Back in 2008 the number of Pokemon that could appear in Safari Balls was quite restricted. HGSS opened this up with its massive Safari Zone, but for a short time Lorak organised a nice little metagame - The Safari Festival - where you could only use Pokemon caught legally in Safari Balls. It was quite popular, and I remember watching it unfold and really enjoying it.
I recently bred a Moon Ball Mismagius, and realised with Pokebank on the horizon I wanted to plan a lot of Apricorn Ball mons (I'm a sucker for flavour), but couldn't ever remember which ones were legal, and with what abilities, and I wanted to be able to spot fakes quickly too during trades, so I made this spreadsheet: Is it legal in an Apricorn Ball?
In the process I realised there might be a metagame similar to Lorak's lying in wait. The number of Pokemon that can be bred in the Apricorn balls exclusive to HGSS (which are heritable through XY breeding mechanics) is really quite limited. This is a very "can be done on the cartridge" meta, which seems a bit old-fashioned with all the awesome theoretical metagames that now exist, so hopefully there's room for it.
The available pokemon, as you'd expect given the HGSS ball criteria, are very Kanto-Johto-centric. It's like a Gen II meta, reinvented with XY mechanics, and a sprinkling of significant Hoenn and Sinnoh players like Absol, Gardevoir, and Staraptor:
Caterpie (Shield Dust)
Metapod (Shed Skin)
Butterfree (Compound Eyes)
Weedle (Shield Dust)
Kakuna (Shed Skin)
Beedrill (Swarm)
Pidgey (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Pidgeotto (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Pidgeot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Rattata (Run Away, Guts)
Raticate (Run Away, Guts)
Spearow (Keen Eye)
Fearow (Keen Eye)
Ekans (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Arbok (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Pikachu (Static)
Raichu (Static)
Sandshrew (Sand Veil)
Sandslash (Sand Veil)
NidoranF (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidorina (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoqueen (Poison Point, Rivalry)
NidoranM (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidorino (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoking (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Clefairy (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Clefable (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Vulpix (Flash Fire)
Ninetales (Flash Fire)
Jigglypuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Wigglytuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Zubat (Inner Focus)
Golbat (Inner Focus)
Oddish (Chlorophyll)
Gloom (Chlorophyll)
Vileplume (Chlorophyll)
Paras (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Parasect (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Venonat (Shield Dust, Tinted Lens)
Venomoth (Compound Eyes, Tinted Lens)
Diglett (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Dugtrio (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Meowth (Pickup, Technician)
Persian (Limber, Technician)
Psyduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Golduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Mankey (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Primeape (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Growlithe (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Arcanine (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Poliwag (Water Absorb, Damp)
Poliwhirl (Water Absorb, Damp)
Poliwrath (Water Absorb, Damp)
Abra (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Kadabra (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Trace)
Machop (Guts, No Guard)
Machoke (Guts, No Guard)
Machamp (Guts, No Guard)
Bellsprout (Chlorophyll)
Weepinbell (Chlorophyll)
Tentacool (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Tentacruel (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Geodude (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Graveler (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Golem (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Ponyta (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Rapidash (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Slowpoke (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Slowbro (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Magnemite (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Magneton (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Farfetch’d (Keen Eye, Inner Focus)
Doduo (Run Away, Early Bird)
Dodrio (Run Away, Early Bird)
Seel (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Dewgong (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Grimer (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Muk (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Shellder (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Cloyster (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Gastly (Levitate)
Haunter (Levitate)
Gengar (Levitate)
Mega Gengar (Shadow Tag) Banned
Onix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Drowzee (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Hypno (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Krabby (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Kingler (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Voltorb (Soundproof, Static)
Electrode (Soundproof, Static)
Exeggcute (Chlorophyll)
Exeggcutor (Chlorophyll)
Cubone (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Marowak (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Hitmonlee (Limber, Reckless)
Hitmonchan (Keen Eye, Iron Fist)
Lickitung (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Koffing (Levitate)
