Will Pokémon That Don’t Like Each Other Breed? Unraveling Pokémon Breeding Mysteries!
Yes, Pokémon that don’t “like each other” can still breed, although it might take a little longer. In the Pokémon world, compatibility isn’t always about love at first sight! If the game indicates that two Pokémon “don’t seem to like each other,” they can still produce an Egg, but expect the process to be more protracted than if they were best buddies. So, fear not, trainers; even grumpy Pokémon can contribute to the next generation!
Understanding Pokémon Breeding Mechanics
The mechanics behind Pokémon breeding are quite fascinating and don’t always align with our human understanding of relationships. Unlike real-world creatures, the breeding success in Pokémon depends on several factors, including Egg Groups, gender, and the presence of a Ditto, rather than emotional affinity. Let’s delve deeper into these aspects.
The Role of Egg Groups
Egg Groups are categories that determine which Pokémon are compatible for breeding. Two Pokémon belonging to the same Egg Group (or one of them being Ditto) have a higher chance of producing an Egg. These groups are based on shared biological or anatomical traits, such as monsters, humanshape, or water.
Gender and Breeding
Generally, breeding requires one male and one female Pokémon. However, Pokémon with no gender, or those that are exclusively male or female, have the option to breed with Ditto, a unique Pokémon capable of transforming into any other Pokémon for breeding purposes (with some exceptions, which we’ll cover later). If both Pokémon are of the same gender, they will not breed, regardless of their Egg Group.
The Significance of “Compatibility” Phrases
When you leave two Pokémon at the Day-Care, the Day-Care Man will give you a phrase that indicates their breeding compatibility. Phrases like “They’re doing their own things” mean that the Pokémon are not very compatible and the breeding success is low. In contrast, phrases that suggest the Pokémon get along well indicate a higher likelihood of producing an Egg more quickly.
Exceptions to the Rule
As with any system, there are exceptions. Certain Pokémon are unable to breed under any circumstances. These include most Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as some baby Pokémon and special form Pokémon. This is primarily for balancing gameplay and preserving the rarity of these Pokémon.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Pokémon Breeding
Here are some frequently asked questions (FAQs) designed to further illuminate the intricacies of Pokémon breeding:
1. Which Pokémon Cannot Breed?
Several categories of Pokémon are unable to breed. These include:
- Nidorina and Nidoqueen: These Pokémon are part of the Nidoran evolutionary line, but oddly, they cannot produce Eggs.
- Battle Bond Greninja: Due to its special form, it cannot be used to breed in-game.
- Special Pikachu Forms: Cosplay Pikachu and other unique Pikachu forms are typically unable to breed.
- Ditto With Another Ditto: Two Dittos cannot breed with each other.
- The Galarian Fossil Pokemon: These unique Pokémon cannot breed.
- Ultra Beasts: These extradimensional Pokémon are unable to breed.
- Most Mythical Pokémon: Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi cannot breed.
- Legendary Pokémon: Most Legendary Pokémon, such as the legendary birds (Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres) and many others, cannot breed.
2. Can Pokémon Refuse to Breed?
While Pokémon don’t consciously “refuse,” if they have the same gender, they will never breed. Additionally, compatibility (as indicated by the Day-Care Man) affects the speed at which Eggs are produced. Low compatibility will result in longer wait times.
3. What Happens if You Breed an Illegal Pokémon?
Offspring of hacked Pokémon are generally legal if they don’t inherit any unreleased hidden abilities or illegal Poké Balls. The game doesn’t store parent data, making it virtually impossible to detect if a Pokémon was bred from a hacked parent, so you won’t be banned.
4. What Pokémon Cannot Breed With Ditto?
Ditto can breed with almost any Pokémon, except those in the “No Eggs Discovered” group. This includes baby Pokémon, special form Pokémon, and most Mythical and Legendary Pokémon.
5. Can Pikachu and Eevee Breed?
No, Pikachu and Eevee belong to different Egg Groups and cannot breed with each other.
6. Can a Human Breed with a Pokémon?
While a fun thought experiment, humans and Pokémon are not genetically compatible. They are simply too different.
7. Can Mew and Ditto Make an Egg?
No, Mew belongs to the Undiscovered Egg Group and cannot breed, even with Ditto.
8. What Determines Which Pokémon’s Species the Egg will Hatch Into?
The Pokémon that hatches from the Egg will always be the female Pokémon’s species, unless breeding with Ditto. In this case, it will be the non-Ditto Pokémon’s species.
9. Can Two Pokémon with No Gender Breed?
Pokémon with no gender (except Ditto) can only breed with Ditto. However, many genderless Pokémon belong to the No Eggs Discovered group and therefore cannot breed at all.
10. Can Pokémon Breed With Siblings?
Yes, Pokémon can breed with siblings. There are no genetic limitations imposed by the game to prevent this.
11. Do Pokémon Lose Affection?
No, there’s no way to remove affection. Once Pokémon develop affection, it doesn’t decrease over time, even if traded or kept in the PC.
12. Can you Breed Charizard with Ditto?
Yes, you can breed Charizard with Ditto. If you have a male Charizard, breeding it with a Ditto is the only way to obtain Charizard Eggs.
13. What Legendary Pokémon are Breedable?
The only Legendary Pokémon that can breed is Manaphy. When bred with Ditto, Manaphy produces Phione. However, Phione cannot evolve into Manaphy.
14. What is the Undiscovered Egg Type?
The Undiscovered Egg Group includes Pokémon that cannot breed under any circumstances. This group mainly consists of Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as some baby Pokémon.
15. What Pokémon Can’t Breed in Scarlet and Violet?
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon with no gender or that are only male can only breed with Ditto. Paradox Pokémon and Legendary Pokémon cannot breed at all.
The Broader Implications of Pokémon Breeding
Beyond the immediate goal of obtaining specific Pokémon with desired traits (like IVs or Abilities), breeding is a core component of the Pokémon metagame. Competitive players rely heavily on breeding to create powerful teams tailored for battles. The ability to pass down certain traits through breeding, such as Natures and Abilities, adds depth and strategic complexity.
Breeding is also deeply connected to learning and educational aspects of gaming. The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) highlights how games like Pokémon can foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and strategic planning. Understanding the intricacies of breeding, IV inheritance, and Egg Groups encourages players to engage with the game on a deeper, more analytical level.
The phenomenon of Pokémon breeding extends beyond the game itself, inspiring communities, fan theories, and creative content. The endless possibilities and nuances of the breeding system ensure that it remains a fascinating and integral part of the Pokémon experience.
So, the next time you’re considering breeding two Pokémon, remember that even a bit of animosity doesn’t necessarily mean they won’t produce an Egg. Patience and a solid understanding of the breeding mechanics are key to unlocking the full potential of your Pokémon team!