Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl retains the breeding mechanics seen in the previous games, letting you mate two separate Pokémon. Many competitive players use this to create the strongest party possible, as breeding transfers high Individual Values (IV's) from the parents.
It's a timely process, though if you're getting serious about battling, a necessary one. So, if you're looking to learn more about Pokémon breeding - or just want some general pointers specific to Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl - here's what you need to know.
Read More: Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl Walkthrough: All Guides in One Place
How To Breed Pokémon And Hatch Eggs
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+ 4To produce Pokémon through breeding in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, drop them off at Solaceon Nursery together, and they'll need to hit set criteria. Both Pokémon must be within the same Egg Group or species (you can use Ditto, too), and opposite genders. Providing they match, an egg will emerge after you've done some travelling, so head back to the Nursery.
Collect the egg, place it in your party and once done, walk a set number of steps to hatch it. How many steps depends on the Pokémon, so we can't provide an exact number. To speed this up, place a Pokémon with Flame Body or Magma Armor - Ponyta, Magmar, Magcargo and Camerupt have these - in your party, as that'll halve your egg hatching time.
Where Is Solaceon Nursery
click to enlarge + 4You can find Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl's nursery in Solaceon Town, between Routes 209 and 210. Once you've arrived, speak with the woman at the counter, who'll ask which Pokémon you'd like to entrust in her care. Select your two Pokémon, go exploring, and come back later.
Where To Find Ditto
click to enlarge + 4For any breeder, catching Ditto is a must. Thanks to their transformation ability, they can breed with Pokémon from any egg group or gender, legendary ones excluded.
Unfortunately, Ditto isn't available until you've become the Sinnoh Champion and unlocked the National Pokédex, achieved by seeing all 151 Pokémon across Sinnoh. Ditto can then be found across the Grand Underground - in Stargleam Cavern and Dazzling Cave - or Route 218 when using the Pokémon Radar.
Key Items For Breeding
click to enlarge + 4You'll want to equip the parent Pokémon with an Everstone and Destiny Knot (located on Route 224). Whoever holds the Everstone passes on their nature to the offspring, while a Destiny Knot passes down five of the parent's six IV's. Combined, they'll shorten that process to gain a high IV Pokémon.
That's all you need to know about breeding in Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl. To take care of those Pokémon, treat them to a stroll in Amity Square or look at how to evolve them.
For more articles like this, take a look at our Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl and Guides page.