Weezing (Levitate)
Rhyhorn (Lightning Rod, Rock Head)
Rhydon (Lightning Rod, Rock Head)
Chansey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Tangela (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Kangaskhan (Early Bird, Scrappy)
Mega Kangaskhan (Parental Bond) Banned
Horsea (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Seadra (Poison Point, Sniper)
Goldeen (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Seaking (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Staryu (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Starmie (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Mr. Mime (Soundproof, Filter)
Jynx (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Electabuzz (Static)
Magmar (Flame Body)
Tauros (Intimidate, Anger Point)
Magikarp (Swift Swim)
Gyarados (Intimidate)
Mega Gyarados (Mold Breaker) Banned
Lapras (Water Absorb, Shell Armor)
Ditto (Limber)
Snorlax (Immunity, Thick Fat)
Articuno (Pressure)
Zapdos (Pressure)
Moltres (Pressure)
Dratini (Shed Skin)
Dragonair (Shed Skin)
Dragonite (Inner Focus)
Mewtwo (Pressure) Banned
Mewtwo X (Steadfast) Banned
Mewtwo Y (Insomnia) Banned
Sentret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Furret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Hoothoot (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Noctowl (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Ledyba (Swarm, Early Bird)
Ledian (Swarm, Early Bird)
Spinarak (Swarm, Insomnia)
Ariados (Swarm, Insomnia)
Crobat (Inner Focus)
Chinchou (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Lanturn (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Pichu (Static)
Cleffa (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Igglybuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Natu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Xatu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Mareep (Static)
Flaaffy (Static)
Ampharos (Static)
Mega Ampharos (Mold Breaker) - BORDERLINE
Bellossom (Chlorophyll)
Marill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Azumarill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sudowoodo (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Politoed (Water Absorb, Damp)
Hoppip (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Skiploom (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Jumpluff (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Aipom (Run Away, Pickup)
Sunkern (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Sunflora (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Yanma (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Wooper (Damp, Water Absorb)
Quagsire (Damp, Water Absorb)
Murkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Slowking (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Misdreavus (Levitate)
Unown (Levitate)
Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag)
Girafarig (Inner Focus, Early Bird)
Pineco (Sturdy)
Forretress (Sturdy)
Dunsparce (Serene Grace, Run Away)
Gligar (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Steelix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Snubbull (Intimidate, Run Away)
Granbull (Intimidate, Quick Feet)
Qwilfish (Poison Point, Swift Swim)
Shuckle (Sturdy, Gluttony)
Heracross (Swarm, Guts)
Mega Heracross (Skill Link)
Sneasel (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Sneasel (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Teddiursa (Pickup, Quick Feet)
Teddiursa (Pickup, Quick Feet)
Ursaring (Guts, Quick Feet)
Slugma (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Magcargo (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Swinub (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Piloswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Corsola (Hustle, Nature Cure)
Remoraid (Hustle, Sniper)
Octillery (Suction Cups, Sniper)
Delibird (Vital Spirit, Hustle)
Mantine (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Skarmory (Keen Eye, Sturdy)
Houndour (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Houndoom (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Mega Houndoom (Solar Power)
Kingdra (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Phanpy (Pickup)
Donphan (Sturdy)
Stantler (Intimidate, Frisk)
Smeargle (Own Tempo, Technician)
Tyrogue (Guts, Steadfast)
Hitmontop (Intimidate, Technician)
Smoochum (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Elekid (Static)
Magby (Flame Body)
Miltank (Thick Fat, Scrappy)
Blissey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace) - BORDERLINE
Raikou (Pressure)
Entei (Pressure)
Suicune (Pressure)
Larvitar (Guts)
Pupitar (Shed Skin)
Tyranitar (Sand Stream)
Mega Tyranitar (Sand Stream) Banned
Lugia (Pressure) Banned
Ho-Oh (Pressure) Banned
Poochyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Mightyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Zigzagoon (Pickup, Gluttony)
Linoone (Pickup, Gluttony)
Wurmple (Shield Dust)
Silcoon (Shed Skin)
Beautifly (Swarm)
Cascoon (Shed Skin)
Dustox (Shield Dust)
Seedot (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Nuzleaf (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Shiftry (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Taillow (Guts)
Swellow (Guts)
Wingull (Keen Eye)
Pelipper (Keen Eye)
Ralts (Synchronize, Trace)
Kirlia (Synchronize, Trace)
Gardevoir (Synchronize, Trace)
Mega Gardevoir (Trace) - BORDERLINE
Shroomish (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Breloom (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Slakoth (Truant)
Vigoroth (Vital Spirit)
Slaking (Truant)
Whismur (Soundproof)
Loudred (Soundproof)
Exploud (Soundproof)
