List Of Manipulated & Hoarded Pokémon: Legendaries And Exclusives

Jul 18, 2025 by redditftunila 66 views

List of All Manipulated/Hoarded Non-Secrets (Legendaries and Exclusives)

Hey everyone! Today, we're diving deep into the fascinating, and sometimes frustrating, world of manipulated and hoarded Pokémon, specifically focusing on Legendaries and Exclusives. If you're a seasoned Pokémon collector, you've likely encountered this phenomenon. If you're new to the scene, buckle up! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about these sought-after creatures, why they're manipulated and hoarded, and how you can navigate the market.

What are Manipulated/Hoarded Pokémon?

Let’s get straight to the point, guys. Manipulated or hoarded Pokémon are essentially rare or desirable Pokémon that have had their availability artificially restricted, often to inflate their value in the trading market. This can involve a few different tactics, but the end goal is usually the same: to create a sense of scarcity and drive up prices. This practice primarily impacts Legendaries and version-exclusive Pokémon because these creatures are already limited in number within the games. Manipulators may use various means, including multiple game accounts, specialized software, or even exploiting game mechanics to acquire large quantities of these Pokémon. Once they have a significant stockpile, they strategically release them into the market, controlling the supply to maintain high demand and prices. This practice affects both casual collectors and competitive players looking to build powerful teams, often making it more challenging and expensive to obtain the Pokémon they need. Moreover, it introduces an element of unfairness into the game’s trading ecosystem, as genuine players may struggle to compete with those who manipulate the system.

The motivations behind manipulating and hoarding Pokémon are primarily financial, but they can also stem from a desire for prestige or control within the community. Individuals or groups engaged in this practice often treat the Pokémon market like a stock exchange, buying low and selling high. They may invest considerable time and resources into acquiring Pokémon, seeing it as a lucrative venture. The rarity and desirability of certain Pokémon, particularly Legendaries and Shiny variants, make them prime targets for manipulation. The allure of owning a rare and powerful Pokémon can be strong, and manipulators capitalize on this by artificially inflating demand. Beyond the monetary gains, there’s also a social aspect at play. Collectors who amass a significant hoard of rare Pokémon may gain a certain status within the community, viewed as powerful or influential traders. This can feed into a cycle of hoarding, as individuals strive to maintain their position and expand their collections. The practice also creates an imbalance in the game’s economy, disrupting the intended distribution of Pokémon and making it harder for ordinary players to obtain the creatures they desire. The long-term effects of manipulation and hoarding can erode trust within the community, discourage fair trading practices, and potentially devalue the genuine effort players put into collecting Pokémon legitimately.

Why Legendaries and Exclusives?

Legendary Pokémon are, by their very nature, rare and powerful. They typically appear only once per game save file, making them highly coveted. Version Exclusives, on the other hand, are Pokémon that are only available in specific versions of a game. This built-in scarcity makes them prime targets for manipulation. Imagine wanting a specific Legendary for your competitive team or to complete your collection – and then realizing that its availability is artificially limited. That’s the reality many players face.

Key Pokémon Targeted for Manipulation

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. Which Pokémon are most often the victims (or beneficiaries, depending on how you look at it) of these tactics? Here’s a breakdown:

