With the latest games almost here, you're likely desperate to learn how to breed in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. That's far from the only major change to traditional Pokemon systems. From new battle mechanics to fresh forms of existing Pokemon and expanded multiplayer features, there are plenty of things to relearn in these new games.
But one thing that people may not be aware of is how breeding will work. Having been around since Pokemon Gold and Pokemon Silver on the Game Boy Color, breeding has been vital for anyone looking to hatch some new Pokemon to fill their Pokédex and get new moves from levelling up from the Day Care Centers.
How does breeding differ this time around? Let's take a deep dive and see how this mechanic has evolved. While you're here, check out our full Pokédex list, as well as a look at how to get Cyndaquil, Rowlet, and Scorbunny. And read up how to farm shiny Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet if you're looking for an extra challenge.
How do I breed Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet?
So, how can players matchmake their Pokemon together and breed their monsters to receive these rewards?
Out of all the places in the Paldea region, breeding can only be done during a picnic. This new feature may be initially used as a way to play with your teammates and make delicious sandwiches for them.
For the uninitiated, anyone can lay out a lovely picnic for themselves and their team in most of the areas in the game, similar to how camping worked in the Wild Area of Pokemon Sword and Shield.
To breed, the player must have two compatible Pokemon in their party when setting up a picnic.
Next, they must craft and eat one of the many sandwiches that players can prepare, feeding them to compatible Pokemon. If successful, an egg will appear within the picnic basket, which you can add to the party.
From there it's the normal process of walking around until it eventually hatches, where you can finally see what's inside it.
However, this process may not always prove to be successful. Preparing sandwiches at picnics can take a long time, and it's not always guaranteed that an egg will appear in the basket after making the first sandwich.
If one is not there, players must repeat by making another sandwich with two Pokemon in their party that can breed together.
Can I use Ditto to breed in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
Once you get yourself a Ditto in Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet, you can use it to breed almost any Pokemon you want.
Just like before, you'll want to pair Ditto with a female to produce an egg of their evolutionary line. If you use a female Ditto, you'll just end up with another Ditto.
Is there a Day Care Center in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet?
One of the biggest changes is that there is no Day Care Center available across the Paldea region. Therefore, you're unable to leave your Pokemon with the elderly couple who usually operate them, to expect an egg upon the player's return.
The new picnic method completely replaces the purpose of the Day Care Center, and as such Game Freak has removed it in Scarlet and Violet.
That's how breeding works in Pokemon Scarlet and Pokemon Violet! It may not be the same for those who have stuck around with the series for years, but at least everyone can breed on the go using picnics. For even more on the new games, check out how to get Rotom phone cases, as well as how to get Paldean Tauros forms.