Table of Contents

Why Can’t I Transfer Zacian to Pokémon Shield? Understanding Pokémon Transfers and Limitations

You’re trying to get your hands on Zacian in Pokémon Shield, but you’re running into a roadblock. The core reason you can’t directly transfer Zacian into Pokémon Shield is that Zacian is specifically designated as a Pokémon obtainable in Pokémon Sword. While trading is theoretically possible, obtaining Zacian directly through transfers from Pokémon HOME or other games is restricted. This limitation is primarily because Zacian is the mascot legendary Pokémon for Pokémon Sword, and Zamazenta, the Fighting/Steel-type, is the mascot for Pokémon Shield. The game developers designed it this way to encourage trading and inter-game interaction.

Understanding Pokémon Transfer Mechanics

Before diving deeper, let’s establish some foundational knowledge about transferring Pokémon between different games and services.

Pokémon HOME and its Role

Pokémon HOME is a cloud-based service designed by Nintendo to unite various Pokémon games and platforms. Think of it as a digital warehouse for your Pokémon. You can transfer Pokémon from games like Pokémon GO, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee!, and the Pokémon Bank (for older generation games) to Pokémon HOME. From there, you should theoretically be able to move Pokémon to compatible games, like Sword and Shield. However, compatibility isn’t universal.

The Galar Pokédex Limitation

The most crucial restriction when transferring Pokémon into Sword and Shield revolves around the Galar Pokédex. As Masuda, one of the key figures at Game Freak, stated, you can only transfer Pokémon to Sword and Shield if they are already included in the Galar Pokédex, or its expansions, the Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra. Zacian is in the Galar Pokédex, but it is only legitimately obtainable within the Sword version.

Event Pokémon and Special Distributions

Another key factor at play could involve the specific Zacian you are trying to transfer. Event Pokémon, especially those distributed with special moves or abilities, may have additional transfer restrictions. These restrictions are often in place to prevent exploits or maintain the rarity and exclusivity of these event Pokémon. For instance, shiny Zacian and shiny Zamazenta were distributed as special event Pokémon and faced trading restrictions in Pokémon HOME.

How to Obtain Zacian in Pokémon Shield

If transferring isn’t an option, how can you get Zacian in Pokémon Shield? There is only one way to get Zacian if you are playing Pokemon Shield:

Trading: This is your primary avenue. Find someone who owns Pokémon Sword and is willing to trade their Zacian for your Zamazenta (or another valuable Pokémon). Online trading communities and forums are great places to find potential trading partners.

Remember the Rusted Sword!

Zacian’s true power is unleashed when it holds the Rusted Sword. This item allows Zacian to transform into its Crowned Sword form, significantly boosting its stats and changing its appearance. When arranging a trade, be sure to ask if the person is willing to trade Zacian with the Rusted Sword attached. If they are not, then you will not get the crowned form of Zacian which is the primary reason to acquire it. Items cannot be traded to Pokémon HOME so you will need to trade directly with the person.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

Even with a clear understanding of the rules, transfer issues can still arise. Here are some common reasons you may encounter problems:

Pokémon GO Origin: If your Zacian originates from Pokémon GO, you may encounter issues if you haven’t already registered a Zacian in your Sword or Shield save file. The game often requires you to have “seen” or caught a Pokémon in the main series game before you can transfer it from Pokémon GO to HOME, then to your Switch game.
Glitches and Bugs: Although rare, bugs can sometimes interfere with the transfer process. Keep your games and Pokémon HOME app updated to the latest versions to minimize the risk of encountering these issues.
Pokémon HOME Limitations: Pokémon HOME has its own set of restrictions. Favorited Pokémon, certain event Pokémon, or Pokémon with special attributes may be temporarily untradeable.

Understanding Nintendo’s Design Philosophy

Why does Nintendo impose these restrictions? While it may seem frustrating, these limitations serve a few key purposes:

Encouraging Inter-Game Trading: By making certain Pokémon version-exclusive, Nintendo incentivizes players to trade with each other, fostering a sense of community.
Maintaining Pokémon Value: Limiting the availability of certain Pokémon helps preserve their value and rarity, making them more desirable to collectors and competitive players.
Balancing Gameplay: Some Pokémon are inherently more powerful than others. By controlling their distribution, Nintendo can better balance the overall gameplay experience.

