Nintendo Launches Pokemon GTS Website

September 18, 2007 | 22 Comments

In case you might not have heard the news Nintendo just launched a live website that lets you take a look into the GTS! This amazing site gives you a graphical look into the goings on at the Global Trade Station. I took some time to look it over and I am going to both review the site here and provide some screen shots.

The site will let users see which Pokémon are the most popular to trade, provide statistics about the number of trades completed and allow them to bookmark their favorite Pokémon. The site will operate in seven different languages and inform users about the nation they’re “visiting” electronically. Visitors can even listen to audio files to learn how to say “hello” and “thank you” in select countries languages.

– Nintendo Press Release

GTS shot 1The first thing you see once you enter the site (and pass through the opening loading screen) is a large globe of the Earth with flags all over the place. This globe is a live representation of what is going on in the GTS at any given time. The lines you see crossing the globe are Pokemon trades in progress. In fact the information block on the left and right are both halves of one trade currently in progress.

GTS Search Strip

Clicking on the Pokemon Search button will bring up a listing of Pokemon in National Dex order. These Pokemon are displayed in groups of 50. To the right of the display area is a drop down box that allows you to select which group of 50 you want to see. Clicking on a Pokemon in the display area will bring up data on that Pokemon and list ones that are currently up for trade in the GTS. Some Pokemon (event Pokemon) can not be selected. I do not know if this is because there are none on GTS or not but I could not select any event Pokemon (the next three do not show up, not even Darkrai). I also could not select Phione or Manaphy.

GTS Close UpAs you can clearly see from the image at right clicking on the Pokemon in question brings up a good bit of information consisting of; moves, gender, location and item held (if any). Notice anything missing? I do but I will cover it later.

The yellow line points back to the globe to let you know where in the world this Pokemon currently resides. Because 5 Pokemon will be displayed at one time 5 yellow PokeBalls can be seen on the map to indicate where the other Pokemon are.

So, what other information can we see by looking at this particular page? One thing we can see is a listing of the Pokemon that are the Top 10 most deposited Pokemon that people have deposited looking to trade for this Pokemon. Behind that is a second tab area that lists the Top 10 most traded Pokemon that have been traded for this Pokemon. That’s a mouth-full eh?

GTS Top Ten Deposited PokemonNow that is just strange! The most deposited Pokemon deposited by people looking for an Eevee is an Eevee! it might just be people looking for an Eevee with a better nature of looking to trade males for females. The data only ever shows type.

So, is there anything else about the GTS worth talking about? So far it’s just a bunch of information and nothing is exactly useful because there is no way to really use this information effectively when planning your trades. I have to admit that there is one huge failing on this site and I will get to that. Before I do let me show you another of the nice informational pieces.

Let me now show you three screen shots of one of the most interesting statistics areas on the site; the Top 50 lists.

GTS Top 50 Most Traded Pokemon GTS Top 50 Most Wanted Pokemon GTS Top 50 Most Deposited Pokemon
GTS Top 50 Most Traded Pokemon GTS Top 50 Most Wanted Pokemon GTS Top 50 Most Deposited Pokemon

The above three screen shots show the three top 50 lists. You can use that information to get a rough idea of how in demand the Pokemon you have are. At this point I was getting pretty happy. I was beginning to think that this GTS site would have it all…

GTS Trade in ProgressEven though the GTS site has cool things such as a graphic display of Pokemon trades as they happen there is one thing that the GTS web site (like the real GTS) lacks. Have you figured out what that is?

You can’t search by Pokemon wanted!!!

Yes, the one feature I desperately need is the ability to find out what Pokemon people are looking for and what they want for them. Many times I have found myself with a good Pokemon that I wanted to trade away but I just did not know what to ask for. I would think to myself, “if only the GTS allowed me to search not for offered Pokemon but search by what people are looking for!”

Yes, the one big failing is that the GTS web site does not allow you to search for what people want. Not only that but even when you find a Pokemon you want on the GTS web site there is no way to find out what they want in exchange! Even if you are lucky enough to have your DS on and be in the GTS while looking at the site you may not even see any of the Pokemon from the site on your DS. If you do you have to match them up based on level and item held (if any) because the web site does not give you the trainer name.

