Fans of the Pokémon Series will know that breeding is a staple tradition of main series Pokémon games. Pokémon Scarlet and Violet does have breeding, but it changes some of the mechanics that older fans may be familiar with. Here is what you need to know about Breeding in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
How does Breeding work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet?
Breeding in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet has been largely simplified from prior generations. It's also much less expensive due to the fact that daycares do not exist in Paldea. Instead, Pokémon Eggs can be created by stopping anywhere in the open world and enjoying a picnic with your party Pokémon. Any two of your current party Pokémon may create an Egg, provided that they are different genders and they are from the same Egg Group.
Related: Where to get Fire Stones in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
How to get Pokémon Eggs from Picnics in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet
Start your picnic, then take a minute to walk around, talk with or wash your Pokémon, or fix up a tasty sandwich. We recommend the Jam Sandwich, as it is easy to get ingredients for and one of it's meal powers, Egg Power, increases the rate at which Pokémon produce eggs. When you've walked around for a few minutes, check on the wicker basket on top of a pillow next to your picnic table. If your Pokémon produced an Egg, it will be found there and sent to a box.
Like in prior generations, the type of Pokémon that you hatch will be the same as its mother, unless you are using Ditto. However, Pokémon produced from eggs do not learn moves from the mother or the father anymore. "Egg" moves can now be passed to a Pokémon holding an item called the Mirror Herb from another Pokémon at the end of a picnic. Since "Egg" moves are no longer tied to breeding, Pokémon can learn moves from others regardless of gender or species.
Using picnics to try and breed shiny Pokémon? For more information on Shiny Pokémon, check out Are any Pokémon shiny locked in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? and How does Let’s Go Mode work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet? here at Pro Game Guides.
Michaela Schulte is a Mom, gamer, and Contributing writer for Pro Game Guides. She was hooked on fantasy lands in childhood, during her first trip through Hyrule. She's also been to Pallet Town, Whiterun, and Novigrad. Currently traveling through Sumeru. Her travel partners include her husband, two boys, and their dog, Ellie.