How to Transfer Charmander to Scarlet and Violet: A Comprehensive Guide
So, you want to bring your fiery friend Charmander to the Paldea region in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet? You’ve come to the right place! Here’s a step-by-step guide to make it happen, along with some crucial information and helpful tips.
The short and simple answer is: you’ll need Pokémon HOME and a compatible game where you can obtain Charmander. Then, you transfer Charmander into HOME, and then from HOME into Scarlet or Violet. Simple as that!
Step-by-Step Transfer Guide
- Ensure Compatibility: Charmander itself is compatible with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, which is excellent news! You can check which Pokémon can be transferred in the in-game Pokedex or online resources.
- Obtain Charmander: This is the trickiest part. Charmander doesn’t natively appear in Scarlet and Violet. Your options are:
- Transfer from a Compatible Game: This is the most common method. If you have Charmander in a compatible game, such as Pokémon GO, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee!, Pokémon Sword and Shield, or Pokémon Legends: Arceus, you can transfer it to Pokémon HOME.
- Trade: Find someone who already has Charmander in Scarlet or Violet and is willing to trade.
- Special Events: Keep an eye out for special in-game events in Scarlet and Violet that might feature Charmander as a special raid boss.
- Download and Setup Pokémon HOME:
- Download: If you haven’t already, download the Pokémon HOME app on your Nintendo Switch and your mobile device.
- Link Accounts: Link your Nintendo Account to both versions of Pokémon HOME. This is crucial for transferring Pokémon between games.
- Transfer Charmander to Pokémon HOME:
- From GO: In Pokémon GO, use the GO Transporter to send Charmander to Pokémon HOME. Be aware that this requires GO Transporter Energy, which replenishes over time or can be refilled with PokéCoins.
- From Let’s Go: Connect Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! to Pokémon HOME and move Charmander to a Pokémon HOME box.
- From Sword/Shield/Arceus: In Pokémon HOME, select the game you want to transfer from (e.g., Sword, Shield, or Arceus). Move Charmander from your game’s boxes into a Pokémon HOME box.
- Transfer Charmander from Pokémon HOME to Scarlet or Violet:
- Open Pokémon HOME: On your Nintendo Switch, open Pokémon HOME.
- Select Scarlet or Violet: Choose Pokémon Scarlet or Violet as the game you want to connect to.
- Move Charmander: Drag Charmander from a Pokémon HOME box to one of your boxes in Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.
- Save and Exit: Save your changes and exit Pokémon HOME.
Congratulations! Your Charmander should now be ready to battle in the Paldea region!
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some common questions related to transferring Charmander (and other Pokémon) to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
1. Why can’t I see Pokémon Scarlet or Violet in Pokémon HOME?
This usually happens if:
- The game isn’t updated: Make sure you have the latest version of Pokémon Scarlet or Violet installed.
- Nintendo Account Issues: Ensure the Nintendo Account linked to Pokémon HOME is the same one used to play Scarlet or Violet.
- Incorrect Version of HOME: You must use the Nintendo Switch version of Pokémon HOME to connect with Scarlet or Violet.
2. Can I transfer a Shiny Charmander to Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, Shiny Charmander can be transferred to Scarlet and Violet, assuming it meets all other transfer requirements (e.g., being compatible with the game).
3. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, some Pokémon are not compatible with Scarlet and Violet. These are usually Pokémon not included in the games’ data. Check official lists or in-game information to confirm compatibility. Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon can be restricted.
4. What happens if I transfer a Pokémon with a held item?
Held items are not transferred with the Pokémon. The Pokémon will be transferred to Scarlet or Violet without the item.
5. Do Pokémon retain their abilities when transferred?
Generally, Pokémon retain their abilities when transferred. However, some abilities may be changed to their equivalent in the new game if the original ability doesn’t exist in Scarlet and Violet.
6. Is Pokémon HOME a paid service?
Pokémon HOME has both a free and a premium (paid) version. The free version has limitations on the number of Pokémon you can store and the features you can access. The premium version offers more storage and features.
7. How much does Pokémon HOME cost?
The price of Pokémon HOME Premium varies depending on the subscription duration. Check the Nintendo eShop for current pricing.
8. Can I transfer Pokémon back and forth between Scarlet/Violet and other games?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon back and forth between compatible games as long as they are stored in Pokémon HOME. However, Pokémon can only be moved to games where they appear in the game’s data.
9. Can I use Pokémon HOME to trade Pokémon with other players?
Yes, Pokémon HOME has a trading feature that allows you to trade with other players online.
10. I’m getting an error message when trying to transfer. What should I do?
- Check Server Status: Ensure the Pokémon HOME servers are not undergoing maintenance.
- Restart: Try restarting your Nintendo Switch and the Pokémon HOME app.
- Internet Connection: Verify you have a stable internet connection.
- Contact Support: If the issue persists, contact Pokémon HOME support for assistance.
11. How do I get a Charmander in Pokémon GO?
Charmander appears in Pokémon GO periodically through events, Community Days, or as part of the regular spawn pool. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements for opportunities to catch Charmander.
12. Can I transfer Pokémon from older games like Pokémon Ruby or Sapphire?
No, you cannot directly transfer Pokémon from Game Boy Advance games (like Ruby and Sapphire) to Pokémon HOME or Scarlet and Violet. You would need to transfer them through compatible games that act as bridges, such as the Virtual Console releases of the original games, or the Pokémon Bank app for 3DS. From the Pokémon Bank app, you could then transfer to Pokémon HOME. This may take multiple steps with different games.
13. Will transferring Pokémon reset their EVs or IVs?
No, transferring Pokémon does not reset their Effort Values (EVs) or Individual Values (IVs).
14. What are Tera Raid Battles, and how do they relate to getting Pokémon like Charizard?
Tera Raid Battles are a feature in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet where you team up with other players to battle a powerful Tera Pokémon. Occasionally, special events feature Pokémon like Charizard (and potentially its pre-evolutions) in these raids, giving you a chance to catch them.
15. Are there any limitations on the level of Pokémon I can transfer to Scarlet and Violet?
There are no level limitations on Pokémon transfers. You can transfer Pokémon of any level as long as they are compatible with the game.