Living Dex Newbie: Backwards Gens & More Questions

Hey Pokémon enthusiasts! So, you've decided to embark on the epic journey of creating a Living Dex in Pokémon Home? That's awesome! It's a massive undertaking, but the feeling of accomplishment when you finally see every single Pokémon lined up in their boxes is truly something special. As a newbie myself diving headfirst into this adventure, I've been pondering the best strategies, and I wanted to share my thoughts and questions with you all. Let's dive in!

Working Backwards Through the Generations: The Quickest Route to Living Dex Glory?

One of the first questions that popped into my head was about the most efficient way to tackle this monumental task. Should I start from Generation 1 and slowly work my way up, or is there a smarter approach? After some research and a bit of personal experimentation, I'm leaning towards the idea that working backwards through the generations might be the quickest way to complete a Living Dex. Let me break down my reasoning for you guys.

First off, the newer Pokémon games, particularly those on the Nintendo Switch like Sword and Shield, Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl, Legends: Arceus, and Scarlet and Violet, have several advantages when it comes to Dex completion. These games often have larger regional Pokédexes, meaning you can catch a greater variety of Pokémon within a single game. This reduces the need to transfer Pokémon from older generations as frequently. Scarlet and Violet is especially great because it can connect to Pokémon GO. The Pokémon GO connectivity with Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is a game-changer! Being able to transfer Pokémon from Pokémon GO directly into Scarlet and Violet simplifies the process of obtaining many common and even some rarer Pokémon. Community Day Pokémon, in particular, become much easier to acquire for your Living Dex. No more relying solely on older games or trading with others for those pesky event-exclusive Pokémon! This can save you a ton of time and effort. This is a massive time-saver when trying to fill those earlier generation slots.

Secondly, the newer games also tend to have more user-friendly features for catching and breeding Pokémon. Things like easier access to breeding mechanics, more diverse wild encounter areas, and in-game trading systems all contribute to a smoother Dex-filling experience. In addition, the ease of access to online features in the Switch games makes trading with other players significantly more convenient. You can quickly and easily trade for version exclusives or Pokémon that are difficult to find in your own game. This is a huge advantage compared to the older generations, where trading often required physical meetups or more complicated online setups.

By starting with the most recent generation, you can establish a solid foundation for your Living Dex. You'll likely catch a significant portion of the Pokémon you need right off the bat. Then, as you move backwards through the generations, you'll primarily be focusing on filling in the gaps, targeting specific Pokémon that you couldn't obtain in the newer games. This targeted approach can be much more efficient than starting from scratch with each generation.

However, this isn't to say that working backwards is the only way to do it. Some people might prefer the chronological approach, enjoying the nostalgia of revisiting older games and slowly building their Dex from the ground up. And that's totally valid! The best method is ultimately the one that you find most enjoyable and sustainable in the long run. Think about what motivates you and what kind of gameplay experience you're looking for. Are you a completionist who loves ticking off boxes in a systematic way? Or do you prefer a more relaxed and exploratory approach? Your personal preferences will play a big role in determining the best path for you. Remember, creating a Living Dex is a marathon, not a sprint. It's a journey to be savored, so choose a path that keeps you engaged and excited along the way.

More Questions on My Living Dex Journey

Okay, so I'm leaning towards working backwards, but I still have a bunch of other questions swirling around in my head. I'm hoping you guys can offer some insights and advice based on your own experiences.

1. The Great Storage Conundrum: How Many Boxes Are Enough?

This might seem like a basic question, but it's a crucial one. A Living Dex, by definition, requires you to have one of every Pokémon species in your boxes. With over 1000 Pokémon now, that's a lot of storage space! I'm wondering what the optimal box organization strategy is. Should I dedicate a box to each type? Or organize them by generation? Or maybe even by Pokédex number? What are some clever strategies you guys have used to maximize space and keep things organized? I am thinking about using the type-based system. This seems logical, but I worry about the Pokémon with dual types, like how do you sort it in this situation? Do you keep copies in two boxes?

