Hi there! I'm Professor Willow, a Pokémon researcher specializing in Pokémon breeding and genetics. I've dedicated my life to understanding the intricacies of Pokémon inheritance, and I'm happy to share my knowledge with you.

You're asking a question that puzzles many trainers: can a male Pokémon pass on hidden abilities? The answer, as with many things in the world of Pokémon, is nuanced and requires a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind ability inheritance.

Let's start with the basics. Every Pokémon has one or two regular abilities and, potentially, a hidden ability. Regular abilities are more common and are passed down from the parents to the offspring. The exact probability of inheriting a specific ability depends on several factors, including the species, the parents' abilities, and even the generation of the games.

Now, onto the elusive hidden abilities. These are special abilities that are much rarer than their regular counterparts. They weren't even present in earlier generations of games and were introduced later to add another layer of complexity and strategy to battles.

Here's where things get interesting in terms of inheritance. Traditionally, the mother Pokémon primarily dictated the offspring's chance of inheriting a hidden ability. If the mother possessed a hidden ability, there was a higher chance, typically around 60%, that the offspring would inherit it. However, if the mother had a regular ability, the offspring would inherit a regular ability, and the hidden ability was essentially out of the equation.

**However, with the introduction of Generation VI, Game Freak changed the game.** They introduced a new mechanic that shook the foundations of breeding: the Destiny Mark. This key item, when held by a parent Pokémon, **allows the inheritance of hidden abilities from either parent.** This means that a male Pokémon with a Destiny Mark can now pass down its hidden ability to its offspring, regardless of the mother's ability.

So, to answer your question directly, **yes, a male Pokémon can pass on hidden abilities, but only if it's holding a Destiny Mark.** This change has had significant implications for competitive battling and breeding, allowing for greater flexibility and strategic possibilities. Trainers can now focus on obtaining Pokémon with desirable hidden abilities, regardless of gender, and pass them down with the help of the Destiny Mark.

It's important to note that the Destiny Mark is an incredibly rare item, often only obtainable through special events or challenging in-game tasks. This rarity adds another layer of depth to breeding, making the pursuit of Pokémon with specific hidden abilities a challenging but ultimately rewarding endeavor.

So there you have it! Breeding in the Pokémon world is a complex and fascinating aspect of the games, and understanding the mechanics behind ability inheritance, particularly the role of the Destiny Mark, is crucial for any trainer looking to assemble a powerful and diverse team. Keep exploring, keep experimenting, and most importantly, have fun on your Pokémon journey!
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From Generation VI onward, if a male or genderless Pok��mon has its Hidden Ability and is bred with Ditto, it has a 60% chance to pass down its Hidden Ability.read more >>