Can You Breed a Starter with a Hidden Ability? A Comprehensive Guide
Yes, absolutely! You can breed a starter Pokémon with a Hidden Ability, but it requires a bit of understanding of the breeding mechanics within the Pokémon games. The key lies in understanding how Hidden Abilities are passed down through generations and utilizing the right breeding partners. This article will cover everything you need to know, along with some frequently asked questions, to help you breed the perfect Hidden Ability starter.
Understanding Hidden Abilities and Breeding
What are Hidden Abilities?
Hidden Abilities (HA), also known as Dream World Abilities in earlier generations, are special abilities that Pokémon possess that are not their standard, common abilities. These abilities often offer unique strategies and advantages in battle. They are typically more difficult to obtain than regular abilities, making them highly sought after by competitive players and collectors alike.
How are Abilities Inherited?
Breeding mechanics in Pokémon games are based on specific rules, especially when dealing with Hidden Abilities. Here’s a breakdown of the core principles:
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Female Parent with HA: If the female Pokémon (or a genderless Pokémon bred with Ditto) has a Hidden Ability, there’s a 60% chance that the offspring will inherit the Hidden Ability.
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Male Parent with HA (Same Species): If you breed two Pokémon of the same species and only the male has the Hidden Ability, the chances of it being passed down are lower, around 20%. This only works in some of the later game versions, and the male Pokemon must be breeding with a Pokemon of the same species.
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Breeding with Ditto: Ditto is a unique Pokémon that can breed with almost any breedable Pokémon, regardless of gender. If the other parent has a Hidden Ability, there is a 60% chance of that ability being passed down to the offspring. Ditto cannot pass down its ability.
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Normal Abilities Only: Breeding two Pokémon with normal abilities will never result in a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability.
Obtaining a Starter with a Hidden Ability
So, how do you get that coveted Hidden Ability on your starter Pokémon? The process varies depending on the game:
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Tera Raid Battles (Scarlet & Violet): In Pokémon Scarlet & Violet, a prominent method to acquire Pokémon with Hidden Abilities is through Tera Raid battles, particularly the challenging six-star Tera Raid battles. Pokémon caught in these raids have a higher probability of possessing their Hidden Abilities.
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Celadon Eggs/Wild Encounters/Gifts (Radical Red): Some fan-made games, like Pokémon Radical Red, offer different methods. You might find starters with Hidden Abilities from Celadon Eggs, through wild encounters, or as gifts within the game. Additionally, games like Pokémon Radical Red provide options to change a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability using items obtained in the game.
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Pokémon HOME Gifts: Occasionally, The Pokémon Company distributes starter Pokémon with their Hidden Abilities through Pokémon HOME as promotional events. Keep an eye on official announcements to claim these gifts. To get a gift through Pokémon HOME, tap the button at the bottom of the screen and open the menu. Select Mystery Gifts, then Gift Box. Then, select which gift you would like to claim. Select Receive, and the Pokémon will be deposited in your Pokémon HOME Boxes.
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Pokémon Bank (Sun & Moon/Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon): In the past, fully evolved Alola starters with their Hidden Abilities were distributed via Pokémon Bank for Pokémon Sun & Moon and Pokémon Ultra Sun & Ultra Moon.
Breeding for Success
Once you have a starter Pokémon with its Hidden Ability, either caught or obtained through an event, you can begin breeding to get more.
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Find a Suitable Partner: If you have a female starter with the Hidden Ability, you can breed it with a male Pokémon from the same Egg Group.
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Use Ditto: If your starter is male, Ditto becomes your best friend. Breeding a male starter with Ditto provides a 60% chance of passing down the Hidden Ability.
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Everstone for Nature: If you care about the Nature of your Pokémon (which affects stat growth), have one parent hold an Everstone. This guarantees that the offspring will inherit that parent’s Nature.
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Destiny Knot for IVs: If you care about the IVs of your Pokémon (which affects stats), have one parent hold a Destiny Knot. This guarantees that five IVs of the parents are passed down to the offspring.
Other Considerations
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Shiny Hunting: Breeding is a popular method for shiny hunting starter Pokémon, especially in games like Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. If you’re after a shiny with a Hidden Ability, patience and a lot of eggs are required.
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Egg Groups: Understanding Egg Groups is essential. Pokémon within the same Egg Group can breed with each other, regardless of their species (with the exception of genderless Pokémon, which usually require Ditto).
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Non-Breedable Pokémon: Some Pokémon are not breedable. This includes most Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as baby Pokémon.
Conclusion
Breeding a starter Pokémon with a Hidden Ability is achievable with the right knowledge and a little patience. Understanding the mechanics of Hidden Ability inheritance, using Ditto strategically, and utilizing items like the Everstone and Destiny Knot will significantly improve your chances of success. Whether you’re a competitive player seeking an edge or a collector aiming for perfection, mastering breeding is a valuable skill in the Pokémon world. You may also be interested in reading more about games and learning at the Games Learning Society website: https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.