Makuhita (Thick Fat, Guts)
Hariyama (Thick Fat, Guts)
Azurill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sableye (Keen Eye, Stall)
Mawile (Hyper Cutter, Intimidate)
Mega Mawile (Huge Power) - BORDERLINE
Meditite (Pure Power)
Medicham (Pure Power)
Mega Medicham (Pure Power) - BORDERLINE
Plusle (Plus)
Minun (Minus)
Roselia (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Gulpin (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Swalot (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Numel (Oblivious, Simple)
Camerupt (Magma Armor, Solid Rock)
Spoink (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Grumpig (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Spinda (Own Tempo, Tangled Feet)
Swablu (Natural Cure)
Altaria (Natural Cure)
Barboach (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Whiscash (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Baltoy (Levitate)
Claydol (Levitate)
Absol (Pressure, Super Luck)
Mega Absol (Magic Bounce)
Wynaut (Shadow Tag)
Clamperl (Shell Armor)
Huntail (Swift Swim)
Gorebyss (Swift Swim)
Relicanth (Swift Swim, Rock Head)
Luvdisc (Swift Swim)
Latias (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Latios (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Kyogre (Drizzle) Banned
Groudon (Drought) Banned
Rayquaza (Air Lock) Banned
Bidoof (Simple, Unaware)
Biparel (Simple, Unaware)
Kricketot (Shed Skin)
Kricketune (Swarm)
Shinx (Rivary, Intimidate)
Luxio (Rivary, Intimidate)
Luxray (Rivary, Intimidate)
Budew (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Roserade (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Buizel (Swift Swim)
Floatzel (Swift Swim)
Ambipom (Technician, Pickup)
Buneary (Run Away, Klutz)
Lopunny (Run Away, Klutz)
Mismagius (Levitate)
Honchkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Chingling (Levitate)
Bronzor (Levitate, Heatproof)
Bronzong (Levitate, Heatproof)
Bonsly (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Mime Jr. (Soundproof, Filter)
Happiny (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Chatot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Munchlax (Pickup, Thick Fat)
Carnivine (Levitate)
Mantyke (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Weavile (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Magnezone (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Lickilicky (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Rhyperior (Lightning Rod, Solid Rock)
Tangrowth (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Electavire (Motor Drive)
Magmortar (Flame Body)
Yanmega (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Gliscor (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Mamoswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Gallade (Steadfast)
Dialga (Pressure) Banned
Palkia (Pressure) Banned
Giratina (Pressure, Levitate) Banned
Metapod (Shed Skin)
Butterfree (Compound Eyes)
Weedle (Shield Dust)
Kakuna (Shed Skin)
Beedrill (Swarm)
Pidgey (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Pidgeotto (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Pidgeot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Rattata (Run Away, Guts)
Raticate (Run Away, Guts)
Spearow (Keen Eye)
Fearow (Keen Eye)
Ekans (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Arbok (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Pikachu (Static)
Raichu (Static)
Sandshrew (Sand Veil)
Sandslash (Sand Veil)
NidoranF (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidorina (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoqueen (Poison Point, Rivalry)
NidoranM (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidorino (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoking (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Clefairy (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Clefable (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Vulpix (Flash Fire)
Ninetales (Flash Fire)
Jigglypuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Wigglytuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Zubat (Inner Focus)
Golbat (Inner Focus)
Oddish (Chlorophyll)
Gloom (Chlorophyll)
Vileplume (Chlorophyll)
Paras (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Parasect (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Venonat (Shield Dust, Tinted Lens)
Venomoth (Compound Eyes, Tinted Lens)
Diglett (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Dugtrio (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Meowth (Pickup, Technician)
Persian (Limber, Technician)
Psyduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Golduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Mankey (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Primeape (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Growlithe (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Arcanine (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Poliwag (Water Absorb, Damp)
Poliwhirl (Water Absorb, Damp)
Poliwrath (Water Absorb, Damp)
Abra (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Kadabra (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Trace)
Machop (Guts, No Guard)
Machoke (Guts, No Guard)
Machamp (Guts, No Guard)
Bellsprout (Chlorophyll)
Weepinbell (Chlorophyll)
Tentacool (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Tentacruel (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Geodude (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Graveler (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Golem (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Ponyta (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Rapidash (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Slowpoke (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Slowbro (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Magnemite (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Magneton (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Farfetch’d (Keen Eye, Inner Focus)
