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How to transfer Pokemon from previous games to Scarlet and Violet?

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Bringing Your Old Friends to Paldea: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Transfer in Scarlet and Violet

So, you’re eager to reunite with your beloved Pokémon from previous adventures and bring them to the vibrant region of Paldea in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? Excellent! The good news is, it’s absolutely possible thanks to the Pokémon HOME cloud service. Here’s the lowdown on how to make it happen:

The Core Process: Pokémon HOME as Your Transfer Hub

The key to transferring Pokémon between games is the Pokémon HOME application. This acts as a central hub, allowing you to store and move Pokémon between compatible titles. Here’s the general procedure:

  1. Download Pokémon HOME: Ensure you have the Pokémon HOME app downloaded on your Nintendo Switch. It’s also available on mobile devices, but the Switch version is required for transferring between Switch games.

  2. Nintendo Account Login: Log in to Pokémon HOME using the same Nintendo Account that you use on your Switch. This ensures that Pokémon HOME can access your save data from the various Pokémon games.

  3. Accessing the Pokémon Menu: From the Pokémon HOME main menu on your Nintendo Switch, select “Pokémon.” This will open a screen displaying your compatible games.

  4. Linking Your Games: Choose the game you want to transfer Pokémon from (e.g., Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield). Then select Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet as the destination game. Note: You’ll be able to access all save data associated with the Nintendo Account from any user on the console.

  5. Moving Pokémon: Within Pokémon HOME, you’ll see your Pokémon HOME boxes and the boxes from the selected games. Now, simply drag and drop the Pokémon you wish to transfer between the boxes.

  6. Saving Changes: Once you’ve moved your desired Pokémon, be sure to save your changes within Pokémon HOME.

  7. Launch Scarlet or Violet: Open Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet on your Switch. Your transferred Pokémon will now be available in your boxes within the game.

That’s the basic process! However, there are some crucial caveats and limitations to keep in mind, which we will address in detail in the FAQs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Pokémon Transfers

Here are 15 common questions and answers to further clarify the transfer process and address potential issues:

Can I transfer any Pokémon from any game to Scarlet and Violet?

No, not quite. There are two main restrictions:

  • Compatibility: Only Pokémon from games compatible with Pokémon HOME can be transferred. This includes: Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!. It does not directly include Pokémon GO.
  • Species Availability: Even if a Pokémon can technically be transferred through Pokémon HOME, it can only be used in Scarlet and Violet if its species is programmed into those games. While the Version 3.0.0 update added over 130 previously unavailable Pokémon, there are still Pokémon that are not transferable to Scarlet and Violet, which are explained in detail in the next question.

Which Pokémon cannot be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?

While many Pokémon are now transferable, some are still excluded. The listed below are Pokemon that currently cannot be transferred to Pokémon Scarlet & Violet From Pokémon HOME:

1 – Kanto

  • Bulbasaur
  • Ivysaur
  • Venusaur

2 – Johto

  • Chikorita
  • Bayleef
  • Meganium

3 – Hoenn

  • Treecko
  • Grovyle
  • Sceptile

4 – Sinnoh

  • Turtwig
  • Grotle
  • Torterra

5 – Unova

  • Snivy
  • Servine
  • Serperior

6 – Kalos

  • Bunnelby
  • Diggersby
  • Furfrou

7 – Alola

  • Litten
  • Torracat

Can I transfer Pokémon directly from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet?

No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Instead, you first have to transfer your Pokémon to Pokémon HOME and then from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet. Note: This is also the method to obtain Roaming Form Gimmighoul from Pokémon GO in Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet.

What happens if I transfer a Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet that knows moves it can’t normally learn there?

When you transfer a Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet, the game will automatically adjust its moveset to be compatible with the available movepool in those games. This might mean that some moves are forgotten and replaced with others. So, you may need to teach them new moves after the transfer is complete.

Can I transfer Pokémon back and forth between games using Pokémon HOME?

Generally, yes, you can move Pokémon back and forth between compatible games using Pokémon HOME, with one major exception. If you transfer a Pokémon from Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! to any other game, it cannot be returned to the Let’s Go games. This is because those games have unique mechanics that are not present in later titles.

Can I transfer Pokémon with Hidden Abilities?

Yes, Pokémon HOME preserves Hidden Abilities during transfers. However, keep in mind that if a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability is not programmed into Scarlet and Violet, it might be changed to a standard ability upon arrival.

How much does Pokémon HOME cost?

Pokémon HOME has both a free and a Premium (paid) plan. The free plan has significant limitations, such as limited storage space for Pokémon and restricted transfer capabilities. The Premium plan offers substantially more storage and allows for features like transferring multiple Pokémon at once.

Can I evolve Kubfu in Scarlet and Violet after transferring it?

Yes, you can evolve Kubfu into Urshifu in Scarlet and Violet using the Scroll of Waters (to evolve into Rapid Strike Style). However, you need to transfer Kubfu from Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield via Pokémon HOME first, as it’s not natively available in Scarlet and Violet.

I have save data for multiple users on my Switch. Can I access all of them with Pokémon HOME?

Yes, Pokémon HOME can access save data from all users on a single Nintendo Switch console. When you link a game in Pokémon HOME, you’ll be prompted to select the specific user’s save data that you want to access. This is useful for families sharing a console.

Are Alpha Pokémon from Legends: Arceus stronger in Scarlet and Violet?

While Alpha Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus can be transferred to Scarlet and Violet, their “Alpha” status doesn’t translate into significantly enhanced stats. They may have slightly higher stats due to Effort Levels carried over (which are equivalent to IVs), but they aren’t inherently stronger than other Pokémon of the same species. Their size does carry over, offering a unique visual difference!

How do I get Mewtwo in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?

Currently, Mewtwo is obtainable in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet through special events, typically Tera Raid Battles. Keep an eye on official Pokémon news for announcements about these events. Once you defeat Mewtwo in a seven-star Tera Raid Battle, you’ll have the opportunity to catch it.

Can I transfer Hisuian forms of Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet?

Yes! Hisuian forms of Pokémon (like Hisuian Growlithe or Hisuian Zoroark) can be transferred from Pokémon Legends: Arceus to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. Note that transferred Pokémon will retain the original language they were caught with.

Where can I find the Legendaries in Pokémon Violet?

The “Shrine Legendaries”, also known as the Treasures of Ruin, are unique to Paldea and can be caught in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet by finding and unlocking their respective shrines hidden across the Paldea region.

Will the Starter Pokémon from previous games be available in Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, the starter Pokémon from all previous mainline games, from Bulbasaur to Sobble, are available in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet. These Pokémon can be transferred into the game using the Pokémon HOME service or can be found in special events that feature all the starter Pokemon.

How can I transfer multiple Pokémon at once in Pokémon GO?

Within Pokémon GO, there is not a single, one-click button to mass-transfer all your Pokémon. However, you can select multiple Pokémon for transfer to the Professor using a tap-and-hold gesture, significantly speeding up the process.

We hope this comprehensive guide has answered your questions and made the transfer process clearer. Now, go forth and reunite with your favorite Pokémon in the Paldea region! For more information on gaming and learning, visit the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

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