Will You Get Banned If Someone Trades You a Hacked Pokemon? The Definitive Guide
The short answer is generally no, you will not get banned simply for receiving a hacked Pokémon in a trade. However, the situation is nuanced, and understanding the intricacies is crucial to protect your account and ensure fair gameplay. While merely possessing a traded hacked Pokémon is unlikely to trigger an immediate ban, what you do with that Pokémon significantly impacts your risk level. This article will delve into the details of hacked Pokémon, the potential consequences of interacting with them, and how to safeguard your account.
Understanding Hacked Pokémon
Hacked Pokémon, also referred to as illegitimate or modified Pokémon, are creatures whose data has been altered using external tools or software. This modification can affect various attributes, including:
- Stats (IVs and EVs): Artificially maximizing Individual Values (IVs) or Effort Values (EVs) to create Pokémon with perfect stats.
- Abilities: Assigning illegal or unobtainable abilities to Pokémon.
- Movesets: Giving Pokémon moves they cannot legally learn.
- Origin: Manipulating the origin of the Pokémon to make it appear legitimate, even if it isn’t.
- Shiny Status: Forcing a Pokémon to be shiny when it shouldn’t be.
- Items: Giving Pokémon items they cannot legitimately hold.
These modifications often aim to create excessively powerful Pokémon, provide unfair advantages in online battles, or generate Pokémon for profit.
Why You (Probably) Won’t Be Banned for Receiving a Hacked Pokémon
The key here is the difference between passively receiving and actively using or distributing hacked Pokémon. Game developers like Nintendo and Niantic primarily target users who create, distribute, or exploit hacked Pokémon for unfair advantages. Their focus is on maintaining a level playing field and preventing the disruption of legitimate gameplay. Receiving a hacked Pokémon unintentionally usually doesn’t demonstrate intent to cheat or exploit the game.
However, there are crucial caveats:
- Intentional Acquisition: If you actively seek out and solicit hacked Pokémon, the risk of penalties increases significantly. This demonstrates an intent to bypass legitimate gameplay mechanics.
- Suspicious Activity: Repeatedly receiving obviously hacked Pokémon from the same sources or engaging in suspicious trading patterns may raise red flags and prompt investigation.
- Use in Online Battles/Trades: Using a hacked Pokémon in online battles or attempting to trade it to other unsuspecting players is a direct violation of the terms of service and will likely result in a ban.
- Transferring to Pokémon HOME/Bank: While Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Bank have checks to identify illegitimate Pokémon, they are not foolproof. Successfully transferring a hacked Pokémon to these services doesn’t guarantee immunity. If the Pokémon is later detected as hacked, you could face penalties, including a ban from these services.
What to Do If You Receive a Hacked Pokémon
If you suspect you’ve received a hacked Pokémon, the best course of action is:
- Release It: This is the safest option. Releasing the Pokémon eliminates any risk of further consequences.
- Store It (with Caution): If you choose to keep the Pokémon, store it in your PC and never use it in online battles, trades, or other online features.
- Report the Trader (Optional): If you know the sender intentionally trades hacked Pokémon, you can report them to the game developers through the appropriate channels.
By taking these precautions, you can minimize the risk of repercussions and contribute to a fairer gaming environment.
How Developers Detect Hacked Pokémon
Developers employ various methods to detect hacked Pokémon, including:
- Data Analysis: Analyzing Pokémon data for inconsistencies or impossible combinations of stats, abilities, movesets, and origins.
- Pattern Recognition: Identifying patterns of activity associated with hacked Pokémon, such as frequent trades of Pokémon with perfect stats.
- User Reports: Investigating reports from other players about suspicious Pokémon or trading activity.
- Machine Learning: Using machine learning algorithms to identify hacked Pokémon based on vast datasets of legitimate and illegitimate creatures.
These detection methods are constantly evolving as hackers develop new techniques to circumvent them.