Doduo (Run Away, Early Bird)
Dodrio (Run Away, Early Bird)
Seel (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Dewgong (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Grimer (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Muk (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Shellder (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Cloyster (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Gastly (Levitate)
Haunter (Levitate)
Gengar (Levitate)
Onix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Drowzee (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Hypno (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Krabby (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Kingler (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Voltorb (Soundproof, Static)
Electrode (Soundproof, Static)
Exeggcute (Chlorophyll)
Exeggcutor (Chlorophyll)
Cubone (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Marowak (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Hitmonlee (Limber, Reckless)
Hitmonchan (Keen Eye, Iron Fist)
Lickitung (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Koffing (Levitate)
Weezing (Levitate)
Rhyhorn (Lightning Rod, Rock Head)
Rhydon (Lightning Rod, Rock Head)
Chansey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Tangela (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Kangaskhan (Early Bird, Scrappy)
Horsea (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Seadra (Poison Point, Sniper)
Goldeen (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Seaking (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Staryu (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Starmie (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Mr. Mime (Soundproof, Filter)
Jynx (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Electabuzz (Static)
Magmar (Flame Body)
Tauros (Intimidate, Anger Point)
Magikarp (Swift Swim)
Gyarados (Intimidate)
Lapras (Water Absorb, Shell Armor)
Ditto (Limber)
Snorlax (Immunity, Thick Fat)
Articuno (Pressure)
Zapdos (Pressure)
Moltres (Pressure)
Dratini (Shed Skin)
Dragonair (Shed Skin)
Dragonite (Inner Focus)
Sentret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Furret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Hoothoot (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Noctowl (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Ledyba (Swarm, Early Bird)
Ledian (Swarm, Early Bird)
Spinarak (Swarm, Insomnia)
Ariados (Swarm, Insomnia)
Crobat (Inner Focus)
Chinchou (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Lanturn (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Pichu (Static)
Cleffa (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Igglybuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Natu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Xatu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Mareep (Static)
Flaaffy (Static)
Ampharos (Static)
Mega Ampharos (Mold Breaker) - BORDERLINE
Bellossom (Chlorophyll)
Marill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Azumarill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sudowoodo (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Politoed (Water Absorb, Damp)
Hoppip (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Skiploom (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Jumpluff (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Aipom (Run Away, Pickup)
Sunkern (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Sunflora (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Yanma (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Wooper (Damp, Water Absorb)
Quagsire (Damp, Water Absorb)
Murkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Slowking (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Misdreavus (Levitate)
Unown (Levitate)
Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag)
Girafarig (Inner Focus, Early Bird)
Pineco (Sturdy)
Forretress (Sturdy)
Dunsparce (Serene Grace, Run Away)
Gligar (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Steelix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Snubbull (Intimidate, Run Away)
Granbull (Intimidate, Quick Feet)
Qwilfish (Poison Point, Swift Swim)
Shuckle (Sturdy, Gluttony)
Heracross (Swarm, Guts)
Mega Heracross (Skill Link)
Sneasel (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Sneasel (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Teddiursa (Pickup, Quick Feet)
Teddiursa (Pickup, Quick Feet)
Ursaring (Guts, Quick Feet)
Slugma (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Magcargo (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Swinub (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Piloswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Corsola (Hustle, Nature Cure)
Remoraid (Hustle, Sniper)
Octillery (Suction Cups, Sniper)
Delibird (Vital Spirit, Hustle)
Mantine (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Skarmory (Keen Eye, Sturdy)
Houndour (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Houndoom (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Mega Houndoom (Solar Power)
Kingdra (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Phanpy (Pickup)
Donphan (Sturdy)
Stantler (Intimidate, Frisk)
Smeargle (Own Tempo, Technician)
Tyrogue (Guts, Steadfast)
Hitmontop (Intimidate, Technician)
Smoochum (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Elekid (Static)
