Pokemon HOME: Transferring Legendaries & Mythicals Guide
Hey Pokemon trainers! So, you're diving into the world of Pokemon HOME, and you're probably wondering about those super-cool, ultra-powerful Legendary and Mythical Pokemon. Where can you put them? Where can't you? What are the rules? Well, you've come to the right place! We're going to break down everything you need to know about Pokemon HOME legendary restrictions, ensuring your prized Pokemon collection is safe, sound, and ready for action. Let's get started!
Understanding Pokemon HOME and Its Role in Pokemon Transfers
First things first, let's get everyone on the same page. Pokemon HOME is essentially a digital Pokemon storage system, acting as a vital bridge between various Pokemon games. Think of it as a massive cloud-based Pokemon bank where you can store, organize, and even trade your Pokemon. It's available on the Nintendo Switch and mobile devices, making it super accessible.
Here’s a breakdown of what Pokemon HOME does:
- Storage: The primary function is to store your Pokemon from various games. It offers a much larger capacity compared to in-game storage. You can have up to 6,000 Pokemon boxes with the premium plan. This helps you to manage and organize your pokemon.
- Transferring: Pokemon HOME allows you to transfer Pokemon between different compatible games. This is where the magic happens, allowing you to bring your favorites from older games to newer ones. For example, if you want to transfer your Legendary Pokemon from Pokemon Sword and Shield to Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, you need Pokemon HOME.
- Trading: You can use Pokemon HOME to trade Pokemon with other players globally through various methods like the Wonder Box (random trade), the GTS (Global Trading System), and friend trades.
- Compatibility: Pokemon HOME works with most of the mainline Pokemon games, including Pokemon Sword and Shield, Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Pokemon Legends: Arceus, Pokemon Scarlet and Violet, and the older titles through Pokemon Bank. This compatibility is key to moving your Legendary Pokemon across different generations.
Now, the crucial part: Pokemon HOME legendary restrictions. These restrictions dictate which games you can transfer specific Pokemon to. These restrictions depend on the game's mechanics, the Pokemon's availability, and the overall balance of the game. Let's look closely at where your Legendary Pokemon can go.
Decoding the Restrictions: Where Can Your Legendaries Go?
Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of Pokemon HOME legendary restrictions. The main thing you need to know is that not all games accept all Pokemon. The rules vary depending on the game, the Pokemon, and sometimes even the version of the game you're playing. The main factors affecting these restrictions are:
- Game Compatibility: Each game has a list of Pokemon that are coded into it. If a Legendary Pokemon isn’t in a game’s data, you won't be able to transfer it in. This is why you can't, for example, bring every Legendary Pokemon from older games straight into Pokemon Scarlet and Violet.
- In-Game Availability: Some Legendary Pokemon are only obtainable in certain games or through specific events. This affects where you can move them. If a Pokemon isn’t available in a game, it can’t be transferred there. This adds an extra layer of challenge when trying to collect them all.
- Balance: Game developers often restrict certain powerful Legendary and Mythical Pokemon to maintain balance in competitive play. Bringing a team of overpowered Legendary Pokemon into a standard game would be unfair, so developers try to limit the availability of those Pokemon.
Let’s look at some specific examples:
- Pokemon Sword and Shield: You could transfer many Legendary Pokemon from previous games, but some were restricted. The Isle of Armor and Crown Tundra DLCs expanded the roster of available Legendary Pokemon, allowing players to catch and transfer more.
- Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl: This game focused on remaking the original Diamond and Pearl games, so the selection of available Legendary Pokemon was primarily from those games and the older generations. Transferring Legendary Pokemon from other games was limited.
- Pokemon Scarlet and Violet: The Paldea region features many of the newer Legendary Pokemon but may not include all of the older ones. The game's compatibility is continuously evolving with updates and DLCs, so the availability of Legendary Pokemon can change.
Tip: Before you start transferring, check the official Pokemon HOME compatibility charts or online guides to see which Pokemon are allowed in your target game. These resources are updated regularly to reflect the latest changes.
