Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Breeding Chain Guide Explained

[Ruby]

Breeding has always been one of the most strategic aspects of the Pokémon series, and Pokémon Legends: Z-A continues that legacy with a few new twists. Whether you’re aiming for the perfect IVs, hidden abilities, or rare Shiny Pokémon, understanding the breeding chain system is the key to success. This guide breaks down how breeding chains work, why they matter, and how to make the most of them in your journey through Lumiose City.

What Is a Breeding Chain?

A breeding chain is the process of passing down moves, natures, and abilities through multiple generations of Pokémon to achieve an ideal result. In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, it’s not just about producing eggs anymore—it’s about building a lineage. Players can strategically breed Pokémon from the same Egg Group to transfer Egg Moves or maintain desired traits.

For example, if you want a Gardevoir with Hypnosis and Destiny Bond, you’ll need to start the chain with a compatible male Pokémon that knows those moves. After one or two breeding steps, your offspring will inherit them naturally, allowing you to optimize both battle performance and move coverage.

IVs, Nature, and Abilities

Each new Pokémon hatched from an egg inherits a combination of its parents’ stats. Using items like the Destiny Knot and Everstone still plays a crucial role in Z-A. The Destiny Knot passes down five IVs from the parents, while the Everstone locks in the nature. However, with the introduction of the new Breeder Facility in Lumiose City, you can now preview potential traits before committing to a pairing—saving a lot of time and resources.

Hidden Abilities can also be inherited through breeding, though it’s slightly trickier. Female Pokémon typically have a higher chance of passing them down, but pairing with certain Alpha Pokémon increases those odds. This makes it more efficient than before to plan a breeding chain around competitive or rare ability builds.

Shiny Hunting Through Breeding

If you’re after Shiny Pokémon, the breeding chain system can be one of the most rewarding methods. The Masuda Method returns in Z-A, increasing your odds when breeding Pokémon from different language regions. Pair that with the Shiny Charm, and your chances improve significantly. Some players even choose to buy shiny Pokémon from online trades to speed up the process, though for purists, the hunt itself remains part of the fun.

Optimizing the Chain

A successful breeding chain requires patience and planning. Here are a few tips:

Start simple: Begin with Pokémon that share an Egg Group and desirable moves.

Track your lineage: Keep records of which offspring carry which traits.

Use Alphas wisely: Breeding with Alpha Pokémon can yield stronger offspring with higher base IVs. Some players prefer to buy alpha Pokémon to kickstart their chain with excellent genetics.

Watch for compatibility: Even within the same species, certain gender or Egg Group mismatches can break your chain.

Why It Matters

Breeding chains aren’t just for competitive battlers—they’re also one of the best ways to personalize your team. Want a Shiny Garchomp with perfect IVs and a rare move? It’s possible with enough persistence. And because Pokémon Legends: Z-A places more emphasis on player freedom and regional customization, your breeding chain results can feel truly unique to your playthrough.

Mastering this system may take time, but once you see your first perfect offspring hatch, every step of the chain feels worth it.