Duplication Glitch: Cloning Pokémon in Pokémon Gold and Silver

Pokémon Gold and Silver, released in 1999 (Japan) and 2000 (North America/Europe), are beloved entries in the Pokémon franchise. These games introduced a new generation of Pokémon, a vast new region in Johto, and several gameplay enhancements. Among the many aspects that captivated players was the discovery of various glitches, one of the most prominent being the duplication glitch. This glitch allowed players to clone their Pokémon, essentially creating duplicates of any Pokémon in their party, along with any held items. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on how to execute this glitch in Pokémon Gold and Silver.

Why Clone Pokémon?

Before diving into the how-to, it’s essential to understand why players would want to clone Pokémon. The duplication glitch offered several advantages:

• Duplicate Rare Pokémon: Obtain multiple copies of legendary Pokémon like Raikou, Entei, Suicune, Lugia, or Ho-Oh, allowing for trading or building diverse teams.
• Duplicate Items: Any item held by the Pokémon being cloned is also duplicated. This is especially useful for rare or valuable items like Master Balls, TMs, or stat-boosting items.
• Breeding Advantage: Clone Pokémon with ideal natures or IVs (Individual Values) to streamline the breeding process and obtain competitive Pokémon.
• Trading: Clone valuable Pokémon to trade with friends and expand your Pokédex.
• Fun and Experimentation: Some players simply enjoy exploiting the game’s mechanics for the sake of experimentation and fun.

Prerequisites

Before attempting the duplication glitch, ensure you meet the following requirements:

• A Pokémon You Want to Clone: This should be a Pokémon you want to duplicate. It can be any Pokémon in your party.
• An Item (Optional): If you want to duplicate an item, have the Pokémon you’re cloning hold the item.
• Access to a PC: You need to be able to access a Pokémon Center PC to deposit and withdraw Pokémon.
• A Pokémon to Trade: Have a spare Pokémon in your party that you are willing to part with temporarily during the trade process.
• Time and Patience: The glitch requires precise timing and execution. It may take a few attempts to master.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Duplication Glitch

The duplication glitch involves exploiting a specific sequence of actions during a trade to interrupt the game’s saving process. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the steps:

Step 1: Prepare Your Party

Arrange your party so that the Pokémon you want to clone is in the first slot. This simplifies the process and reduces the risk of accidentally selecting the wrong Pokémon. Make sure the Pokémon you want to duplicate is holding the item you want to clone, if applicable. Have at least one other Pokémon in your party to participate in trades.

Step 2: Access a Pokémon Center PC

Head to any Pokémon Center and access the PC. Navigate to Bill’s PC (or Lanette’s PC, depending on the game version).

Step 3: Deposit the Pokémon to be Cloned

Deposit the Pokémon you wish to clone into one of the PC boxes. It does not matter which box you choose. After depositing, immediately switch boxes to a different box.

Step 4: Initiate a Trade

Speak to the person at the counter in the Pokémon Center to initiate a trade. You will need to connect with another Game Boy that also has Pokémon Gold, Silver, or Crystal and is prepared to trade. Ensure both Game Boys are linked via a link cable.

Step 5: Select the Pokémon to Trade

Once the trade sequence begins, both players will be asked to select a Pokémon to trade. Select any Pokemon. It is not important which pokemon you trade away.

Step 6: The Critical Timing – Save Interruption

This is the most crucial step. After both players have selected the Pokémon to trade, a screen will appear prompting you to confirm the trade. Immediately after confirming the trade (i.e., as soon as you press A to confirm), turn off the Game Boy that contains the Pokémon you wish to clone. The timing is very strict. You have a very small window to turn off the console to interrupt the saving sequence. This interruption is what triggers the glitch.

The other Game Boy should continue normally, completing the trade. The player on the other Game Boy will receive the Pokémon that was selected for trade.

Step 7: Restart and Check the Results

Turn the Game Boy you turned off back on. You will likely receive a message stating that the save data is corrupted. If this occurs, select the option to load the previous save. The game should load from your last save point, which should be before you initiated the trade.

Step 8: Verify the Cloning Success

After the game loads, check your PC boxes. The Pokémon you deposited should still be present in the box. Now, check your party. You should also have the same Pokémon in your party. This confirms that the duplication glitch worked. The Pokémon you traded away on the other Gameboy is a duplicate of the pokemon in the box. The item the pokemon was holding will also be duplicated.

Troubleshooting

The duplication glitch can be tricky, and you may encounter issues. Here are some common problems and their solutions:

• Game Freezes: If the game freezes during the trade sequence, it indicates that the timing was off. Try again, adjusting the timing of when you turn off the Game Boy.
• Corrupted Save Data: If the save data is consistently corrupted, ensure you are turning off the Game Boy at the correct moment. It should be immediately after confirming the trade.
• Pokémon Not Duplicated: If the Pokémon is not duplicated, you may have turned off the Game Boy too early or too late. Experiment with the timing to find the sweet spot.
• Difficulty Trading: Ensure both Game Boys are properly connected with a functional link cable and that both games are compatible (Gold, Silver, or Crystal).

