Pokémon HOME Trade Restrictions: A Comprehensive Guide
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So, you’re diving into the world of Pokémon HOME, the cloud-based storage system for your beloved pocket monsters, and you’ve hit a snag. You’re trying to trade a Pokémon, but the app is throwing you curveballs. What gives? Let’s break down exactly what Pokémon are off-limits when it comes to trading within Pokémon HOME.
At its core, the restriction boils down to Mythical Pokémon and certain logistical limitations within the service. While some Mythicals can technically be moved into Pokémon HOME, trading them to other users through the Global Trade System (GTS) or the Wonder Box is a no-go. This is a deliberate design choice by the Pokémon Company, aimed at preserving the rarity and value of these special creatures. Think of it as trying to trade a priceless artifact – some things are just too special to easily circulate!
Specifically, Pokémon that cannot be traded via HOME’s GTS or Wonder Box generally include the following:
- Mew
- Celebi
- Jirachi
- Deoxys (all forms)
- Phione
- Manaphy
- Darkrai
- Shaymin
- Arceus
- Victini
- Keldeo
- Meloetta
- Genesect
- Diancie
- Hoopa
- Volcanion
- Magearna
- Marshadow
- Zeraora
- Meltan
- Melmetal
- Zarude
- Regieleki
- Glastrier
- Spectrier
- Enamorus
- Pecharunt
While the exact list of untradeable Mythicals can sometimes shift depending on game updates and promotional events, the general principle remains the same: Mythicals are difficult to obtain and are therefore heavily restricted.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon HOME Trading
Let’s address some common questions to clarify the nuances of Pokémon HOME trading:
Can I trade Mythical Pokémon via Friend Trade in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, Friend Trade is the method used to trade Mythical Pokémon. Friend Trade is less restrictive because it requires both parties to be present and agree to the trade, allowing for more controlled exchanges. Be aware that Friend Trades are limited to 10 per day.
Why are Mythical Pokémon so restricted in Pokémon HOME?
The Pokémon Company aims to maintain the rarity and exclusivity of Mythical Pokémon. By limiting their availability, these Pokémon retain their special status and encourage players to engage in events and challenges to obtain them. It’s a classic case of supply and demand in the Pokémon world!
What happens if I try to trade a restricted Pokémon in the GTS?
The Pokémon HOME system will prevent you from listing the Mythical Pokémon for trade in the GTS. You simply won’t be able to select them when setting up your trade offer.
Can I trade Pokémon holding items in Pokémon HOME?
No. Pokémon sent to Pokémon HOME cannot hold items. Any items held by a Pokémon will be returned to your in-game bag before the Pokémon is transferred.
Does Pokémon HOME support trade evolutions?
Unfortunately, trade evolutions do not work in Pokémon HOME. Pokémon that typically evolve through trading, such as Haunter or Kadabra, will not evolve automatically upon being traded via the platform. This means you’ll need to trade them within the compatible core series games for them to evolve.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet via Pokémon HOME?
No, the current process requires an intermediary step. You must first transfer your Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, and then from Pokémon HOME to Pokémon Scarlet or Violet.
Why can’t I transfer certain Pokémon from Pokémon HOME to a specific game?
There are several reasons why a Pokémon might not be transferable to a particular game:
- Game Compatibility: The Pokémon may not be present in the target game’s data. Each game has a limited roster of Pokémon available.
- Transfer Restrictions: Some Pokémon, like Mythicals, might have restrictions on being transferred to certain games.
- Game Progress: Some games require you to have made sufficient progress (e.g., reaching a certain point in the story) before you can transfer specific Pokémon.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank (3DS) to Pokémon HOME?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Bank on the 3DS to Pokémon HOME, but this requires a Premium Plan subscription and is a one-way transfer. This means once your Pokémon are in Pokémon HOME, they cannot be sent back to Pokémon Bank.
What is the maximum number of Pokémon I can store in Pokémon HOME?
With the Premium Plan, you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon in Pokémon HOME, spread across 200 boxes. The free version of Pokémon HOME has a much smaller storage capacity.
Can I trade Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, Shiny Pokémon can be traded in Pokémon HOME, provided they are not one of the Mythical Pokémon mentioned earlier. However, trading Shiny Pokémon via Pokémon GO can be costly in terms of Stardust, especially if one trainer doesn’t already possess that Shiny form in their Pokédex.
What happens if I transfer a hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Transferring hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME is against the terms of service and could result in a ban. The system is designed to detect illegitimate Pokémon, and while it’s not foolproof, it’s best to avoid using hacked Pokémon to protect your account.
Why can’t I transfer Spinda to Pokémon HOME?
Spinda’s unique pattern system, which relies on complex calculations, has presented technical challenges for the Pokémon HOME developers. There have been coding issues, which makes transferring Spinda problematic.
Can I transfer Pokémon from Pokémon Legends: Arceus to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Yes, you can transfer Pokémon between Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet via Pokémon HOME. This allows you to move Pokémon you’ve caught in the Hisui region to the Paldea region.
Are there any daily limits on Friend Trades in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, there is a limit of 10 Friend Trades per day. This applies to the total number of trades you can conduct with all of your friends, not 10 trades per friend.
Why can’t I evolve Stantler into Wyrdeer in Pokémon HOME?
Stantler cannot evolve within Pokémon HOME. Evolution can only occur in the respective core series games. To evolve Stantler into Wyrdeer, it must be done in Pokémon Legends: Arceus by using Psyshield Bash in Agile Style 20 times.
Ultimately, Pokémon HOME is a powerful tool for managing your Pokémon collection across multiple games. Understanding its limitations, particularly regarding Mythical Pokémon and trade evolutions, will help you make the most of the service and avoid frustration. The Games Learning Society and other educational outlets offer further exploration into the strategic and collecting aspects of Pokémon. Visit GamesLearningSociety.org to learn more about the intersection of gaming and education.