How To Breed Emerald Dragon Dragonvale
Okay, picture this: I'm sitting on my couch, controller in hand, determined to finally get my hands on an Emerald Dragon in DragonVale. I had spent, and I'm not exaggerating, *weeks* trying different combinations. My DragonVale park was starting to look like a reject pile of failed breeding experiments – all these random hybrids staring back at me, judging my incompetence. Honestly, I was starting to question my life choices. Was all this digital dragon husbandry really worth it? Then, BAM! After yet another attempt, there it was, shimmering on the screen: an Emerald Dragon egg! I literally screamed. My neighbors probably think I'm nuts. But hey, an Emerald Dragon! Finally! So, after experiencing the sheer joy (and slight madness) of acquiring one myself, I figured I’d share my hard-won knowledge, so you don't have to suffer quite as much as I did.
So, You Want an Emerald Dragon? Let's Do This!
Right, let's dive into the wonderful, occasionally infuriating, world of breeding for an Emerald Dragon. First things first: the Emerald Dragon is a rare hybrid dragon, which basically means it's going to take some effort, luck, and possibly sacrificing a small digital goat to the DragonVale gods (kidding… mostly). But don't let that scare you off. With the right dragons and a little patience, you *can* add this gem to your collection. (And trust me, the bragging rights are worth it.)
Understanding the Emerald Dragon's Elements
The Emerald Dragon has two key elements: Earth and Air. This means that any breeding combination you try *must* include both of these elements. Forget about pure Fire dragons or Water dragons, they won't cut it. (Unless you're looking for a *very* different dragon... which, hey, DragonVale is all about experimentation! But probably not if you want an Emerald Dragon.)
The Best Breeding Combinations: Your Arsenal of Choices
This is where things get interesting. There are a few combinations that are generally considered to be the most effective for breeding an Emerald Dragon. Remember, there's no guaranteed recipe (DragonVale loves to keep us on our toes), but these are your best bets:
- Mud Dragon + Air Dragon: This is often considered the go-to combination. The Mud Dragon covers the Earth element, and the Air Dragon... well, you guessed it. It's straightforward, easy to get the parent dragons, and has a decent chance of success. (Relatively speaking, of course. We're still talking about a rare dragon here!)
- Quake Dragon + Air Dragon: Similar to the Mud/Air combo, but with a bit more *oomph*. The Quake Dragon is a hybrid itself (Earth and Lightning), which might slightly improve your odds. Or maybe it's just wishful thinking. Who knows?
- Cactus Dragon + Wind Dragon: Another solid choice. Both the Cactus and Wind Dragons are relatively easy to obtain, making this a good option for newer players. Plus, who doesn't love a dragon that looks like a walking, flying cactus?
- Flower Dragon + Lightning Dragon: Although, technically, this should work, it is not as effective, because to make the Flower Dragon, you'll need plant and water.
- Other Earth/Air Combinations: Feel free to experiment! Any combination that contains both Earth and Air *could* potentially work. Just be prepared for a lot of plant dragons, flower dragons, and other… less exciting results. (Hey, they still need love!)
Pro Tips for Maxing Your Breeding Potential
Okay, now that we've covered the basics, let's talk about some strategies to improve your chances of success. These aren't miracle cures, but they can definitely give you a leg up.
- Level Up Your Dragons: This is crucial! The higher the level of your breeding dragons, the better your chances of getting a rare dragon. Aim for at least Level 16-20 for both parent dragons. This might require a lot of treats, but trust me, it's worth it. (Think of it as an investment in your Emerald Dragon future!)
- Use the Epic Breeding Island or Cave: These upgraded breeding locations offer a *slightly* increased chance of breeding rare dragons. It's not a huge boost, but every little bit helps, right? Plus, they look cool.
- Be Patient (Seriously!): Breeding for rare dragons is a marathon, not a sprint. You're going to get a lot of fails. Don't get discouraged! Keep trying different combinations, keep leveling up your dragons, and eventually, you'll get lucky. (Or, you know, you could just buy one with gems. But where's the fun in that?!)
- Check the DragonVale Wiki: Seriously, this is your best friend. The DragonVale Wiki is a treasure trove of information about breeding combinations, probabilities, and all things DragonVale. It's constantly updated by dedicated players, so it's a great resource to have at your fingertips.
Understanding Breeding Times and Fails: Deciphering the DragonVale Code
One of the most frustrating aspects of breeding is figuring out what you actually bred. The breeding time is a clue, but it's not always straightforward. Here's a quick breakdown:
- Shorter Breeding Times: Generally indicate common or less rare dragons. These are usually the ones that make you sigh and think, "Not *another* Plant Dragon!" (We've all been there.)
- Longer Breeding Times: Suggest a potentially rarer dragon. This is where your heart starts to race, and you start crossing your fingers. (And maybe sacrificing that digital goat…)
- Consult the DragonVale Wiki: Seriously, use the wiki! It lists the breeding times for every dragon in the game. Compare the breeding time you see with the wiki to narrow down the possibilities.
But remember, breeding times can vary slightly depending on whether you're using the regular Breeding Cave or the Epic Breeding Island/Cave. So, don't panic if the time doesn't match exactly.
What to Do While You Wait (Because You'll Be Waiting... A Lot)
Breeding times can be lengthy, especially for rarer dragons. So, what do you do while you're waiting? Here are a few suggestions:
- Play Other DragonVale Minigames: There's the Dragon Track, the Colosseum, and various events that offer rewards. These can help you earn treats, gems, and other goodies to speed up your breeding efforts.
- Visit Friends' Parks: You can earn gems by visiting friends' parks and giving them gifts. Plus, it's a great way to get inspiration for your own park design. (And maybe a little bit of envy… in a good way, of course!)
- Work on Your Park Design: Now's the perfect time to rearrange your habitats, add decorations, and make your park look amazing. A beautiful park attracts more visitors, which means more income!
- Actually Do Something Productive in Real Life: Okay, I know this is a radical suggestion, but sometimes it's good to take a break from DragonVale and do something else. Go for a walk, read a book, or, you know, talk to your family. They probably miss you.
The Joy (and Agony) of Victory: Hatching Your Emerald Dragon
Finally! After all those failed attempts, after all that waiting, the egg is ready to hatch. You tap the screen, the egg cracks open, and there it is: your very own Emerald Dragon! Bask in the glory of your accomplishment. Admire its shimmering scales and its majestic wings. Give it a cool name. Take screenshots to show off to your friends. You've earned it!
But don't get too complacent. There are plenty more dragons to breed! The quest for rare dragons never truly ends. (That’s what keeps us coming back, right?) And who knows, maybe you'll even discover a new breeding combination that works even better than the ones I've listed. (If you do, please share! I'm always looking for ways to improve my own DragonVale game.)
Final Thoughts: DragonVale is a Journey, Not a Destination
Breeding an Emerald Dragon in DragonVale can be a challenging, frustrating, and ultimately rewarding experience. It's a testament to the game's addictive nature, its beautiful graphics, and its surprisingly deep gameplay. So, don't give up! Keep experimenting, keep leveling up, and keep believing. Eventually, you'll get your Emerald Dragon. And when you do, you'll know that all the effort was worth it. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a few more dragons to breed… Wish me luck! (And good luck to you too!) Happy DragonVale-ing!