Unlock Hidden Powers: A Trainer’s Guide to Mastering Egg Moves in Pokémon
Ever felt like your Pokémon lacked that oomph? That special move to dominate the battlefield? You’ve found the world of Egg Moves. These are secret techniques passed down through generations. They allow Pokémon to learn moves they usually can’t through leveling up or Technical Machines (TMs). Interested? You should be! Let’s explore how to master Egg Moves.
Learning and Remembering Egg Moves: It’s Easy!
Are you eyeing an Egg Move? Wondering if you can teach it? You absolutely can! It’s not an arcane ritual. Here’s how:
Teaching Egg Moves: The Mirror Herb Trick & Picnic Power!
Forget about complicated breeding chains. Generation IX brought us a game-changer: the Mirror Herb. This item works like magic for Egg Moves. Here’s what to do:
- Mirror Herb Magic:
- First, give your Pokémon a Mirror Herb. It’s a learning enhancer.
- Next, have your Pokémon forget one move to learn the Egg Move. Keep three moves – that’s the trick!
- Add a Pokémon to your party that already knows the Egg Move you want.
- Now, set up a picnic. Seriously. Have both Pokémon in your party.
- Close the picnic basket and BAM! Your Pokémon learns the Egg Move from its picnic buddy. It’s like magic!
- Picnic Power (Classic Method):
- Start a picnic with the Pokémon that needs the move and a Pokémon that already knows it. Sometimes, simple works best!
See? No lengthy breeding just to get that special move. The Mirror Herb and a picnic are your best friends. Who knew picnics could be so beneficial?
Remembering Egg Moves: Move Reminders Help!
Sometimes moves get forgotten. But no worries! Egg Moves aren’t lost forever. Since Generation VI, Pokémon have a great feature:
- Move Reminder Magic:
- From Generation VI, any move your Pokémon knew at hatching, including Egg Moves, can be relearned from a Move Reminder. They’re like move therapists!
- If your Pokémon has a battle-ready symbol, it may limit relearning. But generally, you’re good.
- Relearning in the Summary:
- In games like Scarlet and Violet, relearning is easy! Open your menu (hit ‘X’), select your Pokémon, and click “Check Summary.”
- Use the analog stick to navigate right and press ‘A’. Select “Remember moves.”
- A menu shows all past moves. Pick your Egg Move, and it’s back!
Forgot a move? No problem. Move Reminders will help you keep those Egg Moves in play.
Egg Move Inheritance: Who’s Your Parent?
Let’s explore how Egg Moves get passed down: breeding! It’s about Pokémon genetics. Knowing this helps control move sets.
Parental Guidance: Father, Mother, or Both?
The rules of inheritance have changed over time:
- Old School (Pre-Generation VI): Only male parents could pass down Egg Moves. Moms were vital for species but dads taught moves.
- Modern Era (Generation VI Onward): Now, either parent can pass down Egg Moves. Finally, moms get their due!
- Species Stays with Mom: Regardless of who passes moves, the species of the baby will always match the mother’s or non-Ditto parent. Moms decide species; parents decide moves!
This knowledge is key for breeding plans. Want specific species and moves? Plan your parents carefully!
How Egg Moves Get Passed Down: Breeding Basics
It’s not just about having a parent with an Egg Move. Here’s how moves can be inherited:
- Level-Up Moves: If both parents know a move that the baby Pokémon can learn naturally, the baby will hatch knowing that move! Efficient teaching!
- TM/HM Moves from Dad: In older generations, if the male Pokémon knew a TM or HM move that the baby could learn, that move was inherited! This is less common now.
If a parent knows a move the baby can learn, breeding is an efficient way to start. No waiting for leveling up!
Girl Power: Females Can Pass Down Egg Moves Too!
Let’s celebrate: Yes! Females can pass down Egg Moves in Generation VI and later! This opened new possibilities for move combinations and strategies. No longer are females just breeders; they can also pass moves!
Breeding Mechanics & Egg Moves: Navigating the Nursery
Breeding has rules and restrictions. Some Pokémon are less… social about breeding. Let’s decode how this affects Egg Moves.
Legendary Lockdown: Can Legendaries Breed?
Dreaming of a legendary Pokémon nursery? Hold on. Generally, legendary Pokémon cannot breed. Most are in the “Undiscovered” Egg Group, meaning no eggs allowed. Think Mewtwo or mythical beasts. They’re too rare to breed. Exceptions exist:
- Manaphy’s Mystery: Manaphy can breed, but its eggs always hatch into Phione, which cannot evolve. Think of Manaphy as a Phione factory.
No breeding for Mewtwo? Just keep in mind Manaphy’s unique case. Pokémon breeding always has surprises!
Ditto Dilemmas: Who Can’t Breed with Ditto?
Ditto, the shapeshifter, usually excels in breeding. But there are exceptions:
- Baby Pokémon: Pokémon like Riolu, Pichu, and Togepi. They’re too young for breeding, even with Ditto.
- New Fossils: New fossil Pokémon often seem less social.
- Type: Null & Silvally: They also can’t breed with Ditto, probably due to their origins.