Ultimately, while you can’t directly transfer Zacian into Pokémon Shield, trading remains a viable and exciting path to adding this powerful Legendary to your team.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I transfer Zamazenta to Sword?

Yes, you can transfer Zamazenta to Pokémon Sword, following the same guidelines. You can also get it via direct trade between two copies of the game!

2. Why can’t I transfer my shiny Zacian from Pokémon HOME?

Shiny Zacian and Zamazenta distributed during special events were often subject to trade restrictions in Pokémon HOME to prevent abuse. Even friend trades are out of the question. This may change in the future, but it was certainly the case when the shiny legendaries were first distributed.

3. What Legendaries can be transferred to Shield?

Many Legendary Pokémon can be transferred to Sword and Shield if they are in the Galar, Isle of Armor, or Crown Tundra Pokédex. Examples include Mewtwo, Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Cobalion, and Virizion.

4. What are Dynamax Adventures, and how do they relate to transferring Legendaries?

Dynamax Adventures, available in the Crown Tundra DLC, allow you to catch various Legendary Pokémon. Catching these Legendaries within Sword or Shield often unlocks the ability to transfer those same Legendaries from Pokémon HOME.

5. If I trade for a Zacian without the Rusted Sword, can I still use it in battles?

Yes, you can still use Zacian in battles even if it doesn’t have the Rusted Sword. However, it will not be in its Crowned Sword form, which has significantly higher stats and a different type combination (Fairy/Steel).

6. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME?

Yes, certain Pokémon cannot be transferred to Pokémon HOME, including Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon in Pokémon GO, Pokémon defending Gyms in Pokémon GO, costumed Pokémon in Pokémon GO, Shadow Pokémon in Pokémon GO, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon.

7. Does the discontinuation of Pokémon Bank affect my ability to transfer Pokémon to HOME?

No, the discontinuation of the paid service for Pokémon Bank does not affect your ability to transfer Pokémon from Bank to HOME. You can still move Pokémon from Bank to HOME.

8. How does Pokémon GO affect transferring Pokémon?

Pokémon originating from Pokémon GO can generally be transferred to Pokémon HOME, and then to Sword and Shield, provided the Pokémon is in the Galar Pokédex and you have registered it in your save file.

9. Can I transfer Pokémon from older generations (e.g., Gen 3, Gen 4) to Sword and Shield?

The path to transferring Pokémon from older generations to Sword and Shield involves a multi-step process. You would need to move them to Pokémon Bank, then from Pokémon Bank to Pokémon HOME, and finally, from Pokémon HOME to Sword and Shield, provided they meet the Galar Pokédex criteria.

10. What happens if I try to transfer a Pokémon that isn’t in the Galar Pokédex?

The transfer will be blocked. Pokémon HOME will not allow you to move Pokémon that are not compatible with Sword and Shield based on the Galar Pokédex.

11. Can I trade Pokémon between Sword and Shield locally?

Yes, you can trade Pokémon between Sword and Shield locally using the Switch’s local communication feature. This is a great way to obtain version-exclusive Pokémon like Zacian.

12. I see conflicting information online. Where can I find the most reliable information about Pokémon transfers?

Official sources are always the best. Refer to the official Pokémon HOME website, the official Pokémon Sword and Shield website, and announcements from Nintendo or The Pokémon Company for the most accurate and up-to-date information. The Games Learning Society also contains a wealth of information about gaming and game mechanics, including topics that sometimes touch on the Pokemon series. You can find more at GamesLearningSociety.org.

13. What happens to a Pokémon’s held item when transferred to Pokémon HOME?

Held items are not transferred to Pokémon HOME. They are automatically sent back to your bag in the original game before the Pokémon is transferred. This is why you cannot transfer the Rusted Sword through Pokémon HOME.

14. Are there any transfer limitations based on my Pokémon HOME subscription plan?

Yes, the free version of Pokémon HOME has limitations, such as the number of Pokémon you can store. A paid Premium Plan unlocks additional storage and features. Transfer capabilities are not affected, though you may have an easier time transferring more Pokemon on a single plan.

15. Can I transfer Pokémon from Let’s Go, Pikachu!/Eevee! to Sword and Shield?

Yes, you can transfer Pokémon from Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Let’s Go, Eevee! to Pokémon HOME, and then to Sword and Shield, provided the Pokémon meets the Galar Pokédex requirements. However, Pokémon cannot be transferred back to the Let’s Go games from HOME.

Why can’t i transfer Zacian to Pokémon Shield?