Why Can’t Special Pokémon Be Traded in Pokémon HOME? A Deep Dive

The inability to trade certain Pokémon, particularly Mythical Pokémon and those tied to special events, via the Global Trade System (GTS) in Pokémon HOME is a source of frustration for many trainers. The primary reason boils down to maintaining the rarity and exclusivity of these creatures, preventing exploits, and preserving the integrity of the Pokémon ecosystem across different games. Allowing unfettered trading of these coveted Pokémon would devalue them, potentially disrupting the balance of the game’s economy and player experience.

Understanding the Restrictions

The core concept behind restricting trades of special Pokémon stems from their intended purpose: to be unique encounters, rewards for participation in specific events, or limited-time distributions. These Pokémon are designed to be obtained through specific gameplay experiences, fostering a sense of accomplishment and rarity among players.

Here’s a more granular breakdown:

• Maintaining Rarity: Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Phione, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Zarude, and Meltan/Melmetal are intentionally rare. Their scarcity fuels their desirability and makes obtaining them a significant achievement. Allowing their unrestricted trade would flood the market, diminishing their value and undermining the sense of accomplishment associated with acquiring them.

• Preventing Exploits: Allowing the GTS to facilitate trades of event-exclusive Pokémon would create opportunities for exploitation. Players could potentially create multiple accounts, participate in events on each, and then trade the resulting Pokémon to a single main account. This behavior would circumvent the intended limitations and create an unfair advantage.

• Protecting Game Integrity: The Pokémon Company International strives to maintain a consistent and fair experience across all its games. Allowing the GTS to become a marketplace for rare Pokémon would destabilize the in-game economies and potentially create disparities between players who have access to specific events or games and those who do not.

• Event Distribution Incentives: Many special Pokémon are distributed as incentives for attending events, watching movies, or purchasing specific products. Allowing immediate trading negates the purpose of these distributions, as players could simply acquire the Pokémon without engaging with the intended experience.

• Preventing Duplication: The GTS’s open nature makes it vulnerable to exploits involving duplicated Pokémon. While measures are in place to detect and prevent this, restricting the trading of highly valuable Pokémon minimizes the potential impact of such exploits.

Alternative Trading Methods

While the GTS might be off-limits for these special Pokémon, other trading methods exist within Pokémon HOME and the core series games:

• Friend Trades: Pokémon HOME allows you to trade with friends directly. This method offers more control and can be used to trade certain Pokémon that are restricted on the GTS.
• Local Trades: In core series games like Pokémon Sword and Shield or Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you can engage in local trades with players nearby.
• Surprise Trade (Wonder Trade): While not a targeted trading method, Surprise Trade allows you to exchange Pokémon with a random player worldwide, offering the chance (albeit slim) of receiving a rare Pokémon. Keep in mind you still cannot trade special Pokemon here.

It’s also crucial to remember that transferring Pokémon to Pokémon HOME is distinct from trading within Pokémon HOME. You can typically transfer Mythical Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, subject to certain limitations.

The Nuances of Meltan and Melmetal

Meltan and Melmetal present a unique case. While classified as Mythical Pokémon, they are obtainable in Pokémon GO through the Mystery Box mechanic, which is triggered by transferring Pokémon to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! or Pokémon HOME. However, they are still often treated as special trades due to their Mythical status and the effort required to evolve Meltan into Melmetal.

Conclusion

The restrictions on trading special Pokémon via the GTS in Pokémon HOME are in place to protect the integrity of the games, maintain the value of rare Pokémon, and prevent exploitation. While these limitations can be frustrating, they ultimately contribute to a more balanced and rewarding experience for all players. By understanding the reasons behind these restrictions, trainers can better appreciate the value of these unique Pokémon and explore alternative methods for acquiring and trading them. Understanding game mechanics and their effects on players is a crucial part of game design, which you can explore further on resources like the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why can’t I trade Mythical Pokémon on the GTS?

Mythical Pokémon are intentionally rare and their trade on the GTS is prohibited to maintain their rarity, prevent exploits, and protect the game’s economy. Allowing their trade would devalue them and disrupt the intended gameplay experience.

2. Can I transfer Mythical Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can transfer Mythical Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, provided they aren’t currently your buddy or defending a Gym.

3. Are there any Mythical Pokémon that can be traded on the GTS?

No, Mythical Pokémon are generally not tradable on the GTS.

4. What about event-exclusive Pokémon? Can I trade those?

Pokémon obtained through special events are also typically restricted from trading on the GTS to maintain their exclusivity and prevent exploitation.

5. If I can’t trade them on the GTS, how can I get Mythical Pokémon?

Mythical Pokémon are primarily obtained through special events, distributions, or completing specific research tasks in games like Pokémon GO.

6. Can I trade Shiny Pokémon on the GTS?

Yes, Shiny Pokémon can typically be traded on the GTS, unless they fall into the category of restricted Pokémon (e.g., Mythical Pokémon).

7. What is a “Special Trade” in Pokémon GO, and how does it relate to Pokémon HOME?

In Pokémon GO, a Special Trade involves trading Pokémon that are rare, new to your Pokédex, or Legendary/Mythical. While not directly related to Pokémon HOME trading restrictions, it highlights the inherent value and restrictions placed on certain Pokémon.

8. Why is Meltan considered a special case?

While classified as a Mythical Pokémon, Meltan is relatively easier to obtain in Pokémon GO compared to other Mythicals. This is because you can get Meltan through Mystery Boxes.

9. Can I trade Pokémon that have been transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME on the GTS?

Yes, Pokémon transferred from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME can be traded on the GTS, provided they are not Mythical or event-exclusive Pokémon.

10. What happens if I try to put a Mythical Pokémon up for trade on the GTS?

The system will prevent you from listing the Mythical Pokémon for trade.

11. Are there any plans to change the trading restrictions on the GTS in the future?

The Pokémon Company International regularly evaluates its policies, but currently, there are no indications that the restrictions on trading special Pokémon on the GTS will be lifted.

12. Why are certain Pokémon restricted from being transferred to Pokémon HOME altogether?

Certain Pokémon, such as Spinda, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon, cannot be transferred because they have unique mechanics or attributes that are not compatible with Pokémon HOME’s system.

13. What is the purpose of Pokémon HOME if I can’t trade all my Pokémon on the GTS?

Pokémon HOME serves as a central hub for storing and managing your Pokémon collection across different games, facilitating trades with friends, and providing access to features like the National Pokédex.

14. Can I trade Pokémon eggs on Pokémon HOME?

No, Pokémon eggs cannot be traded on Pokémon HOME.

15. What happens if a Pokémon’s species name contains an inappropriate word?

The system typically has filters in place to prevent the use of offensive names. In the past, there were instances where Pokémon with certain species names (like Cofagrigus) couldn’t be traded without nicknames, but these issues are usually addressed through updates.