Legendary Pokémon

Mewtwo: The OG powerhouse. Mewtwo's incredible stats and iconic status make it a perennial favorite for manipulators. Its presence in multiple games and anime appearances only adds to its allure. Players who seek a competitive edge often target Mewtwo, as its Special Attack and Speed make it a formidable opponent in battles. Its rarity, coupled with its in-game strength, creates a high demand that manipulators readily exploit. Mewtwo's strategic importance in the competitive scene means that individuals and groups are willing to pay a premium to acquire it, further incentivizing the manipulation of its availability. The methods used to hoard Mewtwo can range from obtaining multiple copies through different game versions to exploiting glitches that allow for duplication. Once acquired, these Mewtwo are often traded at inflated prices, benefiting those who have artificially restricted their supply. This manipulation disrupts the game's economy and can make it difficult for average players to obtain one through legitimate means, impacting their ability to compete effectively.
Shiny Legendaries: Any Shiny Legendary is a treasure, and their rarity is amplified. Shiny Pokémon, characterized by their alternate color palettes, are already exceedingly rare, with odds sometimes as low as 1 in 4096. When combined with the legendary status, their value skyrockets. Manipulators often dedicate significant time and resources to acquiring Shiny Legendaries, employing methods such as soft resetting before an encounter or using modified game cartridges. Once obtained, these Shiny Legendaries are often showcased as the pinnacle of a collection, traded at exorbitant prices, or used as bargaining chips for other rare Pokémon. The market for Shiny Legendaries is particularly susceptible to manipulation due to their visual appeal and the status they confer on their owner. Collectors and competitive players alike covet these Pokémon, making them highly desirable commodities. The scarcity and demand create a fertile ground for individuals and groups to control the supply, thereby inflating their worth. This practice not only affects the trading economy within the game but also detracts from the spirit of fair play and legitimate collecting efforts. The presence of manipulated Shiny Legendaries undermines the sense of accomplishment for those who obtain them through diligent gameplay and reinforces the imbalance between genuine players and manipulators.
Event Legendaries: These are distributed during special events and are often only available for a limited time. Think of Pokémon like Darkrai, Shaymin, or Genesect. Their time-sensitive availability makes them ripe for hoarding. The limited window to acquire Event Legendaries creates a sense of urgency among players, and manipulators capitalize on this by obtaining multiple copies during the distribution period. They then release these Pokémon into the trading market gradually, ensuring a steady flow that keeps prices high. The methods used to acquire these Pokémon often involve exploiting multiple game accounts or using modified devices to bypass event restrictions. Once acquired, Event Legendaries are highly prized due to their unique status and limited availability. The trading market becomes skewed as manipulated Pokémon flood the system, making it harder for genuine players to obtain these creatures through legitimate means. The allure of owning a Pokémon that is no longer available through normal gameplay drives up demand and reinforces the hoarding behavior. This manipulation undermines the intent of event distributions, which are designed to be special occasions for players to engage with the game in new ways. Instead, the focus shifts towards artificial scarcity and profit, distorting the game's economy and discouraging fair trading practices. The long-term impact of manipulating Event Legendaries can erode trust within the community and devalue the efforts of players who follow the rules.
Mythical Pokémon: Mythical Pokémon, such as Deoxys or Diancie, are even rarer than Legendaries and are typically distributed through special events or promotions. Their extreme scarcity makes them highly susceptible to manipulation and hoarding. The methods used to obtain Mythical Pokémon often involve attending physical distribution events or redeeming codes obtained through promotions. Manipulators may use multiple devices or accounts to acquire as many copies as possible during these limited-time events. Once they have stockpiled these Pokémon, they release them into the trading market at inflated prices, capitalizing on their rarity and the desire of collectors to complete their Pokédex. The market for Mythical Pokémon is particularly sensitive to manipulation due to their limited availability and the high value placed on them by collectors and competitive players. The demand for these creatures is consistently high, and manipulators exploit this by artificially restricting the supply. This practice undermines the spirit of special distributions, which are intended to reward dedicated players and create excitement within the community. Instead, the focus shifts towards profit and artificial scarcity, disrupting the game's economy and discouraging fair trading practices. The presence of manipulated Mythical Pokémon devalues the efforts of players who genuinely participate in events and follow the rules, and it erodes trust within the community. The long-term impact of this practice can lead to a decline in player engagement and a distorted perception of value within the game.

Version Exclusives

Specific Pokémon per Game: Each Pokémon game version often has a set of Pokémon that are exclusive to it. For example, some Pokémon might only be found in Pokémon Scarlet, while others are exclusive to Pokémon Violet. This drives trade as players seek to complete their Pokédex. The strategy behind manipulating version-exclusive Pokémon involves obtaining multiple copies of the desired creatures from a specific game version and then trading them to players who have the opposite version. Manipulators often use multiple game accounts or devices to increase their yield of these exclusives. Once they have a stockpile, they control the supply in the trading market, driving up prices and capitalizing on the demand from players seeking to complete their collections. The limited availability of version-exclusive Pokémon in each game version creates a natural scarcity that manipulators exploit. This practice disrupts the game's trading economy and can make it difficult for genuine players to obtain the Pokémon they need to complete their Pokédex. The artificial inflation of prices makes it costly for players who do not have access to the exclusive Pokémon themselves. This type of manipulation can lead to frustration within the player base and discourage fair trading practices. Additionally, it can undermine the intended gameplay experience, where trading is meant to be a cooperative and community-driven activity rather than a market controlled by manipulators.
Scarlet vs. Violet Exclusives: The latest games, Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, have sparked intense trading activity due to their distinct sets of exclusive Pokémon. This makes them hot commodities for manipulators. The exclusivity of certain Pokémon to either Pokémon Scarlet or Pokémon Violet creates a built-in demand for trading between players who own different versions. Manipulators exploit this demand by acquiring multiple copies of the version-exclusive Pokémon and controlling their distribution in the trading market. The methods they use often involve owning multiple game cartridges or accounts, allowing them to catch and trade a larger number of these Pokémon. Once they have amassed a stockpile, they can artificially inflate prices and profit from players' desire to complete their Pokédex or obtain specific Pokémon for competitive battles. The practice undermines the intended balance of the game's trading system, making it more challenging and expensive for genuine players to acquire the Pokémon they need. It can also lead to a sense of unfairness within the community, as manipulators gain an advantage by exploiting the limited availability of certain Pokémon. This manipulation can detract from the overall enjoyment of the game and erode trust among players, as the focus shifts from collaborative trading to profit-driven transactions.