Magby (Flame Body)
Miltank (Thick Fat, Scrappy)
Blissey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace) - BORDERLINE
Raikou (Pressure)
Entei (Pressure)
Suicune (Pressure)
Larvitar (Guts)
Pupitar (Shed Skin)
Tyranitar (Sand Stream)
Poochyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Mightyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Zigzagoon (Pickup, Gluttony)
Linoone (Pickup, Gluttony)
Wurmple (Shield Dust)
Silcoon (Shed Skin)
Beautifly (Swarm)
Cascoon (Shed Skin)
Dustox (Shield Dust)
Seedot (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Nuzleaf (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Shiftry (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Taillow (Guts)
Swellow (Guts)
Wingull (Keen Eye)
Pelipper (Keen Eye)
Ralts (Synchronize, Trace)
Kirlia (Synchronize, Trace)
Gardevoir (Synchronize, Trace)
Mega Gardevoir (Trace) - BORDERLINE
Shroomish (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Breloom (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Slakoth (Truant)
Vigoroth (Vital Spirit)
Slaking (Truant)
Whismur (Soundproof)
Loudred (Soundproof)
Exploud (Soundproof)
Makuhita (Thick Fat, Guts)
Hariyama (Thick Fat, Guts)
Azurill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sableye (Keen Eye, Stall)
Mawile (Hyper Cutter, Intimidate)
Mega Mawile (Huge Power) - BORDERLINE
Meditite (Pure Power)
Medicham (Pure Power)
Mega Medicham (Pure Power) - BORDERLINE
Plusle (Plus)
Minun (Minus)
Roselia (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Gulpin (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Swalot (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Numel (Oblivious, Simple)
Camerupt (Magma Armor, Solid Rock)
Spoink (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Grumpig (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Spinda (Own Tempo, Tangled Feet)
Swablu (Natural Cure)
Altaria (Natural Cure)
Barboach (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Whiscash (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Baltoy (Levitate)
Claydol (Levitate)
Absol (Pressure, Super Luck)
Mega Absol (Magic Bounce)
Wynaut (Shadow Tag)
Clamperl (Shell Armor)
Huntail (Swift Swim)
Gorebyss (Swift Swim)
Relicanth (Swift Swim, Rock Head)
Luvdisc (Swift Swim)
Latias (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Latios (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Bidoof (Simple, Unaware)
Biparel (Simple, Unaware)
Kricketot (Shed Skin)
Kricketune (Swarm)
Shinx (Rivary, Intimidate)
Luxio (Rivary, Intimidate)
Luxray (Rivary, Intimidate)
Budew (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Roserade (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Buizel (Swift Swim)
Floatzel (Swift Swim)
Ambipom (Technician, Pickup)
Buneary (Run Away, Klutz)
Lopunny (Run Away, Klutz)
Mismagius (Levitate)
Honchkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Chingling (Levitate)
Bronzor (Levitate, Heatproof)
Bronzong (Levitate, Heatproof)
Bonsly (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Mime Jr. (Soundproof, Filter)
Happiny (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Chatot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Munchlax (Pickup, Thick Fat)
Carnivine (Levitate)
Mantyke (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Weavile (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Magnezone (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Lickilicky (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Rhyperior (Lightning Rod, Solid Rock)
Tangrowth (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Electavire (Motor Drive)
Magmortar (Flame Body)
Yanmega (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Gliscor (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Mamoswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Gallade (Steadfast)
Butterfree (Compound Eyes)
Beedrill (Swarm)
Pidgeot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Raticate (Run Away, Guts)
Fearow (Keen Eye)
Arbok (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Pikachu (Static)
Raichu (Static)
Sandslash (Sand Veil)
Nidoqueen (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoking (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Clefable (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Ninetales (Flash Fire)
Wigglytuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Vileplume (Chlorophyll)
Parasect (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Venomoth (Compound Eyes, Tinted Lens)
Dugtrio (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Persian (Limber, Technician)
Golduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Primeape (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Arcanine (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Poliwrath (Water Absorb, Damp)
Alakazam (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Trace)
Machamp (Guts, No Guard)
Victreebel (Chlorophyll)
Tentacruel (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Golem (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Rapidash (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Slowbro (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Magneton (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Dodrio (Run Away, Early Bird)
Dewgong (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Muk (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Cloyster (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Gengar (Levitate)
Mega Gengar (Shadow Tag) Banned
Hypno (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Kingler (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Electrode (Soundproof, Static)
Exeggcutor (Chlorophyll)