Mythical Pokemon: Special Considerations
Now let's talk about Mythical Pokemon, which are a step above Legendary Pokemon in rarity and often tied to special events. Here's what you need to know:
- Rarity: Mythical Pokemon are usually only distributed through special events, making them harder to obtain than Legendary Pokemon. This scarcity contributes to restrictions.
- Availability: Due to their exclusive distribution methods, Mythical Pokemon sometimes have even stricter restrictions on where they can be transferred. Some games may not allow the transfer of certain Mythical Pokemon at all.
- Event-Exclusive: Since Mythical Pokemon are often event-exclusive, the games that they can be transferred to depend on the events' availability. Some Mythical Pokemon might be locked to a specific generation or game to maintain their exclusivity.
Example: Consider the Mythical Pokemon Mew. It's only obtainable through special events, and the games where you can transfer it depend on the events that took place. Some games may not support the transfer of Mew at all, while others have limited compatibility. Similar restrictions apply to other Mythical Pokemon, like Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, and Arceus. They often have specific requirements for transfer or are completely locked out.
Troubleshooting Common Transfer Issues
Sometimes, things don't go as planned, and you might encounter some issues when transferring your Legendary or Mythical Pokemon. Here's a quick guide to troubleshooting common problems:
- Game Compatibility: Ensure the Pokemon is compatible with the target game. Check the official Pokemon websites or online guides for updated compatibility charts.
- Event Pokemon: Mythical Pokemon and event-exclusive Legendary Pokemon may have specific restrictions. Verify if the event conditions have been met for the transfer.
- Game Updates: Make sure your games and Pokemon HOME are up to date. Updates often include compatibility fixes and new Pokemon support.
- Technical Issues: If you're encountering technical problems, check your internet connection and restart the game and Pokemon HOME app. Sometimes, a simple restart fixes the issue.
- Hidden Abilities and Moves: Some moves or abilities may not be compatible with the target game, which can also affect the transfer. Check if any move or ability conflicts exist.
If you're still having trouble, consult the official Pokemon support resources. The Pokemon community online is also a great place to seek help and learn from other players.
Tips and Tricks for Smooth Transfers
Ready to get your Legendary and Mythical Pokemon moving? Here are a few tips to make the process as smooth as possible:
- Prepare Your Pokemon: Before transferring, make sure your Pokemon are in good shape. Check their movesets, abilities, and nicknames to ensure they meet your expectations in the target game.
- Check Availability: Always double-check if your target game supports the Pokemon you're transferring. Use online guides and compatibility charts to confirm.
- Organize Your Boxes: Before transferring, organize your Pokemon in your Pokemon HOME boxes. This makes it easier to find and manage them in the target game.
- Backups: It’s good practice to create backups of your save files. This ensures you can revert to a previous state in case something goes wrong during the transfer.
- Trading with Friends: If you're having issues, consider trading your Pokemon with a friend. This can sometimes bypass transfer restrictions and provide a safe transfer method.
- Community Resources: Use online Pokemon communities, such as Reddit, forums, or Discord servers, for up-to-date information and help. These communities can offer solutions to problems and stay current with the ever-changing restrictions.
Future of Pokemon HOME and Legendary Pokemon
Pokemon HOME is a continuously evolving service, so keep an eye out for updates and new features. The Pokemon Company is constantly expanding compatibility with new games, and the transfer rules could change with each new release. It is exciting to see how the transfer system can adapt with each new iteration of the games.
Here are some things to look forward to:
- New Game Compatibility: Expect future Pokemon games to be compatible with Pokemon HOME, which will bring new Legendary Pokemon into the mix.
- Feature Updates: Pokemon HOME receives regular updates. New features, such as increased storage, improved trading options, and more, are always in the pipeline.
- Community Events: Pokemon events are constantly being created, and they often impact the availability of Mythical and Legendary Pokemon. Be sure to keep an eye out for those opportunities.
By following these guidelines and staying informed, you can ensure your Legendary and Mythical Pokemon journey is smooth, efficient, and filled with fun.
Happy transferring, trainers! And may your adventures with your favorite Pokemon be filled with joy and excitement!