Pokémon HOME: How to get Hidden Ability Scorbunny, Grookey, and Sobble

Pokemon Sword and Shield (Image credit: Game Freak)

The first part of the Pokémon Sword and Shield celebration, The Pokémon Company made it so players can acquire each of the Gen 8 starters with Hidden Abilities. That means you can get a Grookey, Scorbunny, and Sobble, each with a Hidden Ability. That way, you can have even more fun with one of the best Nintendo Switch games. Here's how to do it.

For the phone part

Pokémon HOME mobile app

The mobile counterpart

You'll need to use both the Nintendo Switch and mobile versions of Pokémon HOME if you want to unlock all those extra goodies. Make sure you download the one that works on your phone.

How to get Gen 8 starters with Hidden Abilities

Open Pokémon HOME on your Nintendo Switch.
Select Pokémon.Source: iMore

Pokemon Home Switch (Image credit: iMore)

Pokemons Sword Shield Hidden Abilty Starters (Image credit: iMore)

Select Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield.
Select Yes.Source: iMore

Select a Pokémon from your Pokémon Sword or Pokémon Shield boxes on the right.
Drop it in a Pokémon HOME box on the left.Source: iMore

Press + to exit.
Select Save changes and exit.Source: iMore

Pokemon Sword Shield How To Get Bulbasaur Squirtle (Image credit: iMore)

A notice will tell you that the boxes have been saved. Press any button. Now it's time to move to your smart phone.

Open the Pokémon HOME app on your smartphone.
Tap the screen when the opening menu loads.Source: iMore

Pokemon Home How Add Friends 001 (Image credit: iMore)

Pokemon Home How To Trade Home Screen (Image credit: iMore)

Select the hamburger button in the bottom middle of the screen.
Select Mystery Gifts.Source: iMore

Select Gift Box.
Three unopened boxes will be in the Gift Box. Tap on one.Source: iMore

You'll see Scorbunny, Sobble, or Grookey. Select Claim.
You now have the option to nickname the Pokémon. Press No if you don't want to give a nickname or Press Yes if you do.Source: iMore

Repeat the process for the other two boxes.
To view your new Hidden Ability starters, press the X button until you return to the main menu.Source: iMore

Now select the Pokémon tab in the top right of the screen.
Scroll through your Pokémon until you see the new starters.Source: iMore

Click on any of the starters to see their stats, including their Hidden Ability, and Nature.

And there you have it. Now you can get the Gen 8 starters, each with a Hidden Ability. When I did this, I received a Modest Sobble with the Hidden Ability Sniper, a Jolly Scorbunny with the Hidden Ability Libero, and an Adamant Grookey with the Hidden Ability Grassy Surge. Now you're good to transfer these three into your Pokémon Sword or Shield game.

Additional Equipment

I use these Switch accessories. What makes them so great is that they work on both the original Switch and the Switch Lite. They are a great way to round out your gaming experience.

SanDisk 128GB micoSD Card ($26 at Amazon)

Give your Switch or Switch Lite additional storage space with this nifty, Mario-themed, 128GB microSD card. That's plenty of space for your downloads, screenshots, and game data.

Hori compact playstand for Nintendo Switch

Hori Compact Playstand ($13 at Amazon)

This stand is perfect for when you're playing in tabletop mode or when you want to watch Hulu or YouTube on your Switch. It offers three different positions and is sturdier than the Switch's kickstand.

Pro Controller ($59 at Amazon)

This traditional controller feels better in your hands than Joy-Cons and includes HD rumble, amiibo functionality, and motion controls.

Gaming aficionado Rebecca Spear is iMore's dedicated gaming editor with a focus on Nintendo Switch and iOS gaming. You’ll never catch her without her Switch or her iPad Air handy. If you’ve got a question about Pokémon, The Legend of Zelda, or just about any other Nintendo series check out her guides to help you out. Rebecca has written thousands of articles in the last six years including hundreds of extensive gaming guides, previews, and reviews for both Switch and Apple Arcade. She also loves checking out new gaming accessories like iPhone controllers and has her ear to the ground when it comes to covering the next big trend.