Why Can’t Genesect Be Traded? The Mythical Pokémon Trade Block Explained

Genesect, the Bug/Steel-type Mythical Pokémon introduced in Generation V, is subject to a trade restriction in Pokémon GO and Pokémon HOME due to its designated Mythical status. Mythical Pokémon, by design, are intended to be special and rare encounters, distributed through specific events or special research tasks. Allowing them to be freely traded would diminish their exclusivity and impact on the game’s ecosystem. The fundamental principle behind this restriction is to preserve the uniqueness and value associated with obtaining these rare creatures.

Understanding the “Mythical” Designation

Mythical vs. Legendary Pokémon

It’s crucial to understand the difference between Mythical and Legendary Pokémon, as this distinction is at the heart of the trade restrictions. While both are exceptionally rare and powerful, their distribution methods and intended roles in the game differ. Legendary Pokémon, like Articuno, Zapdos, Moltres, and many others, are often encountered as raid bosses or through specific in-game events, making them obtainable, though challenging, for many players.

Mythical Pokémon, on the other hand, are typically distributed through limited-time events or special research storylines, often requiring participation during specific periods. This scarcity reinforces their “Mythical” status and contributes to their untradeable nature. Examples include Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal and Zarude.

The Impact of Trade Restrictions

The inability to trade Mythical Pokémon directly impacts the in-game economy and player engagement. If Genesect and other Mythicals were tradeable, the market would likely be flooded with them, devaluing the effort and time invested by players who diligently participated in events to obtain them. Furthermore, the restricted accessibility encourages players to actively participate in future events, fostering a sense of community and competition. This design choice aligns with many principles of game design for learning as outlined by organizations like the Games Learning Society ( GamesLearningSociety.org ) that prioritize engagement and sustained participation.

Specific Games and Trade Limitations

Pokémon GO

In Pokémon GO, the restriction on trading Mythical Pokémon is absolute. Regardless of Friendship Level or Stardust cost, Genesect (in any Drive form), along with other Mythicals, cannot be traded between players. This is a core game mechanic designed to maintain the rarity and desirability of these Pokémon.

Pokémon HOME

While Pokémon HOME facilitates trades between various Pokémon games, it doesn’t circumvent the untradeable status of Genesect if it originated from Pokémon GO. If a Genesect is transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, it cannot be traded on the platform. However, if you acquire Genesect in another game (like a core series game) through legitimate means (like receiving it as a gift or during a special event) and then transfer it to Pokémon HOME, it may be tradeable depending on the specific terms and conditions of that event.

Reasons Behind the Restriction

• Preservation of Rarity: As discussed, untradeable status protects the rarity and value of Mythical Pokémon.

• Prevention of Exploitation: Allowing trades could lead to the exploitation of glitches or hacks to duplicate Mythical Pokémon, further devaluing them.

• Encouraging Participation: Restrictions incentivize players to participate in events and complete special research to acquire Mythicals legitimately.

• Game Balance: The unique abilities and stats of Mythical Pokémon could unbalance the game if they were readily available through trades.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the reasons behind Genesect’s untradeable status and related topics:

1. Can I trade any form of Genesect in Pokémon GO?

No. Regardless of the Drive form (Normal, Burn, Shock, Chill, or Douse), Genesect cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. All forms are considered Mythical and are subject to the same restrictions.

2. Are there any Mythical Pokémon that can be traded in Pokémon GO?

There are exceptions! Meltan and Melmetal are Mythical Pokémon that can be traded in Pokémon GO. This exception is likely due to their unique acquisition method, involving Pokémon GO and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!.

3. Why can’t I trade a Shiny Pokémon?

Trading Shiny Pokémon is possible, but it comes at a significant Stardust cost, especially if one of the trainers doesn’t already possess that specific Shiny Pokémon in their Pokédex. The Stardust cost varies based on Friendship Level.

4. Can I trade a Pokémon that I received in a trade to someone else?

No. Pokémon can only be traded once in Pokémon GO. Once a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again to another player. This is to prevent stat re-rolling through repeated trades.

5. Can I trade a Legendary Pokémon?

Yes, Legendary Pokémon are tradeable, unlike Mythical Pokémon (with the exception of Meltan and Melmetal). However, trading Legendary Pokémon also incurs a Stardust cost, particularly if one trainer doesn’t have the Pokémon registered in their Pokédex.

6. What other Pokémon can’t be traded in Pokémon GO?

Besides Mythical Pokémon (excluding Meltan and Melmetal) and Pokémon that have already been traded once, the following cannot be traded:

• Shadow Pokémon
• Eggs
• Pokémon currently set as your Buddy
• Pokémon currently defending a Gym
• Fainted or not fully healed Pokémon
• Pokémon obtained through illegitimate means (hacking, botting, spoofing)

7. Why can’t I trade Shadow Pokémon?

The initial implementation allowed Shadow Pokemon to be traded, but it was later removed due to the potential for exploiting the purification process to obtain perfect IV Pokémon too easily.

8. What happens to Genesect’s Drive when transferred to Pokémon HOME?

Unfortunately, Pokémon HOME doesn’t recognize the different Drive forms of Genesect. Regardless of which Drive Genesect has when transferred, it will revert to the standard Genesect form with no Drive.

9. Can I transfer Genesect from Pokémon GO to other Pokémon games via Pokémon HOME?

Yes, you can transfer Genesect from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME and then potentially to other compatible Pokémon games, provided you meet the necessary requirements in those games. However, remember it still will not be tradeable in Home itself if it came from Pokemon Go.

10. Why is it important that Mythical Pokémon are difficult to obtain?

The difficulty in obtaining Mythical Pokémon contributes to their prestige and value within the Pokémon community. It creates a sense of accomplishment for players who manage to acquire them and encourages participation in special events.

11. Is Zeraora a Mythical Pokémon, and can it be traded?

Yes, Zeraora is a Mythical Pokémon, and like most Mythicals, it cannot be traded directly in Pokémon GO. You would need to set up a direct trade in other games if that Pokemon was acquired by eligible means and the terms of the game support trading.

12. Can I transfer a Shiny Charizard to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!?

Yes, you can transfer Shiny Pokémon originally discovered in the Kanto region, including Shiny Charizard, from Pokémon GO to Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!.

13. Why can’t I transfer a Victini from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?

You can only transfer Pokémon to Pokémon HOME that you have already caught and registered in your Pokédex. If you haven’t obtained a Victini in Pokémon GO yet, you won’t be able to transfer it.

14. What if I used Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club to log in?

Trainers using Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club accounts may need to enable social features through the parent portal or website to participate in trades when available for tradeable Pokemon.

15. Will the trading restrictions on Mythical Pokémon ever change?

While it’s impossible to predict the future, it’s unlikely that the trading restrictions on Mythical Pokémon will be lifted entirely. The core reason for the restriction is to maintain their rarity and value. However, Niantic may introduce new ways to interact with Mythical Pokémon or offer alternative methods for obtaining them in the future.

In conclusion, Genesect’s untradeable status is a deliberate design choice aimed at preserving the unique value and rarity of Mythical Pokémon within the Pokémon GO ecosystem. While frustrating for some, this restriction encourages active participation in events and helps maintain the overall balance of the game.