Does Pokémon HOME Give You Free Pokémon?
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Yes, Pokémon HOME absolutely provides opportunities to acquire free Pokémon, though these are often tied to specific actions or milestones. While you won’t receive a constant stream of freebies, the service offers several methods to obtain unique and sometimes rare Pokémon, incentivizing users to engage with its features and interconnectedness with other Pokémon titles. It’s a great way to expand your collection and access Pokémon you might not otherwise have.
Free Pokémon Via Initial Login and Transfers
Gen 1 Starters and Pikachu
Upon first launching Pokémon HOME, players are given a choice between the original three Gen 1 starter Pokémon: Charmander, Bulbasaur, OR Squirtle. In addition to this, you also receive a free Pikachu. This is a fantastic start for newcomers to the service or those looking to fill out their classic collections. These are free Pokémon given simply for initiating the service.
Mythical Melmetal
Another free Pokémon reward is the Mythical Melmetal. You can obtain this behemoth by simply transferring a Pokémon for the first time from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. This simple action grants you access to the powerful Mythical Pokémon, demonstrating the cross-platform integration of Pokémon HOME.
Scarlet and Violet Starters with Hidden Abilities
Transferring a Pokémon from either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet to the mobile version of Pokémon HOME unlocks a special reward. You will receive all three starters from that generation – Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly. What’s more, these specific starters come with hidden abilities, a perk that makes them even more desirable and powerful.
Shiny Zeraora
A limited-time event saw the distribution of a Shiny Zeraora as a Mystery Gift through Pokémon HOME. Players could claim this rare Pokémon by accessing the Mystery Gift menu on the mobile app, adding another enticing reason to regularly check the app for special events and offers.
Free Pokémon Through Completion and Engagement
Original Color Magearna
A highly sought-after free Pokémon is the Original Color Magearna. This unique variant of Magearna is rewarded to players who complete the entire National Pokédex within Pokémon HOME. This is a considerable task, requiring dedicated effort and trading, but the reward is one of the rarest and most prestigious Pokémon available in the service. The original color distinguishes it with gold and red tones instead of its usual silver and gray.
Pokeball Magearna
Adding to the list of free Magearna forms, there’s also the Pokeball Magearna. Similarly to the Original Color Magearna, this form requires completing the entire National Pokédex within Pokémon HOME to obtain. This means that completing the Pokedex will ultimately reward you with two Magearna forms.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many free Pokémon can I get with the basic Pokémon HOME plan?
With the basic plan, you can obtain several free Pokémon, including a choice of Gen 1 starter, Pikachu, Melmetal, Sprigatito, Fuecoco, and Quaxly (via transfer from Scarlet or Violet), Shiny Zeraora, and potentially two versions of Magearna through Pokedex completion. The basic plan also lets you receive free Pokemon through Mystery Gifts which appear occasionally.
2. What’s the difference between the free and premium Pokémon HOME plans for acquiring Pokémon?
The primary difference between the free and premium plans in terms of free Pokemon acquisition is not what pokemon are available, but rather the amount you can store. The free plan limits you to a single box with space for 30 Pokemon, meaning that you cannot store more than that at a time. The premium plan gives you access to 200 boxes and 6000 Pokemon, as well as the possibility of more simultaneous trading. Both plans will allow you access to all free Pokemon as long as you meet the requirements of that given Pokemon, such as transferring a Pokemon from GO or Scarlet/Violet.
3. How do I claim free Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
You will typically need to receive free Pokémon through the Mystery Gifts section in the mobile version of the Pokémon HOME app. Alternatively, they may be added directly to your boxes once you perform specific actions such as transferring Pokémon from a specific game. When prompted to “Receive Pokémon”, always tap “Yes.” To view the list of transferred Pokémon, tap “View Transferred Pokémon” and then “Receive Pokémon”.
4. Can I trade free Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, most of the free Pokémon you receive through Pokémon HOME can be traded, allowing you to share them with friends or other trainers. This provides more opportunity to expand your collection and fill your Pokedex.
5. Can I transfer shiny Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer shiny Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, however, there are limitations. You are unable to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time. Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon are not eligible for transfer.
6. Is it safe to keep my Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, Pokémon HOME serves as a safe storage platform for your Pokémon. Your storage is linked to your Nintendo account, not your Switch user. This allows you to move Pokémon across different save files and even different consoles if needed.
7. How do I get a Gmax Melmetal?
You can obtain a Gigantamax Melmetal by transferring at least one Pokémon from Pokémon GO to the Pokémon HOME app. Ensure that both apps are linked to the same Nintendo account. The Melmetal obtained in this way will be able to Gigantamax.
8. What is the reward for completing the Pokédex in Pokémon HOME?
Completing the National Pokédex in Pokémon HOME rewards you with two unique versions of Magearna: the Original Color Magearna, and the Pokeball Magearna. These are highly prized for their rarity and unique designs.
9. Why can I only store 30 Pokémon with the basic Pokémon HOME plan?
The basic plan of Pokémon HOME is designed to allow a taste of the service’s functions with a reduced storage capacity. This limitation encourages users to upgrade to the premium plan for increased storage and additional benefits.
10. Is Pokémon HOME premium worth it for the free Pokémon?
Whether Pokémon HOME Premium is “worth it” for free Pokémon depends on your needs. The premium version itself does not grant access to different free Pokémon, rather, it allows you to store more Pokemon and have access to additional trading features. However, it does make completing the Pokédex significantly easier due to the increased storage size. Unless you are a serious player, it might not be necessary, as you can acquire most of the same free Pokemon with a basic plan.
11. Can Magearna be Shiny?
Yes, Magearna can be shiny, with its standard shiny being an entirely silver body, excluding its eye and heart. Original Color Magearna’s shiny variant turns the upper portion of its ‘dress’ black, with silver ears and body.
12. Why does Pokémon HOME cost money?
The free tier of Pokémon HOME offers a limited access to the service’s features. The premium tier provides significantly more storage space and additional features, thus costing money. This pricing structure allows players to choose a plan that fits their needs.
13. What’s the point of Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME serves as a cloud-based service that lets you manage, trade, and store your Pokémon from multiple Nintendo Switch and mobile Pokémon titles. It also offers features like trading and collecting Mystery Gift Pokémon, making it an essential service for dedicated collectors and players.
14. What are Research Tasks in Pokémon HOME?
In the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME, you can fulfill Research Tasks by collecting specific Pokémon. These tasks are primarily designed to help you complete your Pokédex and do not offer explicit rewards upon completion.
15. Where can I get Zarude in Pokémon HOME?
Zarude was distributed via code to Pokémon Club Newsletter subscribers in October of 2020, with the codes expiring in December of 2021. A Zarude was also available in Pokémon GO by completing the Secrets of the Jungle event in October of 2021. These distribution methods mean that Zarude can not be currently obtained through the Pokemon HOME service.