Dive deep into Pokémon Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire breeding mechanics. Learn about Egg Groups, gender ratios, move inheritance, IVs, Natures, species, and abilities to breed perfect Pokémon.
This guide covers the technical aspects of breeding Pokémon in Omega Ruby and Alpha Sapphire, focusing on Egg Groups and genetic inheritance.
Egg Groups
Pokémon are categorized into Egg Groups, which determine compatibility for breeding. Generally, two Pokémon of the same species will yield the same species or its pre-evolution. For example, two Dunsparces yield a Dunsparce, and two Blazikens yield a Torchic. However, Egg Groups allow for breeding Pokémon of different species. If two Pokémon are in the same Egg Group and have opposite genders, the offspring will be the lowest evolutionary form of the female parent. For instance, breeding a male Chesnaught with a female Delphox will yield a Fennekin. An exception exists for gender-exclusive species like Nidoran M and Nidoran F, where breeding them results in a 50% chance of either species.
Ditto is a special case, belonging to its own Egg Group and capable of breeding with most Pokémon, except legendaries. Breeding Ditto with Manaphy yields Phione. Ditto cannot breed with Pokémon in the “No Eggs” group.
Genetic Engineering (Inheritance)
Several traits can be inherited through breeding:
Gender
Gender is crucial in breeding. The gender of a Pokémon in an Egg is determined by the game's Random Number Generator (RNG) and follows specific ratios (e.g., 50%-50%, 25%-75%) depending on the species. Not all Pokémon with genders can breed; for example, legendary Pokémon like Latias cannot.
Moves
Moves can be inherited if they are learned by leveling up and known by either parent. Certain “Egg Moves,” specific to certain species, can also be passed down. For example, Volt Tackle can only be passed down if one of Pichu's parents holds a Light Ball.
IVs (Individual Values)
IVs range from 0 to 31 and contribute to a Pokémon's stats at Level 100. If specific items are held during breeding, IV inheritance can be influenced:
- Destiny Knot: Guarantees 5 random IVs from both parents.
- Power Anklet: Guarantees Speed IV inheritance.
- Power Band: Guarantees Special Defense IV inheritance.
- Power Belt: Guarantees Defense IV inheritance.
- Power Bracer: Guarantees Attack IV inheritance.
- Power Lens: Guarantees Special Attack IV inheritance.
- Power Weight: Guarantees Max HP IV inheritance.
Nature
A Pokémon's Nature provides a 10% boost to one stat and a 10% decrease to another. Normally, a Nature is determined randomly (1 in 25 chance for a desired Nature). Holding an Everstone by one parent guarantees the child inherits that parent's Nature. If both parents hold an Everstone, there's a 50/50 chance.
Species
As mentioned, if two Pokémon are in the same Egg Group, the child will be of the female parent's species, with some exceptions.
Abilities
Pokémon have two regular ability slots. In Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire, the child has an 80% chance of inheriting the female parent's first listed ability and a 20% chance of inheriting the second. If the female parent only has one ability, it is assumed to be the first listed.
Hidden Abilities
Hidden Abilities are rare. If the female parent has a Hidden Ability, there is a high chance it will be inherited, especially if the male parent also has it. If the female parent does not have the Hidden Ability, it can potentially be passed down by breeding the male parent with Ditto.
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