'Pokémon Go Generation 2' rumors: Potential features coming in 2017's major update

As Pokémon Go continues to evolve and expand its player base, rumors are swirling about the highly anticipated Generation 2 update that could arrive in 2017. The most exciting potential feature centers around breeding mechanics and the introduction of baby eggs, which could fundamentally change how trainers approach the game and expand their collections.

Breeding and Baby Eggs: The Game Changer

The introduction of breeding mechanics would represent the most significant evolution of Pokémon Go since its launch. According to leaked data and insider reports, players could soon have the ability to breed their existing Pokémon to produce special baby eggs. These eggs would hatch into baby Pokémon from Generation 2, including beloved favorites like Pichu, Cleffa, Igglybuff, and Togepi.

What makes this feature particularly exciting is how it would integrate with the existing egg system. Baby eggs could require different incubation distances and times, potentially offering trainers new strategic choices about which eggs to prioritize. The breeding process itself might involve pairing compatible Pokémon and waiting for them to produce an egg, adding a new layer of depth to the collection aspect of the game.

How Breeding Could Work

While Niantic hasn't officially confirmed the mechanics, data miners have uncovered code suggesting that breeding would work similarly to the main series games. Trainers might need to place two compatible Pokémon in a special breeding facility or daycare system, then return after a certain period to collect their baby egg.

The eggs produced through breeding could offer several advantages over regular eggs found at PokéStops. Baby Pokémon hatched from bred eggs might have better stats, unique movesets, or even shiny variants at higher rates. This would give dedicated trainers a reason to invest time in the breeding system while maintaining the casual accessibility that makes Pokémon Go so popular.

Generation 2 Pokémon Integration

Beyond baby Pokémon, the Generation 2 update is expected to introduce the full roster of 100 new Pokémon from the Johto region. This massive content expansion would more than double the current Pokédex, giving trainers countless new creatures to discover and catch.

New evolution items like the Metal Coat, Dragon Scale, and King's Rock could also be introduced, allowing existing Generation 1 Pokémon to evolve into their Generation 2 counterparts. Imagine finally being able to evolve your Onix into Steelix or your Slowpoke into Slowking – these additions would breathe new life into Pokémon that many trainers have already caught.

The Impact on Gameplay

If these rumors prove true, the Generation 2 update could revitalize Pokémon Go in ways that go far beyond simply adding new creatures. The breeding system would give players long-term goals and reasons to keep playing even after completing their current Pokédex. The social aspect could also be enhanced if trading becomes part of the breeding ecosystem.

For Niantic, this update represents a crucial opportunity to re-engage players who may have lost interest after the initial launch excitement wore off. By introducing complex new systems like breeding while maintaining the core accessibility of the game, they could strike the perfect balance between depth and simplicity.

While we wait for official confirmation from Niantic, one thing is certain: the potential introduction of breeding and baby eggs represents the most significant evolution of Pokémon Go since its launch. Whether these features arrive in 2017 as rumored remains to be seen, but the excitement among the community is undeniable.