Why Can’t I Move Certain Pokémon from Home to Scarlet?

So, you’re itching to populate your Paldea region with your favorite Pokémon from past adventures, but Pokémon HOME is throwing up roadblocks? You’re not alone. The simple answer is this: not every Pokémon is coded into Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. If a Pokémon’s data isn’t present in the game, there’s no way for HOME to transfer it. Think of it like trying to upload a file type your computer doesn’t recognize – it just won’t work. This design choice stems from a complex interplay of factors including game balance, development resources, and a desire to keep each generation feeling unique. Let’s delve into the specifics and address some common concerns.

The Paldea Pokedex and Transfer Limitations

The primary reason you can’t move every Pokémon from HOME to Scarlet and Violet boils down to the Paldea Pokedex. Unlike some previous generations, Scarlet and Violet don’t aim for a complete National Pokédex. Game Freak made a conscious decision to feature a smaller, curated selection of Pokémon to appear in the Paldea region. This has several implications:

• Development Time and Resources: Including every single Pokémon (over 1,000 at this point!) would require an immense amount of development time and resources. Each Pokémon needs to be properly modeled, animated, balanced for combat, and integrated into the game’s world. By limiting the roster, the developers can focus on polishing the experience for the Pokémon that are included.
• Game Balance: A smaller, more carefully selected roster allows for tighter control over game balance. Certain Pokémon combinations or abilities might be overpowered or game-breaking in the context of Scarlet and Violet’s battle mechanics. By excluding potentially problematic Pokémon, the developers can create a more fair and enjoyable competitive environment.
• Regional Identity: Each Pokémon region aims to have its own unique flavor and identity. By not including every Pokémon, the developers can emphasize the Pokémon that are native to Paldea and create a distinct ecosystem. This helps give each game a stronger sense of place.
• Technical Limitations: Despite advancements in technology, there are still technical limitations to consider. Handling a massive roster of Pokémon, each with unique models, animations, and behaviors, can strain the game’s performance, especially on the Nintendo Switch. A smaller roster allows for smoother gameplay and better optimization.

The “Already Registered” Rule

Even for Pokémon that are coded into Scarlet and Violet, there’s often another hurdle: the “already registered” rule. To transfer a Pokémon from HOME to Scarlet and Violet, you typically need to have already obtained that Pokémon, or one of its evolutionary relatives, within Scarlet or Violet. This requirement exists for a couple of reasons:

• Preventing Early Access to Powerful Pokémon: This system helps prevent players from immediately transferring in powerful, fully evolved Pokémon at the start of the game, potentially disrupting the intended progression and difficulty curve.
• Encouraging Exploration and Discovery: By requiring players to find and catch Pokémon within the Paldea region before transferring them from HOME, the game encourages exploration and discovery. Players are more likely to engage with the game’s world and discover new Pokémon if they can’t simply import their entire team from previous games.

Pokémon HOME and Future Updates

While the initial roster of transferable Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet was limited, Game Freak has released updates and DLC that expand the list. It’s possible that more Pokémon will be made transferable in future updates, so it’s always worth checking official announcements for any changes. The Games Learning Society website and other fan communities are great sources of news and information on this topic. You can check out GamesLearningSociety.org for more.

The Gimmighoul Exception

There is one specific exception to this rule mentioned in the introduction: Roaming Form Gimmighoul. Because of the integration between Pokémon GO and Scarlet/Violet, Roaming Form Gimmighoul can be transferred to Scarlet and Violet via Pokémon HOME even if you haven’t caught one in the Paldea region. This is a special case to reward players for participating in both games.

FAQs: Addressing Your Transfer Troubles

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions to further clarify the Pokémon HOME and Scarlet/Violet transfer process:

1. Will All Pokémon Eventually Be Transferable to Scarlet and Violet?

There’s no guarantee. Game Freak hasn’t explicitly stated that they plan to eventually include every Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet. It’s more likely that they’ll continue to selectively add Pokémon through updates and DLC.

2. What Happens if I Try to Transfer an Ineligible Pokémon?

Pokémon HOME will simply prevent you from transferring the Pokémon. You’ll typically receive an error message explaining that the Pokémon is not compatible with the selected game.

3. How Do I Know Which Pokémon Can Be Transferred?

The best way is to consult official sources, such as the Pokémon HOME app itself or the official Pokémon website. Many fan-made websites and lists also compile this information.

4. Can I Transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO Directly to Scarlet and Violet?

No. Pokémon GO Pokémon must first be transferred to Pokémon HOME before being transferred to Scarlet and Violet (with the Roaming Form Gimmighoul exception).

5. Can I Transfer Pokémon from Older Generations (e.g., Gen 3, Gen 4) to Scarlet and Violet?

Not directly. You need to transfer them through intermediate games and Pokémon Bank (for older generations) to get them into Pokémon HOME, and then from HOME to Scarlet and Violet (if they are compatible).

6. What Are the Requirements for Transferring Pokémon from Legends: Arceus?

The general process is to move Pokémon from Legends: Arceus into Pokémon HOME, then from HOME to Scarlet and Violet. The “already registered” rule applies here as well.

7. Do Shiny Pokémon Affect Transferability?

No. Whether a Pokémon is Shiny or not does not affect its transferability. As long as the Pokémon is compatible with Scarlet and Violet and you’ve met the “already registered” requirement, you can transfer it.

8. What About Event Pokémon?

Event Pokémon can generally be transferred as long as they are compatible with Scarlet and Violet and you’ve met the “already registered” requirement. However, some event Pokémon may have special restrictions, so it’s best to check the specific details of the event.

9. Does a Pokémon’s Level or Moveset Affect Transferability?

A Pokémon’s level does not affect transferability. However, if a Pokémon knows moves that are not present in Scarlet and Violet, those moves will be forgotten upon transfer.

10. Can I Trade Pokémon from HOME Directly to Other Players in Scarlet and Violet?

No. You need to transfer the Pokémon to your Scarlet or Violet game first, then you can trade it with other players in those games.

11. Does Pokémon HOME Cost Money?

Pokémon HOME has both a free and a paid (Premium) version. The Premium version offers more storage space, allows you to transfer more Pokémon at once, and unlocks other features.

12. Where Can I Find a List of All the Pokémon That Are in Scarlet and Violet?

Many online resources, including fan-made websites and databases, compile lists of all the Pokémon that are available in Scarlet and Violet. The official Pokémon website may also provide this information.

13. Why Did Game Freak Decide to Limit the Number of Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?

As explained earlier, this decision was likely made to balance development resources, game balance, regional identity, and technical limitations.

14. Can I Transfer Regional Forms (e.g., Alolan Vulpix) to Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, if the Regional Form is coded into Scarlet and Violet, it can be transferred. Again, the “already registered” rule generally applies.

15. Will the Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLCs Add More Transferable Pokémon?

Yes! The Teal Mask and Indigo Disk DLCs added a substantial number of returning Pokemon, making them transferable to Scarlet and Violet. Keep an eye out for future announcements for the full list.

Conclusion: Patience and Possibilities

While the limitations on transferring Pokémon from HOME to Scarlet and Violet can be frustrating, understanding the reasons behind these restrictions can help manage expectations. Stay informed about updates and DLC, and remember that the Pokémon world is always evolving. And if you’re interested in the broader implications of gaming and learning, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society for insightful research and discussions.