In Pokémon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl (BDSP), breeding and hatching Pokémon eggs can be a time-consuming process. One of the most effective ways to reduce this time is by using the Flame Body ability. When a Pokémon with this ability is in your party, the number of steps required to hatch an egg is cut in half, allowing you to obtain your Pokémon much faster.
This mechanic makes Flame Body especially valuable for players engaged in breeding for competitive play, shiny hunting, or simply expanding their collection. The ability also carries a secondary effect in battle, potentially burning an opponent when they make contact, adding a tactical layer to its utility.
Pokémon with Flame Body in BDSP
Only a select group of Pokémon in BDSP can have the Flame Body ability. These are:
- Ponyta
- Rapidash
- Magby
- Magmar
- Magmortar
- Slugma
- Magcargo
- Heatran
When any of these Pokémon is in your active party during egg hatching, the process becomes significantly quicker. In battles, Flame Body has an approximately 30% chance to burn an opposing Pokémon that makes physical contact, which can hinder their attack power over time.
Magma Armor: An Alternative to Flame Body
While not as widely known, the Magma Armor ability offers a similar egg-hatching advantage. Pokémon with Magma Armor also halve the number of required steps for hatching. In BDSP, only Slugma, Magcargo, and Camerupt possess this ability.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Does Flame Body stack if I have more than one Pokémon with the ability?
A: No, having multiple Pokémon with Flame Body in your party does not stack the effect. One is enough to halve egg-hatching steps.
Q: Can you get Magby early in Pokémon BDSP?
A: Yes. Magby can be obtained relatively early in the game by hatching a Magby Egg or encountering it in certain areas like the Grand Underground, depending on your version of the game.
Q: Does Flame Body work if the Pokémon is fainted?
A: Yes. Even if the Pokémon with Flame Body has fainted, the ability will still work for reducing egg-hatching steps.
Q: Is Magma Armor better than Flame Body for hatching?
A: Both abilities work identically for hatching eggs. The main difference is that Flame Body also has a burn-inducing battle effect, making it more versatile.
Q: Which is the fastest way to hatch eggs in BDSP?
A: The fastest method is to place a Pokémon with Flame Body or Magma Armor in your party, collect multiple eggs, and cycle through long routes or use the Battle Tower’s straight paths to accumulate steps efficiently.
