How to Spot an Illegal Pokémon: Your Comprehensive Guide

Determining if a Pokémon is illegal is a complex, multi-faceted process, akin to detective work in the digital world. Simply put, an illegal Pokémon is one that possesses characteristics or a combination of traits that are impossible to obtain through legitimate gameplay within the constraints of the Pokémon game’s programming. This can stem from hacking, glitches, or exploiting unintended game mechanics. Identifying these rogue pocket monsters requires a keen eye, an understanding of game mechanics, and sometimes, specialized tools.

Deciphering Legality: Core Principles

Before diving into specifics, let’s establish some core principles:

• Legality vs. Legitimacy: A legal Pokémon is one whose data could theoretically exist within the confines of the game’s rules. A legitimate Pokémon is one that was actually obtained through legitimate means. A Pokémon can be legal, but not legitimate (i.e., a hacked Pokémon that adheres to the game’s rules).

• Impossible Combinations: Illegal Pokémon often exhibit impossible combinations of characteristics. For example, a Pokémon with a specific move that it can only learn in one generation, but originating from a later generation where that move tutor no longer exists, is a red flag.

• The Devil is in the Details: Pay close attention to details like movesets, abilities, held items, encounter locations, and ribbons. These often provide the clues necessary to unmask an illegal Pokémon.

Key Indicators of an Illegal Pokémon

Here’s a breakdown of the most important indicators:

1. Impossible Movesets: Cross-reference a Pokémon’s moveset with its learnset for its origin game. Can it legitimately learn all those moves through leveling up, TMs, HMs, event distributions, or move tutors? If not, it’s likely illegal. Pay attention to egg moves.

2. Illegitimate Abilities: Some Pokémon have hidden abilities that are only available through specific methods. If a Pokémon has a hidden ability that it could never legitimately possess in its origin game, it’s illegal.

3. Impossible Encounter Data: Check the Pokémon’s met location and the level at which it was supposedly caught. Does this data align with the game’s actual encounter tables? For example, a Level 5 Rayquaza is undoubtedly illegal, as Rayquaza is encountered at Level 70 in Emerald.

4. Ribbon Anomalies: Ribbons are key indicators. Some ribbons are exclusive to specific games or events. A Pokémon with a ribbon that it could not legitimately obtain in its origin game is illegal, such as the example of Beauty Ribbon from the introduction.

5. Unreleased Shiny Pokémon: During some game generations, there are shiny locks for certain Pokemon (Example, Zeraora). This prevents you from obtaining them using the shiny method.

6. Ball Availability: Check the ball the Pokemon is caught with. The ball must be available at the specified region. For example, a Johto Pokémon in a Dream Ball is illegal, as Dream Balls are only available in the Unova region.

7. Perfect Stats as a Red Flag: While legitimate, a Pokémon obtained from Surprise Trade with perfect competitive stats is a common sign of hacking, especially if it is also shiny. A Pokémon with perfect stats, while not inherently illegal, should raise suspicion and warrant further investigation.

Tools of the Trade: Verification Methods

While manual inspection is crucial, tools can assist in verifying a Pokémon’s legitimacy.

• Online Databases: Websites like Serebii.net and Bulbapedia are invaluable resources for verifying movesets, abilities, encounter data, and event distributions.

• Battle Simulators: Online battle simulators such as Pokemon Showdown can be used to check a Pokemon for illegal movesets and abilities.

• Hacking Tools (Use with Caution): Hacking tools such as PKHeX can analyze a Pokemon’s data and flag any inconsistencies or impossibilities. This can be used, for example, on your local copy of the game. However, using such tools online is generally not recommended as it can have security and other risks.

FAQs: Delving Deeper into Pokémon Legality

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the nuances of Pokémon legality:

1. What happens if you breed an illegal Pokémon?

Offspring of hacked Pokémon are typically legal by the game’s standards, provided they don’t inherit an unreleased hidden ability or an illegal ball. Pokémon do not inherently store data about their parents’ origins.

2. Can you get banned for owning hacked Pokémon?

Simply owning hacked Pokémon doesn’t usually trigger a ban. However, using them in online battles or trades can lead to penalties.

3. What is the difference between hacked and legal Pokémon?

Legality refers to whether a Pokémon’s data adheres to the game’s rules. Legitimacy refers to how the Pokémon was obtained. A hacked Pokémon can be legal but not legitimate.

4. Are all Pokémon cards legal?

In the context of the official Play! Pokémon events, only cards that are part of the current Modified format are legal for use. Older cards are rotated out to ensure a balanced and accessible competitive environment.

5. Is it legal to have a 6 IV Ditto?

Yes, it is legal to have a 6 IV Ditto, though obtaining one legitimately requires significant time and luck.

6. What happens if you breed with a hacked Ditto?

The resulting Pokémon will be legal as it will not store any data on its parent’s origin. However, it may be discouraged by some communities.

7. Can you get banned from Pokémon GO?

Yes, you can be banned from Pokémon GO for violating the game’s Terms of Service or Trainer Guidelines, which includes activities like using unauthorized third-party software or engaging in location spoofing.

8. Are McDonald’s Pokémon cards real?

Yes, McDonald’s Pokémon cards are officially licensed promotional items created by The Pokémon Company.

9. Are fake Pokémon cards illegal?

Yes, creating, selling, or distributing fake Pokémon cards is considered copyright infringement and a violation of intellectual property laws.

10. How rare is a 4* Ditto in Pokémon GO?

The chance to get a 4 IV ditto is around 0.6%.

11. What is the purpose of the Games Learning Society?

The Games Learning Society, found at GamesLearningSociety.org, is dedicated to understanding and advancing learning through games and game-based approaches.

12. What Pokémon were banned?

In the context of Pokémon TCG, specific cards like Expanded Archeops, Chip-Chip Ice Axe, Delinquent, Flabébé, and Forest of Giant Plants have been banned from competitive play for various balance reasons.

13. What are the banned Pokémon in the game?

Depending on the generation there are different banned Pokemon. For example, In Pokémon GO Championship Series, Galarian Articuno, Galarian Zapdos, Galarian Moltres, Shadow Hisuian Sneasel, Shadow Sneasler, Skiddo, and Gogoat are on the banned list.

14. Are hacked shiny Pokemon illegal?

Not always, but when a Pokemon is shiny and has a perfect IV, then it should be seen as a red flag for hacking.

15. What Cannot breed with Ditto?

Ditto can breed with any Pokémon except those in the No Eggs Discovered Group, which includes baby Pokémon, special form Pokémon (like Cosplay Pikachu), and most Mythical and Legendary Pokémon.

Conclusion: Become a Pokémon Legality Expert

Identifying illegal Pokémon requires a blend of knowledge, observation, and critical thinking. By understanding the core principles, recognizing key indicators, and utilizing available resources, you can confidently navigate the complex world of Pokémon legality. Always remember, verifying the integrity of Pokémon is crucial for maintaining a fair and enjoyable gaming experience.