Glitch: Difference between revisions

A '''glitch''', also known as '''bug''', is a software error that can lead to unintended behavior in software like the [[Pokémon games]]. It can be triggered from mistakes within the game's code or by exploits that were not anticipated by the programmers, thus causing the game to react unexpectedly. Glitches present in Pokémon games may have diverse effects, such as the disruption of graphics or audio effects, the occurence of [[glitch Pokémon]], or the corruption of [[save]] data. When noticed, glitches may be fixed in further releases of a game by its developers. Starting in [[Generation V]], {{wp|Patch (computing)|patch}}es may be released that fix glitches in Pokémon games directly.

Glitch Pokémon are caused by glitches that have the game erroneously read non-Pokémon data as Pokémon data. Although many glitch Pokémon draw all their characteristics from data intended to be used elsewhere, some glitch Pokémon may have partially defined characteristics that are not intended to be accessed in-game: in the case of [[MissingNo.]], for example, while its name appears to be well-defined, data intended to represent the parties of several {{tc|Biker|Bikers}} is read as its [[base stat]] data.

{{main|List of glitch moves}}

A glitch move is a [[move]] not intended to be part of the game, but accessible via glitches or cheating devices. While some glitch moves have no effect whatsoever, others may cause the game to [[game freeze|freeze]] when attempting to perform them.

Usually, only glitch Pokémon will learn glitch moves. However, Ditto can be taught the glitch move {{m|--}} by {{DL|List of glitches in Generation I|--|a glitch}} in [[Generation I]]. Additionally, {{DL|List of glitches in Generation II|Trade evolution learnset|another glitch}} present in the [[Time Capsule]] allows Pokémon that evolve by trading to be taught several glitch moves.

{{main|List of glitch types}}

Glitch types are [[type]]s that are solely used for glitch Pokémon or glitch moves. The {{t|Bird}} type is a leftover type thought to be a beta version of the {{type|Flying}}. All other glitch types are caused by erroneously reading other data as a type. Unlike regular types, glitch types often do not have any weaknesses, resistances, or immunities.

Placeholder items may become regular items in later games of a generation: The [[GS Ball]], [[Clear Bell]], and {{key|II|Egg Ticket}}, which only appear in {{game|Crystal}}, are programmed into the games' [[List of items by index number (Generation II)|internal list]]s in places of Teru-sama items in {{game|Gold and Silver|s}}; if a corresponding Teru-sama is held by a Pokémon in those games, it will transform when being traded to Crystal.

Glitch items that will become regular items in a later game appear in [[Generation II]] and [[Generation IV]]. In [[Generation III]], all items introduced in {{game|FireRed and LeafGreen|s}} or {{game|Emerald}} are stored in a section of the [[List of items by index number (Generation III)|internal item list]] that is not accessible in an earlier game. Except for the {{DL|Legendary artifacts|Griseous Orb}} that replaces a glitch item from {{game|Diamond and Pearl|s}}, the same holds for all items introduced in {{game|Platinum}} and {{game|HeartGold and SoulSilver|s}}, as well as for all items introduced in games of a later generation.

[[Glitch Trainer]]s exist in [[Generation I]] and [[Generation II]]. They result from the game erroneously reading trainer or party information from game code that is supposed to contain other information.

==Related articles==

*[[List of glitches in Generation I]]

*[[List of glitches in Generation II]]

*[[List of glitches in Generation III]]

*[[List of glitches in Generation IV]]

*[[List of glitches in Generation V]]

*[[List of glitches in Generation VI]]

{{Glitches}}