FAQs: Hacked Pokémon and Bans
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the situation:
1. Can I get banned for possessing a Shiny Pokémon?
No, being shiny alone is not enough for a ban. However, if a Shiny Pokémon has impossible stats or a suspicious origin, it could indicate hacking and increase your risk.
2. Is it safe to use a traded Pokémon with perfect IVs?
It depends. If the Pokémon’s stats are the only unusual thing, it might be okay, but if everything is perfect (IVs, EVs, Nature, Ability), and it was a random trade, it’s likely hacked and best to avoid using it.
3. Will I get banned if I accidentally use a hacked Pokémon in an online battle?
It’s possible, but not guaranteed. If it’s a one-time mistake and you immediately realize the Pokémon is hacked, the risk is lower. However, repeated use or obviously blatant hacking will likely result in a ban.
4. Can I trade a Pokémon I suspect is hacked?
No, you should never trade a Pokémon you suspect is hacked. This could result in a ban for both you and the recipient. It’s unethical and violates the game’s terms of service.
5. What happens if I transfer a hacked Pokémon to Pokémon HOME?
Pokémon HOME has checks to identify illegitimate Pokémon. It may be blocked from transferring, but if it slips through and is later detected, you could face penalties, including a ban from Pokémon HOME.
6. How do I report someone trading hacked Pokémon?
Most games have in-game reporting features or dedicated support channels for reporting cheaters. Consult the game’s official website or forums for specific instructions. Niantic, in particular, encourages reporting through in-app support.
7. Are Pokémon received through Wonder Trade/Surprise Trade safe?
Wonder Trade/Surprise Trade is a breeding ground for hacked Pokémon. Exercise extreme caution and release any Pokémon that seem suspicious.
8. What is the difference between a “legal” and “legitimate” Pokémon?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but “legitimate” usually refers to a Pokémon obtained through normal gameplay, while “legal” means it doesn’t violate the game’s data rules, even if it was hacked. Just because a hacked Pokémon can be traded, doesn’t make it legitimate.
9. Can I get banned for using a Pokémon from a ROM hack?
Pokémon from ROM hacks may be considered illegal if they have characteristics that are impossible to obtain in the legitimate game. Transferring them to official games or services could lead to a ban.
10. Is it illegal to buy or sell hacked Pokémon?
Yes, it’s against the Terms of Service of most games and may even be illegal depending on your jurisdiction, as it violates intellectual property rights. The Pokemon Company has actively cracked down on the sale of hacked Pokémon.
11. How can I tell if a Pokémon is hacked?
Look for telltale signs like:
- Perfect stats (all “Best” IVs)
- Impossible movesets
- Unusual origins
- Extremely high levels at low evolution stages
- Websites as the OT (Original Trainer) name
- Being Shiny when it shouldn’t be (like a Shiny Keldeo).
12. Does Pokémon Bank check for illegal Pokémon?
Yes, Pokémon Bank attempts to detect and prevent the transfer of illegal Pokémon. However, its checks are not always perfect.
13. Can a hacked Pokémon corrupt my save file?
While unlikely from a traded Pokémon, using tools to hack your own Pokémon can potentially corrupt your save file. It’s a risk best avoided.
14. What are the penalties for using hacked Pokémon?
Penalties can range from temporary bans from online features to permanent account suspensions and restrictions from using Pokémon HOME and Pokémon Bank.
15. Are all Pokémon with website names as their OT hacked?
Almost certainly. These are often used to advertise websites that sell hacked Pokémon services.
Conclusion: Play Fair, Stay Safe
While receiving a hacked Pokémon doesn’t automatically guarantee a ban, it’s a slippery slope. Prudence is key. By understanding the risks, taking precautions, and prioritizing fair play, you can enjoy your Pokémon adventures without jeopardizing your account. Remember to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org to explore how games can be used for learning and development in positive ways. Let’s strive to maintain a fun and equitable gaming experience for everyone.