Can You Transfer Any Pokémon to Sword and Shield? The Definitive Guide
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The world of Pokémon is vast and interconnected, with creatures spanning across numerous regions and games. One of the most common questions among trainers is: Can you transfer any Pokémon to Sword and Shield? The short answer is: No, not all Pokémon can be transferred to Pokémon Sword and Shield. The ability to transfer Pokémon to these games is limited by several factors, including the Pokédex of the receiving game and certain game mechanics. Let’s dive deeper into the intricacies of Pokémon transfers and explore the limitations.
Understanding Transfer Limitations
The primary limitation when transferring Pokémon to Sword and Shield lies in the game’s Pokédex. Only Pokémon that are included in the Galar Pokédex, the Isle of Armor Pokédex, or the Crown Tundra Pokédex can be brought into Sword and Shield. This means that if a Pokémon species is not programmed into these games, it simply cannot be transferred, regardless of where it originates.
Pokémon HOME: The Transfer Hub
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that acts as a central hub for storing and transferring Pokémon across compatible games. While Pokémon HOME facilitates the movement of Pokémon between games, it does not override the core limitations imposed by the receiving game’s Pokédex. It allows for the transfer of Pokémon between compatible games but ultimately, the destination game decides what it can and cannot receive.
The Galar, Isle of Armor, and Crown Tundra Pokédex
Sword and Shield initially launched with a limited selection of Pokémon available. Later updates expanded this roster through the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLC expansions, adding more Pokémon to the list of those eligible for transfer. It’s important to consult comprehensive lists of Pokémon available in these three Pokédexes to determine if a particular Pokémon is eligible for transfer before attempting to move it through Pokémon HOME.
Pokémon Transfer Compatibility: Scarlet, Violet, Legends: Arceus, and Beyond
The Pokémon franchise continues to evolve with new games released regularly. So, what about compatibility with newer titles like Scarlet and Violet or Legends: Arceus?
Transferring from Scarlet and Violet
While you can move Pokémon from Scarlet and Violet to Pokémon HOME, the transfer to Sword and Shield hinges on whether that Pokémon exists within the Galar, Isle of Armor, or Crown Tundra Pokédex. If a Pokémon originates from Scarlet or Violet but isn’t present in Sword and Shield’s data, it cannot be moved to those games.
Transferring from Legends: Arceus
Similarly, Pokémon from Legends: Arceus can be transferred to Sword and Shield only if they are present in the corresponding Pokédexes. This is a crucial consideration because Legends: Arceus introduces new regional forms and Pokémon that were not originally available in Sword and Shield. Hisuian forms, for example, cannot be transferred if they are not coded into Sword and Shield.
Important Considerations for Transfers
Before transferring any Pokémon, keep these points in mind:
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Move Sets: When Pokémon from Legends: Arceus or Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl are transferred to Sword and Shield, their movesets will be replaced with moves that are natural to those Pokémon within Sword and Shield. If transferred back, their original movesets will return.
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Held Items: Pokémon cannot be transferred with held items. Any item held by a Pokémon will be returned to the bag in the game of origin before the transfer takes place.
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Pokédex Registration: Certain Pokémon may require you to have caught them or registered them in your Pokédex in Sword and Shield before you can transfer them from Pokémon HOME. This applies to many Legendary and Mythical Pokémon obtainable through Dynamax Adventures.
Pokémon HOME: Basic vs. Premium Plan
Pokémon HOME offers both a Basic (free) plan and a Premium (paid) plan. The Basic plan has limitations on the number of Pokémon you can store and the number of Pokémon you can place in the Wonder Box or GTS at once. The Premium plan significantly expands these limits and unlocks additional features, making transfers easier for dedicated collectors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Pokémon transfers to Sword and Shield:
1. What Pokémon from Unova cannot be transferred to Sword and Shield?
Many Pokémon from the Unova region (Pokémon Black and White) are not available in Sword and Shield. Examples include:
- Snivy, Servine, Serperior
- Tepig, Pignite, Emboar
- Oshawott, Dewott, Samurott
2. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield. However, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then, if eligible (present in Galar, Isle of Armor, or Crown Tundra Pokédex), transfer them to Sword and Shield.
