How to do the Masuda Method in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Fans of previous Pokemon games may be aware of a trick called the Masuda Method. For those unaware, the Masuda Method is a breeding strategy that many players use to obtain shiny Pokemon. While the breeding mechanic is quite different in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, the Masuda Method still works. It is a bit tricky however, so continue reading to learn how to do the Masuda Method in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet!

How to do the Masuda Method in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Named after Game Freak director Junichi Masuda, the Masuda Method incentivizes Pokemon Scarlet and Violet players to trade with others across the world using Surprise Trades and Link Trades. This is due to the fact that players will need to breed Pokemon from different countries to be able to perform the Masuda Method. Let’s get into it!

Basically, the Masuda Method requires two Pokemon from different regions to breed. If done correctly, the shiny chance of each egg will be increased significantly.

To be exact, performing the Masuda Method will increase your egg shiny odds from 1/4096 to 3/2048 without the shiny charm.

With the shiny charm, your Masuda Method shiny odds are increased from 1/1365.33 to 1/512. These are amazing odds, and players should definitely consider getting the Shiny Charm before performing the Masuda Method.

Now, you may be wondering how to get foreign Pokemon…

How to Get Foreign Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Foreign Pokemon can be obtained through Surprise Trades or Link Trades.

While you can breed two of the same Pokemon successfully if they are from different regions, the most popular way to do the Masuda Method in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet is to get a foreign Ditto.

Since Ditto can breed with every breed-able Pokemon, getting one foreign Ditto will allow you to perform the Masuda Method with ease.

Before I explain how to get a foreign Ditto, be sure that you have caught a Ditto in your own game. This will be explained in more detail below.

Related: All Shiny Locked Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet

Here’s how to get a foreign Ditto in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet:

• Press X and Connect to the Internet
• Go to the PokePortal and Select Link Trade
• Enter “4448 4448” as your Link Code and Search

The Link Code above is used as the Ditto trading code. Pokemon players will trade their Dittos in the hopes of acquiring a foreign Ditto, likely to do the Masuda Method.

Once you find a trade, simply put your Ditto up for trade and wait for the other player to put theirs. Make sure you check the summary of their Pokemon to ensure it is a foreign Ditto before you trade.

If you see anything other than ENG in the Summary, this means that it is a Ditto from a foreign region, and you are clear to trade!

Now that you’ve got a foreign Ditto, you can simply breed the Ditto and your other desired Pokemon by starting a Picnic. Eventually, you will start to see eggs pouring into the basket on the floor. Using Egg Boosts are recommended to speed up the process!

After hatching enough eggs, you are guaranteed to get a shiny Pokemon!

Now that you know how to do the Masuda Method in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, it’s time to get out there and get some shiny Pokemon!

Related: How to Breed Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet