If you're a long-time Pokémon fan, one of the first things you probably look for in a new game is the Daycare Center. It's the place where you can leave two Pokémon to get to know each other and, eventually, produce an egg. But as you explore the Hisui region in Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you might notice that the Daycare is nowhere to be found.

So, can you breed Pokémon in Legends: Arceus? The short and simple answer is no. Breeding is not a feature in this game. This might be a surprise, especially if you're used to breeding for perfect stats or shiny Pokémon in other titles.

When I first started playing, I spent a good hour just looking for a Daycare. I was so set on my usual strategy of breeding a powerful starter with the right nature. It was only after checking the map multiple times and doing a quick search that I realized I had to completely change my approach to building a strong team in Hisui. It was a bit strange at first, but it forced me to engage with the game's new systems.

Why Can't You Breed in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?

The main reason there's no breeding is because of the game's setting. Pokémon Legends: Arceus takes place in the distant past, long before the modern Pokémon world we know. The concept of Pokémon Daycares or Nurseries simply didn't exist yet. The game's focus is on exploration, research, and catching Pokémon in the wild to complete the very first Pokédex.

This shift in focus from breeding to catching is a major part of what makes the game feel so different and is a key point in the conversation around whether or not Is Pokemon Legends Arceus Good?. Instead of hatching eggs, you are encouraged to go out and find the Pokémon you want.

So what can you do instead?

• Catch, Catch, Catch! The world is full of Pokémon, including powerful Alpha Pokémon that are bigger and stronger than their regular counterparts. If you want a strong team member, tracking down an Alpha is your best bet.
• Use the Grit System: This is the big replacement for breeding for stats. When you catch or defeat Pokémon, you get special items called Grit Dust, Grit Gravel, Grit Pebbles, and Grit Rocks. You can use these items to raise the "Effort Levels" of your Pokémon's stats, making them much stronger.
  

My Hisuian Growlithe felt a little underpowered when I first caught it. I was worried it wouldn't be strong enough for the later stages of the game. But after releasing a few dozen Bidoof I had caught, I had enough Grit items to boost its Attack and Speed stats significantly. It was way more direct and, honestly, more fun than endlessly hatching eggs hoping for the right stats.

While the lack of breeding might be a letdown for some, Pokémon Legends: Arceus provides great alternatives that fit its unique world. It encourages you to explore and interact with the environment in a new way.

If you're looking to make purchases for your favorite games, remember to check out Playstorm. You can play fun mobile games, earn gems, and cash them in for cool rewards like Nintendo Store gift cards, which you can use for in-app purchases on your next gaming adventure!