Will Pokémon Evolve Using Pokémon HOME?
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The short and definitive answer is no, Pokémon cannot evolve directly through Pokémon HOME. Pokémon HOME functions primarily as a cloud-based storage and trading platform, rather than an in-game environment where evolution conditions are met. While it facilitates the transfer of Pokémon between compatible games and allows for trading, it does not possess the mechanics needed for evolutions triggered by specific events like trading, leveling up in a certain location, or using specific items. This distinction is crucial for players aiming to complete their Pokédex or strategize their team building.
Understanding Pokémon HOME’s Functionality
Pokémon HOME’s main purpose is to provide a centralized hub for your Pokémon collection. It allows you to move Pokémon between various compatible games, including the mainline series games on the Nintendo Switch, Pokémon GO, and previously, Pokémon Bank. Think of it as a giant, digital Pokémon storage box that follows your Nintendo Account, not your specific game save. This means you can access and move your Pokémon across different game versions and even different user profiles on the same console.
The service also allows for global trading with other players, and grants players Mystery Gift Pokémon, providing additional incentive for Pokemon trainers to utilize the service. Pokémon Home also awards players with points for transferring Pokemon, further adding to the overall value.
However, while it facilitates the movement and exchange of Pokémon, it deliberately avoids mimicking the core gameplay elements necessary for evolution. Pokémon HOME is not a game; it’s an organizational tool. Evolution is considered a key gameplay feature that must be experienced within the game world of the Pokemon games, and therefore cannot be performed within the confines of Pokémon HOME.
Why Pokémon Cannot Evolve in Pokémon HOME
The reason behind this design is straightforward: to maintain the core experience of the Pokémon games. Evolution is a fundamental part of the gameplay loop, often requiring specific triggers or conditions to be met. Introducing evolution within Pokémon HOME would diminish this experience, effectively circumventing the game’s intended design. Furthermore, many evolution methods, such as Friendship levels, time of day, or the use of special items, are mechanics of the specific games and are not replicated within the structure of Pokémon HOME.
Imagine if trading a Kadabra in HOME would automatically evolve it into Alakazam; it would remove the need to actually trade it in a Pokemon game which is a key feature of the main game series.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Evolution and HOME
To further clarify how Pokémon HOME interacts with evolution mechanics, here are 15 frequently asked questions:
1. Can I trade a Pokémon that needs to be traded to evolve in HOME and have it evolve?
No, simply trading a Pokémon like Kadabra or Machoke in Pokémon HOME will not trigger its evolution. The evolution will only occur when traded within a compatible Pokémon game.
2. What happens if I trade a Pokémon that is holding an item needed for evolution in Pokémon HOME?
The item will be removed when the Pokemon is transferred to Pokemon HOME. Items do not transfer, they are dropped. If a Pokemon requires an item for evolution, it will not evolve when transfered, and that item will need to be reacquired in another game.
3. Why didn’t my Kadabra evolve after I traded it in Pokémon HOME?
Because trading in HOME does not trigger evolution. Trading evolution only happens within a compatible Pokemon game. It is the act of trading within the game that triggers the evolution.
4. If I transfer a Golbat to Pokémon HOME, will its friendship level reset, preventing evolution?
Yes, when a Pokemon is transferred from a game to Pokémon Home, any happiness/friendship will reset to the base level. If you have a Golbat and want it to evolve, you need to make sure you maximize its happiness within the game itself before transferring it.
5. Does Pokémon HOME offer any method to increase friendship for friendship-based evolutions?
No, Pokémon HOME does not provide any means to increase friendship levels. This must be done within the relevant game where the Pokémon was originally captured.
6. Can Pokémon evolve in Pokémon GO and then transfer to HOME as their evolved form?
Yes, Pokémon can evolve in Pokémon GO and then be transferred to Pokémon HOME as their evolved form, provided they are eligible for transfer.
7. If I transfer a Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, can I send it back to the original game and have it evolve there?
Absolutely. Pokémon transferred to HOME can be moved back into the original game (or another compatible one), and then evolved as usual. HOME is simply a storage and transport platform, not a game where evolution occurs.
8. Can I use Pokémon HOME to skip the process of evolving my Pokémon in a particular game?
No, Pokémon Home does not offer a way to circumvent the evolution processes within the Pokemon Games themselves.
9. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be transferred to HOME?
Yes, there are certain Pokémon that cannot be sent to Pokémon HOME. This includes, but is not limited to, Spinda, favorited Pokémon, Buddy Pokémon, Pokémon defending Gyms, costumed Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, and Mega-Evolved Pokémon from Pokémon GO.
10. Does Pokémon HOME give you any free Pokémon that can evolve?
Yes, you are given a choice of one of the Gen 1 starters (Charmander, Bulbasaur, or Squirtle) and a Pikachu when you start the application, which can be evolved within the games.
11. Can traded Pokémon evolve faster due to increased experience gain?
Traded Pokemon gain increased experience within the games themselves, but Pokemon Home does not influence how quickly they level. Pokemon will gain experience based on which game they are in, not which service they are being stored in.
12. Does completing the Pokédex in HOME unlock any special Pokémon evolutions?
No, completing the Pokedex in HOME only awards an Original Color Magearna. It does not unlock any evolutions.
13. If I trade a Shiny Pokémon via Pokémon HOME will its Shiny status be preserved?
Yes, the Shiny status of a Pokémon is preserved during trades via Pokémon HOME. However, it will not be able to evolve by simply being in Pokemon HOME.
14. If my Pokémon HOME subscription expires, will my Pokémon that can evolve still be safe?
Yes, even if your subscription lapses, your Pokémon are safe. You’ll simply be limited to accessing only one box of 30 Pokémon if you are a non-premium subscriber.
15. Is it safe to keep Pokémon that I intend to evolve in Pokémon HOME?
Yes, it is safe. Pokémon HOME is a reliable cloud storage service. You can store your Pokémon there and later withdraw them to continue the evolution process in a compatible game. Pokémon HOME serves as a safe storage, storage linked to your Nintendo Account, not your Switch User.
Conclusion
While Pokémon HOME is a valuable tool for managing and trading Pokémon, it is essential to remember that it does not support evolution directly. Players must move their Pokémon to compatible games and meet the specific conditions required to trigger evolutions. This distinction ensures that the core gameplay experience remains intact while providing a useful platform for organization and trade.