Sadly I must conclude that the GTS web site is just a big piece of eye candy. You can’t really do anything with it and in that I am disappointed.

Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under Diamond, News, Pearl, Review 

Pokemon Farming: Surprise!

September 17, 2007 | 93 Comments

Tonight will be a clean-up edition of PokeFarm.

Here is the deal. I have a few leftover Gibles, Chikoritas and some eggs. I would like to offer them up tonight. If they do not get new homes than I will have to release them!

I’m not sure what are in the eggs, they are a mystery to me! All I do know is that you can not release an egg and they are taking up valuable space in my box.

The Gibles and Chikoritas are from my last two farming events.

If you want one of these Pokemon (or an egg) please comment below with what you want.

(quantities are limited)

Rules
1. I don’t care what you trade me though I would prefer a non-Sinnoh Pokemon.
2. The Pokemon you trade to me should be holding something.
3. I prefer berries over all other items.
4. The only exception to berries are the two items that Magby/Elekid hold when caught in the wild.
5. For berries I need: numbers 60+.
6. When you leave your information in the comments below your trainer name must be correct. When I do the trading I refer to the comments on the site to see who gets what.
7. When you enter the Wi-Fi zone select the trade option and wait for me to select you.
8. If you can, be early. I am sometimes on early.
9. Don’t be afraid to trade amongst yourselves.

My information:
Trainer: Ezekial
Friend Code: 0559 3242 3898

    Instructions

  • Have something to trade to me
  • Be in the Wi-Fi zone by 7:00PM EDT (New York Time) on Monday September 17, 2007
  • Be ready



Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under Farming 

PokeFarm News

September 15, 2007 | 8 Comments

Hello everybody!

I know some things have been slowing down around the farm as of late and that I have been out of touch a bit. Not to worry though, the farm is still alive and well. Let me take this time to share with you a bit of news on what has been happening.

Forums
Our PokeFarm forum is booming! Not only have we added the Gym Leader system where you can battle over wi-fi and earn badges but we have also seen an increase in forum farming. Yes, many of our forum members have taken it upon themselves to offer farmed Pokemon by way of the forum.

If you are looking for Pokemon or a good battle just make a visit to our forum.

Farming
Some of our farmers have been busy with personal issues such as helping relatives move. Others, such as myself, have been busy with work related issues. It’s not all bad news…

The good news is that we are adding a farmer from Europe. Yes, all of our new readers from Europe will not have to stay up so late to get their Pokemon! Stay tuned for more information on that one.

Site News
Back when the farming was still on HMTK I had outlined my goals for the PokeFarm site. The first one was achieved when PokeFarm went live. The second goal was the forum. Wondering what the third goal is?

My third goal is to add a searchable PokeDex to the site. With this goal in mind I have been busy writing the software and database to do just that. Within a month or so we should have our very own PokeDex right here on PokeFarm!

Special Thanks
I would also like to take a minute and thank BryGuy, TaterTot, Whitt and Bott for all of their help in farming Pokemon. Without them to help me out this site would bot be nearly as good as it is.

Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under News 

Pokemon Farming: Mareep

September 12, 2007 | 47 Comments

dpmfa179.png dpmfa180.png dpmfa181.png

Today in Pokemon Faming, the electric wool Pokemon, Mareep!

I chose this little ball of fluff because I wanted to farm something unusual and give it a useful moveset, because playing with Mareep and its evolutions can be challenging.

Mareep, and it’s evolutions Flaaffy and Ampharos, are like any other electric type, except unlike its fellow electrics, it has a rather low speed stat. Unfortunately, it’s move pool isn’t so diverse either. But, with what it can do, it can still do some damage! So I’ve made up a little moveset to help show it’s stuff!

