How to Relearn Egg Moves: A Comprehensive Guide for Pokémon Trainers
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The world of Pokémon breeding is a deep dive into strategy, genetics, and careful planning. A crucial element of this breeding process involves Egg Moves, special attacks that a Pokémon can only learn by inheriting them from its parents. But what happens when your meticulously bred Pokémon accidentally forgets that crucial Egg Move? Don’t fret, fellow trainer! Relearning Egg Moves is indeed possible, though the method varies slightly depending on the game generation and how the move was initially learned. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
The primary method for relearning Egg Moves is through the Move Reminder. Located in almost every main series Pokémon game, the Move Reminder is an NPC (Non-Player Character) who specializes in teaching Pokémon moves they have previously learned. This includes Egg Moves that were known at birth or, in more recent generations, transferred via methods like the Mirror Herb.
Here’s the key takeaway: If your Pokémon hatched with an Egg Move or learned it through a “traditional” breeding method, the Move Reminder is your go-to solution. Simply visit the Move Reminder, usually found in a major city, and for a small fee (often a Heart Scale or similar item), they will restore the forgotten Egg Move.
However, there’s a crucial exception introduced in Generation IX (Pokémon Scarlet and Violet). Egg Moves transferred using a Mirror Herb cannot be relearned via the Move Reminder if forgotten. Instead, you must use the Mirror Herb transfer process again to reteach the move.
Key Considerations for Relearning Egg Moves
- Generation Matters: The mechanics of relearning Egg Moves have evolved over the Pokémon generations. Always check the specific game’s mechanics.
- Mirror Herb Exception (Gen IX): If the Egg Move was learned via Mirror Herb in Scarlet and Violet, the Move Reminder cannot relearn it. You must use the Mirror Herb transfer again.
- Legitimate Egg Moves Only: The Move Reminder can only teach Egg Moves that the Pokémon is actually eligible to learn as Egg Moves. You can’t just teach any move to any Pokémon through this method.
- Cost of Relearning: The Move Reminder typically requires a Heart Scale (or a similar item, depending on the game) as payment for their services.
- Open Move Slot: When using the Mirror Herb method, ensure the Pokémon learning the Egg Move has an open move slot.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Relearning Egg Moves
1. Can you relearn egg moves at the Move Relearner in every game?
Yes, in almost every main series Pokémon game, the Move Relearner is the primary way to reteach forgotten moves, including Egg Moves, except those learned via the Mirror Herb in Generation IX. If the Pokémon hatched with the move, or learned it through traditional breeding, the Move Relearner is the way to go.
2. Can you remember forgotten egg moves if it was from a hatched pokemon?
Absolutely! Any Pokémon hatched in Generation VI onward can relearn any move it knew when it hatched. This includes not only Egg Moves, but also other moves known at hatching, like level-up moves or special inherited moves like Volt Tackle on Pichu. The Move Reminder holds the key to unlocking this potential.
3. Can you relearn egg moves by trading a heart scale to a move relearner?
Yes, generally speaking, the currency for move relearning is often a Heart Scale. Handing one over to the Move Reminder will allow you to pick a move the Pokémon once knew, including Egg Moves it learned through breeding or at birth.
4. Can egg moves be learned in any way other than breeding?
While typically associated with breeding, Pokémon can learn Egg Moves outside the traditional breeding process, especially in recent generations. The Mirror Herb, introduced in Generation IX, allows a Pokémon to directly inherit an Egg Move from another Pokémon of the same species during a picnic.
5. Can you learn two egg moves at once?
To learn more than one Egg Move through traditional breeding, you need a compatible parent that knows all the desired moves. Only the male parent can pass down Egg Moves. Some combinations might be impossible if no single parent can naturally learn all the desired moves.
6. Can you learn egg moves without breeding from Sword and Shield onwards?
Yes! Since Sword & Shield, the ability to transfer Egg Moves without breeding has become a reality. This is incredibly useful for adding Egg Moves to a Pokémon you already trained or even a shiny Pokémon without having to start from scratch.
7. Can you pass down 4 egg moves in breeding?
Yes, you can pass down up to 4 Egg Moves as long as the male parent knows them. If the offspring learns more than four moves (including level-up moves), you can always visit the Move Reminder to re-establish the desired moveset.
8. Do egg moves get passed down to Pokémon with Ditto?
When breeding with Ditto, the offspring is always of the non-Ditto parent species. Ditto cannot pass or inherit any moves directly. However, a male Pokémon breeding with Ditto will still pass on moves as usual, allowing you to obtain Egg Moves.
9. How do you get two egg moves onto the offspring?
Getting two Egg Moves requires careful planning. You need to either:
- A) Have a parent Pokémon that naturally learns both moves.
- B) Find two Pokémon that can breed with your target, each knowing one of the Egg Moves. Then breed the target with each in turn, potentially requiring multiple breeding steps.
10. What are some of the best egg moves to get?
The “best” Egg Moves depend on the Pokémon and its role on your team, but some popular and powerful choices include:
- Muddy Water (Kingdra)
- High Jump Kick (Cinderace)
- Sucker Punch (Bisharp)
- Dragon Dance (Tyranitar)
- Volt Tackle (Pikachu)
11. Why won’t my Pokemon learn egg moves during breeding?
Several factors might prevent a Pokémon from learning Egg Moves:
- Incorrect Parent: Only the male parent can pass down Egg Moves through breeding, unless breeding with a Ditto.
- Move Slots Full: Ensure the receiving Pokémon has an open move slot.
- Incompatible Egg Group: The parent Pokémon must be in a compatible Egg Group with the receiving Pokémon.
- Incorrect Move List: The move must be a legitimate Egg Move for the receiving Pokémon.
12. Can I breed Zamazenta or any legendary pokemon with Ditto?
No, you cannot breed Zamazenta, or most legendary Pokemon, with Ditto. These Pokémon are typically in the Undiscovered Egg Group, meaning they cannot breed at all, even with Ditto.
13. What is the most Breedable Pokémon?
While “breedable” can be interpreted in various ways, Vaporeon is famously compatible with many other Pokémon in the Field Egg Group, which has quite a few mammals.
14. What Pokemon can only breed with Ditto?
Pokémon that are genderless, such as Rotom and Golurk, can only breed with Ditto. Ditto effectively takes on the role of the opposite gender, enabling breeding to occur.
15. Can a parent Pokemon learn the egg moves of the other?
Yes! In more recent games, if you place two Pokémon of the same species in the Nursery, and one knows an Egg Move that the other can learn, the Pokémon can learn the Egg Move from each other, even if they are the same gender, as long as the receiving Pokémon has an open move slot.
Mastering Egg Moves: A Trainer’s Secret Weapon
Understanding Egg Moves and how to relearn them is a vital skill for any serious Pokémon breeder and competitor. By mastering the mechanics of inheritance and utilizing tools like the Move Reminder and Mirror Herb, you can create a powerful and optimized team ready to take on any challenge. Remember to stay up-to-date with the latest game mechanics, as they often evolve with each new Pokémon generation.
If you are interested in learning more about how games can be used to educate, then visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.