Ditto is versatile, but remember these exceptions. Not every Pokémon is ready to breed.
Ditto and Egg Moves: Does Ditto Pass Them On?
Good news! Ditto helps with Egg Moves! Breed a female Pokémon with an Egg Move with Ditto and you can get offspring with that Egg Move! Ditto is your Egg Move enabler!
Breeding Compatibility: “Prefers to Play with Other Pokémon”?
Eager to breed? If you get the “They prefer to play with other Pokémon” message, it’s bad news! This means: No compatibility for breeding!
- Compatibility Issues: This usually means:
- Different Egg Groups: They aren’t compatible, like breeding a fish and a bird.
- Same Gender: Most breeding requires a male and female. Same-gender pairings won’t produce eggs.
- Same Species (Sometimes): While usually fine, there could be rare exceptions.
If you receive the “prefer to play with others” message, it’s a breeding dead end. Time to find suitable partners!
Egg Move Specifics: Important Details
Let’s
Tackle some questions about Egg Moves to solidify understanding.
Egg Move Overload: How Many Can a Pokémon Learn?
A Pokémon can learn up to four Egg Moves. You might fill all four move slots with these inherited techniques. The parents need to know enough Egg Moves for this.
Evolved Forms and Egg Moves: Early Bird Gets the Worm
Can evolved Pokémon learn Egg Moves? Technically, yes. You can see the potential Egg Moves for evolved forms in guides. However, remember this point: Egg Moves are learned in their earliest form.
- Evolution Doesn’t Matter for Inheritance: Breed the base form to get the Egg Moves. Evolving later doesn’t change their moves.
Focus on breeding the initial evolution to get those Egg Moves, then evolve!
Parting Shot: An Egg Move in Disguise?
Is Parting Shot an Egg Move? Yes! Some Pokémon can learn Parting Shot as an Egg Move. Check guides for specific Pokémon to see if Parting Shot is available.
Sprigatito’s Secret Arsenal: What Egg Moves Can It Learn?
Curious about Sprigatito, the Gen IX grass starter? It has cool Egg Move options:
- Sprigatito’s Egg Moves:
- Copycat
- Leech Seed
- Petal Blizzard
- Sucker Punch
These Egg Moves give your Sprigatito (and evolutions) a strategic edge. Leech Seed aids sustainability, Sucker Punch provides priority. Egg Moves add depth to battles!
Move Learning/Relearning in Specific Games: Game-by-Game Guide
Pokémon games evolve, as do methods for move learning. Here’s a guide for specific games:
ORAS (Omega Ruby/Alpha Sapphire): Move Maniac to the Rescue
Need to relearn Egg Moves in ORAS? Go to Fallarbor Town, find the Move Maniac. He helps with move memory, but he charges:
- Heart Scale Cost: Each move costs one Heart Scale. Collect them from wild Luvdisc or around Hoenn.
ORAS Move Memory: Heart Scales are Key
For remembering moves in ORAS, the Move Maniac in Fallarbor Town is essential. Again, Heart Scales are your currency. Go find Luvdisc!
Pokémon Shield: Day Care Egg Move Transfer
Teaching Egg Moves in Shield requires a Day Care twist! If one parent knows the Egg Move, it can transfer to the other parent. However, there’s a requirement:
- Empty Move Slots Needed: The Pokémon learning the Egg Move must have an empty move slot for each Egg Move it learns. Ensure room in their move set!
Violet’s Forgotten Moves: Check Summary, Remember Moves!
In Pokémon Violet (and Scarlet), relearning forgotten moves, including Egg Moves, is easy:
- Summary Relearn: Go to “Check Summary” for your Pokémon, navigate to “Remember moves,” and choose your move. Simple!
Scarlet’s Move Memory: Summary is the Spot
Same process in Pokémon Scarlet. “Check Summary” -> “Moves” -> “Remember Moves” is how to recollect moves. Move management is user-friendly now.
Other Related Questions: Bonus Pokémon Knowledge!
Let’s address some Pokémon questions that pop up alongside Egg Move discussions.
Umbreon Viability: Is It Any Good?
Is Umbreon strong? Yes! Especially in Great League in Pokémon GO. Its tanky stats and Dark typing make it a solid choice many trainers prefer.
Eevee and Yawn: Sleepy Egg Moves?
Can Eevee learn Yawn? Yes! But only through breeding. If you want a sleepy Eevee, breeding is the answer. Yawn-Eevee can lull opponents into slumber!
Evolving Dilemma: Is It Bad to NOT Evolve?
Is evolving always best? Generally, evolving is beneficial. It boosts stats and moves. But there are strategic reasons to keep Pokémon unevolved:
- Strategic Unevolution: Some trainers keep Pokémon unevolved for specific abilities or moves. This allows access to moves earlier or to retain abilities like Lightning Rod for competitive scenarios. Strategy matters!
Evolving usually leads to power, but don’t underestimate unevolved Pokémon’s strategic potential.
You now possess knowledge to conquer Egg Moves. Breed strategically, picnic with purpose, unleash your Pokémon’s potential! Happy training!
