Why Can’t Special Pokémon Be Traded in Home? The Mystery Unraveled!
So, you’ve been trying to trade that shiny Mewtwo or your event-exclusive Celebi on Pokémon HOME, only to be met with the frustrating realization that some Pokémon just can’t be traded using the Global Trade System (GTS) or even directly. Why is this the case? The answer lies in a complex web of factors designed to preserve rarity, prevent exploits, and maintain the integrity of the Pokémon ecosystem. These restrictions serve as safeguards against illegitimate Pokémon, maintain the value of rare event Pokémon, and protect the overall game balance across different Pokémon titles.
In essence, the inability to trade certain ‘special’ Pokémon boils down to a combination of these factors:
- Mythical Pokémon Restrictions: A significant portion of untradeable Pokémon are Mythical. Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, and others are generally intended to be obtained through special distribution events, research tasks, or limited-time promotions. Allowing them to be freely traded would diminish their exclusivity and the effort required to obtain them.
- Event-Exclusive Pokémon: Pokémon obtained only during specific events, often with unique moves or appearances, are frequently restricted. This ensures that trainers who participated in those events retain the value of their special catches.
- Pokémon GO Integration Complications: The interplay between Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME introduces further limitations. Some Pokémon, like Shadow Pokémon, and costumed Pokémon, cannot be transferred to HOME, which in turn, prevents them from being traded within HOME.
- Protecting Against Hacking and Exploits: Restricting the trading of certain Pokémon helps prevent the circulation of hacked or genned (illegally generated) Pokémon, which can disrupt the game’s economy and competitive scene.
- Form Changes and Game Compatibility: Some Pokémon change forms when transferred to HOME, potentially causing issues with game compatibility. In some cases, like with Meloetta, HOME will revert the form to its original one when transferred. Restrictions are in place for certain forms to maintain game integrity.
- Safeguarding Pokemon from Being Duped: Special restrictions are enforced to protect Pokémon from being duped. Duping is illegal and can potentially make a Pokémon account subject to disciplinary actions.
The overall goal is to strike a balance between allowing trainers to connect and trade, while also protecting the integrity of the Pokémon universe and preventing its exploitation. While frustrating for those who wish to trade these rare creatures, these rules are essential for maintaining a fair and enjoyable experience for all. For more educational content about gaming and its intersection with learning, visit the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions to help clarify the restrictions and potential solutions:
Transferring and Trading Mythical and Special Pokémon
1. Why can’t I trade Meltan, Melmetal, and Mythicals on the Pokémon HOME GTS?
Meltan and Melmetal, despite their unique evolutionary status, are often subject to the same restrictions as Mythical Pokémon because of their distribution through Pokémon GO. The Pokémon HOME GTS restrictions are in place to maintain their exclusivity and prevent widespread distribution, which would undermine the special research needed to obtain them in Pokémon GO.
2. Can you transfer mythical Pokemon from Go to Home?
Yes, you can transfer Mythical Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, but they often can’t be traded onward via the GTS. However, direct trading among friends within Pokémon HOME might be possible for some Mythicals, depending on the specific Pokémon and game. The key is to check the specific Pokémon’s trade eligibility in Pokémon HOME.
3. Why can’t I transfer my Celebi?
If you’re unable to transfer Celebi from Pokémon GO to HOME, it could be because of several reasons. First, ensure you’ve registered Celebi in your Pokémon GO Pokédex. Second, certain events or conditions might temporarily prevent transfers. Also, you might be trying to transfer multiple special Pokémon at once. Try transferring Celebi individually to see if that resolves the issue.
4. Why can’t Meloetta be transferred?
The reason why Meloetta might not be transferable often relates to its form changes. In cases where a Pokémon has multiple forms, especially those that are temporary, Pokémon HOME might revert the Pokémon to its base form upon transfer to ensure compatibility across different games. It’s not so much that Meloetta can’t be transferred, but rather that its alternate form might not be supported in Pokémon HOME or other games.
