Known Causes of PGL Bans

[evandixon]

Because of past PGL ban waves (and a potential future one), many are wondering if they can edit save files safely. The safest option is to simply not hack or to not use game sync, although some minor edits may be safe. The problem is that it is unclear on what the bans were based, and the Pokémon company hasn't exactly volunteered this information.

Here are the known causes of PGL bans:

• Getting 999 of every item (it's possible the bans are from a sub-set of items)
• Making illegal changes to Pokémon between game syncs
• Illegal Pokédex entries
• Items in the incorrect Bag Pocket
• Changing anything in the save that is static (like OT, Gender, Language, etc.)
• Getting all clothing (there's been mixed reports about this)

We have not received any reports of banning due to receiving hacked Pokémon in trades. Making other edits might be safe, but only as long as the result could have been accomplished without hacks given more effort.

By hacking your save file, you accept full responsibility of any consequences such as being banned. If you are banned, however, we would appreciate your input so we can learn more.

Thanks to everyone who posted in our previous threads about the bans for sharing their experiences, zenamez of GBAtemp for compiling the causes reported on GBAtemp, and to theSLAYER and Serebii for checking this information.

Image Source (Thanks to @\ from our IRC for suggesting this)

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[adamsmith1790]

 

Thank you for your guidance.

[Andre Miles]

Thanks man. Any info on this topic is great to know.
I will look forward for more info, since a friend of mine said that he got banned a few days ago, but I dunno the reason.

[ProjectShadow93]

Is PKHeX counts as a result of the ban?

[theSLAYER]

48 minutes ago, ProjectShadow93 said:

Is PKHeX counts as a result of the ban?

that statement practically encompasses all of save hacking.

Also, PKHeX itself isn't the problem. The problem is how you use PKHeX.

[ProjectShadow93]

Just now, theSLAYER said:

that statement practically encompasses all of save hacking.

Also, PKHeX itself isn't the problem. The problem is how you use PKHeX.

 

I use PKHeX for good legal reasons, I'm learning how to create legitimate items and Pokemon by watching YouTube just in case. Besides, I don't want to create legitimate saves.

[theSLAYER]

7 minutes ago, ProjectShadow93 said:

I use PKHeX for good legal reasons, I'm learning how to create legitimate items and Pokemon by watching YouTube just in case. Besides, I don't want to create legitimate saves.

However, if you weren't using it correctly, it may be seen that you're doing edits.

Hence the purpose of the first post of this thread.

[ProjectShadow93]

12 hours ago, theSLAYER said:

However, if you weren't using it correctly, it may be seen that you're doing edits.

Hence the purpose of the first post of this thread.

 

 

So, how do I use the PKHeX correctly without getting banned?

 

[theSLAYER]

3 hours ago, ProjectShadow93 said:

So, how do I use the PKHeX correctly without getting banned?

 

Lol, avoid the things mentioned in the first post.

Be aware of how things are generated in game, so any changes you make, try to match em.

[Rei Keima]

Can we add "items not in their proper pockets" to that list? >.>  (Although I don't think this is even possible without enabling illegal mode.)

 

I recently found out I randomly had a Thunder Stone in my banned Sun game's medicine pocket, and now I am quite positive this is what triggered my ban.

[theSLAYER]

26 minutes ago, Rei Keima said:

Can we add "items not in their proper pockets" to that list? >.>  (Although I don't think this is even possible without enabling illegal mode.)

 

I recently found out I randomly had a Thunder Stone in my banned Sun game's medicine pocket, and now I am quite positive this is what triggered my ban.

added!

[ArtemiSerebii]

This is why I don't get online with my copy of Sun lol...My Moon has "all clothing" enabled but nothing else bannable and so far so good, I am still able to use Game Sync AFAIK, in fact it connected me earlier tonight without trouble.