When transferring Pokémon from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME, several key attributes undergo specific transformations to align with main series game standards. These changes affect Individual Values (IVs), natures, abilities, movesets, and more, impacting their viability in competitive play.
Understanding the Transfer Process
The transfer from Pokémon GO to Pokémon HOME uses the GO Transporter feature, allowing up to 25 Pokémon at a time. This one-way process requires acceptance in the HOME app before sending more. Not all Pokémon qualify: Mega Evolved, Shadow, Gigantamax-capable, Safari Ball-caught, or Hyper Trained ones are excluded.
Once accepted, stats recalculate based on predefined rules, primarily mirroring mechanics from transfers to games like Pokémon Sword and Shield. Height and weight generally reset to species defaults in HOME, though exceptions exist for those routed via Let’s Go games.
Individual Values (IVs): The Core Stat Foundation
IVs represent a Pokémon’s genetic potential in six stats: HP, Attack, Defense, Special Attack, Special Defense, and Speed. In Pokémon GO, IVs range from 0-15 per stat. Upon transfer to HOME, they convert via the formula: HOME IV = (2 × GO IV) + 1.
This yields odd values from 1 to 31 (max in main series). For example:
| GO IV | HOME IV |
|---|---|
| 0 | 1 |
| 10 | 21 |
| 15 | 31 |
Speed IV is uniquely random (0-31, can be even), uncorrelated to GO values. This odd-IV pattern (except Speed) influences Hidden Power types, often resulting in Ice or Dark in certain games.
- Perfect 15/15/15 in GO becomes 31/31/31 (except Speed).
- Low GO IVs still produce viable 1+ HOME IVs, but rarely perfect without high GO origins.
Natures: Personality Traits in Transition
Natures boost one stat by 10% while hindering another, shaping battle roles. Pokémon GO lacks natures entirely. For direct GO to HOME transfers destined for Sword/Shield, natures randomize from the 25 possible options, independent of other attributes.
This randomness means a high-IV attacker might receive a defensive nature, requiring Hyper Training or team adjustments later. No preservation or influence from GO appraisal data occurs.
Abilities: Random Selection Rules
Abilities provide passive effects, with most species having 1-2 standard options (Hidden Abilities rarer). GO Pokémon arrive in HOME without abilities set. Upon moving to compatible main games like Sword/Shield, one standard ability randomly assigns—no Hidden Abilities for direct transfers.
Exceptions: Pokémon via Let’s Go may retain or adjust differently, but pure GO transfers stick to base pool randomness. Check species-specific lists for options, as some like Charizard might get Blaze or Solar Power.
Movesets: Level-Based Reset
Moves from GO do not carry over. Instead, the Pokémon receives its most recent level-up moves from the wild learnset in the target game (e.g., Sword/Shield).
The exact learnset depends on species and game:
- Common Pokémon use Sword/Shield moves.
- Others reference different main series data.
- At level 1, basic moves like Tackle apply; higher levels gain stronger options like Flamethrower.
Post-transfer, reteach via Move Tutors or TMs in the main game.
Additional Attributes and Limitations
Effort Values (EVs) and Levels
EVs (training points) reset to 0, as GO candies don’t equate to main series EVs. Levels preserve directly. Shiny status, gender, and Poké Ball (often Premier if from GO) transfer intact.
Height, Weight, and Display Quirks
Unique GO sizes retain internally but display defaults in HOME. Legends: Arceus shows true values if transferred there.
Transfer Path Impacts
GO → Let’s Go → HOME differs: preserves some GO moves/abilities/sizes, but still converts IVs similarly. Direct GO → HOME standardizes more.
Strategies for Optimal Transfers
To maximize value:
- Target high-IV GO Pokémon (13+ ideal for 27+ HOME IVs).
- Shiny hunt in GO for aesthetic carries.
- Plan for random natures/abilities—stock multiples per species.
- Use HOME’s Hyper Training post-move to max IVs.
- Test movesets in target game via Showdown simulator.
Competitive viability hinges on 31 IVs, beneficial natures, and strong abilities—transfers demand preparation.
Common Pitfalls and Myths
- Myth: GO moves persist. Reality: Full reset.
- Myth: Perfect GO always perfect Speed. Reality: Speed random.
- Pitfall: Forgetting one-way nature—irrevocable.
Future-Proofing Your Collection
As Pokémon HOME integrates more games (Scarlet/Violet compatibility grows), understanding these mechanics future-proofs teams. Track updates via official channels, as rules evolve (e.g., post-2020 expansions).
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I transfer Shadow Pokémon to HOME?
No, Shadow and Mega Evolved forms are blocked.
Do EVs from GO carry over?
No, all EVs reset to zero.
Is Speed IV always perfect from GO?
No, it’s randomly generated 0-31.
What if my Pokémon has a Hidden Ability in GO?
Direct transfers don’t grant Hidden Abilities; random standard only.
Can I get even IVs besides Speed?
No, formula ensures odd IVs for HP/Atk/Def/SpA/SpD.
Building Competitive Teams from Transfers
Transferred Pokémon shine with investment. Example build:
| Attribute | Transfer Outcome | Optimization Step |
|---|---|---|
| IVs | Odd 1-31 (Speed random) | Hyper Train to 31 |
| Nature | Random | Breed or mint for ideal |
| Ability | Random standard | Ability Patch if needed |
| Moves | Level-up reset | TM/Tutor |
Focus species like Gyarados or Machamp, common in GO with solid transfer potential.
References
- What happens when transfer Pokemon from Pokemon Pokemon Home — Pokemon Database. Accessed 2026. https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/390148/what-happens-when-transfer-pokemon-from-pokemon-pokemon-home
- IVS WILL TRANSFER FROM POKEMON GO TO LET’S GO — YouTube. Accessed 2026.
- How does Pokémon Home work across games? — ResetEra. 2020-05-01. https://www.resetera.com/threads/how-does-pok%C3%A9mon-home-work-across-games.1120887/
- Pokémon GO – Pokémon HOME Transfer — Serebii.net. Accessed 2026. https://www.serebii.net/pokemongo/pokemonhometransfer.shtml
- GO Transporter — Bulbapedia. Accessed 2026. https://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/GO_Transporter
- What happens to abilities and stats when transferring from LGP/E to … — Pokemon Database. Accessed 2026. https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/336178/what-happens-abilities-and-stats-when-transferring-from-home