The Masuda Method explained

[Dragon in the Shadows]

I'm mostly posting this for Tye so he can see why I was pleased to obtain a Japanese Ditto.

What is the Masuda Method?

The Masuda Method is a method for breeding shinies.  It relies on using Pokémon from different regions to increase the odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon.  This breeding method was named in honor of the game developer who revealed it, Junichi Masuda.

How does it work?

Normally when breeding two Pokémon the odds of getting an egg containing a shiny offspring are 1 in 8,192.  However as of Gen IV if you were to breed a Pokémon from two different regions (say a Pokémon from a Japanese game with a Pokémon from a US game) the odds change, quite a big change in fact as it drops to 1 in 2,048.  That's a 75% cut.  In Gen V the odds were altered again.  Without using a different region Pokémon it remains the original 1 in 8,192, but with Pokémon from two different regions it drops to 1 in 1,365.3.

It is important to note that if you use two Pokémon from the same country, let's say Japan, in an English game the odds return to the original 1 in 8,192 as they are from the same country.  Furthermore breeding a Spanish Pokémon with a Japanese Pokémon in an English game will not reduce the odds further and this method only involves the Pokémon, not the game or system.

Does the Masuda Method still work in Gen VI and have the odds dropped again?

Yes, the Masuda method still works in Gen VI and many still implement it to breed shiny Pokémon.  Unfortunately it remains unknown whether the odds were changed for Gen VI.  In theory it could be as low as 1 in 1,000 if they have decreased it again.

So do I need a Japanese Pokémon?

Any Pokémon capable of breeding from any country can be used for the Masuda Method.  Of course Dittos from other countries are preferred as Dittos are the w***es of the Pokémon world.

I hope you found this little article enjoyable or helpful.  Of course expect an update once the odds of hatching shiny Pokémon in gen VI are confirmed.

[Fever]

I want a **** Ditto from anywhere.