Can You Put Eggs in Pokémon Home? The Definitive Guide
Unfortunately, no, you cannot directly deposit Pokémon Eggs into Pokémon HOME. The service only supports the transfer of hatched and registered Pokémon within the supported games.
The Pokémon HOME Landscape: Background and Purpose
Pokémon HOME acts as a cloud-based storage solution for Pokémon collected across various games. It’s designed to consolidate your Pokémon from different generations and allow for trading with other players globally. Think of it as a central hub for your personal Pokémon collection, enabling you to transfer them between compatible games and access them across different devices. The initial appeal was simple: a place to keep ’em all.
Why Eggs are Excluded: The Mechanics of Storage and Transfer
The reasons behind the exclusion of Eggs from Pokémon HOME are multifaceted and rooted in the way the Pokémon games themselves handle Egg data. Eggs aren’t fully realized Pokémon; they lack individual stats, natures, and abilities until they hatch. This incomplete state presents several challenges for the HOME system:
- Data Integrity: Transferring an incomplete dataset (an Egg) could lead to errors or inconsistencies when reintroduced into another game. Imagine the frustration of transferring an Egg and having it hatch into something completely unexpected due to data corruption!
- Game Compatibility: Not all Pokémon games handle Egg creation and hatching in the same way. The systems might not be compatible, leading to further discrepancies.
- Preventing Exploits: Allowing the transfer of Eggs could potentially be exploited to manipulate Pokémon stats or rarity in unintended ways.
Essentially, Pokémon HOME prioritizes the safe and consistent transfer of fully formed Pokémon to maintain data integrity and prevent unfair advantages.
The Benefits of Hatching Before Transferring
While it might seem inconvenient, hatching your Eggs before transferring them to Pokémon HOME actually offers several benefits:
- Completeness: You have a fully formed Pokémon with its individual stats, abilities, and nature determined. This ensures a consistent and predictable transfer experience.
- Registered Pokémon: Hatching registers the Pokémon in your Pokédex within the original game. This ensures it will properly register within the HOME Pokédex as well.
- Trading Potential: Hatched Pokémon are ready to be traded directly with other players through HOME’s trading features, maximizing their utility.
The Step-by-Step Process: Hatching and Transferring
Here’s the process for getting your Pokémon from game Eggs into Pokémon HOME.
- Hatch the Egg: This is the critical first step. Focus on raising its Friendship by taking it on trips.
- Access Pokémon HOME: Ensure you have a Premium Plan.
- Link Your Game: Link your compatible game to Pokémon HOME through the software.
- Transfer the Hatched Pokémon: Select the hatched Pokémon and transfer it from your game box to your Pokémon HOME box.
- Synchronize: Synchronize the application.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Trying to Transfer Directly: The most common mistake is attempting to deposit an Egg directly into Pokémon HOME. This is not possible and will result in an error.
- Forgetting to Hatch: Always hatch your Eggs before attempting a transfer. This is non-negotiable.
- Assuming Cross-Generation Compatibility: Not all Pokémon games are compatible with Pokémon HOME. Check the official Pokémon HOME website for a list of supported games.
- Ignoring Pokémon HOME Updates: The functionality and compatibility of Pokémon HOME can change with updates. Make sure your app is always up-to-date.
- Not Transferring the Hatched Pokémon into a Box: The Pokémon needs to be in a box within the game before the transfer can happen.
Supported Games for Pokémon HOME
The compatibility of Pokémon HOME varies based on the Pokémon game and version. Here’s a table showcasing currently supported games:
| Game | Supported Transfer Direction | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Sword & Shield | In and Out | Basic functionality, allowing for transferring and receiving Pokémon. |
| Pokémon Brilliant Diamond & Shining Pearl | In and Out | Transfer is restricted, to maintain game integrity and prevent potential conflicts. |
| Pokémon Legends: Arceus | In and Out | Has some unique transfer restrictions due to the game’s unique mechanics. |
| Pokémon Scarlet & Violet | In and Out | Standard transfer functionality, allowing for moving Pokémon to and from the Paldea region. |
| Pokémon GO | To HOME Only | Pokémon can only be transferred from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, not the other way around. |
| Let’s Go Pikachu / Eevee | To HOME Only | Can only be transferred into HOME. They cannot be transferred from HOME into these titles. |
The Pokémon HOME Premium Plan: What You Get
The Pokémon HOME Premium Plan offers increased storage capacity and expanded trading functionality. While not required for basic transfers, it significantly enhances the experience.
| Feature | Free Plan | Premium Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Pokémon Storage | 30 | 6,000 |
| Trading Features | Limited | Enhanced |
| Judge Function | No | Yes |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I Transfer a Pokémon Egg from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME?
No, you cannot. Just like with the core series games, Pokémon GO only allows the transfer of hatched Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. Eggs cannot be transferred.
What happens if I try to transfer an Egg?
The Pokémon HOME system will simply not allow the transfer. There will be an error message indicating that the item you’re trying to transfer is not a valid Pokémon.
If I can’t transfer Eggs, what’s the best way to get specific Pokémon from past games into Pokémon Sword and Shield (for example)?
The best way is to hatch the Egg in its original game, then transfer the hatched Pokémon to Pokémon HOME. From there, you can transfer it to Pokémon Sword and Shield (if compatible) or another supported game.
Does the Pokémon’s IVs (Individual Values) get determined when the Egg is created or when it hatches?
The Pokémon’s Individual Values (IVs) are generally determined when the Egg is received. This means if you are breeding for competitive Pokémon, the IVs are already set when you receive the Egg from the Breeder.
Can I trade Eggs with other players through Pokémon HOME?
No, Eggs cannot be traded through Pokémon HOME. The trading features are exclusively for hatched Pokémon.
If I transfer a hatched Pokémon to Pokémon HOME, can I transfer it back to its original game later?
This depends on the compatibility rules of each game. Some games allow for two-way transfers, while others only allow Pokémon to be transferred to Pokémon HOME. Check the official documentation for each game and Pokémon HOME to verify compatibility.
Will Pokémon HOME ever allow Egg transfers in the future?
While it’s impossible to say for sure what the future holds, it’s unlikely that Pokémon HOME will ever support Egg transfers. The reasons mentioned earlier – data integrity, game compatibility, and the potential for exploits – remain significant obstacles.
Does transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO cost anything in Pokémon HOME?
Transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO requires a Pokémon HOME Premium Plan. Also, transferring certain Mythical or Shiny Pokémon may require a larger transfer energy. Transfer energy regenerates over time, or can be refilled via purchase.
Are there any workarounds or “hacks” to transfer Eggs to Pokémon HOME?
No, there are no legitimate workarounds or hacks to transfer Eggs to Pokémon HOME. Any attempts to modify the game data could result in data corruption or a ban from the service.
If I breed a Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield and then transfer it to Pokémon HOME, will its stats be affected?
No, transferring a hatched Pokémon to Pokémon HOME will not affect its stats. Its IVs, nature, and abilities will remain the same.
Does the Pokémon’s nature get determined when the Egg is created or when it hatches?
Similar to IVs, the Pokémon’s Nature is typically determined when the Egg is generated.
What happens to the Egg if the Pokémon game I am transferring it from becomes unsupported in Pokémon HOME?
If a game becomes unsupported, you will no longer be able to transfer Eggs or Pokémon from that game into Pokémon HOME. This emphasizes the importance of keeping up-to-date with Pokémon HOME’s compatibility and transferring your Pokémon promptly before support ends.