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Can You Transfer Pokémon Between Scarlet and Violet? The Definitive Guide

Yes, you absolutely can transfer Pokémon between Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet, primarily using Pokémon HOME. This cloud-based service acts as an intermediary, allowing you to move compatible Pokémon to and from various Pokémon games, including Scarlet and Violet. It’s the backbone of modern Pokémon collection management and allows you to unite your team across different adventures! Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty details of how this works and what limitations you might encounter.

Pokémon HOME: Your Gateway to Transferring Pokémon

Pokémon HOME is the central hub for managing your Pokémon collection across multiple games. Think of it as your digital Pokémon storage system. It is available on Nintendo Switch and mobile devices (iOS and Android). It has both a free version and a premium (paid) version, with the latter offering more storage space and features, like transferring more Pokémon simultaneously.

How to Transfer Pokémon Using Pokémon HOME: A Step-by-Step Guide

Download and Install Pokémon HOME: If you haven’t already, download Pokémon HOME from the Nintendo eShop on your Switch or from the App Store/Google Play Store on your mobile device.
Link Your Nintendo Account: Open Pokémon HOME and link it to your Nintendo Account. This is crucial for accessing your Pokémon games.
Access Game Data: On the Nintendo Switch version, select the Pokémon game you want to transfer from (e.g., Pokémon Sword, Pokémon Legends: Arceus, or Scarlet/Violet).
Move Pokémon: A screen will appear with your Pokémon HOME boxes on one side and your chosen game’s boxes on the other. Simply drag and drop the Pokémon you want to transfer between the boxes.
Save Changes: Once you’re done moving Pokémon, be sure to save your changes!
Repeat for Other Games: You can repeat the process for other compatible games, gradually moving your Pokémon to the desired location.

Important Considerations for Transfers

Compatibility is Key: Not all Pokémon can be transferred to every game. Each game has its own list of compatible species. Pokémon HOME will prevent you from transferring a Pokémon to a game where it is not coded to exist.
Tera Types: Pokémon transferred to Scarlet and Violet from other games will receive a Tera Type upon arrival. The Tera Type they receive will often, but not always, correspond to one of their original types.
Move Sets: When you transfer a Pokémon, its move set might be altered to match what is available in the target game. Some moves might be forgotten and replaced with default moves for that Pokémon.
Hidden Abilities: Transferring a Pokémon won’t change its Ability unless that specific Ability doesn’t exist in the target game. In that case, it might be replaced with another Ability the Pokémon can legally have.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Transfers

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

No. You need to transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME first. Then, from Pokémon HOME to Scarlet or Violet. There’s an additional caveat: Legendaries and Mythicals from Go can’t be transferred to a main game unless you’ve already had one in that game’s save file. This is to prevent players from obtaining powerful, event-exclusive Pokémon early on.
What Pokémon cannot be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?

This varies and changes as new updates and DLC are released. As a general rule, Pokémon not coded into the game’s data cannot be transferred. This includes certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon, as well as regional variants that haven’t been explicitly included. Keep an eye on official announcements for updated compatibility lists.
Can I transfer Pokémon from older generations (e.g., from Game Boy Advance games) to Scarlet and Violet?

Not directly. You need to move them through a series of compatible games and services, such as transferring from the Game Boy Advance games to the Nintendo DS games, then to the 3DS games (using Pokémon Bank), and finally to Pokémon HOME. This can be a lengthy process, but it’s the only way to bring your older Pokémon to the modern era.
How much does Pokémon HOME cost?

Pokémon HOME has both a free version and a premium (paid) version. The premium version offers significantly more storage space (up to 6,000 Pokémon), the ability to transfer multiple Pokémon at once, and other enhanced features.
Can I transfer Hisuian forms of Pokémon to Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, many Hisuian forms can be transferred to Scarlet and Violet. However, some evolution methods unique to the Hisui region (Pokémon Legends: Arceus) might not exist in Scarlet and Violet, so you may not be able to evolve them.
If I transfer a Pokémon with a specific item, will it keep the item in Scarlet and Violet?

No. Pokémon lose their held items when transferred to Pokémon HOME. Make sure to remove any important items before transferring.
Why can’t I transfer my Zapdos to Pokémon Violet?

The most common reason is that you’re trying to transfer Zapdos from Pokémon GO to Scarlet and Violet without having previously obtained a Zapdos in Scarlet and Violet already through another method (like trading or a previous event).
Will Pokémon returning in Scarlet and Violet DLC be transferable even if I don’t have the DLC?

Generally, yes. If a Pokémon becomes compatible with Scarlet and Violet through a DLC update, you should be able to transfer it through Pokémon HOME even if you don’t own the DLC. However, you won’t be able to find those Pokémon in the wild unless you have the DLC.
Can I transfer event Pokémon, like those obtained from Mystery Gifts, to Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, as long as the event Pokémon is coded to exist within Scarlet and Violet. Pokémon HOME will prevent you from transferring Pokémon that are not compatible.
I transferred a Pokémon, but its stats are different in Scarlet and Violet. Why?

Stat calculations can differ slightly between games. Also, the Pokémon’s Nature and EVs (Effort Values) might not have been optimized for competitive battling in the previous game.
Can I breed transferred Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet?

Yes, you can breed transferred Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet, as long as they are not Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. However, there are some nuances to breeding regional forms. For example, breeding Hisuian Zorua requires a specific item.
Can I evolve Ursaluna in Scarlet and Violet?

While you can transfer an Ursaring into Scarlet and Violet, evolving it into Bloodmoon Ursaluna is a special case. Currently, Bloodmoon Ursaluna is tied to specific in-game events. Keep an eye out for announcements to learn the specific requirements.
How do I know which Pokémon are transferable to Scarlet and Violet?

The best way to determine compatibility is to check the Pokémon HOME compatibility lists or refer to community-compiled resources. There are numerous websites and forums dedicated to tracking which Pokémon can be transferred to each game.
I’m having trouble transferring Pokémon. Where can I find help?

The Pokémon HOME app has a built-in help section with FAQs and troubleshooting tips. You can also consult the official Pokémon website or community forums for assistance.
What happens to Pokémon that can’t be transferred? Any Pokémon that aren’t compatible with the target game will remain in your Pokémon HOME boxes, safe and sound, ready to be transferred to a compatible game in the future.

The Ever-Evolving World of Pokémon Transfers

The ability to transfer Pokémon between games has revolutionized the way players collect and battle. It allows you to build your dream team from across generations and use them in the latest adventures. Keep an eye on official announcements and community resources to stay updated on compatibility changes and new features.

The world of Pokémon is constantly evolving. Like understanding how to transfer and manage your favorite Pokémon, learning how to make games that people want to play is a skill that can last a lifetime. Explore the educational resources offered by organizations like the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.

Enjoy your Pokémon journey!

Can you transfer Pokemon between Scarlet and Violet?