Maximizing Your Pokémon Collection: A Trainer’s Guide to Increasing Pokémon Storage in Pokémon GO
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So, you’re an avid Pokémon GO trainer, tirelessly catching those elusive creatures and building your dream team. But suddenly, you hit a wall – your Pokémon storage is full! Don’t despair, fellow trainer! This article will delve into exactly how to increase the number of Pokémon you can carry and answer all your burning questions about Pokémon storage management.
The short answer is simple: You increase the amount of Pokémon you can carry in Pokémon GO by purchasing Pokémon Storage Upgrades from the in-game shop using PokéCoins. Each upgrade increases your capacity by 50 Pokémon.
Understanding Pokémon Storage Upgrades
The primary method for expanding your Pokémon-holding capabilities in Pokémon GO lies within the game’s shop. Pokémon Storage Upgrades are specifically designed to tackle this problem. Let’s break down the key details:
- Purchase Location: The in-game shop. Navigate to the shop icon in the main menu.
- Currency: PokéCoins (the in-game currency).
- Cost: 200 PokéCoins per upgrade.
- Increase: Each upgrade adds 50 slots to your Pokémon storage capacity.
- Maximum Capacity: Currently, the maximum Pokémon storage capacity is 6,800.
Obtaining PokéCoins
Since Pokémon Storage Upgrades require PokéCoins, you’ll need to acquire them. Here are the main methods:
- Defending Gyms: Place your Pokémon in Gyms controlled by your team. You earn PokéCoins over time while your Pokémon defends the Gym. You earn six PokéCoins per hour defending a Gym (a rate of 1 PokéCoin per 10 minutes). However, there is a daily limit.
- Daily Limit: You can earn a maximum of 50 PokéCoins per day from defending Gyms, regardless of how many Gyms your Pokémon are defending or how long they stay there.
- In-App Purchases: You can purchase PokéCoin bundles directly from the in-game shop using real money.
- Special Events & Research Tasks: Sometimes, Pokémon GO offers special events or research tasks that reward PokéCoins upon completion. Keep an eye on the “Today View” for updates.
Beyond Pokémon Storage: The Pokémon HOME Solution
While in-game Pokémon Storage Upgrades are essential for active players, Pokémon HOME offers an alternative for long-term storage and Pokémon transfer between compatible games.
Pokémon HOME: The Cloud-Based Pokémon Bank
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service developed by The Pokémon Company International, allowing players to manage their Pokémon collection across multiple games.
- Storage Capacity: The free version of Pokémon HOME offers limited storage. However, a premium subscription dramatically increases the storage capacity to 6,000 Pokémon.
- Game Compatibility: Pokémon HOME is compatible with various Pokémon games, including Pokémon GO, Pokémon Sword and Shield, Pokémon Let’s Go Pikachu and Eevee, and more.
- Transferring Pokémon: You can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, freeing up space in your in-game storage. Note that transfers to Pokémon HOME are generally permanent, and Pokémon cannot be transferred back to Pokémon GO.
Strategic Pokémon Management
Increasing your storage capacity is only part of the equation. Effective Pokémon management is crucial for optimizing your gameplay experience.
- Prioritize Pokémon: Identify which Pokémon are essential for your team, battles, and raids. Focus on keeping high-CP, high-IV Pokémon and those with valuable movesets.
- Transfer Excess Pokémon: Regularly transfer duplicate or low-value Pokémon to Professor Willow. You’ll receive Candy in exchange, which can be used to power up and evolve your stronger Pokémon.
- Utilize the Appraisal Feature: The in-game appraisal feature allows you to assess the individual strengths (IVs) of your Pokémon. Use this feature to identify and transfer Pokémon with low IVs.
- Tagging System: Pokémon GO offers a tagging system to organize your Pokémon. Use tags to categorize Pokémon based on their use, region, or other criteria.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What exactly is a Pokémon Storage Upgrade?
A Pokémon Storage Upgrade is an item you purchase from the in-game shop in Pokémon GO that increases the maximum number of Pokémon you can carry in your game account. Each upgrade adds 50 Pokémon slots.
2. How much does a Pokémon Storage Upgrade cost?
Each Pokémon Storage Upgrade costs 200 PokéCoins.
3. How do I get PokéCoins in Pokémon GO?
You can earn PokéCoins by defending Gyms, purchasing them with real money, or completing specific special research tasks.
4. What is the maximum Pokémon storage I can achieve?
The current maximum Pokémon storage limit in Pokémon GO is 6,800.
5. Can I get a refund for a Pokémon Storage Upgrade?
Pokémon GO’s refund policies vary depending on the platform (iOS or Android) and region. Generally, refunds for in-app purchases are handled by the app store associated with your device.
6. What happens when my Pokémon storage is full?
When your Pokémon storage is full, you will not be able to catch any more Pokémon until you either transfer some Pokémon to Professor Willow or purchase a Pokémon Storage Upgrade.
7. Is there a limit to how many Pokémon I can transfer at once?
There is no set limit to how many Pokémon you can transfer at once, but you can also mass select Pokemon and mass transfer Pokemon to speed up the process.
8. What is Pokémon HOME, and how does it relate to Pokémon GO storage?
Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service that allows you to store Pokémon from various games in one place. It provides an alternative to storing Pokémon within Pokémon GO, freeing up space. Note that transfer to Pokémon HOME are generally permanent, and Pokemon cannot be transferred back to Pokemon GO.
9. Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon GO?
No, Pokémon cannot be directly transferred from Pokémon HOME back to Pokémon GO.
10. What are the benefits of using Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME offers increased storage capacity (up to 6,000 with a premium subscription), the ability to transfer Pokémon between compatible games, and access to trading functionalities.
11. How often should I manage my Pokémon storage?
It’s recommended to manage your Pokémon storage regularly, ideally every few days, to avoid running out of space and to keep your collection organized.
12. What’s the difference between Pokémon storage and Item Bag storage?
Pokémon storage refers to the number of Pokémon you can hold, while Item Bag storage refers to the number of items (Poké Balls, potions, berries, etc.) you can hold. Both can be upgraded separately.
13. What does transferring a Pokémon to Professor Willow do?
Transferring a Pokémon to Professor Willow grants you Candy specific to that Pokémon species. Candy is used to power up and evolve your Pokémon. Once you transfer the Pokémon, you will not be able to get it back.
14. Are there any other ways to get more Pokémon storage without spending PokéCoins?
No, the only way to directly increase your Pokémon storage in Pokémon GO is by purchasing Pokémon Storage Upgrades with PokéCoins.
15. How does the 6 Pokémon limit in battles relate to Pokémon storage?
The 6 Pokémon limit refers to the number of Pokémon you can have in your party for battles. This is separate from your overall Pokémon storage, which is the total number of Pokémon you can hold in your account.
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By following these tips and understanding the mechanics of Pokémon storage, you can effectively manage your Pokémon collection and continue your journey to become a Pokémon Master!