Yes, you can trade Pokémon in Pokémon GO! Trading is a core feature of the game, allowing you to exchange Pokémon with friends, complete your Pokédex, and acquire Pokémon you might otherwise miss. However, there are some important nuances to understand to make the most of this feature. This guide will cover everything you need to know about trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO, answering frequently asked questions and providing helpful tips.
What are the requirements for trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
To trade Pokémon in Pokémon GO, you must first meet several key requirements:
- Friendship Level: You need to be at least "Good Friends" with the other trainer. Friendship levels increase through various interactions like gifting, battling, and raiding together. The higher your friendship level, the better the trading benefits become.
- Proximity: You and the other trainer need to be within a relatively short distance of each other, usually within a certain radius displayed on your screen during the trading process. This range varies slightly depending on your device and location.
- Sufficient Stardust: Trading Pokémon requires a certain amount of Stardust, a resource you acquire from catching and evolving Pokémon. The amount required increases depending on the rarity of the Pokémon being traded. Legendary Pokémon, for instance, require significantly more Stardust than common ones.
- Pokémon Storage Space: Ensure you have enough free space in your Pokémon storage to accommodate the new Pokémon you're receiving in the trade.
How do I become Good Friends with another player in Pokémon GO?
Becoming "Good Friends" is the first hurdle to trading. You achieve this by regularly interacting with other players:
- Sending Gifts: Daily gifts are a great way to build friendship quickly.
- Raiding Together: Participating in raids as a team significantly boosts friendship progress.
- Battling: Engage in Trainer Battles, whether it’s a friendly match or a more competitive one.
The higher your friendship level (Good Friends, Great Friends, Ultra Friends, Best Friends), the more benefits you receive, including reduced Stardust costs for trading and the ability to trade more powerful Pokémon.
What are the benefits of trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Trading offers several advantages:
- Completing your Pokédex: Trading allows you to acquire Pokémon you might not be able to catch in your region or through regular gameplay.
- Acquiring stronger Pokémon: Trading lets you obtain Pokémon with higher Combat Power (CP) and better Individual Values (IVs).
- Obtaining Lucky Pokémon: There's a chance that your traded Pokémon becomes a "Lucky Pokémon," significantly boosting its IVs and potentially making it a powerful addition to your team.
- Social Interaction: Trading adds a social element to the game, allowing you to connect with other trainers and work together towards common goals.
Can I trade any Pokémon I want?
Not every Pokémon is eligible for trading. Certain Pokémon, like those received from Special Research tasks or some event-specific Pokémon, may have restrictions on trading. Always check the Pokémon's details before attempting a trade. Also, you can't trade Pokémon you've already evolved, only Pokémon in their base form. Finally, Shadow Pokémon have trading restrictions as well.
How much Stardust does it cost to trade Pokémon?
The Stardust cost varies dramatically depending on your friendship level with the other player and the rarity of the Pokémon being traded. Higher friendship levels drastically reduce the Stardust needed, while rarer Pokémon (and higher level Pokémon) cost substantially more.
What are Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
A Lucky Pokémon is a Pokémon you obtain through a trade that has a significantly improved IV stat spread. The IVs are reroled, guaranteeing a higher potential than the original Pokémon. The chance of a trade resulting in a Lucky Pokémon increases with your friendship level.
Can I trade Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon, but remember the Stardust cost will likely be significantly higher. Shiny Pokémon are rare, so their value within the trading system reflects that. However, there's a chance to obtain a Lucky Shiny Pokémon, making it even more valuable!
In conclusion, trading in Pokémon GO is a valuable mechanic for advancing in the game and connecting with other players. Understanding the requirements and benefits of trading will significantly enhance your Pokémon GO experience.