3. Can Hisuian Zoroark be transferred to Sword and Shield?
No, Hisuian Zoroark and other Hisuian forms that are not coded into Sword and Shield cannot be transferred. This includes any new Pokémon or forms introduced exclusively in Legends: Arceus that are not present in Sword and Shield.
4. Why can’t I move some Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to Sword and Shield?
The most common reason is that the Pokémon is not included in the Galar, Isle of Armor, or Crown Tundra Pokédex. Also, certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon may require that you have encountered them in Sword and Shield before transferring them.
5. Can Totodile be transferred to Sword and Shield?
No, Totodile is not available in Pokémon Sword or Shield and cannot be transferred.
6. Where is Mewtwo in Pokémon Violet and can I transfer it to Sword and Shield?
Mewtwo is obtainable in Pokémon Violet through special Tera Raid events. Once caught, you can transfer Mewtwo to Pokémon HOME. If you want to move Mewtwo from Pokémon HOME to Sword and Shield, yes you can.
7. How did players obtain Zarude and can it be transferred to Sword and Shield?
Zarude was initially distributed via a code to Pokémon Trainer Club Newsletter subscribers. It was also available in Pokémon GO. Zarude can be transferred to Sword and Shield, as it is present in the game’s data.
8. Can Kubfu breed with Ditto, and can the offspring be transferred to Sword and Shield?
No, Kubfu cannot breed with Ditto or any other Pokémon, as it is in the Undiscovered Egg Group. Therefore, there are no offspring to transfer. Kubfu can be transferred to Sword and Shield.
9. Why can’t I transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME at once?
Pokémon GO has limitations on transferring special Pokémon to Pokémon HOME in bulk to prevent abuse and maintain game balance. You often need to transfer these Pokémon individually.
10. What games can Celebi be transferred to?
Celebi can be transferred to Pokémon HOME and then, if the receiving game supports it, to other games. Specifically, Celebi can be moved to Sword and Shield because it is coded into those games.
11. Can you get Fennekin in Pokémon Sword and Shield?
No, Fennekin is not available in Pokémon Sword and Shield. Therefore, it cannot be transferred to these games.
12. What happens if I try to transfer hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME has systems in place to detect and prevent the transfer of hacked or illegal Pokémon. While you might not be penalized for unknowingly obtaining a hacked Pokémon, the service will prevent its transfer.
13. Is Pokémon Bank still available, and how does it relate to transferring Pokémon?
Pokémon Bank is no longer available for purchase or download. However, it is currently available for free usage. Pokémon Bank facilitates transfers from older 3DS games to Pokémon HOME. Poké Transporter, used to move Pokémon from Virtual Console games to Pokémon Bank, still functions for users who had an active Bank Pass at the time of the eShop closure.
14. Is Pokémon HOME free to use, and what are the benefits of the Premium plan?
Pokémon HOME offers both a free Basic Plan and a paid Premium Plan. The Basic Plan has storage and transfer limitations. The Premium Plan offers increased storage capacity, the ability to transfer more Pokémon at once, and access to additional features like the Judge function.
15. What Pokémon should I prioritize transferring to Pokémon HOME?
Prioritize transferring Pokémon with sentimental value, rare Pokémon, or those with beneficial movesets. Consider transferring Pokémon that can be used in future games or those you wish to preserve for collection purposes. If your goal is to have a competitive team, look to the Games Learning Society for strategic advice on optimal builds and team compositions. GamesLearningSociety.org provides an understanding of the role of games in learning.
Conclusion
While the dream of transferring any Pokémon to Sword and Shield remains out of reach due to game-specific limitations, understanding the rules governing transfers through Pokémon HOME empowers trainers to make informed decisions about their collections. Keep the Pokédex compatibility in mind and you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the complexities of Pokémon transfers.