Marowak (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Hitmonlee (Limber, Reckless)
Hitmonchan (Keen Eye, Iron Fist)
Weezing (Levitate)
Chansey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Kangaskhan (Early Bird, Scrappy)
Mega Kangaskhan (Parental Bond) Banned
Seaking (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Starmie (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Mr. Mime (Soundproof, Filter)
Jynx (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Tauros (Intimidate, Anger Point)
Gyarados (Intimidate)
Mega Gyarados (Mold Breaker) Banned
Lapras (Water Absorb, Shell Armor)
Ditto (Limber)
Snorlax (Immunity, Thick Fat)
Articuno (Pressure)
Zapdos (Pressure)
Moltres (Pressure)
Dragonite (Inner Focus)
Mewtwo (Pressure) Banned
Mewtwo X (Steadfast) Banned
Mewtwo Y (Insomnia) Banned
Furret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Noctowl (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Ledian (Swarm, Early Bird)
Ariados (Swarm, Insomnia)
Crobat (Inner Focus)
Lanturn (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Xatu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Ampharos (Static)
Mega Ampharos (Mold Breaker) - BORDERLINE
Bellossom (Chlorophyll)
Azumarill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sudowoodo (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Politoed (Water Absorb, Damp)
Jumpluff (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Sunflora (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Quagsire (Damp, Water Absorb)
Slowking (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Unown (Levitate)
Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag)
Girafarig (Inner Focus, Early Bird)
Forretress (Sturdy)
Dunsparce (Serene Grace, Run Away)
Steelix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Granbull (Intimidate, Quick Feet)
Qwilfish (Poison Point, Swift Swim)
Shuckle (Sturdy, Gluttony)
Heracross (Swarm, Guts)
Mega Heracross (Skill Link)
Ursaring (Guts, Quick Feet)
Magcargo (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Corsola (Hustle, Nature Cure)
Octillery (Suction Cups, Sniper)
Delibird (Vital Spirit, Hustle)
Mantine (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Skarmory (Keen Eye, Sturdy)
Houndoom (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Mega Houndoom (Solar Power)
Kingdra (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Donphan (Sturdy)
Stantler (Intimidate, Frisk)
Smeargle (Own Tempo, Technician)
Hitmontop (Intimidate, Technician)
Miltank (Thick Fat, Scrappy)
Blissey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace) - BORDERLINE
Raikou (Pressure)
Entei (Pressure)
Suicune (Pressure)
Tyranitar (Sand Stream)
Mega Tyranitar (Sand Stream) Banned
Lugia (Pressure) Banned
Ho-Oh (Pressure) Banned
Mightyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Linoone (Pickup, Gluttony)
Beautifly (Swarm)
Dustox (Shield Dust)
Shiftry (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Swellow (Guts)
Pelipper (Keen Eye)
Gardevoir (Synchronize, Trace)
Mega Gardevoir (Trace) - BORDERLINE
Breloom (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Vigoroth (Vital Spirit)
Slaking (Truant)
Exploud (Soundproof)
Hariyama (Thick Fat, Guts)
Sableye (Keen Eye, Stall)
Mawile (Hyper Cutter, Intimidate)
Mega Mawile (Huge Power) - BORDERLINE
Medicham (Pure Power)
Mega Medicham (Pure Power) - BORDERLINE
Plusle (Plus)
Minun (Minus)
Swalot (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Camerupt (Magma Armor, Solid Rock)
Grumpig (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Spinda (Own Tempo, Tangled Feet)
Altaria (Natural Cure)
Whiscash (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Claydol (Levitate)
Absol (Pressure, Super Luck)
Mega Absol (Magic Bounce)
Wynaut (Shadow Tag)
Clamperl (Shell Armor)
Huntail (Swift Swim)
Gorebyss (Swift Swim)
Relicanth (Swift Swim, Rock Head)
Latias (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Latios (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Kyogre (Drizzle) Banned
Groudon (Drought) Banned
Rayquaza (Air Lock) Banned
Biparel (Simple, Unaware)
Kricketune (Swarm)
Luxray (Rivary, Intimidate)
Roserade (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Floatzel (Swift Swim)
Ambipom (Technician, Pickup)
Lopunny (Run Away, Klutz)
Mismagius (Levitate)
Honchkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Bronzong (Levitate, Heatproof)
Chatot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Carnivine (Levitate)
Weavile (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Magnezone (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Lickilicky (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Rhyperior (Lightning Rod, Solid Rock)
Tangrowth (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Electavire (Motor Drive)
Magmortar (Flame Body)
Yanmega (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Gliscor (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Mamoswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Gallade (Steadfast)
Dialga (Pressure) Banned
Palkia (Pressure) Banned
Giratina (Pressure, Levitate) Banned
Beedrill (Swarm)
Pidgeot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Raticate (Run Away, Guts)
Fearow (Keen Eye)
Arbok (Intimidate, Shed Skin)
Pikachu (Static)
Raichu (Static)
Sandslash (Sand Veil)
Nidoqueen (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Nidoking (Poison Point, Rivalry)
Clefable (Cute Charm, Magic Guard)
Ninetales (Flash Fire)
Wigglytuff (Cute Charm, Competitive)
Vileplume (Chlorophyll)
Parasect (Effect Spore, Dry Skin)
Venomoth (Compound Eyes, Tinted Lens)
Dugtrio (Sand Veil, Arena Trap)
Persian (Limber, Technician)
Golduck (Damp, Cloud Nine)
