How To Reset Pokemon X And Y: A Complete Guide

Pokémon X and Y introduced stunning 3D graphics and immersive gameplay in the Kalos region. If you want to restart your adventure or soft reset for shiny Pokémon hunting, this guide will help you reset your game safely. Soft Resetting is perfect for targeting shiny Pokémon or getting Pokémon with preferred natures or IVs. To soft reset, prepare your 3DS system by positioning your character where you want to start. 

Press L + R + Start or Select simultaneously to reset the game. Repeat as needed to achieve your desired result. For a complete game reset, which erases all saved data, back up important Pokémon using Pokémon Bank. At the title screen with Xerneas or Yveltal, press Up on the D-pad + B + X. Confirm twice to reset your game.

Why Reset Pokemon X and Y?

Sometimes, trainers feel the need to wipe the slate clean and start their Pokémon journey from scratch. There are plenty of good reasons for this. Maybe you’re on the hunt for a shiny Pokémon with just the right nature, or you’re aiming for perfect IVs (Individual Values) on your favorite legendary Pokémon. Perhaps you have hit a roadblock in your current playthrough and want to try a different strategy from the get-go.

Resetting can also be a great way to experience the game with fresh eyes. Remember the thrill of choosing your starter for the first time? Or the excitement of encountering Xerneas/Yveltal? A reset lets you relive those magical moments. Plus, with your accumulated knowledge of game mechanics, your second (or third, or fourth) run through the Kalos region might be your best. 

How To Soft Reset Pokemon X and Y

What is Soft Resetting?

Soft resetting is a handy technique that temporarily restarts your game without erasing your save file. It’s like hitting a quick rewind button, taking you back to the last time you saved. This method is perfect for shiny Pokémon hunting or trying to get better stats on a specific Pokémon without losing all your in-game progress.

Trainers often use soft resetting when they’re face-to-face with a legendary Pokémon or about to receive a special gift Pokémon. It’s a way to roll the dice again and again until you get the result you want, all without the hassle of replaying large chunks of the game.

Step-by-Step Soft Reset Guide

To perform a soft reset in Pokémon X and Y, follow these simple steps:

  1. Save your game in front of the Pokémon you want to reset for.
  2. Press and hold the L + R buttons and the Start or Select button simultaneously.
  3. Your game will restart, bringing you back to the title screen.
  4. Load your save file and try again!

Patience is key when soft resetting. It might take hundreds or even thousands of attempts to get that perfect shiny or the ideal nature. But don’t give up! Many trainers swear by this method for obtaining their dream Pokémon.

Benefits of Soft Resetting

How To Restart Pokemon X and Y

Soft resetting is a powerful tool in any serious trainer’s arsenal. Unlike a full reset, it doesn’t erase your entire save data, meaning you can keep all your hard-earned progress. This makes it ideal for late-game legendary Pokémon encounters or when you’re trying to optimize a Pokémon you’ve just received.

Another big plus is the time-saving aspect. Instead of playing through hours of gameplay to reach a specific point, you can simply soft reset and try again in seconds. This efficiency is particularly valuable when you’re hunting for those rare shiny Pokémon or trying to get the perfect IVs on a legendary Pokémon.

How To Restart Pokemon X and Y

Full Game Reset Explained

Sometimes, a soft reset just isn’t enough. Maybe you want to experience the entire game from scratch, or perhaps you’re passing your game to a friend or family member. That’s where a full reset comes in handy. This process completely wipes your save file, giving you a blank slate to work with.

Before you proceed with a full reset, it’s crucial to understand that this action is irreversible. All your Pokémon, items, and progress will be lost. If there are any Pokémon you want to keep, make sure to transfer them to Pokémon Bank or another game before resetting. It’s always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to your precious Pokémon collection.

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Complete Restart Process

Here is how to perform a full reset on Pokémon X and Y:

  1. Start up your game and wait for the title screen to appear.
  2. Press Up on the D-pad, B, and X buttons simultaneously.
  3. A prompt will appear asking if you want to delete all save data. Select ‘Yes’.
  4. Confirm your choice one more time when prompted.
  5. Your game will now reset, erasing all previous data.

Can Kanto Starters in XY Be Shiny?

Can Kanto Starters in XY Be Shiny?


While the Kanto starter you receive from Professor Sycamore is shiny-locked (meaning it can’t be shiny), you can breed these starters for a chance at a shiny offspring. The odds of hatching a shiny Pokémon in X and Y are about 1 in 4,096. These odds can be improved using methods like the Masuda Method or obtaining the Shiny Charm. So while it might take some patience, it’s entirely possible to get your hands on a shiny Kanto starter in the Kalos region!

Soft Resetting for Shiny Kanto Starters

While you can’t soft reset for a shiny Kanto starter when receiving it from Professor Sycamore, you can use the soft reset method when hatching eggs.This process can be time-consuming, but many trainers find it worthwhile for the chance to obtain a shiny version of their favorite Kanto starter. Persistence is key in shiny hunting. Save your game right before your egg is about to hatch.

  1. Save your game right before your egg is about to hatch.
  2. If the hatched Pokémon isn’t shiny, perform a soft reset (L + R + Start/Select).
  3. Load your save and try again.

Conclusion

Resetting Pokémon X and Y can breathe new life into your adventure, whether you’re aiming for a fresh start or hunting for a rare shiny Pokémon. Soft resetting is a quick and non-permanent method ideal for targeting specific goals, like obtaining Pokémon with the right natures or IVs. A full game reset will completely erase your saved data, allowing you to begin anew in the captivating Kalos region. Choose the method that aligns with your goals and enjoy the thrill of embarking on a new journey or perfecting your team.

FAQ’s

Does resetting affect event Pokémon? 

Soft resetting doesn’t affect event Pokémon you’ve already received, as they’re stored in your save file. A full reset will delete all Pokémon, including event ones. If you have precious event Pokémon, consider storing them in Pokémon Bank before resetting.

Can I reset for better IVs on legendary Pokémon?

Absolutely! Soft resetting is a popular method for obtaining legendary Pokémon with better IVs. Each time you reset and re-encounter the legendary, it will have a new set of IVs.

How long does a typical soft reset take?

A single soft reset usually takes about 20-30 seconds, depending on how quickly you can press the buttons and how fast your 3DS loads. When shiny hunting, it can take hundreds or even thousands of resets to find a shiny Pokémon.

Is there a limit to how many times I can reset the game?

You can soft reset as many times as you like. Your 3DS and game cartridge are designed to handle this process without any issues.

Can resetting damage my game or 3DS?

Soft resetting and even full game resets are completely safe for both your game and your 3DS system. These features are built into the game and won’t cause any damage when used as intended.

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Richard Henry

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