Which Pokémon Passes Down Hidden Abilities? A Comprehensive Guide
The ability to pass down Hidden Abilities (HA) in Pokémon breeding is a crucial aspect for competitive players and dedicated collectors alike. Understanding the mechanics behind this process is essential for creating the perfect team. In short, a female Pokémon with a Hidden Ability has a 60% chance of passing it down to its offspring. When breeding with Ditto, any Pokémon with a Hidden Ability, regardless of gender, has a 60% chance of passing it down. These are the core rules, but the nuances are where things get interesting. Let’s delve into the details.
Understanding Hidden Abilities
Before we get into the nitty-gritty of breeding, let’s quickly define what a Hidden Ability is. Every Pokémon species has one, two, or even three potential regular Abilities. In addition to these, most species also have a special Ability that is more difficult to obtain; this is the Hidden Ability. These Abilities often provide unique strategic advantages in battle, making them highly sought after.
The Key Role of Gender
Gender plays a pivotal role in Hidden Ability inheritance when breeding Pokémon of the same species. For generations, the female Pokémon was the only one capable of passing down its Hidden Ability when breeding with a male of the same species.
However, newer games have introduced a crucial exception: Male Pokémon can pass down their Hidden Ability, but only when breeding with Ditto. This makes Ditto an invaluable tool for breeders looking to obtain Pokémon with specific Hidden Abilities.
Ditto: The MVP of Breeding
Speaking of Ditto, this unique Pokémon deserves its own section. Ditto can breed with almost any Pokémon species, regardless of gender (excluding those in the “No Eggs Discovered” egg group). This makes Ditto indispensable for breeding Pokémon with Hidden Abilities, especially when you have a male Pokémon with the desired HA. The chances of passing down the Hidden Ability remain at 60% when breeding with Ditto, regardless of the other parent’s gender.
The 60% Rule: Consistency is Key
No matter the breeding pair (female with HA, or either gender with HA and Ditto), the chance of the offspring inheriting the Hidden Ability is consistently 60%. This is important to remember; while there’s no way to guarantee a Hidden Ability, understanding the 60% chance can help you optimize your breeding strategy.
Abilities and Evolution
It’s important to note that a Hidden Ability does not change when a Pokémon evolves. If your Pokémon has its Hidden Ability when it evolves, it will retain that Hidden Ability in its evolved form. You don’t have to worry about losing that hard-earned HA!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can any Pokémon have a Hidden Ability?
Not all Pokémon species have a Hidden Ability. However, the vast majority do. Checking the Pokémon’s summary is the easiest way to see which Ability it has.
2. How do I know if a Pokémon has a Hidden Ability?
You can check a Pokémon’s Ability in its summary. The Hidden Ability is listed just like any other Ability. However, you might need to research to know which of its abilities is the hidden one.
3. Does the Pokémon’s Nature affect Hidden Ability inheritance?
No, the Pokémon’s Nature (e.g., Adamant, Timid) has no impact on whether it passes down its Hidden Ability. Nature is determined separately. However, Natures can be passed down with the use of an Everstone, which is a separate mechanic from Ability inheritance.
4. What are the chances of finding a wild Pokémon with its Hidden Ability?
The base chance of encountering a wild Pokémon with its Hidden Ability is relatively low, around 1/250. This can be increased through various methods, such as chaining in older games or special events in newer games.
5. Can I change a Pokémon’s Ability to its Hidden Ability?
Yes, with the use of an item called the Ability Patch. This item is typically obtained in the post-game content and allows you to change a Pokémon’s regular Ability to its Hidden Ability.
6. If a Pokémon uses an Ability Patch to gain a HA, can it still breed?
Absolutely! A Pokémon that has its Hidden Ability due to the Ability Patch can pass down its Hidden Ability via breeding just like any other Pokémon with its Hidden Ability.
7. Can Genderless Pokémon pass down Hidden Abilities?
Yes! Genderless Pokémon, such as Beldum or Bronzor, can pass down their Hidden Ability when bred with Ditto. The same 60% rule applies.
8. What happens if both parents have a Hidden Ability?
If both parents have a Hidden Ability, and they are breeding with each other and not with Ditto, only the female Pokemon has a chance of passing the HA down. The chance remains at 60%.
9. What happens if I breed a male Pokémon with a female Ditto?
The egg will hatch into a Pokémon of the male’s species. If the male has a Hidden Ability, there is a 60% chance (because it’s breeding with Ditto) that the offspring will inherit it.
10. Are there any Pokémon that cannot breed with Ditto?
Yes. Ditto cannot breed with Pokémon in the “No Eggs Discovered” egg group. This includes most Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as baby Pokémon.
11. Do different generations affect Hidden Ability breeding?
The core mechanics of Hidden Ability breeding have remained relatively consistent since Generation VI (Pokémon X and Y). However, specific items, locations, and methods for obtaining Pokémon with Hidden Abilities can vary significantly between games.
12. Can two Dittos breed with each other?
No, two Dittos cannot breed with each other. Ditto requires a non-Ditto Pokémon to breed.
13. Does the Masuda method affect Hidden Ability inheritance?
The Masuda method (breeding Pokémon from different language regions) increases the chances of hatching a Shiny Pokémon but does not affect the chances of inheriting a Hidden Ability.
14. What’s the best strategy for reliably getting a Hidden Ability Pokémon?
The most reliable strategy involves capturing or obtaining a Pokémon with the desired Hidden Ability first (e.g., through Max Raid Battles or trading). Then, breed that Pokémon with Ditto or a compatible species (if female) until you obtain the desired offspring. Using an Everstone to pass down a preferred Nature can further optimize your results.
15. Where can I learn more about the mechanics of games and learning?
You can explore the Games Learning Society to discover a wealth of information. Check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ for research and insights into the intersection of games and education. You can also visit GamesLearningSociety.org.
Conclusion
Mastering the art of Hidden Ability breeding can significantly enhance your Pokémon gameplay. By understanding the mechanics of gender, Ditto, and the 60% rule, you can strategically breed powerful Pokémon with unique Abilities. Good luck, and happy breeding!