Hi there! I'm a lifelong Pokemon trainer and breeder. I've spent years studying Pokemon genetics and optimal breeding practices, and I'm happy to share my expertise with you. You've come to the right place with your question about breeding Hidden Abilities – that's a tricky one that often trips up new trainers!

Let's dive into the details of breeding Hidden Abilities with Ditto.

Understanding Hidden Abilities

First, it's crucial to understand what makes Hidden Abilities special. Unlike regular Abilities, Hidden Abilities are rare variations that aren't typically visible in a Pokemon's summary screen. They often provide unique strategic advantages or interesting twists on a Pokemon's usual capabilities.

The Role of Ditto

Ditto, the Transform Pokemon, is renowned for its ability to breed with almost any Pokemon, regardless of gender. This makes Ditto an invaluable asset for breeders. However, when it comes to passing down Hidden Abilities, there are specific rules to keep in mind.

**Can You Breed Hidden Abilities with Ditto?**

Here's the straightforward answer:

* Prior to Generation VIII (Sword/Shield): No, you could not breed Hidden Abilities using Ditto.
* **Generation VIII Onwards (Sword/Shield, Scarlet/Violet):** Yes, Ditto can now pass down Hidden Abilities!

The Mechanics of Hidden Ability Breeding

Let's break down how Hidden Ability breeding works in the newer generations:


1. Ditto's Role: When you breed a Pokemon with Ditto, there's a chance that Ditto will pass down its own Ability to the offspring.


2. Hidden Ability Chance: If the Pokemon you're breeding with Ditto has a Hidden Ability (even if it's not currently active), Ditto has a chance of inheriting and then passing down that Hidden Ability to the offspring.

Important Considerations

* Hidden Ability Guarantee: Breeding with Ditto doesn't guarantee a Hidden Ability offspring. It simply introduces a chance for the Hidden Ability to be passed down.

* Masuda Method: The Masuda method (breeding Pokemon from different regions) can increase your odds of hatching a Pokemon with its Hidden Ability.

* Ability Patches: In Sword/Shield and later games, you can use an Ability Patch item to change a Pokemon's Ability to its Hidden Ability, if it has one.

Example

Let's say you want a Dreepy with its Hidden Ability, Infiltrator. You'd need:

1. A Dreepy (male or female) with the Infiltrator Ability (it doesn't need to be active).
2. A Ditto.

By breeding these two, you have a chance of hatching a Drakloak (Dreepy's evolution) with the Infiltrator Ability.

In Conclusion

Breeding for Hidden Abilities with Ditto is a fantastic strategy introduced in later Pokemon generations. While not guaranteed, it opens up a world of possibilities for competitive battling and creating unique Pokemon teams. Happy breeding!
read more >>

In Generation VI, any Pok��mon, including male and genderless Pok��mon, can pass down their Hidden Ability when bred with Ditto. Ditto's Ability is irrelevant to inheritance. If the male is bred with another Pok��mon from the same egg group, Hidden Abilities will not be passed down.read more >>