The Pokémon Breeding Bible: Who’s Compatible with Whom?
The world of Pokémon is vast and varied, with creatures of all shapes, sizes, and types. One of the most fascinating aspects of the Pokémon universe is breeding, the process of producing new Pokémon. But with so many different species, it can be tricky to figure out who can breed with whom. The simple answer is: Ditto is the only Pokémon that can breed with almost any other Pokémon. Let’s dive into the intricacies of Pokémon breeding and explore why Ditto reigns supreme as the universal partner.
Understanding Pokémon Breeding Mechanics
Before we delve into Ditto’s unique abilities, it’s essential to understand the core mechanics of Pokémon breeding. Breeding in the Pokémon world is governed by a few key rules:
- Egg Groups: Pokémon are categorized into different Egg Groups. Two Pokémon can only breed if they share at least one Egg Group in common.
- Gender: Generally, you need one male and one female Pokémon to breed. However, some Pokémon are genderless or exclusively male/female.
- Ditto Exception: Ditto bypasses most of these restrictions, able to breed with almost any Pokémon, regardless of its gender, as long as it’s breedable.
- Undiscovered Egg Group: Pokémon in the Undiscovered Egg Group cannot breed, even with Ditto. This group primarily consists of legendary and mythical Pokémon, as well as baby Pokémon.
Ditto: The Master of Compatibility
Ditto’s unique characteristic is its ability to transform into a copy of its breeding partner. This allows it to bypass the usual gender restrictions and Egg Group limitations. When a Ditto breeds with another Pokémon, the resulting egg will always hatch into the non-Ditto parent’s species. Here’s why Ditto is so crucial:
- Breeding Genderless Pokémon: Pokémon like Magnemite, Bronzor, and Rotom are genderless and therefore can only breed with Ditto.
- Breeding Single-Gender Pokémon: Pokémon like Tauros (male-only) or Chansey (mostly female) can only produce offspring through breeding with Ditto.
- Simplified Breeding Chains: Want a specific move on a Pokémon that requires a complicated breeding chain? Ditto simplifies the process by acting as a bridge between different species.
However, it’s important to note that Ditto cannot breed with another Ditto. This is a fundamental limitation, ensuring that Ditto can only be obtained through capture, trading, or special events.
The Undiscovered Egg Group: A Lineage Dead End
The Undiscovered Egg Group is a crucial exception to Ditto’s compatibility. Pokémon in this group, which includes most legendary and mythical Pokémon, as well as baby Pokémon, are unable to breed at all, even with Ditto. This maintains the rarity and mystique surrounding these powerful creatures.
Examples of Pokémon in the Undiscovered Egg Group include:
- Legendary Pokémon: Mewtwo, Zapdos, Articuno, Moltres, Entei, Raikou, Suicune, Lugia, Ho-Oh, Groudon, Kyogre, Rayquaza, Dialga, Palkia, Giratina, Reshiram, Zekrom, Kyurem, Xerneas, Yveltal, Zygarde, Solgaleo, Lunala, Necrozma, Zacian, Zamazenta, Eternatus.
- Mythical Pokémon: Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora.
- Baby Pokémon: Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, Togepi, Tyrogue, Smoochum, Elekid, Magby, Azurill, Wynaut, Budew, Chingling, Bonsly, Mime Jr., Happiny, Munchlax, Riolu, Mantyke.
- Ultra Beasts: Nihilego, Buzzwole, Pheromosa, Xurkitree, Celesteela, Kartana, Guzzlord.
- Cosmog and its evolutions.
The Intriguing Case of Manaphy
Manaphy is a unique legendary Pokémon that can breed. Breeding Manaphy with Ditto produces an egg that hatches into Phione. However, Phione cannot evolve into Manaphy, raising questions about its legendary status. This makes Manaphy the only exception to the rule that legendary Pokémon cannot breed and maintain their legendary lineage.
FAQs: Unraveling the Mysteries of Pokémon Breeding
1. Can two Pokémon of the same gender breed?
No, generally, two Pokémon of the same gender cannot breed. The exception is Ditto, which can transform and effectively act as the opposite gender for breeding purposes.
2. Can you breed two Pokémon from different Egg Groups?
No, Pokémon must share at least one Egg Group to breed, with Ditto being the exception.
3. Can legendary Pokémon breed?
Most legendary Pokémon belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed. Manaphy is the sole exception, as it can breed with Ditto to produce Phione eggs.
4. Can Mythical Pokémon breed?
No, Mythical Pokémon also belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed.
5. What happens if you leave two Dittos in the Day Care?
You will not get a Ditto egg. Dittos cannot breed with each other.
6. Can baby Pokémon breed?
No, baby Pokémon belong to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed.
7. Can you breed a Cosmog?
No, Cosmog belongs to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed.
8. Can Paradox Pokémon breed?
No, Paradox Pokémon cannot breed.
9. Can Ditto pass down its nature or IVs?
Ditto can pass down its nature if it holds an Everstone during breeding. Similarly, Ditto can pass down its IVs (Individual Values) if it holds a Destiny Knot.
10. Are there any Pokémon that are always female?
Yes, certain Pokémon species, like Miltank, are always female. These Pokémon can only breed with Ditto.
11. Can you breed a Pokémon with its evolution?
Yes, as long as they share an Egg Group. For example, Magikarp and Gyarados can breed, resulting in a Magikarp egg.
12. Can you breed Pokémon from different generations?
Yes, as long as they share an Egg Group. Generation is irrelevant for breeding purposes.
13. Is it possible to breed for shiny Pokémon?
While breeding doesn’t guarantee a shiny Pokémon, the Masuda method (breeding two Pokémon from different language versions of the game) significantly increases the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon.
14. Where can I find Ditto in Pokémon games?
Ditto’s location varies depending on the Pokémon game. Check online resources and game guides for specific locations in your game of choice.
15. What is the significance of Egg Groups in Pokémon breeding?
Egg Groups determine which Pokémon are compatible for breeding. Understanding Egg Groups is essential for planning breeding strategies and obtaining specific Pokémon with desired moves or abilities. This knowledge is part of the broader understanding of game design and dynamics, fields relevant to the work being done at the Games Learning Society. Check out GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of games and education.
Conclusion: Ditto, The Ultimate Pokémon Matchmaker
In the intricate world of Pokémon breeding, Ditto stands out as the most versatile and essential Pokémon. Its ability to transform and breed with almost any Pokémon, regardless of gender or species, makes it invaluable for trainers looking to create the perfect team. While the Undiscovered Egg Group and the inability of Dittos to breed with each other limit its power, Ditto remains the key to unlocking countless breeding possibilities in the Pokémon universe.