Can You Get Legacy Moves? A Comprehensive Guide

Yes, you can get Legacy Moves in various games, particularly in Pokémon GO. However, acquiring them requires specific methods and often involves limited-time events or trading. Legacy Moves are special attacks or charged moves that were previously available for a specific Pokémon but are no longer obtainable through normal gameplay, such as using TMs or leveling up. This scarcity makes them highly sought after by players, as they can significantly impact a Pokémon’s performance in battles and raids.

What are Legacy Moves?

Legacy Moves are Pokémon movesets that are no longer available through standard means within the game. They could have been removed to rebalance gameplay, make way for new moves, or were exclusive to special events. Because of their limited availability, they often hold significant value for collectors and competitive players alike. These moves can dramatically influence a Pokémon’s effectiveness, making certain legacy move combinations highly desirable.

Why are Legacy Moves Important?

The importance of Legacy Moves stems from their unique capabilities and rarity. Some legacy movesets provide a distinct advantage in player-versus-player (PvP) battles, raids, and gym battles. A Pokémon with a Legacy Move can sometimes significantly outperform the same Pokémon with a standard moveset. Collectors also prize Legacy Moves due to their scarcity and historical significance within the game.

How Can You Obtain Legacy Moves?

Obtaining Legacy Moves can be challenging, as they are not readily available. However, there are several methods, though each has its limitations:

• Elite TMs: These rare items allow you to teach your Pokémon any move that they have ever been able to learn, including Legacy Moves. Elite Charged TMs and Elite Fast TMs are distributed during special events, Community Days, or through the GO Battle League reward system. They are the most reliable method of acquiring Legacy Moves, though they require careful consideration due to their scarcity.
• Trading: Trading with other players is another way to acquire Pokémon with Legacy Moves. If another player possesses a Pokémon with the desired legacy moveset, you can trade for it. Keep in mind that trading costs Stardust and may be restricted based on your Friendship level with the other player. Also, traded Pokémon can’t be traded again.
• Evolution during Special Events: Occasionally, certain Pokémon that evolve during special events, such as Community Day, will learn a Legacy Move automatically. This provides a direct opportunity to acquire a Pokémon with the desired moveset.
• Shadow Pokémon Purifications: In rare instances, purifying a Shadow Pokémon can grant it a Legacy Move. However, this is not a common occurrence and usually only happens during specific events.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you better understand Legacy Moves:

1. What’s the difference between a regular TM and an Elite TM? A regular TM (Technical Machine) can only teach a Pokémon a move currently in its standard moveset pool. An Elite TM can teach a Pokémon any move it has ever been able to learn, including Legacy Moves and moves from special events.

2. How do I know if a move is a Legacy Move? You can consult online resources, such as game-specific wikis or community forums. These resources often maintain lists of Pokémon and their Legacy Moves. When you use an Elite TM on a Pokémon, the game will list all available moves, including Legacy Moves, clearly indicating their availability.

3. Are all Legacy Moves good? No. While many Legacy Moves are highly desirable due to their power or strategic advantages, some are simply uncommon and don’t necessarily improve a Pokémon’s performance. It’s important to research the effectiveness of a specific Legacy Move before investing in it.

4. Can I remove a Legacy Move? You can use a regular TM to replace a Legacy Fast Move with a current fast move in the Pokemon’s move pool. You cannot use regular TMs to change Legacy Charged Moves. However, Elite TMs can be used to change from Legacy Moves to current moves or vice-versa.

5. How often do special events that grant Legacy Moves occur? The frequency of events offering Legacy Moves varies. Community Days, which often feature exclusive moves, are typically held once a month. Other events with Legacy Move opportunities may occur less frequently, often coinciding with game anniversaries or seasonal celebrations.

6. Is trading the best way to get Legacy Moves? Trading can be a viable option, especially if you know someone who already has the desired Pokémon with the Legacy Move. However, it’s important to consider the cost of Stardust and the potential for IV rerolls (stat changes) during the trade.

7. Do Shiny Pokémon have a higher chance of having Legacy Moves? No, the Shiny status of a Pokémon has no bearing on its likelihood of possessing a Legacy Move. The availability of Legacy Moves is independent of whether a Pokémon is Shiny.

8. Can Shadow Pokémon have Legacy Moves? Yes, Shadow Pokémon can have Legacy Moves. In some cases, purifying a Shadow Pokémon during a specific event can grant it a Legacy Move.

9. Are Legacy Moves transferrable to other games? Generally, no. Legacy Moves are specific to the game in which they are acquired (e.g., Pokémon GO). They cannot be transferred to other Pokémon games or platforms.

10. How do I maximize my chances of getting a specific Legacy Move? Stay informed about upcoming events and research which Pokémon will be featured. Participate actively in Community Days and other special events that offer exclusive moves. Save your Elite TMs for Pokémon with Legacy Moves that will significantly improve your battle strategy.

11. Are Legacy Moves available in every Pokémon game? The concept of Legacy Moves is most prominent in Pokémon GO. While other Pokémon games may have exclusive or limited-time moves, they are not typically referred to as Legacy Moves in the same context.

12. What is the cost of using an Elite TM? Using an Elite TM costs one Elite TM. There is no Stardust or candy cost associated with using an Elite TM to teach a Pokémon a move.

13. Can I get Legacy Moves on a Pokémon that I already evolved? Yes, you can use an Elite TM on a Pokémon that you have already evolved to teach it a Legacy Move, provided that the move was ever part of the evolutionary line’s available moveset.

14. Do Legacy Moves affect the value of a Pokémon? Yes, certain Legacy Moves significantly increase the value of a Pokémon, both in terms of trade value and its usefulness in battles and raids. A Pokémon with a highly sought-after Legacy Move can be a valuable asset.

15. Where can I find a list of all Legacy Moves? Many online resources, such as Pokémon GO wikis, community forums, and dedicated websites, maintain comprehensive lists of Legacy Moves. A simple online search for “Pokémon GO Legacy Moves” will provide you with a wealth of information. These lists are continually updated as the game evolves.