PK8, PA8, and PB8 Classes
Generation 8 introduced multiple format variations for different games: PK8 for Sword/Shield, PA8 for Legends: Arceus, and PB8 for Brilliant Diamond/Shining Pearl.PK8 Class
Namespace:PKHeX.Core
File: PKHeX.Core/PKM/PK8.cs
Format Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SIZE_STORED | 328 bytes (0x148) |
| SIZE_PARTY | 344 bytes (0x158) |
| Generation | 8 |
| Context | EntityContext.Gen8 |
| Games | Sword, Shield |
Key Features
Dynamax System
PK8 introduced Dynamax and Gigantamax:Expanded Block Structure
- Uses 4 blocks of 80 bytes each (320 bytes total)
- Header: 8 bytes (Encryption Constant, Sanity, Checksum, Unused)
- Total stored: 328 bytes
- Party adds 16 bytes for battle stats
Side Transfer Detection
Important Properties
Tech Records
Ribbons
Expanded ribbon system:- Battle ribbons
- Contest ribbons (transferred)
- Tower ribbons
- Mark ribbons (wild encounter marks)
Tracker System
Data Differences from Gen 7
- Removed: Super Training, Resort Events, some Gen 6/7 ribbons
- Added: Dynamax, Gigantamax, Tech Records, Marks
- Modified: Larger block size (80 bytes vs 56)
PA8 Class
Namespace:PKHeX.Core
File: PKHeX.Core/PKM/PA8.cs
Format Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SIZE_STORED | 360 bytes (0x168) |
| SIZE_PARTY | 376 bytes (0x178) |
| Generation | 8 |
| Context | EntityContext.Gen8a |
| Games | Legends: Arceus |
Key Features
Grit System
Legends: Arceus uses Grit instead of EVs:Alpha Pokémon
Noble Pokémon
Move Mastery
Replaces PP system:- Which moves can be learned from move shop
- Which moves are mastered (Strong/Agile style unlocked)
Unique Properties
Height and Weight Scaling
Sociability
Data Structure
Larger blocks (88 bytes each) to accommodate:- Grit values
- Move mastery flags
- Alpha/Noble flags
- Enhanced size scalars
- Move shop data
Removed Features
- No Dynamax/Gigantamax
- No contest stats
- No affection (uses friendship only)
- No ribbons (different system)
PB8 Class
Namespace:PKHeX.Core
File: PKHeX.Core/PKM/PB8.cs
Format Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| SIZE_STORED | 328 bytes (0x148) |
| SIZE_PARTY | 344 bytes (0x158) |
| Generation | 8 |
| Context | EntityContext.Gen8b |
| Games | Brilliant Diamond, Shining Pearl |
Key Features
Gen 4 Remake Format
PB8 is nearly identical to PK8 but adapted for Gen 4 remakes:Default Locations
DPR Illegal Flag
Data Differences from PK8
Removed Features
- No Dynamax/Gigantamax (not in BDSP)
- No Galar-specific marks
- Different ribbon set
Modified Features
- Uses Gen 4 move pool
- Gen 4 ability distribution
- Different met locations
- Updated personal info table
Handler Update System
Comparison Table
| Feature | PK8 | PA8 | PB8 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Size (Stored) | 328 bytes | 360 bytes | 328 bytes |
| Size (Party) | 344 bytes | 376 bytes | 344 bytes |
| Block Size | 80 bytes | 88 bytes | 80 bytes |
| Dynamax | Yes | No | No |
| Grit Values | No | Yes | No |
| Alpha | No | Yes | No |
| Noble | No | Yes | No |
| Move Mastery | No | Yes | No |
| Tech Records | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Marks | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Contest Stats | No | Yes | No |