How Many Pokémon Can You Put in Daycare? A Comprehensive Guide
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You can put a maximum of two Pokémon in the Daycare (or Nursery) at any given time in most Pokémon games. This limitation is consistent across the core series games, starting from Pokémon Gold and Silver onwards. This holds true whether you’re aiming to breed Pokémon or simply level them up passively.
Unlocking the Secrets of the Pokémon Daycare
The Pokémon Daycare is a staple feature in the Pokémon world, offering trainers a convenient method to raise their Pokémon or breed new ones. Understanding the intricacies of the Daycare system is crucial for both casual players and competitive breeders alike.
The Role of the Daycare
The Daycare serves two primary purposes:
- Leveling Up: When you leave a Pokémon at the Daycare, it gains experience points as you take steps in the game. The amount of experience gained per step varies slightly between games.
- Breeding: If you leave two compatible Pokémon together, they may produce an Egg containing a new Pokémon.
Understanding Compatibility
Not all Pokémon can breed together. Key factors determining compatibility include:
- Species: Two Pokémon of the same species, but different genders, are highly likely to breed.
- Egg Groups: Pokémon belonging to the same Egg Groups can breed, even if they are different species. Every Pokémon belongs to one or two Egg Groups, determining its breeding eligibility.
- Gender: One Pokémon must be male and the other female (unless using a Ditto).
- Ditto: Ditto can breed with almost any breedable Pokémon, regardless of its gender.
Maximizing Daycare Benefits
To get the most out of the Daycare, consider these tips:
- Choose Compatible Pokémon: If breeding is your goal, ensure your Pokémon are compatible.
- Walk Around: The more steps you take, the more experience your Pokémon gain.
- Check Frequently: Visit the Daycare regularly to check on your Pokémon’s progress and potential Egg discoveries.
- Consider Held Items: Some Held Items, like the Everstone, can influence breeding outcomes (e.g., passing down Nature).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Pokémon Daycare
Here are some frequently asked questions to enhance your understanding of the Pokémon Daycare:
1. Can I put the same Pokémon in Daycare twice?
No, you cannot put the same Pokémon in the Daycare twice simultaneously. The Daycare only allows for a maximum of two Pokémon.
2. What happens if I try to put a third Pokémon in Daycare?
The Daycare attendant will inform you that there is no space and decline to accept the additional Pokémon. You’ll need to retrieve one of your existing Pokémon first.
3. Does the Daycare level up Pokémon faster than battling?
Generally, no. Battling and using Experience Share or Exp. Candy is usually a faster way to level up Pokémon. The Daycare provides a passive leveling method, ideal for convenience but not speed.
4. Do Pokémon forget moves at the Daycare?
Yes, Pokémon can forget moves at the Daycare. When they level up, they learn new moves, potentially overwriting older ones. The Daycare attendant will usually ask you to choose which move to forget when a Pokémon attempts to learn a new move.
5. How do I prevent my Pokémon from forgetting moves at the Daycare?
The best way to prevent this is to check on your Pokémon frequently and take them out of the Daycare before they reach a level where they would learn a new move that would overwrite a desired move. You can also re-teach forgotten moves using Move Reminder NPCs found in most games.
6. Can I put Legendaries in the Daycare?
Yes, you can put most Legendary Pokémon in the Daycare for leveling purposes. However, most Legendary Pokémon are in the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed.
7. Can I breed Mythical Pokémon in the Daycare?
Generally, no. Mythical Pokémon, like Mew or Celebi, typically belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed. However, there are some exceptional cases, such as Manaphy, which can produce an Egg that hatches into Phione.
8. Does friendship (happiness) increase in the Daycare?
No, the Daycare does not affect the friendship (happiness) level of your Pokémon. Activities like walking with your Pokémon, giving them berries, and battling alongside them are the primary methods to increase friendship.
9. Does the Pokémon’s Nature affect breeding in the Daycare?
The Pokémon’s Nature doesn’t automatically affect breeding outcomes. However, if one of the Pokémon holds an Everstone, the Pokémon holding the Everstone has a 50% chance (Gen IV) or 100% chance (Gen V onwards) of passing down its Nature to the offspring.
10. What is the fastest way to hatch eggs obtained from the Daycare?
The fastest way to hatch Eggs is to keep a Pokémon with the ability Flame Body or Magma Armor in your party. These abilities halve the number of steps required to hatch an Egg. Examples include Magby, Fletchinder, and Coalossal.
11. Can I put two Pokémon of the same gender in Daycare?
No, typically you cannot breed two Pokémon of the same gender. The exception is when using Ditto, which can breed with most Pokémon regardless of their gender.
12. What happens if my Pokémon reach level 100 in the Daycare?
Once a Pokémon reaches level 100 in the Daycare, it will no longer gain experience or level up further. It can still be used for breeding if compatible.
13. Are there differences in Daycare functionality between different Pokémon generations?
Yes, there are some differences. For example, the experience gained per step and the breeding mechanics can vary slightly between Pokémon generations. The introduction of the Everstone‘s effect on Nature inheritance was also a significant change introduced in later generations.
14. How do I know if my Pokémon have produced an Egg in the Daycare?
The Daycare attendant will usually stand near the fence and gesture or provide a visual cue (like crossing their arms) to indicate that an Egg has been found. Talking to them will allow you to receive the Egg.
15. Can I put a Shiny Pokémon in the Daycare for breeding?
Yes, you can put a Shiny Pokémon in the Daycare for breeding. However, being Shiny does not increase the chances of the offspring being Shiny. The chances of hatching a Shiny Pokémon are primarily determined by the Shiny Charm and the Masuda Method (breeding with a Pokémon from a game of a different language).
By understanding the nuances of the Pokémon Daycare, you can effectively level up your Pokémon and strategically breed the perfect team for your Pokémon journey. Remember the two Pokémon limit and happy training!