Shiny Pokémon (Non-Legendary)

Competitive Shinies: Shinies with perfect stats or specific natures are highly sought after for competitive battling. Manipulators often use various methods to obtain these, including breeding techniques or exploiting game mechanics. Shiny Pokémon with ideal stats and natures are considered the pinnacle for competitive players, offering both aesthetic appeal and strategic advantage. Manipulators target these Pokémon because of their high demand and rarity. The methods used to obtain them include masuda method breeding, shiny chaining, and even the use of external tools or save file manipulation. The effort required to legitimately breed or encounter a perfect Shiny Pokémon can be time-consuming, so manipulators often resort to faster, but less ethical, methods. Once acquired, these competitive Shinies are highly valued in the trading market and can fetch a significant price. This practice skews the game's economy and makes it challenging for ordinary players to obtain these Pokémon through legitimate gameplay. The artificial scarcity created by manipulators drives up prices and can discourage players who are not willing to engage in unethical practices. Additionally, the presence of manipulated Shinies in competitive battles can create an uneven playing field, as players who obtain them legitimately may be at a disadvantage.
Aesthetic Shinies: Some Shinies are simply popular because of their color variations. A black Charizard or a pink Umbreon can command a high price purely based on looks. These Pokémon are sought after purely for their visual appeal, with their unique color palettes making them stand out in battles and collections. Manipulators capitalize on the demand for these aesthetically pleasing Shiny Pokémon by acquiring them through various methods, such as shiny hunting, breeding, or exploiting game glitches. Once obtained, they are traded at inflated prices, with collectors and casual players willing to pay a premium for these visually striking Pokémon. The rarity and desirability of these aesthetic Shinies make them prime targets for manipulation, as the artificial scarcity drives up their value in the trading market. This practice can detract from the game's intended experience, where the joy of obtaining a Shiny Pokémon through legitimate means is overshadowed by the profit-driven motivations of manipulators. Additionally, it can create a sense of frustration among players who find it difficult to obtain their favorite Shiny Pokémon due to the controlled supply and inflated prices. The long-term impact of manipulating aesthetic Shinies can diminish the sense of accomplishment for genuine collectors and contribute to a less fair and enjoyable trading environment within the game.

How Manipulation Works

So, how do these manipulators operate? It's not just a matter of luck; it’s often a calculated process.

Multiple Accounts/Games

One of the most common tactics is using multiple game accounts or game cartridges. This allows players to obtain multiple copies of rare Pokémon that are limited to one per save file. Think about it: if you have five copies of a game, you can get five of a particular Legendary. Then you trade them off to a single account, giving you a significant advantage in the market. The use of multiple game accounts and cartridges is a fundamental strategy for manipulators seeking to amass large quantities of rare or exclusive Pokémon. Each additional account or cartridge effectively multiplies the chances of obtaining these valuable creatures. This is particularly effective for Legendaries, Mythicals, and version-exclusive Pokémon, which have limited availability within the game. Manipulators often invest significant time and resources into setting up multiple accounts, purchasing additional hardware, and coordinating gameplay across these accounts. Once they have secured a stockpile of the desired Pokémon, they can control the supply in the trading market, artificially inflating prices and profiting from the high demand. The practice of using multiple accounts undermines the game's intended balance, as it allows individuals to circumvent the limitations designed to ensure fair distribution. It also makes it more challenging for ordinary players to compete, as they cannot match the volume of rare Pokémon that manipulators can generate. The long-term impact of this practice can erode trust within the community and devalue the efforts of players who engage with the game fairly and ethically.

