucial for a successful Egg Move breeding strategy.
FAQs: Your Smeargle and Egg Move Questions Answered
1. Can Smeargle breed with Ditto to pass down Egg Moves?
No, Smeargle cannot breed with Ditto to pass on Egg Moves to another Smeargle. You can, however, breed a non-Smeargle Pokémon with a Smeargle to pass on Egg Moves. Ditto can only be used with a non-Ditto Pokémon, and since Egg Moves are learned by the offspring of that breeding, you cannot breed an Egg Move onto a Smeargle in this way. You teach Smeargle Egg Moves by using Sketch.
2. What Egg Group does Smeargle belong to?
Smeargle belongs to the Field Egg Group. This means it can breed with a vast array of Pokémon, including favorites like Eevee, Pikachu, and many more. Its inclusion in the Field Egg Group is what makes it so valuable.
3. Can Smeargle learn every move with Sketch?
Almost, but not quite. Smeargle cannot learn the following moves: Sketch, Struggle, Transform, Chatter, Self-Destruct, and Explosion. These are restricted for various reasons, preventing potential exploits or glitches.
4. Why is Smeargle banned in some competitive formats?
Smeargle’s ability to learn nearly any move through Sketch makes it a potent threat in competitive battles. Its access to moves like Dark Void (prior to its modification) made it incredibly disruptive, capable of putting entire teams to sleep and controlling the pace of the battle.
5. Does the nature of Smeargle affect the Egg Move?
No, the nature of Smeargle does not affect the Egg Move inheritance. The Egg Move is simply passed down as a move the offspring learns upon hatching. You would need to use other methods, like breeding with a Pokémon holding an Everstone, to influence the offspring’s nature.
6. Can a Pokémon inherit multiple Egg Moves?
Yes! A Pokémon can inherit up to four Egg Moves, provided that both parents know them and the offspring is capable of learning them.
7. How do I efficiently teach Smeargle a specific move with Sketch?
The easiest way to teach Smeargle a specific move is to use a double battle. Pair Smeargle with a Pokémon that knows the move you want it to learn. Have the other Pokémon use the move, then have Smeargle use Sketch. Make sure Smeargle is faster or use a priority move like Protect on the other Pokémon to ensure the move is used first.
8. What happens if Smeargle tries to Sketch a move that fails?
If Smeargle tries to Sketch a move that fails (e.g., due to Protect or missing), Sketch will fail as well. Smeargle needs to successfully “see” the move being used to copy it.
9. Is there a limit to how many times Smeargle can use Sketch?
Smeargle can use Sketch as many times as it has PP for the move. After using Sketch, it permanently learns the copied move, replacing Sketch. This is why you often see Smeargle with a full moveset of different moves.
10. How do breeding items, like Destiny Knot and Everstone, interact with Smeargle and Egg Moves?
- The Destiny Knot increases the number of IVs (Individual Values) passed down from the parents to the offspring, which is helpful for creating competitive Pokémon. This affects all breeding pairs, including those with Smeargle.
- The Everstone ensures the offspring inherits the nature of the parent holding it. This is useful for getting a specific nature on your Pokémon, regardless of whether Smeargle is involved.
11. Can Smeargle pass down Hidden Abilities through breeding?
Yes, Smeargle can pass down Hidden Abilities if it possesses one, following the standard rules for Hidden Ability inheritance. In later generations, female Pokémon have a higher chance of passing down their Hidden Ability.
12. Is Smeargle useful outside of breeding?
While Smeargle’s main strength lies in breeding, it can be used in battles due to its ability to learn almost any move. Moves like Spore, Sticky Web, and Baton Pass can make it a surprisingly effective support Pokémon. It’s not a powerhouse, but it’s versatile.
13. Where can I find Smeargle in different Pokémon games?
Smeargle’s location varies depending on the game. You can find it in places like the Ruins of Alph in Johto, Route 212 in Sinnoh, and the Generation 9 Artazon area. Check specific game guides for accurate and up-to-date locations.
14. Does Smeargle’s Sketch animation change depending on the move it copies?
In some games, the animation of Sketch does subtly change to reflect the type or characteristics of the copied move. It’s a neat visual detail that adds a bit of flair to Smeargle’s unique ability.
15. How has the breeding mechanic changed over the generations, and how does Smeargle fit into this evolution?
The breeding mechanic has been significantly refined since Generation II. The addition of abilities, natures, egg moves and easier inheritance has increased the complexity. Smeargle has benefited from this since he became a more valuable asset. With the easier transfer of moves and abilities, Smeargle became a necessary tool to competitive breeding.
Final Thoughts
Smeargle’s unique ability to learn nearly any move makes it an invaluable asset for breeding Egg Moves. Whether you’re aiming for competitive prowess or simply want a Pokémon with a unique moveset, Smeargle can help you achieve your goals. Understanding how Sketch works, which moves Smeargle can and cannot learn, and the mechanics of Egg Move inheritance across different generations is crucial for maximizing Smeargle’s potential.
To delve deeper into the intersection of gaming and learning, be sure to explore resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. They offer valuable insights into how games can be used for educational purposes.
So, get out there, catch a Smeargle, and start painting your perfect Pokémon team!