Since it’s Gen 9, there’s a new breeding method for Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. The older Gold and Silver modes allow trainers to breed new Pokemon with perfect IVs, natures, abilities, and max yields, but the Paldea region is a “nursery-free zone” that trades nurseries and incense for a DIY picnic. The new system is designed to stimulate creativity in social circles and help build stats and create competitive monsters. So before you break out the peanut butter and jam sandwiches, here’s a quick explanation of how spawning eggs work in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet. For science, of course!
For more on Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, read our foodie guides and How to evolve Charcadet.
How breeding works in Scarlet and Violet
Instead of leaving two compatible Pokemon at a Day Care (or Nursery), players can now spawn new Pokemon wherever they set up a picnic in the open world. All that is required in Scarlet and Violet is two Pokemon (one male, one female) belonging to the same Egg Group, a flat surface in an area outside of the city, and a scenic setting for atmosphere. Eggs will begin to appear slowly over time in a basket near the picnic table, and while hills and Bulls can get in your way, trainers can increase the frequency of their eggs with Meal Powers or use a Mirror Herb item to cast other egg moves.

According to Bulbapedia, there are 14 different Egg Groups in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:
- Amorphous Group
- Error group
- Team of Dragons
- Group of Fairies
- Field Team
- Flying Group
- Group of grass
- Human-like group
- Mineral Group
- Monster Group
- Undiscovered Group
- Water 1 Group
- Water 2 Group
- Water 3 Group
The new system is a welcome addition, but it has its flaws. The basket can only hold about 10 eggs at a time and any Pokemon in your party can spawn, will reproduceas the best method for hatching an egg with a specific build is to picnic with no more than two compatible Pokemon by your side.
How to increase your chances with Egg Power

The meal powers are everything. Eating food in the Paldea area can grant special buffs and effects like Encounter Power and Humongo Power, and then there’s Egg Power — a temporary buff that increases the chances of finding eggs in a basket. It can be found in prepared dishes such as fruit, tropical and peanut butter sandwiches, as well as in other ingredients and condiments such as apples, bananas, pineapples, strawberries, kiwi, jam, cream cheese, olive oil and even whipped cream. .
How to hatch eggs after a picnic

The egg hatching process is the same as it was in previous Pokemon generations as it is based on the distance traveled. In Scarlet and Violet, collecting an egg will fill a slot in your party, and if your party is marked as full, the game will automatically store extra eggs in one of your boxes. To hatch one, all you have to do is walk, swim and glide around Paldea as a two-minute cruise with Koraidon or Miraidon is all it takes to welcome another little Pokemon to the area .
Remember: a party can hold up to five eggs one at a time, and Pokemon with the Flame Body ability (eg Coalossal, Talonflame) can also speed up the hatching process — if you can avoid the Vigoroths.
Where to find Ditto (and Shinies)

The same still exists. Everyone’s favorite drop can be found in Tera Raids and the Paldea region as they spawn in the Western Province (Region Two) and Western Province (Region Three) between the towns of Medali, Cascarrafa and Porto Marinada. They still disguise themselves as other Pokemon in the wild, such as Deerling, Eevee, Muk, Jigglypuff, Pawmo, and Tandemaus, but they can be easily identified as holding the ZL button to auto-target a nearby Pokemon will bring up their name through your Pokedex. If the words “???” appear above their head, then it’s a Ditto. Or a wild Zorua hiding. Who knows?
The pink (or purple) blob is one of the most useful tools for breeding in Scarlet and Violet and lives up to its name as an egg farm when it comes to shiny Pokemon. There are Shiny Charms and Shiny Sandwiches to help with the odds, but the Masuda Method still works as all you need to do is trade with a friend as the two Pokemon used must be from different parts of the world.
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