The number of boxes you'll need depends on your organization style. If you want to keep each evolution line together, you'll need more boxes than if you group Pokémon by type. Pokémon Home offers a good amount of storage, but efficient organization is still key. Some people use external tools like spreadsheets to track their progress and box layouts. This can be incredibly helpful for visualizing your Dex and identifying any gaps. Don't underestimate the power of a good spreadsheet!

And don't forget about the cost! Pokémon Home has a free version with limited storage and a paid version with significantly more space. If you're serious about completing a Living Dex, the paid version is almost a necessity. Factor this cost into your overall plan. It's an investment, but one that will make the whole process much smoother and more enjoyable.

2. Shiny Hunting: A Detour or a Necessary Stop?

Ah, shiny Pokémon... the bane and the joy of many a trainer's existence. The question is, do I aim for a Shiny Living Dex? Or is that just pure madness? I'm already daunted by the prospect of catching one of every regular Pokémon, but the allure of those rare, differently colored sprites is definitely there. Shiny hunting adds another layer of complexity to the Living Dex challenge. It significantly increases the time commitment, as the odds of finding a shiny Pokémon in the wild are generally quite low (without using specific methods or items).

For those unfamiliar, a Shiny Living Dex is a Living Dex where every Pokémon is a shiny variant. This is an incredibly challenging undertaking, often taking years to complete. It requires a massive amount of patience, dedication, and luck. It also requires a deep understanding of shiny hunting methods in each game, such as chain fishing, SOS chaining, and the Masuda method.

However, the rewards can be immense. Imagine the prestige of having a complete collection of shiny Pokémon! It's a true testament to your dedication and skill as a Pokémon trainer. But be realistic about the time commitment involved. Shiny hunting can be a very time-consuming activity, and it can easily lead to burnout if you're not careful. My current plan is to focus on the regular Living Dex first. Maybe once that's done, I'll consider dipping my toes into the shiny hunting waters. Baby steps, right?

What are your thoughts on shiny hunting for a Living Dex? Is it a worthwhile goal, or should I stick to the regular variants for now? I'm curious to hear your opinions and experiences.

3. Event Pokémon: The Biggest Hurdle?

This is the one that really keeps me up at night. Event Pokémon, those special creatures distributed during limited-time events, can be notoriously difficult to obtain. Many of them are no longer available, making them incredibly rare and valuable. Getting a hold of these event-exclusive Pokémon seems like a major obstacle in completing a Living Dex. Some event Pokémon are completely unobtainable now, unless you're willing to trade with someone who has them. And even then, finding a legitimate trade can be challenging.

I know that Pokémon Home sometimes has events where they distribute Mythical Pokémon, which is great. But what about the older event Pokémon that I've missed? Are there any reliable ways to acquire them, or am I just doomed to have gaps in my Dex forever? The rarity of event Pokémon makes them a significant challenge for Living Dex completionists. Some events only run for a few days or even hours, making it easy to miss out if you're not paying close attention. Others require attending physical events, which may not be feasible for everyone.

Trading is often the only option for obtaining these elusive creatures. However, be cautious when trading for event Pokémon, as there are many illegitimate Pokémon circulating online. Always check the details of the Pokémon carefully, such as its origin game, date of capture, and IVs, to ensure its legitimacy.

Another approach is to look out for giveaways and contests. Sometimes, people will offer event Pokémon as prizes in online communities or on social media. Keep an eye out for these opportunities, but always be wary of scams. Do you guys have any tips or tricks for acquiring event Pokémon? I'd love to hear them!

Sharing the Living Dex Journey

So, there you have it – my initial thoughts and questions as a newbie embarking on the Living Dex adventure. It's a daunting task, but I'm also incredibly excited about it. I'm planning to document my progress along the way, sharing my successes, my struggles, and any tips and tricks I learn. I hope this has been helpful for anyone else who's considering taking on this challenge. And I'd love to hear your own experiences and advice! Let's connect and support each other on this epic Pokémon journey!

What about you guys? Any tips for a Living Dex newbie? What are the biggest challenges you've faced? Let's chat in the comments below!