Can You Put Pokémon Holding Items into Pokémon HOME? A Comprehensive Guide
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No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon holding items into Pokémon HOME. This is a crucial point for any trainer looking to utilize the cloud-based storage system. When transferring Pokémon from compatible games, any item held by the Pokémon will be automatically sent to your bag within that game. Pokémon HOME prioritizes the creatures themselves over their held items.
This restriction exists for several reasons, primarily balancing and compatibility across different Pokémon games. Different games have different sets of items and varying functionalities for those items. Allowing the transfer of items could lead to glitches, exploits, or unfair advantages in games where those items weren’t originally intended to exist. It is important to always remove any items a Pokémon is holding before attempting to transfer it.
Understanding Item Handling in Pokémon HOME
The core principle behind Pokémon HOME’s item handling is preservation of game balance and preventing data corruption. Imagine transferring a Master Ball from an older game to a newer title where Master Balls are meant to be a rare and valuable commodity. This would disrupt the game’s economy and the intended gameplay experience. The same logic applies to held items with competitive advantages.
Therefore, before you even think about moving your precious Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, make sure you’ve relieved them of their burdens (or rather, their helpful items). Here’s a breakdown of what happens:
- Items are automatically removed: When a Pokémon is transferred to Pokémon HOME, the game automatically strips it of its held item.
- Items are returned to the source game: The item is then returned to your bag or inventory in the specific game the Pokémon was originally moved from.
- Exceptions do not exist: There are no exceptions to this rule. Regardless of the item or the games involved, held items will never transfer directly to Pokémon HOME.
Why This Matters to Trainers
This limitation has significant implications for trainers who rely on held items for competitive battling or in-game advantages. Before transferring Pokémon for breeding, training, or storage in Pokémon HOME, you need to consider the following:
- Competitive Battling: If you have Pokémon holding items essential for your competitive strategy, be sure to remove and store those items in the appropriate game before transferring. Losing a crucial Choice Scarf or Life Orb can be devastating!
- In-Game Utility: Certain items, like Lucky Eggs or Amulet Coins, can greatly enhance your in-game experience. Remember to recover these items before moving their holders.
- Organizing Items: Use this as an opportunity to organize your item inventory in each game. Clear out duplicates, sell unwanted items, and prepare for future adventures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about transferring Pokémon and items to Pokémon HOME, designed to provide further clarity and guidance:
1. What happens to my Pokémon if I forget to remove the held item before transferring to Pokémon HOME?
The Pokémon will transfer to Pokémon HOME without the item. The item will be safely returned to your bag/inventory in the game it originated from. No items are lost in the process.
2. Can I transfer items separately to Pokémon HOME?
No, Pokémon HOME is designed exclusively for storing Pokémon. Items cannot be transferred separately. You can only transfer items by moving Pokémon holding those items which in turn, leaves those items in the source game
3. Does this rule apply to all Pokémon games compatible with Pokémon HOME?
Yes, the rule applies uniformly across all compatible games, including Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Shield, Pokémon Brilliant Diamond, Pokémon Shining Pearl, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, and Pokémon GO.
4. What about items unique to specific games? How are those handled?
Regardless of the item’s uniqueness, it will always remain in the game of origin. Pokémon HOME will not transfer any items between games.
5. If an item is returned to my game, will it be in the same location in my bag?
Yes, the item will typically return to your bag in the same location it was before the transfer, or as close as possible if your bag has shifted since then.
6. Can I trade Pokémon holding items in Pokémon HOME?
You cannot directly trade Pokémon holding items through Pokémon HOME. You can only trade the Pokémon themselves.
7. Are there any plans to allow item transfers in future updates to Pokémon HOME?
Currently, there are no announced plans to allow item transfers to Pokémon HOME. Given the potential for imbalance and the core design principles, it’s unlikely to happen.
8. How does this affect Pokémon GO transfers to Pokémon HOME?
In Pokémon GO, Pokémon don’t technically “hold” items in the same way as core series games. However, any evolution items required for transferring specific Pokémon are consumed during the transfer process. This is important to be aware of when evolving Pokémon in Pokémon GO specifically to send them to HOME.
9. Can I use Pokémon HOME to duplicate items by transferring a Pokémon back and forth?
No, this is not possible. The item will always be returned to the original source game, preventing any form of item duplication.
10. If I transfer a Pokémon holding a Mail item, what happens to the Mail?
Mail items, which often contain messages, are removed and discarded. The Pokémon will transfer to Pokémon HOME without the Mail.
11. Does the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon HOME allow item distribution?
No, the Mystery Gift feature in Pokémon HOME is solely for distributing Pokémon. It does not handle item distribution.
12. What if my bag is full in the game I’m transferring from?
If your bag is full, the item will be sent to the PC storage box in your game.
13. Can I use Pokémon HOME as a workaround to get items that are difficult to obtain in certain games?
No, because items cannot be transferred directly or indirectly through Pokémon HOME, it cannot be used as a workaround to obtain rare or difficult-to-obtain items.
14. Is there a risk of losing items during the transfer process?
No. Items are never lost during the transfer process. If a Pokémon is holding an item, it will be returned to your bag in the original game.
15. How does this impact Pokémon breeding when I transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
It doesn’t directly impact breeding in Pokémon HOME since you can only store and trade Pokémon. However, if you’re planning on breeding specific Pokémon that benefit from held items in the main series games (like a Destiny Knot for passing down IVs), you’ll need to remember to retrieve the item before resuming breeding in the core game.
Final Thoughts
While the inability to transfer items directly into Pokémon HOME might seem like a limitation, it’s a necessary measure to maintain balance and prevent issues across the Pokémon ecosystem. Remember to always double-check your Pokémon before initiating a transfer to ensure you’ve recovered any valuable items. By understanding these rules, you can seamlessly integrate Pokémon HOME into your training strategy and continue your journey to become a Pokémon Master.
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