Primeape (Vital Spirit, Anger Point)
Arcanine (Intimidate, Flash Fire)
Poliwrath (Water Absorb, Damp)
Alakazam (Synchronize, Inner Focus)
Alakazam (Trace)
Machamp (Guts, No Guard)
Victreebel (Chlorophyll)
Tentacruel (Clear Body, Liquid Ooze)
Golem (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Rapidash (Run Away, Flash Fire)
Slowbro (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Magneton (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Dodrio (Run Away, Early Bird)
Dewgong (Thick Fat, Hydration)
Muk (Stench, Sticky Hold)
Cloyster (Shell Armor, Skill Link)
Gengar (Levitate)
Hypno (Insomnia, Forewarm)
Kingler (Hyper Cutter, Shell Armor)
Electrode (Soundproof, Static)
Exeggcutor (Chlorophyll)
Marowak (Rock Head, Lightning Rod)
Hitmonlee (Limber, Reckless)
Hitmonchan (Keen Eye, Iron Fist)
Weezing (Levitate)
Chansey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace)
Kangaskhan (Early Bird, Scrappy)
Seaking (Swift Swim, Water Veil)
Starmie (Illuminate, Natural Cure)
Mr. Mime (Soundproof, Filter)
Jynx (Oblivious, Forewarn)
Tauros (Intimidate, Anger Point)
Gyarados (Intimidate)
Lapras (Water Absorb, Shell Armor)
Ditto (Limber)
Snorlax (Immunity, Thick Fat)
Articuno (Pressure)
Zapdos (Pressure)
Moltres (Pressure)
Dragonite (Inner Focus)
Furret (Run Away, Keen Eye)
Noctowl (Insomnia, Keen Eye)
Ledian (Swarm, Early Bird)
Ariados (Swarm, Insomnia)
Crobat (Inner Focus)
Lanturn (Volt Absorb, Illuminate)
Xatu (Early Bird, Synchronise)
Ampharos (Static)
Mega Ampharos (Mold Breaker) - BORDERLINE
Bellossom (Chlorophyll)
Azumarill (Thick Fat, Huge Power)
Sudowoodo (Sturdy, Rock Head)
Politoed (Water Absorb, Damp)
Jumpluff (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Sunflora (Chlorophyll, Solar Power)
Quagsire (Damp, Water Absorb)
Slowking (Oblivious, Own Tempo)
Unown (Levitate)
Wobbuffet (Shadow Tag)
Girafarig (Inner Focus, Early Bird)
Forretress (Sturdy)
Dunsparce (Serene Grace, Run Away)
Steelix (Rock Head, Sturdy)
Granbull (Intimidate, Quick Feet)
Qwilfish (Poison Point, Swift Swim)
Shuckle (Sturdy, Gluttony)
Heracross (Swarm, Guts)
Mega Heracross (Skill Link)
Ursaring (Guts, Quick Feet)
Magcargo (Magma Armor, Flame Body)
Corsola (Hustle, Nature Cure)
Octillery (Suction Cups, Sniper)
Delibird (Vital Spirit, Hustle)
Mantine (Swift Swim, Water Absorb)
Skarmory (Keen Eye, Sturdy)
Houndoom (Early Bird, Flash Fire)
Mega Houndoom (Solar Power)
Kingdra (Swift Swim, Sniper)
Donphan (Sturdy)
Stantler (Intimidate, Frisk)
Smeargle (Own Tempo, Technician)
Hitmontop (Intimidate, Technician)
Miltank (Thick Fat, Scrappy)
Blissey (Natural Cure, Serene Grace) - BORDERLINE
Raikou (Pressure)
Entei (Pressure)
Suicune (Pressure)
Tyranitar (Sand Stream)
Mightyena (Run Away, Quick Feet)
Linoone (Pickup, Gluttony)
Beautifly (Swarm)
Dustox (Shield Dust)
Shiftry (Chlorophyll, Early Bird)
Swellow (Guts)
Pelipper (Keen Eye)
Gardevoir (Synchronize, Trace)
Mega Gardevoir (Trace) - BORDERLINE
Breloom (Effect Spore, Poison Heal)
Vigoroth (Vital Spirit)
Slaking (Truant)
Exploud (Soundproof)
Hariyama (Thick Fat, Guts)
Sableye (Keen Eye, Stall)
Mawile (Hyper Cutter, Intimidate)
Mega Mawile (Huge Power) - BORDERLINE
Medicham (Pure Power)
Mega Medicham (Pure Power) - BORDERLINE
Plusle (Plus)
Minun (Minus)
Swalot (Liquid Ooze, Sticky Hold)
Camerupt (Magma Armor, Solid Rock)
Grumpig (Thick Fat, Own Tempo)
Spinda (Own Tempo, Tangled Feet)
Altaria (Natural Cure)
Whiscash (Oblivious, Anticipation)
Claydol (Levitate)
Absol (Pressure, Super Luck)
Mega Absol (Magic Bounce)
Wynaut (Shadow Tag)
Clamperl (Shell Armor)
Huntail (Swift Swim)
Gorebyss (Swift Swim)
Relicanth (Swift Swim, Rock Head)
Latias (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Latios (Levitate) - BORDERLINE
Biparel (Simple, Unaware)
Kricketune (Swarm)
Luxray (Rivary, Intimidate)
Roserade (Natural Cure, Poison Point)
Floatzel (Swift Swim)
Ambipom (Technician, Pickup)
Lopunny (Run Away, Klutz)
Mismagius (Levitate)
Honchkrow (Insomnia, Super Luck)
Bronzong (Levitate, Heatproof)
Chatot (Keen Eye, Tangled Feet)
Carnivine (Levitate)
Weavile (Inner Focus, Keen Eye)
Magnezone (Magnet Pull, Sturdy)
Lickilicky (Own Tempo, Oblivious)
Rhyperior (Lightning Rod, Solid Rock)
Tangrowth (Chlorophyll, Leaf Guard)
Electavire (Motor Drive)
Magmortar (Flame Body)
Yanmega (Speed Boost, Compound Eyes)
Gliscor (Hyper Cutter, Sand Veil)
Mamoswine (Oblivious, Snow Cloak)
Gallade (Steadfast)
Mega Absol - lone access to Magic Bounce
Alakazam
Mega Alakazam
Mega Ampharos - lone access to Mold Breaker
Arcanine?
Azumarill
Blissey
Breloom
Chansey
Clefable - most promising Fairy cleric
Cloyster
Crobat
Donphan
Dragonite
Dugtrio - lack of Ghosts looks good for trappers
Entei?
Forretress
Gallade?
Gardevoir - Trace-Scarf counter might revive
Mega Gardevoir
Gengar
Gyarados
Hariyama?
Heracross
Mega Heracross
Hitmontop
Mega Houndoom
Jumpluff - old fast support role
Kingdra
Latias
Latios
Machamp
Magnezone
Mamoswine
Mega Mawile
Mega Medicham
Miltank - lone access to Scrappy, with passable bulk
Mismagius - bulkiest spinblocker/support Ghost
Nidoking
Nidoqueen
Raikou
Rhyperior
Roserade
Shuckle - Sticky Web
Skarmory
Slowbro
Smeargle - hazards, spore, etc
Snorlax
Staraptor
Starmie
Suicune
Swellow? - more than likely too frail, but fast Guts-Facade/Brave Bird is something
Tangrowth
Tentacruel
Tyranitar
Weezing
Wobbuffet
Yanmega - Speed Boost
Zapdos
Alakazam
Mega Alakazam
Mega Ampharos - lone access to Mold Breaker
Arcanine?
Azumarill
Blissey
Breloom
Chansey
Clefable - most promising Fairy cleric
Cloyster
Crobat
Donphan
Dragonite
Dugtrio - lack of Ghosts looks good for trappers
Entei?
Forretress
Gallade?
Gardevoir - Trace-Scarf counter might revive
Mega Gardevoir
Gengar
Gyarados
Hariyama?