  • Thunderbolt (STAB)
  • Thunder (STAB)
  • Signal Beam (A tribute to the ball of light at the end of it’s tail for which its known for, not a bad move, bug type)
  • Iron Tail (A steel type move to help deal with those rock types)

Breeding it wasn’t too complicated, just time consuming! I had to level a female to learn signal beam, used my beefy Feraligatr to breed iron tail to a male, leveled him up, taught him thunder and thunderbolt (I had a lot of extra TMs so I took the easy way) and bred the babies you can now receive!

So, want one of these Electric sheep? He’s how we do it:

  • Comment with your Name and Friend Code
    • Even if we have traded before, I need your information again!
  • Get a Pokemon to trade (preferably non-Sinnoh, though I will take anything, items are always appreciated. If anyone has a Kangaskhan to spare though, I’ll gladly take one! Not required though, of course!)
  • Be in the Wi-Fi zone between 8pm EDT on September 12 (Wednesday)
  • Make yourself available to Trade (Invite–>Trade) I will come to you when I’m ready.

My Information:

Trainer name: God

Friend Code:5369 6895 7194

I’ve been away for a couple of weeks, I’ve been moving, and it’s good to be back! See you all tonight!

Note: If you miss a farming event just visit the Missed Farming Eventsarea of the forum and look around.



Posted by TheTaterTot | Filed Under Farming 

Pokemon Farming: Gible

September 9, 2007 | 64 Comments

Gible Gabite Garchomp

Welcome to another edition of Pokemon Farming! Today’s Pokemon is Gible, the Ground / Dragon Pokemon from Diamond and Pearl.

This Pokemon has a story behind it…

On our forums we recently launched a Gym Leader program that allows our members to challenge the Leader of a Gym and gain a badge if they win. These gyms are modeled after the ones in Diamond and Pearl but we have a few minor differences from the gyms you find in the game. You can read more about them by going to the forums.

I took charge of the first Gym which we call the Boulder Gym. If you defeat the Gym Leader you gain the Coal Badge, which displays below your user name on the forums. I use Rock and Ground Pokemon in this gym though I am not restricted to only those two types as I can throw in a Ground / Water Pokemon onto my team because it has the Ground type.

While working on my team I added in a Garchomp. I figured it would either be a Garchomp or a Flygon because they are both Ground / Dragon types. I chose Garchomp because he is just plain fast! The problem with Garchomp is that he is quickly put down by an attack such as Ice Beam. I needed something to combat those Ice Pokemon that were being sent my way.

After looking through my massive collection of Pokemon I found a Pokemon with Fire Blast and Earthquake. You would think Grachomp would learn Earthquake somewhere along the way but the only useful Ground move he learns by leveling up is Dig.

After hatching a female Gible I set to breeding…

Three moves that the father had were carried over; Fire Blast, Earthquake and Rock Slide. I have to admit that Rock Slide is a great attack in multi-battles as it hits both of the opponent’s Pokemon but I knew this guy was not destined to take part in multi-battles.

Garchomp also has the Sand Veil ability which raises his Evasion while in a sandstorm. You know where I am going here, right? Yes, I knew this guy had to have the Sandstorm move!

Gible learns Sandstorm at level at 13, no big problem there. What about the fourth move?

There is this great move that the Dragon Move Tutor will teach your Dragon type Pokemon when they reach maximum happiness and it is called Draco Meteor! This very powerful attack has a base power of 140! I had my two Gibles all set at level 14 with their move sets matching and I started to breed…

This is when the horror happened, Draco Meteor would not cross over as an egg move! I was crushed, I really wanted to pass that move set on.

Looking at Gibles level-up moves I found that it learns Dragon Rush at level 37. Looking at my two level 14 Gibles I knew what I had to do. I had to hit the Elite Four and do some training.

Hours later I had my two Gibles all set with matching move sets and I started to breed again. Luck was with me because the female Gible I was using was of the lonely nature which means it gains Attack faster at the cost of Defense. I gave her an Everstone to hold onto in the day care center and almost all of the hatched Gibles have a lonely nature.

So, after 6,767 steps for each egg I present to you my Gibles for Pokemon Farming!