Alternative Method: The Box Trick

An alternative, though slightly less reliable, method involves manipulating the PC box system. This method does not require a second Game Boy or trading.

Step 1: Fill a PC Box

Fill a PC box (any box) with Pokémon. It’s preferable to use Pokémon that you don’t mind potentially losing in case the glitch goes wrong. If the box is full, any new Pokémon moved to the box might overwrite an existing Pokémon. It’s advisable to fill a box with throwaway Pokémon like Pidgey or Rattata.

Step 2: Withdraw the Pokémon to Clone

Withdraw the Pokémon you want to clone into your party. Ensure there is an empty slot in your party.

Step 3: Deposit and Switch Boxes Quickly

Deposit the Pokémon you want to clone back into the full box. Immediately after depositing, quickly switch to a different box. The timing is crucial here. You need to switch boxes as fast as possible after depositing the Pokémon. The game’s auto-save feature will try to save the new state of the box, but the rapid box switch interrupts the save process.

Step 4: Check Your Party and PC

Check your party. If the glitch worked, the Pokémon you deposited should still be in your party. Check the box where you deposited the Pokémon. If successful, the Pokémon should also be in the box. This means the Pokémon has been duplicated. Due to the unreliable nature of the glitch, often one of the Pokemon will disappear. Make sure you are okay with losing the pokemon before trying this method.

Step 5: Troubleshooting the Box Trick

• Pokémon Disappears: If the Pokémon disappears from both your party and the PC box, it means the timing was off. Try again, focusing on switching boxes as quickly as possible after depositing the Pokémon.
• No Duplication: If the Pokémon is only in the PC box or only in your party, the glitch did not work. Experiment with the timing. Some players find that pressing the ‘B’ button rapidly while switching boxes can help.
• Game Freeze: If the game freezes, reset and try again. Ensure that the box you are depositing to is completely full.

Important Considerations and Risks

While the duplication glitch can be tempting, it’s essential to be aware of the potential risks and ethical considerations:

• Save Data Corruption: The glitch involves interrupting the game’s saving process, which can lead to corrupted save data. Always back up your save data if possible before attempting the glitch.
• Game Instability: Repeatedly performing the glitch can potentially cause instability in the game, leading to crashes or other unexpected behavior.
• Ethical Concerns: Some players view using glitches as a form of cheating, as it circumvents the intended gameplay mechanics. Consider whether using the glitch aligns with your personal ethics and enjoyment of the game.
• Trading Issues: While you can trade cloned Pokémon, be aware that some players may view traded Pokémon obtained through glitches as illegitimate.

Tips for Success

To increase your chances of successfully performing the duplication glitch, consider these tips:

• Practice: Practice the timing of the glitch without valuable Pokémon or items. This will help you get a feel for the required precision.
• Use a Reliable Link Cable: If using the trading method, ensure you have a reliable link cable to minimize the risk of disconnections during the trade.
• Back Up Your Save Data: If possible, back up your save data before attempting the glitch. This will protect you from potential data loss.
• Be Patient: The glitch may require multiple attempts. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t succeed on your first try.
• Consult Online Resources: Watch videos and read guides from experienced players to gain a better understanding of the glitch and its nuances.

Alternatives to Cloning

If you’re hesitant to use glitches, consider alternative methods for obtaining rare Pokémon or items:

• Trading: Trade with friends or online communities to obtain Pokémon you need.
• Breeding: Breed Pokémon to obtain desired natures, abilities, or IVs.
• Exploration: Explore the game world thoroughly to find rare items and Pokémon.
• Remakes: Play remakes of Pokémon Gold and Silver, such as Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver, which offer updated gameplay and features without relying on glitches.

Conclusion

The duplication glitch in Pokémon Gold and Silver is a fascinating example of how players can discover and exploit unintended mechanics in video games. While it offers advantages such as duplicating rare Pokémon and items, it also carries risks and ethical considerations. By understanding the steps, troubleshooting common issues, and being aware of the potential consequences, players can make informed decisions about whether to use the glitch. Remember to back up your save data and consider alternative methods for obtaining desired Pokémon and items. Whether you choose to embrace the glitch or play the game traditionally, Pokémon Gold and Silver continue to offer a rich and engaging gaming experience.

Disclaimer

This guide is for informational purposes only. Attempting the duplication glitch may result in data loss or game instability. The author is not responsible for any negative consequences resulting from using this information. Proceed at your own risk.