Heracross
Mega Heracross
Hitmontop
Mega Houndoom
Jumpluff - old fast support role
Kingdra
Latias
Latios
Machamp
Magnezone
Mamoswine
Mega Mawile
Mega Medicham
Miltank - lone access to Scrappy, with passable bulk
Mismagius - bulkiest spinblocker/support Ghost
Nidoking
Nidoqueen
Raikou
Rhyperior
Roserade
Shuckle - Sticky Web
Skarmory
Slowbro
Smeargle - hazards, spore, etc
Snorlax
Staraptor
Starmie
Suicune
Swellow? - more than likely too frail, but fast Guts-Facade/Brave Bird is something
Tangrowth
Tentacruel
Tyranitar
Weezing
Wobbuffet
Yanmega - Speed Boost
Zapdos
Some key notes
- Apricorn balls can't be held, thus could never be used outside of HGSS.
- Nothing is available after #487 in the Pokedex, so the selection is quite nostalgic.
- An exception for Sport Balls would only introduce Scizor, Pinsir and Nincada, plus Illumise and Volbeat (without Prankster, so useless).
- Quite a few of the megas that don't really shine in the present OU meta, such as Mega Houndoom, Mega Gardie, and Mega Medicham, are legal, and lots of Megas and mons that would normally outclass them are not legal.
- Dream World abilities are all inaccessible due to being passed down by the mother, like Apricorn Balls - this changes things substantially for a lot of Pokemon. Slowbro no longer gets Regenerator, etc. Players really would probably be forced to branch off from the standard sets for a lot of mons. Ditto breeding can pass down HAs from males, but, crucially, Ditto can't pass down Poke Balls.
- For the most part, moveset legality is the same as in standard XY, barring that all Gen III exclusive tutor moves are illegal. The few Pokemon that might cling to non-redundant XD moves can't have them, but that's pretty much just Baton Pass Zapdos.
- Raikou, Entei and Suicune all lose their Shiny event moves. In fact, event-exclusive moves are out for all Pokemon, as they're generally restricted to Cherish Balls or other Poke Balls. I had a look around, and couldn't find any sign of event mons distributed/catchable in Kurt's balls.
Who's missing?
- Far fewer notable Dragon types. Only Inner Focus Dragonite, Kingdra, the Lati@s, and Mega Ampharos. No Salamence, Hydreigon, Garchomp, Haxorus, not even Flygon or lesser entries like Druddigon.
- Nearly all Ghost types. Everyone not named Gengar, Sableye or Mismagius.
- Togekiss and Sylveon hand their crowns over to Clefable and Intimidate Granbull as bulky Fairy-type clerics, although there's no Unaware Clefable. More offensive fairies abound, with Azumarill, Gardevoir, Mawile all legal.
- Staples such as Scizor, which being a Johto mon you might think was available, are not (unless we make an exception for Sport Balls which are also HGSS exclusives from the Bug-Catching Game. This would also introduce Pinsir and its Mega as threats).
- All starters are out, and naturally that wipes out some big players, especially the Charizards and Venusaur.
- All the Eeveelutions are out. (It's criminal that Moon Ball Umbreon is not legal)
- Although the list looks superficially very Gen 4, lots of Gen 4 OU is illegal. No Infernape. No Rotom. No Lucario. No Empoleon. No Shaymin. No Heatran. No Azelf. No Jirachi. The list keeps going.
- Without Galvantula, Shuckle and Smeargle look likely to take the role of laying Sticky Web. Other options are... Kricketune and Ariados?
- With no Rotom, Swampert, Gastrodon, Empoleon, Mega Blastoise, Milotic and Unaware Quagsire, bulky water is a thinned-out category.
- Fossil Pokemon are out, no Aerodactyl or its Mega.
- Abomasnow, Hippowdon, Drizzle Politoed, Drought Ninetales and Mega Charizard Y are all out. Tyranitar's Sandstream is the only auto-weather.
- Forretress is no longer overshadowed by Ferrothorn. And while on Steel-types, Metagross is also out.
- Sableye mourns the loss of Prankster, which only might have survived if Banette had been a swarm in HGSS.
Tentative Rules/Banlist:
1. All Pokemon must be caught or bred legally in either a Level Ball, Lure Ball, Moon Ball, Fast Ball, Love Ball, Heavy Ball, or Friend Ball. (This obviously can't apply on the simulator where there's no ball variation, but it's the criteria for what's legal).
3. Pokemon over BST 618 are banned, alongside Kangaskhanite and Gengarite, with the except for Slaking. This would leave us to identify candidates for suspect testing via a run of test battles. I chose 618 - which is open to debate - because the only things between 600 and that were three megas that haven't been too overpowering in standard OU and might enjoy a chance here - Mega Ampharos, Mega Medicham, and Mega Gardevoir.
4. Species clause.
5. Sleep clause.
6. Evasion clause.
7. Moody clause.
The big obvious concern, and it's one that plagued Lorak's Safari Festival, is whether the available range is too unbalanced. The Apricorn festival offers a significantly wider range of fully-evolved mons than the Safari Festival did.
I think this could be really fun. Anyone else keen? Thoughts? Comments? Observations about what would and wouldn't be legal? Remember to check out the spreadsheet, which shows pretty clearly what is and isn't legal.
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