    Moves

  • Sandstorm - Ground - Raises evasion due to Gible’s Sand Veil.
  • Fire Blast - Fire - Use this to take out those nasty Ice type Pokemon.
  • Earthquake - Ground - This one is based off of your Attack score.
  • Dragon Rush - Dragon - Big Dragon attack based on your Attack score.

Rules
1. I don’t care what you trade me though I would prefer a non-Sinnoh Pokemon.
2. The Pokemon you trade to me should be holding something.
3. I prefer berries over all other items.
4. The only exception to berries are the two items that Magby/Elekid hold when caught in the wild.
5. For berries I need: numbers 60+.
6. When you leave your information in the comments below your trainer name must be correct. When I do the trading I refer to the comments on the site to see who gets what.
7. When you enter the Wi-Fi zone select the trade option and wait for me to select you.
8. If you can, be early. I am sometimes on early.
9. Don’t be afraid to trade amongst yourselves.

My information:
Trainer: Ezekial
Friend Code: 0559 3242 3898

    Instructions

  • Have something to trade to me
  • Be in the Wi-Fi zone by 7:00PM EDT (New York Time) on Monday September 10, 2007
  • Be ready



Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under Farming 

Pokemon Farming: Totodile

September 8, 2007 | 78 Comments

Hello again, and welcome to another edition of the Saturday Farmer’s Market.

Today’s special is everyone’s favorite Johto starter of the Water variety - Totodile.

I remember when I first played through Gold, my first Pokemon game, this is the starter I chose. Why? Well, mostly because Chikorita looked a little juvenile and Cyndaquil was a bit too mouse-like for my taste. If only I would have had this type of flexibility with his moves back then!

Totodile, in its final evolution has a pretty good attack stat and nothing else is absolutely horrible at all.

I had some fun with this moveset, although I didn’t get exactly what I wanted in the time I had. Here’s what we ended up with.

  • Surf
  • Water Pulse
  • Thrash
  • Aqua Tail

Surf and Water Pulse both give you good options that get a water type bonus. Thrash is the highest powered move available to him, and Aqua Tail gives a lasting healing option.

I hope you’ll enjoy my first efforts at decking out a starter!

Here are the rules:

  • Leave a comment with your trainer name and friend code. I’ve had to dump most of my pal pad, so more than likely I will need your info again.
  • Have something to trade. I will take anything, but I’m still filling my ‘dex so I prefer non-Sinnoh Pokemon. Also, they don’t need to be holding anything, but I will always take any item you might have to offer, especially evolution stones.
  • Be in the Wifi Union Room by 1:00 pm Eastern/12:00 pm Central time on September 8, 2007
  • Be waiting in Trade Mode (Invite -> Trade). I will come to you when I’m ready.
  • My information is as follows:
    • Trainer name - Whit
    • Friend Code - 3136-3364-7333.
  • Don’t run away right away if I’m not on time. I’ll be just getting back from a Dr. Appt so I may be a couple minutes late.



Posted by Whitdjinn | Filed Under Farming 

Pokemon Farmer’s Market: Stantler

September 7, 2007 | 70 Comments

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Greetings, Everyone!

Welcome to the Friday Farmer’s Market featuring the normal-type Pokemon, Stantler. My handle here is BryGuy. Today I wanted to offer a pokemon that I haven’t seen around much lately. The deer/elk/moose-ish pokemon, Stantler, fits the bill. Stantler originally appeared in the Gold and Silver games. In the current generation of games it is only available in the Pearl game after you have become Pokemon League Champion, and then it is rare and only locatable with the Pokeradar. Stantler does not evolve and is quite quirky and interesting. My baby Stantlers will have the following unusual, but powerful, moveset:

  • GIGA IMPACT
  • EARTHQUAKE
  • THUNDER
  • ZEN HEADBUTT

These Stantler are 100% game-legal. They were not hacked in any way. The moveset was obtained through normal breeding and careful study!

!!! All of tonight’s Stantler are named after Wisconsin small towns! !!!