Pokémon GO-Specific Restrictions
5. Why can’t you trade Shadow Pokemon?
Shadow Pokémon are currently untradeable to prevent exploitation of the purification mechanic in Pokémon GO. Since July 2019, Niantic has banned the exchange of Shadow-type creatures. This rule also extends to transfers to Pokémon HOME, ensuring that Shadow Pokémon obtained through Team GO Rocket battles retain their unique status within Pokémon GO.
6. Why can’t I trade Darkrai in Pokemon Go?
Darkrai, being a Mythical Pokémon, is subject to trade restrictions in Pokémon GO. While it was initially introduced as a Legendary Pokémon in Gen 4, its classification changed to Mythical in later generations. This change means it cannot be traded to maintain its rarity and the effort required to obtain it through special events.
7. What Pokémon are not allowed in Pokemon home?
Some Pokémon are restricted from being sent to Pokémon HOME. These include Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon. These restrictions help maintain game integrity and prevent potential exploits related to these special Pokémon and game mechanics.
Shiny and Lucky Pokémon
8. Why can’t I transfer shiny Pokemon?
You can transfer Shiny Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, but there are limitations when transferring from Pokémon GO. You’re unable to transfer multiple Shiny Pokémon, Lucky Pokémon, or Buddy Pokémon with whom you’ve reached Good Buddy status or above at a time. Additionally, some Legendary and Mythical Pokémon may be excluded from transfer during certain periods.
Additional Restrictions and Scenarios
9. What is the Pokemon home limit?
The Pokémon HOME storage limit depends on whether you have a Basic (free) or Premium (paid) plan. The Basic Plan allows you to store up to 30 Pokémon in the Basic Box. With the Premium Plan, you can store up to 6,000 Pokémon across multiple boxes.
10. Why is Furfrou so popular on Pokémon HOME?
Furfrou is popular in Pokémon HOME due to its multiple forms, which can only be changed in Pokémon GO and then transferred. This makes certain forms rarer and more valuable, as they can only be obtained by changing Furfrou’s form in Pokémon GO and then transferring it to HOME.
11. Why can’t Calyrex be put in Pokémon HOME?
Calyrex cannot be put into Pokémon HOME in its fused forms (Ice Rider or Shadow Rider) because these forms are treated as temporary transformations, similar to Kyurem’s fusion with Reshiram or Zekrom. You must separate Calyrex from Glastrier or Spectrier before transferring it to Pokémon HOME.
12. Why Zorua cannot be traded in pokemon go?
Zorua was temporarily restricted from trading in Pokémon GO due to a bug that allowed it to learn moves it wasn’t supposed to. While this restriction has been lifted after the bug was fixed, it illustrates how game developers might temporarily restrict Pokémon trading to address technical issues.
13. Is Zarude a mythical?
Yes, Zarude is a Mythical Pokémon introduced in Pokémon Sword and Shield via the Isle of Armor DLC. As a Mythical Pokémon, it is typically distributed through special events and is usually restricted from being traded on the GTS.
Shadow Pokemon and Purifying
14. Should I purify a 3 star Shadow Pokémon?
Whether or not you should purify a 3-star Shadow Pokémon depends on your goals. Shadow Pokémon have a 20% damage boost, making them powerful attackers. Purifying a Shadow Pokémon will increase its IVs and make it cheaper to power up, but it will lose the damage boost. If you prioritize raw power, keep it as a Shadow Pokémon; if you want a more balanced Pokémon, purify it.
15. Is a 0 star Shadow Pokémon good?
A 0-star Shadow Pokémon can still be incredibly useful due to the 20% damage boost that Shadow Pokémon receive. This boost can make them powerful in raids and battles, even with low IVs. Whether to purify it depends on your needs and resources. If you’re looking for a strong attacker, keep it as a Shadow.
By understanding these restrictions and the reasons behind them, trainers can better navigate the complexities of Pokémon HOME and make informed decisions about their collections. Remember, these rules are in place to preserve the integrity and value of the Pokémon universe, ensuring a fair and enjoyable experience for everyone. For more insights into the world of gaming and its impact on learning, visit GamesLearningSociety.org.