Can You Breed 7-Star Charizard? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, you absolutely can breed the 7-Star Charizard you capture from the Tera Raid event in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet! However, there are some caveats to keep in mind. While breeding allows you to obtain more Charmanders, these offspring will not inherit the Dragon Tera-type or the “Mightiest Mark” that signifies the original Charizard’s special raid origin. It’s all about passing down the species, not the specific event characteristics. So, if you’re aiming to expand your Charizard family, breeding is the way to go, but don’t expect mini-versions of the 7-Star raid boss.
Breeding Mechanics and the 7-Star Charizard
The core breeding mechanic in Pokémon games revolves around placing two compatible Pokémon at a Picnic. Over time, this can yield an egg that, once hatched, produces a Pokémon of the same species as the female parent, or the non-Ditto parent when breeding with a Ditto. This is how you can get more Charmanders from your raid-caught Charizard.
Understanding Breeding Compatibility
Not all Pokémon can breed together. The most common breeding partner for Pokémon of any gender, including those normally unable to breed, is Ditto. Ditto’s unique ability to transform and mimic other Pokémon makes it an invaluable asset for breeders. If you have a male Charizard, Ditto is your only option for producing Charmander eggs. If you have a female Charizard, you have more options including other Dragon or Monster-type Pokémon that share an egg group. However, breeding with Ditto guarantees a Charmander.
The Limitations of Inheritance
It’s important to reiterate that the bred Charmanders won’t be identical to the 7-Star raid Charizard. They won’t have the Dragon Tera-type. They also won’t have the coveted Mightiest Mark, which signifies their origin from the special Tera Raid event. What you will get is a Charmander, which you can then train, evolve, and customize to your liking. Think of it as a way to get a head start on building your perfect Charizard, leveraging the stats and potentially beneficial nature of the original raid boss.
Location, Location, Location: Finding Ditto
If you’re looking to breed with a male Charizard, you’ll need to find a Ditto. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Dittos can be found in the West Province (Area Two and Area Three), near Medali, Cascarrafa, and Porto Marinada. Look for them disguised as other Pokémon, and use the Y button to check their true identity before engaging in battle. The ZL button can also help confirm their identity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Breeding 7-Star Charizard
Here are some of the most common questions about breeding 7-Star Charizard and the answers you need:
-
Can I catch multiple 7-Star Charizard?
No, you can battle the 7-Star Charizard multiple times, but you can only capture it once per save file.
-
What happens if I breed a male Charizard with a Ditto?
The egg produced will hatch into a Charmander. Ditto essentially takes the place of the missing female, allowing you to breed even with a male-only Pokémon.
-
Will the Charmander I breed inherit the Dragon Tera-type from the 7-Star Charizard?
No, the bred Charmander will not have the Dragon Tera-type of the original 7-Star raid boss. It will have a randomly determined Tera-type.
-
Can I breed a shiny Charizard from the 7-Star Charizard?
The 7-Star Charizard was shiny locked, meaning it could not be shiny. However, you can breed for a shiny Charmander, using the Masuda method (breeding with a foreign Pokémon) and a Shiny Charm to increase your odds.
-
What Pokémon are compatible for breeding with Charizard besides Ditto?
If you have a female Charizard, you can breed it with any male Pokémon in the Dragon or Monster egg groups.
-
Why isn’t my Charizard and Ditto breeding?
Breeding isn’t guaranteed every time. Ensure both Pokémon are in your party and have spent some time at a Picnic. If the game gives you a message like “They prefer to play with other Pokémon than each other,” it means they are not compatible, but this is unlikely with Ditto.
-
Does the nature of the 7-Star Charizard affect the bred Charmander?
Yes, you can use an Everstone held by the Charizard to pass down its nature to the bred Charmander, increasing the chances of the Charmander inheriting the desired nature.
-
Can I breed a 7-Star Charizard with another Charizard?
Yes, you can breed two Charizards together, provided one is male and the other is female. You will obtain a Charmander from this.
-
Can I breed the Charmander I get from breeding the 7-Star Charizard?
Yes, you can breed the newly hatched Charmander just like any other Pokémon.
-
What is the best way to increase my chances of getting a good IV Charmander from breeding?
Use Destiny Knots on one of the parents. This item will pass down 5 IVs from the parent holding it to the offspring. With strategic use, it maximizes IV inheritance.
-
Are there any Pokémon that cannot breed at all?
Yes, certain Pokémon like Legendary Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, and some genderless species (except with Ditto) cannot breed. Nidorina and Nidoqueen are also unable to breed.
-
What happens if I breed a 7-Star Charizard with a Magikarp?
While technically possible due to shared egg groups (Dragon), it’s a bizarre combination! The resulting egg would still be a Charmander, as the egg always hatches into the mother’s (or non-Ditto) species.
-
Will my Charmander inherit the “Mightiest Mark” from the 7-Star Charizard parent?
No, the “Mightiest Mark” is exclusive to the original raid encounter and cannot be passed down through breeding.
-
How do Egg Moves factor into breeding a 7-Star Charizard’s offspring?
If either parent knows an Egg Move that Charmander can learn, the baby will inherit the move if it has an empty move slot.
-
Where can I learn more about Pokémon breeding mechanics and strategies?
For comprehensive information on all aspects of Pokémon breeding, including advanced strategies and mechanics, resources like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia are invaluable. Additionally, you can explore educational initiatives focused on the intersection of gaming and learning at the Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org).
In conclusion, breeding the 7-Star Charizard is a fantastic way to expand your collection and create a customized Charmander, even if it doesn’t inherit all the unique characteristics of its powerful parent. Happy breeding!