Here are the rules and procedures for tonight’s Farmer’s Market:

  • Enter my trainer name and friend code into your pal pad. My trainer name is BryGuy and my friend code is 3737 6015 6762.
  • Have a Pokemon ready in your party to trade to me. Today I will accept anything, but I like to be surprised! Feel free to trade me something you think is cool or unique. It is especially nice if the Pokemon is holding something (berries, items, etc.)!
  • Post a comment to this article saying that you would like a Stantler. MAKE SURE YOU CLEARLY AND ACCURATELY LIST YOUR TRAINER NAME FROM YOUR GAME AND YOUR FRIEND CODE. EVEN IF WE HAVE TRADED BEFORE, PLEASE LIST THIS INFORMATION. I had to clear my Pal Pad a few times so most of my previously entered “Pals” have been removed. I will enter as many of friend codes before the Farmer’s Market as I can.
  • In your game, enter the WiFi Club at 7:30 pm eastern time (6:30 pm central time) on Friday, September 7, 2007.
  • When you enter the Wi-Fi zone select the trade option (INVITE -> TRADE) and wait for me to select you.
  • Please be patient. I may have to leave the WiFi Club sometimes to get more Stantler. Please don’t panic, I’ll return promptly!
  • The Farmer’s Market will run from 7:30 to 8:30 pm EDT. I will not be on early tonight.
  • I am only prepared to trade specially prepared Stantler. Please do not ask for other Pokemon. I will not be trading anything other than Stantler tonight. Thanks.

I am looking forward to trading. See you at the Farmer’s Market!

••• BryGuy •••

* Trainer name: BryGuy
* Friend Code: 3737 6015 6762



Posted by BryGuy | Filed Under Farming 

You want to earn a Gym Badge?

September 4, 2007 | 15 Comments

With the new forum software come new bonus features! The first of which is our amazing new Gym Leader program.

How would you like to have a Gym Badge next to your name on the forums? What’s that, you have not been to our forums yet? Why it’s the rockinest place around!

PokeFarm Forums

Back to the subject at hand…

On the forums, in your User CP section is an area marked Group Memberships. In there is where you go to apply to battle the Gym Leader and earn the Gym Badge. The Battle rules are as follows:

  • 6 Pokemon each
  • Only the challenger may change out Pokemon during the battle
  • No legendaries
  • No more than one of the same Pokemon on any team
  • If you lose you must wait at least one week before applying to beat the Gym Leader and the Gym Leader may have you battle one of his or her Gym Members before battling them again.
  • Battles will be Level 50

Once you defeat the Gym Leader you get the appropriate Gym Badge attached to your profile. Not only that but, collecting all of the Gym Badges may even lead to other things.

The first Gym Badge up for grabs is the Boulder Badge from Diamond and Pearl. To get it you must defeat me and my Rock/Ground team.

Do you have what it takes to defeat me and earn your badge? There is only one way to find out and one way to do it. So get yourself into the forums and sign up!



Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under News 

Pokemon Nature and Characteristics Explained!

September 4, 2007 | 11 Comments

So, you just hatched a bunch of Pokemon and started to train them when you suddenly realize something, not all Pokemon are created equal. It is true, every Pokemon is a little bit different than other Pokemon of the same type.

Some Pokemon are Bashful while others are Bold. some Pokemon Often Doze Off while others Very Finicky. What does all this mean? Read on dear friend and I will educate you on the meaning of your Pokemon’s Nature and Characteristics.

Nature Attack Defense Special Attack Special Defense Speed
Adamant Rises quickly Rises slowly
Bashful
Bold Rises slowly Rises quickly
Brave Rises quickly Rises slowly
Calm Rises slowly Rises quickly
Careful Rises slowly Rises quickly
Docile
Gentle Rises slowly Rises quickly
Hardy
Hasty Rises slowly Rises quickly
Impish Rises quickly Rises slowly
Jolly Rises slowly Rises quickly
Lax Rises quickly Rises slowly
Lonely Rises quickly Rises slowly
Mild Rises slowly Rises quickly
Modest Rises slowly Rises quickly
Naive Rises slowly Rises quickly
Naughty Rises quickly Rises slowly
Quiet Rises quickly Rises slowly
Quirky
Rash Rises quickly Rises slowly
Relaxed Rises quickly Rises slowly
Sassy Rises quickly Rises slowly
Serious
Timid Rises slowly Rises quickly

Now that I have shown you the Natures that Pokemon can have you might be wondering how to use this to your advantage. Let me give you one very easy to understand example: Makuhita / Hariyama.

