Can Lucky Pokémon from Pokémon GO Go to Pokémon HOME? The Definitive Guide
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Yes, Lucky Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. However, there’s a crucial caveat: they lose their Lucky status upon arrival in Pokémon HOME. Think of it like packing for a long trip – some things just don’t survive the journey intact.
Understanding the Pokémon Ecosystem: GO, HOME, and Beyond
Before we dive deeper, let’s briefly understand the landscape. Pokémon GO, the augmented reality sensation, is a mobile game focused on catching Pokémon in the real world. Pokémon HOME acts as a cloud-based storage service for your Pokémon, connecting various Pokémon games across different platforms, from Pokémon GO to the main series games on the Nintendo Switch.
The transfer process, facilitated by the GO Transporter, is a one-way street. Once a Pokémon leaves Pokémon GO, it cannot return. This makes the decision to transfer a Pokémon a permanent one. Now, let’s explore the specifics about Lucky Pokémon and their journey.
Lucky Pokémon: A Blessing in Pokémon GO
Lucky Pokémon are special Pokémon in Pokémon GO that require less Stardust to power up, making them significantly cheaper to train. They also have a higher floor for their Individual Values (IVs), meaning they’re more likely to be strong in battle. Obtaining a Lucky Pokémon typically involves trading with a friend, with the odds increasing based on how long you’ve had the Pokémon. Becoming Lucky Friends with someone guarantees that the next trade will result in Lucky Pokémon for both players.
However, once these Lucky Pokémon are transferred to Pokémon HOME, the Lucky designation disappears. They retain their stats and IVs, but they no longer benefit from the reduced Stardust cost for power-ups. This is a key consideration if you were primarily using them for their cost-effectiveness in Pokémon GO.
Why the Change? A Shift in Game Mechanics
The removal of the Lucky status reflects the differing game mechanics between Pokémon GO and the main series games. Pokémon HOME aims to unify Pokémon collections across various games, but it doesn’t necessarily replicate every unique feature from each individual game. The Lucky status is primarily a feature tailored to Pokémon GO’s trading and powering-up systems. Since the main series games don’t have an equivalent mechanic, it’s not carried over.
Furthermore, the conversion to Pokémon HOME alters some Pokémon’s forms to standardize them. For example, Origin Forme Giratina from Pokémon GO will revert to its Altered Forme in Pokémon HOME. This standardization ensures compatibility with the broader Pokémon ecosystem.
FAQs: Lucky Pokémon and Pokémon HOME Transfers
Here are some frequently asked questions about transferring Lucky Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and related transfer details.
1. Can Shiny Lucky Pokémon be transferred?
Yes, Shiny Lucky Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon HOME. However, just like regular Lucky Pokémon, they will lose their Lucky status but retain their Shiny status.
2. Do the IVs of a Lucky Pokémon change when transferred?
No, the Individual Values (IVs) of a Lucky Pokémon do not change during the transfer process. They retain the same stats they had in Pokémon GO.
3. What happens to Pokémon transferred from GO to HOME?
When transferred, Pokémon are stored in Pokémon HOME, accessible across compatible games. As mentioned before, forms may change, and Lucky or Purified statuses are lost.
4. Can you transfer multiple Lucky Pokémon at once?
In Pokémon GO, you cannot transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon above the “Good Buddy” status at the same time to the professor for candy. However, when transferring to Pokémon HOME, this restriction does not apply. You can transfer multiple Lucky Pokémon simultaneously.
5. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred from GO to HOME?
Yes, certain Pokémon cannot be transferred, including:
- Spinda
- Favorited Pokémon
- Buddy Pokémon (while actively your buddy)
- Pokémon defending Gyms
- Costumed Pokémon
- Shadow Pokémon
- Mega-Evolved Pokémon
6. What happens when a Purified Pokémon is transferred?
Purified Pokémon also lose their Purified status when transferred to Pokémon HOME.
7. Can Mythical Pokémon be transferred from GO to HOME?
Yes, Mythical Pokémon can be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, provided you already have them registered in your Pokémon GO Pokédex.
8. Why do some Pokémon change forms when transferred?
Some Pokémon change forms to maintain consistency across different Pokémon games. For example, Origin Forme Giratina reverts to Altered Forme because the Origin Forme is primarily associated with a specific location in the main series games.
9. How does the GO Transporter work?
The GO Transporter uses GO Transporter Energy, which replenishes over time or can be refilled using PokeCoins. Different Pokémon require different amounts of energy to transfer.
10. Can I transfer Pokémon back from HOME to GO?
No, the transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME is a one-way process. Once a Pokémon is in Pokémon HOME, it cannot be sent back to Pokémon GO.
11. What happens to costumed Pokémon when transferred to HOME?
Costumed Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME. You must remove the costume (if possible) before transferring.
12. How do I get more GO Transporter Energy?
GO Transporter Energy replenishes over time. Alternatively, you can use PokeCoins to refill the energy bar instantly.
13. What are the benefits of using Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME allows you to:
- Store Pokémon from various games in one central location.
- Trade Pokémon with other players globally.
- Transfer Pokémon to compatible Nintendo Switch games.
- Complete your National Pokédex.
14. What are Lucky Friends in Pokémon GO?
Lucky Friends are trainers with whom you’ve reached Best Friend status. The next trade you make with a Lucky Friend guarantees that both Pokémon will become Lucky. This status is triggered randomly upon interacting with a Best Friend (e.g., opening gifts, battling together). This is a great way to secure powerful Lucky Pokémon for battling and raids.
15. Can the Games Learning Society help me learn more about Pokemon Go?
The Games Learning Society is an excellent resource for understanding the educational and social aspects of games. While they may not have specific tutorials on Pokémon GO, their research and insights into game-based learning can enhance your understanding of the mechanics, strategies, and community aspects of Pokémon GO. You can find more information at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Making the Decision: Is Transferring Worth It?
Ultimately, the decision to transfer Lucky Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME depends on your priorities. If you value the reduced Stardust cost for powering up and primarily use them in Pokémon GO, keeping them in the mobile game might be more beneficial. However, if you want to consolidate your Pokémon collection, use them in other compatible games, or complete your National Pokédex, transferring them to Pokémon HOME is the way to go. Just remember that the Lucky status will be lost in the process. Consider the long-term value and how you intend to use the Pokémon before making the transfer.