Unlocking the Secrets: What are the Odds of Breeding a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability?
So, you’re diving into the intricate world of Pokémon breeding and striving for that elusive Hidden Ability (HA)? You’ve come to the right place! Let’s cut to the chase: the odds of breeding a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability depend primarily on whether one of the parents possesses that Hidden Ability. If a female Pokémon (or a genderless/male Pokémon breeding with Ditto) does have the Hidden Ability, there’s a 60% chance that the offspring will inherit it. If neither parent has the Hidden Ability, you’re out of luck – it’s impossible to breed one with a hidden ability unless you use an Ability Patch later on. But there’s much more to this than a single percentage, so buckle up as we delve deep into the nuances of Pokémon breeding and Hidden Abilities!
Delving Deeper: The Nuances of Hidden Ability Inheritance
The 60% rule is the core, but several factors influence your success in obtaining that coveted Hidden Ability. Understanding these variables is key to mastering the breeding process and minimizing frustration.
The Importance of the Female (and Ditto)
Historically, the female Pokémon was the primary carrier of the Hidden Ability trait. This remains true in many scenarios. If you’re breeding two different Pokémon species, the female must possess the Hidden Ability for it to be passed down. This is a fundamental rule.
However, Ditto shakes things up! Ditto, the shapeshifting Pokémon, can breed with almost any Pokémon. When breeding with Ditto, the non-Ditto parent can be either male or female, but it must possess the Hidden Ability to have a chance of passing it down. The probability remains the same: roughly 60%.
Species Matters!
You can’t breed any two Pokémon together and expect a Hidden Ability magically to appear. The offspring will always be the same species as the female Pokémon (or the non-Ditto Pokémon when breeding with Ditto). This means you need to start with a Pokémon species that has the desired Hidden Ability in the first place. Do your research and identify which Pokémon possess the Hidden Ability you’re after.
The Shiny Factor
Shiny Pokémon don’t influence the Hidden Ability odds. A shiny Pokémon with a regular ability is just as likely (or unlikely) to produce a Hidden Ability offspring as a non-shiny one. Shininess and Hidden Ability are independent traits.
The Ability Patch: Your “Guarantee”
Feeling unlucky? Enter the Ability Patch. Introduced in later generations, the Ability Patch is an item that allows you to change a Pokémon’s ability to its Hidden Ability (or vice-versa). This bypasses the breeding process altogether, guaranteeing you a Pokémon with the desired ability. However, Ability Patches are often rare and require significant effort to obtain in-game, making breeding still a valuable and important method.
Hidden Ability Breeding: Frequently Asked Questions
Let’s address some common questions about Hidden Ability breeding to further clarify this complex topic.
Can I breed a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability if neither parent has it?
No. If neither parent has the Hidden Ability, there’s no chance of the offspring inheriting it through breeding. You’ll need to use an Ability Patch to give it the Hidden Ability later.
Does the gender of the Pokémon with the Hidden Ability matter?
Yes, if you are breeding two different species. The female needs to have the Hidden Ability. If you’re breeding with Ditto, then any gender can have the Hidden Ability.
What is the exact percentage chance of a male passing down a Hidden Ability?
When breeding with Ditto, the chance of a male Pokémon passing down its Hidden Ability is approximately 60%. It’s the same percentage as a female passing down the Hidden Ability.
Do items like the Everstone affect Hidden Ability inheritance?
No. The Everstone guarantees the offspring will inherit the parent’s nature, but it doesn’t affect the chance of inheriting a Hidden Ability.
Can I breed two Pokémon with normal abilities and then use an Ability Patch on the offspring?
Yes. You can breed two Pokémon with regular abilities and then use an Ability Patch on the offspring to give it the Hidden Ability. This is a common strategy, especially if obtaining a Pokémon with a specific nature or IVs is a priority.
Does Masuda method increase chances of getting a hidden ability?
The Masuda method increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon. It does NOT increase the odds of hatching a Pokémon with a Hidden Ability. Those are independent mechanics.
Is there any way to increase the Hidden Ability breeding rate besides using a parent with the HA?
No, there aren’t any in-game items or methods (besides using an Ability Patch later) that directly boost the 60% Hidden Ability inheritance rate. Having a parent with the HA is the only breeding factor.
What if a Pokémon has multiple Hidden Abilities?
Most Pokémon only have one Hidden Ability. If, hypothetically, a Pokémon did have multiple Hidden Abilities, the game would likely select one randomly for inheritance, still at around that 60% chance. However, this is not something you will encounter in the standard Pokémon games.
Does having higher friendship with the parent affect the Hidden Ability breeding rate?
No, trainer friendship with a Pokémon does not impact the Hidden Ability inheritance during breeding.
If I breed a Pokémon with an egg move, will it also have a chance of having its Hidden Ability?
Egg moves and Hidden Abilities are entirely separate mechanics. A Pokémon can inherit egg moves and have a Hidden Ability simultaneously, but the presence of egg moves does not influence the Hidden Ability inheritance rate.
Are certain Hidden Abilities rarer or more desirable than others?
Absolutely! Some Hidden Abilities are incredibly powerful and significantly enhance a Pokémon’s competitive viability. Examples include Regenerator on Pokémon like Toxapex, which provides passive healing, or Protean on Greninja, which allows it to change its type with each move. The desirability of a Hidden Ability depends heavily on the specific Pokémon and its role in battle. The article also mentions Multiscale on Dragonite and Lugia, which halves the damage taken when it’s at full HP.
Can Ditto transform into the Hidden Ability?
Ditto doesn’t “transform” into a Hidden Ability, but when it’s used for breeding, it adheres to the 60% rule if the other parent has the Hidden Ability. Ditto itself doesn’t inherently possess any Hidden Ability, it copies the abilities of other Pokémon during battle.
Does the location where I breed Pokémon affect the Hidden Ability?
No, the location of breeding in the game does not influence whether the baby Pokémon has the Hidden Ability.
What if I use an Ability Capsule? Does this give a Hidden Ability to a Pokemon?
The Ability Capsule changes a Pokemon between its two normal abilities. It cannot give a Pokemon it’s Hidden Ability. You need to use an Ability Patch to access the Hidden Ability.
Where can I learn more about Pokémon breeding and genetics?
While the Pokémon games simplify genetics, understanding game mechanics can still be educational! Consider exploring resources related to game design and learning theory, such as the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/. Understanding how these systems are designed can improve your strategic thinking both in and out of the game. GamesLearningSociety.org explores how games can positively impact learning and development, and understanding game mechanics is a core part of that.
Conclusion: Patience and Persistence are Key
Breeding for Hidden Abilities in Pokémon can be challenging, requiring both patience and a solid understanding of the underlying mechanics. Remember that 60% is just an average; you might get lucky on your first try, or you might need to hatch dozens of eggs before that Hidden Ability appears. Don’t get discouraged! With the right strategies and a bit of persistence, you’ll be well on your way to building a team of powerful, Hidden Ability Pokémon. Good luck, and happy breeding!