MakuhitaHariyamaThis Pokemn is a serious Fighting type Pokemon. Once he evolves into Hariyama his base Attack score will be 120 and his base Special Attack score will be 40. As you level him up all of his moves will be Physical and be based upon his Attack score. You have no need in raising his Special Attack score at all! Do you know what this means? It means if you can raise a Hariyama with an Adamant nature he will be one of the toughest Hariyama around!

Now that I have told you about a Pokemon’s nature and provided you with an example I’m going to tell you about a Pokemon’s Characteristics.

Rises Quickly Pokemon Characteristics
Hit Points Loves to eat, Often dozes off, Often naps, Scatters things often, Likes to relax
Attack Proud of its power, Likes to thrash about, A little quick tempered, Likes to fight, hot tempered
Defense Sturdy body, Capable of taking hits, Highly persistent, Good endurance, Good Perseverance
Special Attack Highly curious, Mischievous, Thoroughly cunning, Often lost in thought, Very finicky
Special Defense Strong willed, Somewhat vain, Strongly defiant, Hates to lose, Somewhat stubborn
Speed Likes to run, Alert to sounds, Impetuous and silly, Somewhat of a clown, Quick to flee

Unlike a Pokemon’s nature, a Pokemon’s characteristics only have a bonus. Taking our earlier example of Makuhita / Hariyama we can quickly see that a Adamant nature coupled with a characteristic of Proud of its power will make for a very formidable Pokemon!

So, how do you breed for these things?

When breeding, if the female Pokemon holds an Everstone it will pass its nature on to its offspring. Yes, the Pokemon will inherit the nature from their mother. As for characteristics, I do not know of any way to breed for them.

So there you have it, one more bit of breeding wisdom to add to your collection!



Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under Tips 

Pokemon Farming: Chikorita

September 2, 2007 | 162 Comments

Back by popular demand!

One of the most common requests we get here at PokeFarm is for the Johto starters. While I was busy this weekend getting the forums upgraded I had a little bit of time to breed some Chikorita for trading.

I did not have a lot of time to devote to getting them an awesome move set so I instead focused on getting them to all have Grass moves.

    Move Set

  • Razor Leaf
  • Synthesis
  • Giga Drain
  • Leach Seed

The interesting thing about Chikorita is the difficulty in catching one. Because Nintendo and Game Freak have not seen fit to release a GBA or DS version of the johto games the only way to acquire one is by catching its evolved form in Pokemon Colosseum, filling your Pokedex in Emerald or Leaf Green/Fire Red or winning 100 battle in a row in the Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness Battle Mountain. This makes Chikorita almost as rare as an event Pokemon!

If you look below you will see that this is going to be a daytime trade session. These little grass guys will be traded before I eat lunch!

I would also like to tell all of you that the new forums have a calendar feature that we will be using to let you know in advance what Pokemon we will be farming.

Rules
1. I don’t care what you trade me though I would prefer a non-Sinnoh Pokemon.
2. The Pokemon you trade to me must be holding something.
3. I prefer berries over all other items.
4. The only exception to berries are the two items that Magby/Elekid hold when caught in the wild.
5. For berries I need: 60+.
6. When you leave your information in the comments below your trainer name must be correct. When I do the trading I refer to the comments on the site to see who gets what.
7. When you enter the Wi-Fi zone select the trade option and wait for me to select you.
8. If you can, be early. I am sometimes on early.
9. Don’t be afraid to trade amongst yourselves.

My information:
Trainer: Ezekial
Friend Code: 0559 3242 3898

    Instructions

  • Have something to trade to me
  • Be in the Wi-Fi zone by 11:00AM EDT (New York Time) on Monday September 3, 2007
  • Be ready



Posted by HMTKSteve | Filed Under Farming, Grass 

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