Can Items Be Stored in Pokémon HOME? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is a resounding no. You cannot directly store items in Pokémon HOME. Pokémon HOME is primarily designed as a cloud-based storage solution for your Pokémon, not a repository for your inventory of valuable items. When you transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME that is holding an item, the item is automatically sent back to your in-game bag (assuming there’s space).
This might seem inconvenient at first, but it’s a deliberate design choice by the Pokémon Company. It streamlines the process of moving Pokémon between games without having to juggle an immense item storage system within Pokémon HOME itself. Let’s delve into the reasons why this is the case and what it means for your Pokémon transferring experience.
Why No Item Storage in Pokémon HOME?
Think of Pokémon HOME as a central hub, a digital ark where your precious Pokémon can reside across different generations and game versions. Items, on the other hand, are game-specific. A Potion in Pokémon Sword and Shield might have different uses or effects than a Potion in Pokémon Legends: Arceus.
Creating a universal item system that accounts for all these variations would be a development nightmare, requiring constant updates and compatibility patches. Instead, the developers opted for a simpler approach: keep items within their respective games.
This design also sidesteps potential issues with items that don’t exist in every game. What happens to a Mega Stone if you transfer a Pokémon holding it from Pokémon Omega Ruby to Pokémon Scarlet, where Mega Evolution isn’t a mechanic? By returning the item to the original game, the system avoids these kinds of conflicts.
Handling Items During Transfers
The process is straightforward. When you transfer a Pokémon holding an item into Pokémon HOME, the following happens:
- The Pokémon is successfully deposited in your Pokémon HOME box.
- The held item is automatically sent back to your in-game bag in the source game.
- If your bag in the source game is full, the item will be lost. Be very careful! Always ensure you have enough free space in your bag before transferring Pokémon holding valuable items.
Keep in mind that this only applies when transferring into Pokémon HOME. Items stay put within the source game when you transfer Pokémon from one compatible game to another via Pokémon HOME.
Implications for Competitive Battlers
For competitive Pokémon players, this has specific implications. You can’t, for example, directly transfer a Pokémon holding a competitive item like a Life Orb from Pokémon Sword to Pokémon Scarlet through Pokémon HOME. You need to either:
- Keep the Pokémon in the game where you obtained the item.
- Re-obtain the item in the new game. Many competitive items are readily available in most games through Battle Points or in-game shops.
- Trade the Pokémon holding the item within the same game (for example, within Pokémon Scarlet).
This design encourages players to engage with the item acquisition systems in each individual game. This is one of the key takeaways for any Pokémon fan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Let’s address some common questions that arise regarding items and Pokémon HOME:
Q1: What happens to items if my Pokémon HOME subscription expires?
Your Pokémon are safe! While you’ll lose access to storing more than 30 Pokémon if you revert to the free plan, your Pokémon remain unharmed. However, any items they were holding will remain in the game they originated from.
Q2: Can I trade items through Pokémon HOME?
No. Trading via Pokémon HOME only involves trading the Pokémon themselves. Items cannot be transferred directly. This limitation reinforces the idea that items are tied to the specific game they exist within.
Q3: Does Pokémon Bank, the predecessor to Pokémon HOME, allow item storage?
No. Pokémon Bank also lacks item storage. When transferring Pokémon from the older games using Pokémon Bank, the items they hold are returned to your in-game bag, similar to Pokémon HOME. Remember that Pokémon Bank is no longer available for purchase, but is now a free service.
Q4: What if I accidentally transfer a Pokémon holding a rare item and my bag is full?
Unfortunately, the item will be lost. This is a painful lesson, but highlights the importance of carefully managing your bag space before initiating transfers. Always double-check before sending Pokémon to Pokémon HOME.
Q5: Can I transfer Pokémon Eggs to Pokémon HOME?
No. Pokémon Eggs cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. You must hatch them in the source game before you can deposit them into Pokémon HOME.
Q6: Can Pokémon hold items in Pokémon Legends: Arceus?
Pokémon cannot hold items in Pokémon Legends: Arceus. Plates are key items you use on Arceus to change its form. This further complicates the idea of a universal item storage system, as item mechanics vary significantly between games.
Q7: Will I lose my Pokémon if I don’t renew my Pokémon HOME subscription?
No, you will not lose your Pokémon. If your subscription lapses, your Pokémon will remain unharmed. You’ll just lose custody of a number of them since non-premium Pokemon Home subscribers are only allowed to access a single box of 30 Pokémon.
Q8: Can wild Pokémon steal held items in the main series games?
Wild Pokémon cannot permanently steal your Pokémon’s held items. In battles where item theft is possible (like with the move Thief), the stolen item is returned after the battle. This helps prevent accidental loss of valuable items.
Q9: Does Pokémon HOME remove moves when transferring Pokémon between games?
Yes, Pokémon HOME can modify movesets. If a Pokémon knows a move it cannot legally learn in the destination game, Pokémon HOME will replace that move with a compatible one. This ensures Pokémon remain usable across different game versions.
Q10: Can Pokémon return to Pokémon GO after being transferred to Pokémon HOME?
No. Pokémon transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME cannot return to Pokémon GO. This is a one-way trip. This is important to consider before transferring any Pokémon.
Q11: Can two Pokémon hold the same item?
In the main series games, each Pokémon can hold an item, but no two Pokémon can hold the same item. This is to avoid duplication exploits and maintain balance.
Q12: Can a Pokémon hold multiple items?
Generally, a Pokémon can only hold one item at a time in the main series games. However, some games may have mechanics where Pokémon temporarily benefit from multiple items.
Q13: What’s the point of Pokémon HOME if it doesn’t store items?
Pokémon HOME is designed as a cloud-based storage and trading hub for your Pokémon collection. Its primary purpose is to facilitate the transfer of Pokémon between compatible games, allowing you to consolidate your collection across generations. The Games Learning Society also understands the importance of game-based learning and sees Pokémon HOME as a tool for tracking progress across different Pokémon games.
Q14: Can I get rid of “Bad Eggs” in Pokémon HOME?
“Bad Eggs” are corrupted Pokémon data. They often appear if you transfer a Pokémon that has been illegitimately modified. Unfortunately, it’s notoriously difficult to remove Bad Eggs from Pokémon HOME. Contacting Pokémon support may be your best bet, although there is no guarantee of removal.
Q15: What kind of Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?
Certain Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME via Pokémon GO. This includes Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon. Other compatibility issues exist when transferring between mainline games, often related to specific moves or abilities.
Conclusion
While the lack of item storage in Pokémon HOME might seem like a drawback, it’s a necessary compromise for maintaining compatibility and simplifying the transfer process. By understanding the system’s limitations and planning accordingly, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience moving your Pokémon across different games. Remember to always check your bag space before initiating transfers and familiarize yourself with the item acquisition systems in each individual game. For more insights into game-based learning, check out GamesLearningSociety.org.