Happy Hour Pokemon: Boost Your Battle Winnings the Smart Way
The Pokemon franchise is filled with fascinating moves that often go unnoticed. One such move is Happy Hour, a unique and event-only move that offers exciting in-game benefits. If you’re a serious Pokemon trainer or just love collecting rare move sets, then learning about Happy Hour Pokemon is worth your time. In this blog post, we’ll dive into everything you need to know, from what it does, how to get it, and why it’s important for gameplay.
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What is Happy Hour in Pokemon Games?
Happy Hour is a Normal-type, status category move that was first introduced in Generation VI. This move doesn’t deal any damage. Instead, it increases the prize money a player receives after winning a battle. The bonus doubles the cash reward, making it an attractive strategy for trainers looking to earn Pokédollars quickly.
In simple terms, when a Pokemon that knows Happy Hour is used in a battle, and you win, your prize money doubles. This is particularly useful when combined with held items like Amulet Coin or Luck Incense, which also multiply the prize money.
Why Trainers Want Happy Hour Pokemon
Most players aim to earn money faster in the Pokemon games, especially to buy TMs, Poké Balls, healing items, and clothing. Using Happy Hour Pokemon allows players to maximize their earnings per battle, making the in-game economy more manageable.
It’s not just about money, though. Having a Pokemon that knows Happy Hour is also a flex. It shows your connection to special events and proves that you’re a serious collector or player who seeks out every advantage.
How Happy Hour Works in Battles
Let’s understand the mechanics. Happy Hour must be used during a battle. The Pokemon doesn’t need to use it every turn, just once during the match. It doesn’t affect battle stats or damage, but it registers that the effect is active. When you win, you get double the money you would normally receive.
Here’s a look at how it works when combined with other money-multiplying items:
| Condition | Multiplier | Example (Base Prize = $5,000) |
|---|---|---|
| No Happy Hour or item | 1x | $5,000 |
| Only Happy Hour | 2x | $10,000 |
| Only Amulet Coin | 2x | $10,000 |
| Happy Hour + Amulet Coin | 4x | $20,000 |
| Happy Hour + Prize Money O-Power | Up to 6x | $30,000 |
This stacking feature is what makes it such a valuable asset in your team. You don’t need to use the move in every battle, just in the ones where it counts—like when battling rich trainers or in post-game grinding.
Which Pokemon Can Learn Happy Hour?
One of the most important facts about it is that the move is not naturally learned through leveling up or TMs. It is event-exclusive. This means that only certain Pokemon distributed during special events come with Happy Hour pre-installed.
Some of the well-known it include:
| Pokemon | Event Name | Game Versions | Date Available |
|---|---|---|---|
| Meowth | 20th Anniversary Event | ORAS, X/Y | Feb 2016 |
| Inkay | Special Retail Distribution | X/Y | Nov 2013 |
| Pikachu | Movie Tie-in Japan | Sun/Moon | Various |
| Greninja | Smash Bros. Promotion | ORAS | 2014-2015 |
If you see any of these Pokemon with the Happy Hour move, you’re holding onto something very rare. These events don’t repeat often, and the move cannot be taught via Move Tutors either.
How to Get a Happy Hour Pokemon Today
Since Happy Hour are not available in regular gameplay, your best option is to trade. There are many Pokemon fans and collectors online who trade event Pokémon. You can also check GTS (Global Trade System), Reddit’s Pokémon trades subreddit, or Discord servers dedicated to Pokémon trading.
Make sure the Pokemon is legitimately obtained, as many hacked versions exist online. Always verify that the Pokemon has a valid original trainer (OT) name, correct event ribbon, and appropriate moveset.
Also, Nintendo sometimes repeats past events through Mystery Gifts in newer games like Sword/Shield or Scarlet/Violet. Keeping up with Pokemon news can help you catch such opportunities.
Can You Breed a Happy Hour Pokemon?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Happy Hour is a non-inheritable move. This means that even if you breed a Happy Hour Meowth or Inkay with a Ditto, the resulting Pokemon will not inherit the move. It’s exclusive to the event Pokemon that received it.
Because of this limitation, it becomes even more important to preserve and protect your Happy Hour. Many players keep them in special storage boxes just to avoid accidental deletion or trade.
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Using Happy Hour Strategically
To make the most of this move, you need to pair it wisely with held items and use it against trainers who give high prize money. The move doesn’t help in online PvP matches but is extremely useful during the main storyline and post-game grinding.
Consider training your Happy Hour to at least Level 50 so it can survive tougher battles. Equip it with Amulet Coin and send it out in battles against wealthy NPCs like Gentlemen, Socialites, and Veterans.
Let’s say you’re using a Happy Hour Meowth in Ultra Sun:
- Give it an Amulet Coin.
- Use it in battle against a Veteran Trainer.
- Activate Happy Hour once.
- Win the battle.
- Collect 4x the prize money.
This technique is very popular among speedrunners and completionists, as it reduces grinding time dramatically.
What Lies Ahead for Happy Hour Pokémon
As of now, the Happy Hour move hasn’t been widely distributed in newer games like Scarlet/Violet. It’s unclear if Game Freak will bring it back. Fans hope for more opportunities through upcoming events or digital downloads.
Still, Happy Hour remains a legacy move in many ways. Owning one means you were part of special promotions or know how to access exclusive content.
If you’re looking to increase the value of your game file or boost your collection, then adding it is a smart move.
Common Myths About It
Many players assume that Happy Hour stacks indefinitely or increases encounter rates. That’s not true. Here are a few common misconceptions:
- Myth: Happy Hour increases shiny odds.
Fact: No effect on shiny encounters. - Myth: Happy Hour can be taught through TM.
Fact: It cannot be learned through TM or Tutor. - Myth: You can transfer the move via breeding.
Fact: Happy Hour is not inheritable.
These misunderstandings often confuse newer players. Always check the official move databases or in-game descriptions to avoid using incorrect strategies.
Also Read: Arbys Happy Hour: Best Time for Delicious Deals
Conclusion
If you’re someone who plays Pokemon games for the thrill of collection, rare moves, or simply wants to earn more in-game money, then Happy Hour Pokemon is a must-have. It’s a symbol of dedication and strategy.
The move may not help in competitive battles or online rankings, but it offers value in the core single-player experience. It also allows trainers to minimize grinding and enjoy more of the game’s content without constant money struggles.
In the end, having it gives you an edge. Whether you’re trying to complete the Pokédex, buy all items, or just enjoy a more efficient game run, this move helps in unique ways.
So if you ever come across it, hold onto it. Trade wisely, play smartly, and stay alert for future events. That one move might just double your fun.