Exploiting Game Mechanics

Sometimes, manipulators take advantage of glitches or exploits in the game to duplicate Pokémon or obtain rare items more easily. This is a riskier tactic, as it can result in bans from the game, but the potential reward can be high. Exploiting game mechanics is a more technical approach to manipulating the Pokémon market, involving the identification and use of glitches, bugs, or unintended features within the game. These exploits can allow players to duplicate rare Pokémon, obtain valuable items, or bypass restrictions that are designed to limit access to certain content. Manipulators often invest considerable time into researching and discovering these vulnerabilities, sharing information within closed communities, and coordinating their efforts to maximize their gains. The risks associated with exploiting game mechanics include potential bans from the game, loss of progress, or damage to game files. However, the potential rewards can be substantial, particularly when exploiting glitches that allow for the duplication of Legendary or Mythical Pokémon. This practice undermines the game's integrity and can create an uneven playing field, as players who exploit glitches gain an unfair advantage over those who play legitimately. The use of game exploits can also damage the reputation of the Pokémon community, as it reinforces negative stereotypes and discourages fair play. Game developers actively work to patch these vulnerabilities, but manipulators often find new exploits, leading to a constant cycle of discovery and mitigation. The ethical implications of exploiting game mechanics are significant, as it involves a breach of trust and a violation of the game's terms of service.

Trading Networks

Large-scale manipulators often operate within organized networks, coordinating trades and sharing information to maximize their profits. These networks can be highly sophisticated, using spreadsheets, bots, and even dedicated servers to manage their operations. Trading networks play a crucial role in the distribution and manipulation of Pokémon within the community. These networks can range from small groups of friends coordinating trades to large, organized operations with hundreds or even thousands of members. The primary function of these networks is to facilitate the exchange of Pokémon, items, and information, allowing players to complete their collections, build competitive teams, or profit from trading. However, these networks can also be used for more nefarious purposes, such as the manipulation of the market through hoarding and price fixing. Manipulators often use these networks to share information about rare Pokémon, coordinate trades, and artificially inflate prices. Large-scale manipulation operations require significant coordination and communication, and trading networks provide the infrastructure for these activities. These networks may use online forums, chat rooms, social media groups, or even dedicated servers to manage their operations. The use of trading networks can amplify the impact of manipulation, as it allows manipulators to reach a wider audience and exert greater control over the market. This can make it more challenging for ordinary players to obtain the Pokémon they need and can lead to frustration and resentment within the community. The ethical implications of participating in trading networks that engage in manipulation are significant, as it contributes to an unfair and unbalanced trading environment.

How to Spot a Manipulated Pokémon

Okay, so how can you tell if a Pokémon you're about to trade for is from a legitimate source? Here are some things to look out for:

