Unlocking the Mystery: Which Pokémon Can’t Make the Jump from HOME to Sword?

So, you’re looking to beef up your Pokémon Sword team, and you’ve got Pokémon HOME loaded with potential recruits? Excellent! However, before you start dragging and dropping every creature you own, it’s crucial to understand the limitations. Not every Pokémon in your HOME storage is eligible for a Galar adventure. The primary reason is that Pokémon Sword and Shield only support a limited roster of Pokémon, dictated by the game’s initial design and subsequent updates, specifically the Crown Tundra DLC. Here’s a breakdown of which Pokémon you won’t be seeing in Sword and Shield:

• Pokémon Not Included in the Sword and Shield Base Game or DLC: This is the biggest category. Entire generations of Pokémon, or specific species from various regions, were simply not programmed into Sword and Shield. Key examples include the Kalos starters (Chespin, Quilladin, Chesnaught, Fennekin, Braixen, Delphox, Froakie, Frogadier, and Greninja) and many others from various generations, like Chimchar and Cyndaquil, along with their evolutions. Think of it as a “missing” Pokédex entry – if it’s not in the Sword and Shield Pokédex, you can’t transfer it.

• Mythical Pokémon with Limited Availability: While some Mythical Pokémon are transferable, certain ones, especially those distributed through limited-time events, may have restrictions. Darkrai, Manaphy, Shaymin, and Arceus were not supported in the Crowned Tundra, meaning that despite the compatibility of Home with Sword/Shield, they will not be available for transfer. This is because their data wasn’t included in the game’s files.

• Pokémon Locked Due to Game Mechanics: Certain Pokémon have unique game mechanics that cause issues with transfer. While specific examples are scarce, it’s important to note that if a Pokémon’s form change or ability is heavily tied to a specific game (like a battle mechanic) and not replicated in Sword and Shield, it might not be transferable, or could revert to a base form.

In essence, if a Pokémon’s data isn’t programmed into Pokémon Sword and Shield, it simply can’t be transferred from Pokémon HOME. Always consult a complete list of compatible Pokémon for Sword and Shield before attempting transfers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here’s a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions to clarify any confusion about transferring from HOME to Sword and Shield.

What happens if I try to transfer a Pokémon that isn’t compatible with Sword and Shield?

Nothing bad will happen! Pokémon HOME will simply prevent you from selecting that Pokémon for transfer to Sword and Shield. It will remain safely stored in your HOME account, ready to be moved to a compatible game.

Are there any workarounds to get non-compatible Pokémon into Sword and Shield?

Unfortunately, no. There are no legitimate workarounds to bypass the game’s internal data limitations. You cannot hack or glitch Pokémon into the game. The Pokémon must be coded into the game to exist within the Sword and Shield environment.

Will all Pokémon eventually be transferable to every game?

That’s a big question! Game Freak has indicated that future games may not include every Pokémon, prioritizing quality and gameplay experience over sheer quantity. This suggests that some Pokémon may remain exclusive to certain titles or Pokémon HOME indefinitely.

Why is it that the Kalos starters (Froakie, Chespin, Fennekin) can’t be transferred to Sword and Shield?

It boils down to Game Freak’s design choices. For reasons unknown, the Kalos starters simply weren’t included in the Sword and Shield Pokédex. The effort to create 3D models, animations, and gameplay mechanics takes time and can be intensive for development teams. The Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org explores aspects of design in gaming, including the tough choices game developers face when creating a product.

Can Pokémon that were previously incompatible become compatible through updates?

Yes, that is possible, and it has happened! The Crown Tundra DLC for Sword and Shield added compatibility for a significant number of Pokémon. However, there’s no guarantee that future updates will add specific Pokémon.

What about Pokémon with different forms, like Alolan forms or Galarian forms?

Galarian forms are native to the Galar region and are, of course, compatible with Sword and Shield. Alolan forms, if they exist in your HOME storage, are transferable only if the original Kanto form is compatible with Sword and Shield. If the Kanto form isn’t in Sword and Shield, neither is the Alolan form.

Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield via HOME?

Yes, but only if they meet all of the following criteria:

1. They are transferable from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME.
2. They are present in the Sword and Shield Pokedex.

Not all Pokémon in GO can go to Home, and not all Pokémon in Home can go to Sword and Shield.

I transferred a Pokémon from Legends: Arceus to HOME. Can I then send it to Sword and Shield?

Yes, but with a caveat! When transferring Pokémon from Legends: Arceus or Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl to Sword and Shield, their movesets will be replaced by moves that are legal and natural for those Pokémon in Sword and Shield. You will not be able to keep moves obtained in other games.

What restrictions apply to transferring Shiny, Lucky, or Buddy Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield via HOME?

There are usually restrictions on transferring multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon at once. Certain Legendary and Mythical Pokémon might also be restricted from transferring.

Can I transfer a Mega-Evolved Pokémon or a Pokémon holding an item from Pokémon GO to Sword and Shield?

No. Mega-Evolved Pokémon revert to their base form before being transferred to HOME. Pokémon from GO cannot hold items, so this restriction doesn’t apply to GO transfers.

If I register a Pokémon in my Sword and Shield Pokédex, does that make all versions of that Pokémon transferable?

No. Registering a Pokémon in your Pokédex makes it eligible to be transferred from HOME into Sword and Shield. This does not work retroactively.

What happens to a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability when transferred from HOME to Sword and Shield?

Typically, a Pokémon’s Hidden Ability will remain intact during the transfer process. However, if the Pokémon’s Hidden Ability is illegal or unobtainable in Sword and Shield, it may be changed to a standard ability.

I have a costumed Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Can I transfer it to Sword and Shield?

No. Costumed Pokémon cannot be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME. They must be reverted to their standard forms first (which may be impossible for event exclusive Pokémon).

I transferred a Pokémon from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME. Are there any special considerations when trying to move it to Sword and Shield?

The same rules apply! The compatibility limitations of Sword and Shield are the determining factor, regardless of where the Pokémon originated. As long as a Pokémon meets the species criteria to be compatible with Sword and Shield, they can be moved between games.

Where can I find an official list of Pokémon compatible with Sword and Shield?

The official Pokémon HOME website and the Serebii.net website are excellent resources for checking compatibility lists. They are regularly updated with the most accurate information.

Hopefully, this clears up any confusion you may have about transferring Pokémon from HOME to Sword and Shield. Happy training!