How to Breed Hisuian Pokémon: A Comprehensive Guide
Breeding Hisuian Pokémon boils down to a few key factors: the game you’re playing, the specific Pokémon you want, and whether you’re aiming for that coveted Hisuian form. Generally speaking, you cannot breed Hisuian Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, the game where they debuted. In games like Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, breeding for Hisuian forms requires the parent Pokémon of that form to hold an Everstone. This ensures the offspring inherits the Hisuian form, rather than the standard one. You’ll also need a Ditto or a compatible Pokémon of the opposite gender capable of breeding with the Hisuian parent.
Understanding the Breeding Mechanics
Breeding in the Pokémon world, outside of Legends: Arceus, is a long-standing tradition with specific rules. Certain Pokémon are compatible, and certain items can influence the outcome. Grasping these core mechanics is essential for successfully hatching your desired Hisuian Pokémon.
The Importance of the Everstone
The Everstone is your best friend when breeding for regional forms. Without it, breeding a Hisuian or Galarian Pokémon will simply result in the non-regional variant. This is because the game defaults to the standard form unless specifically instructed otherwise. The Everstone ensures that the form is inherited by the offspring.
Compatibility and Egg Groups
Not all Pokémon can breed with each other. Each Pokémon belongs to one or two Egg Groups, which dictate which other Pokémon it can breed with. For example, Hisuian Zoroark can breed with Ditto or other Pokémon in its Egg Group (Field), such as Paldean Zoroark. Understanding Egg Groups is crucial for setting up a successful breeding pair.
Ditto: The Universal Breeder
Ditto is a unique Pokémon capable of breeding with almost any other breedable Pokémon, regardless of gender. This makes Ditto invaluable for breeding Pokémon that are difficult to find compatible partners for. When breeding with Ditto, the Pokémon that isn’t Ditto will determine the species of the egg.
Inheriting Poké Balls
The Poké Ball the baby Pokémon hatches in is usually inherited from the mother, or the non-Ditto parent. If breeding two of the same species together, there is an equal chance of inheriting either parent’s Poké Ball. Keep this in mind if you’re particular about the aesthetic of your Pokémon.
Natures and Individual Values (IVs)
While the Everstone guarantees the Hisuian form, you can also influence other aspects of the offspring. A Destiny Knot, held by either parent, increases the number of Individual Values (IVs) inherited from the parents. These IVs determine a Pokémon’s stats. Certain Natures can also be passed down using an Everstone, increasing the likelihood of getting the desired Nature for your Hisuian Pokémon. This is crucial for competitive battling!
Location, Location, Location (and Picnics)
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, breeding takes place during Picnics. Set up a Picnic, ensure you have compatible Pokémon in your party, and wait. After a while, you’ll find an egg in your Picnic basket. Make sure to prepare sandwiches with Egg Power to increase the speed at which eggs appear!
Hisuian Pokémon: The Specifics
Let’s delve into the specifics of breeding a few popular Hisuian Pokémon.
Hisuian Zorua and Zoroark
As mentioned, to breed Hisuian Zorua, you need a Hisuian Zoroark (or another Hisuian Zorua) holding an Everstone. The other parent must be a Ditto or a Paldean Zoroark of the opposite gender. If you use a regular Zorua with an Everstone, you’ll only get regular Zorua eggs.
Ursaluna
You cannot breed a Bloodmoon Ursaluna. Bloodmoon Ursaluna is a special Pokémon obtained through specific events in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet’s DLC, “The Teal Mask”. However, Ursaluna can be bred if it’s the regular Ursaluna.
Other Hisuian Forms
The principle remains the same for other Hisuian forms. If you want a Hisuian Growlithe, for example, you need a Hisuian Growlithe or Arcanine holding an Everstone. The key is always the Everstone to lock in that regional form.
Why Breeding Matters
Breeding provides several advantages. It allows you to obtain Pokémon with specific Natures, Abilities (including Hidden Abilities), and IVs. It’s also a way to acquire Pokémon in specific Poké Balls and obtain multiples of rare or hard-to-find Pokémon. For trainers interested in competitive battling, breeding is essential for creating the perfect team. Further exploring game mechanics like breeding, especially in educational contexts, can be explored through organizations like the Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you breed Hisuian Pokémon in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
No. Pokémon Legends: Arceus does not have a breeding mechanic. You must catch or trade for the Pokémon you want.
2. What do I need to breed a Hisuian Pokémon in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
You need a Hisuian Pokémon of the species you want, an Everstone (for the Hisuian parent), and either a Ditto or a compatible Pokémon of the opposite gender in your party.
3. Does the gender of the Hisuian parent matter when breeding with Ditto?
No. When breeding with Ditto, the species of the offspring is determined by the non-Ditto parent, regardless of gender.
4. Can I breed a regular Zorua with a Hisuian Zoroark to get Hisuian Zorua?
Yes, but only if the Hisuian Zoroark is holding an Everstone. Otherwise, you’ll get regular Zorua.
5. What does an Everstone do in breeding?
An Everstone, when held by a parent Pokémon, ensures that the offspring inherits the parent’s regional form (e.g., Hisuian) or Nature.
6. How do I get an Everstone?
Everstones can be found in various locations within Pokémon games, often through in-game events, as hidden items, or by purchasing them at specific shops.
7. Can you breed Legendary Pokémon?
Most Legendary Pokémon cannot be bred. The exception is Manaphy, which can breed with Ditto to produce Phione. However, Phione will not evolve into Manaphy. Also, Arceus can breed with a Ditto.
8. How do I get a Hidden Ability on a Hisuian Pokémon?
To get a Hidden Ability, the female parent (or the non-Ditto parent if breeding with Ditto) needs to have the Hidden Ability. The Hidden Ability has a chance of being passed down to the offspring.
9. What is the Destiny Knot, and how does it help with breeding?
The Destiny Knot is an item that, when held by a parent Pokémon, allows the offspring to inherit more IVs from its parents. This increases the chances of getting Pokémon with higher stats.
10. How do I increase the speed of egg generation in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Use a Picnic and prepare sandwiches with Egg Power. Egg Power increases the rate at which eggs appear in the Picnic basket.
11. What are Egg Groups?
Egg Groups are classifications that determine which Pokémon can breed with each other. Pokémon in the same Egg Group are generally compatible.
12. Can I breed a Bloodmoon Ursaluna?
No, you cannot breed a Bloodmoon Ursaluna. It’s a unique form obtained through specific in-game events.
13. How do I pass down the Poké Ball the parent is in?
The Poké Ball is usually inherited from the female parent, or the non-Ditto parent. If both parents are the same species, there’s an equal chance of inheriting either parent’s Poké Ball.
14. What happens if I breed two Pokémon of the same species, but one is Shiny?
The offspring will have the same chance of being Shiny as wild encounters or any other breeding attempt. The Shiny status is not guaranteed to be passed down.
15. Why did breeding disappear from Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Pokémon Legends: Arceus focused on exploration and catching mechanics, streamlining the gameplay experience and emphasizing direct interaction with wild Pokémon. The exclusion of breeding mechanics supports the game’s goal of providing a fresh gameplay experience, distinct from other titles in the series. This shift in focus aligns with the Games Learning Society principle of game-based learning that emphasizes the importance of context and mechanics in the learning process.
Breeding Hisuian Pokémon can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to create the perfect team for your adventures. Understanding the mechanics, utilizing the right items, and being patient are the keys to success! Good luck, trainer!