Unusually High IVs/Stats: If a Pokémon has suspiciously perfect stats, it might have been artificially generated or modified. IVs, or Individual Values, are inherent stats that contribute to a Pokémon's overall strength. While breeding can yield high IVs, Pokémon with perfect IVs across the board are rare. Therefore, Pokémon with unusually high IVs or stats are often flagged as potentially manipulated. Manipulators sometimes use external tools or software to modify these values, creating Pokémon that are stronger than what is typically achievable through legitimate gameplay. Such Pokémon can disrupt the competitive balance of the game, giving an unfair advantage to their owners. When assessing the legitimacy of a Pokémon, it's essential to consider the statistical probabilities of obtaining perfect IVs through normal methods. The more perfect IVs a Pokémon has, the greater the suspicion it might be manipulated. Players should exercise caution when encountering Pokémon with these characteristics, especially in online trades and battles. The presence of manipulated Pokémon not only affects the competitive environment but also devalues the efforts of those who strive to obtain strong Pokémon through legitimate training and breeding.
Suspicious OT (Original Trainer): A generic or nonsensical OT name can be a red flag. The Original Trainer (OT) name is the name given to the character who first caught or obtained the Pokémon. Manipulators often use generic or nonsensical OT names to mask their activities or to avoid being traced. A suspicious OT name, such as a string of random characters or an offensive term, can be a strong indicator that the Pokémon was obtained through illegitimate means. Additionally, if the OT name is associated with known manipulation activities or trading communities, it raises further concerns about the Pokémon's legitimacy. Checking the OT name is a simple but effective way to identify potentially manipulated Pokémon, particularly in online trading environments. Players should be cautious when trading with individuals who use suspicious OT names, as it may indicate that the Pokémon was generated, cloned, or obtained through other unethical methods. The OT name serves as a primary piece of information in assessing the provenance of a Pokémon, and any red flags in this area should prompt further scrutiny.
Dubious Origin: If the Pokémon's origin story doesn't quite add up (e.g., a Legendary caught in an unusual location), proceed with caution. The origin of a Pokémon refers to how and where it was obtained within the game, including the location, method, and specific events associated with its capture or acquisition. Dubious or inconsistent origin information can be a significant red flag when evaluating the legitimacy of a Pokémon. For example, a Legendary Pokémon caught in an area where it is not supposed to appear, or a Mythical Pokémon with a catch date outside the distribution period, should raise suspicions. Manipulators often create inconsistencies in the origin data of Pokémon they generate or clone, making it difficult to verify their authenticity. Players should carefully examine the details of a Pokémon's origin, comparing it to known events, encounter locations, and game mechanics. If the origin story does not align with the established rules and lore of the game, it is likely that the Pokémon has been manipulated. This can have implications for its use in competitive battles and its value in the trading market. Trusting the origin of a Pokémon helps maintain the integrity of the game and ensures fair play among players.
Unnatural Movesets: A Pokémon with moves it shouldn't naturally have access to might be manipulated. Movesets play a crucial role in assessing the legitimacy of a Pokémon, as they are governed by the game's mechanics and learning rules. An unnatural moveset, which includes moves that a Pokémon cannot legally learn through leveling up, breeding, TMs, or event distributions, is a strong indicator of manipulation. Manipulators sometimes use external tools or software to alter the movesets of Pokémon, giving them access to powerful combinations that would not be possible through normal gameplay. This can create an unfair advantage in battles and disrupt the game's balance. Players should carefully review a Pokémon's moveset, comparing it to the list of learnable moves in the game's data. Online resources and databases can assist in verifying the legality of a moveset. If a Pokémon possesses moves that are inconsistent with its species, level, or origin, it should be considered suspicious. Unnatural movesets are a clear sign of tampering and may indicate that the Pokémon has been generated, cloned, or modified in other ways. Detecting and avoiding manipulated Pokémon with illegal movesets helps preserve the integrity of the game and ensures fair competition among players.

Protecting Yourself

So, what can you do to avoid getting caught in these manipulative schemes?

Trade with Trusted Sources: Stick to reputable traders or communities. Building relationships with other players who have a track record of fair trading is crucial in minimizing the risk of encountering manipulated Pokémon. Trusted sources are often established members of the community who have earned a reputation for honesty and integrity. Trading with these individuals reduces the likelihood of receiving Pokémon that have been generated, cloned, or otherwise manipulated. Reputable traders often adhere to ethical guidelines and are committed to maintaining the integrity of the game. They are transparent about the origins and characteristics of the Pokémon they trade, providing reassurance to their partners. Additionally, trusted communities, such as online forums or social media groups, often have rules and moderation policies that help prevent manipulation and fraud. Engaging with these communities provides access to a network of players who share a commitment to fair trading practices. Building trust within the Pokémon community takes time and effort, but it is a worthwhile investment in ensuring a positive and secure trading experience. Players should seek recommendations, check references, and verify the reputation of traders before engaging in transactions. This proactive approach helps protect against manipulation and contributes to a healthier trading environment for everyone involved.
Do Your Research: Before trading, check the Pokémon’s details and compare them to known legitimate distributions. Thorough research is an essential step in protecting yourself from manipulated Pokémon in trades. This involves carefully examining the details of a Pokémon and comparing them to established information about legitimate distributions, events, and game mechanics. Players should verify aspects such as the Pokémon's origin, stats, moveset, and characteristic to identify any inconsistencies or red flags. Online resources, such as databases and forums, provide valuable information about Pokémon distributions, including the specific dates, locations, and eligibility criteria for various events. Comparing a Pokémon's origin date to the known distribution period can reveal whether it was obtained legitimately or through unauthorized means. Checking the stats and moveset against the Pokémon's natural learning capabilities and potential tutor moves can also highlight potential manipulations. Researching a Pokémon's background helps uncover any discrepancies that may suggest it has been generated, cloned, or modified. This proactive approach empowers players to make informed decisions and reduces the risk of acquiring manipulated Pokémon in trades. Investing time in research ultimately contributes to a more secure and fair trading environment within the Pokémon community.
Be Wary of “Too Good to Be True” Offers: If a deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. In the world of Pokémon trading, as in many areas of life, the adage