How Much Stardust Does it Cost to Trade a Legendary in Pokémon GO?
The short answer is: trading a Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO can cost anywhere from 400 Stardust to a whopping 1,000,000 Stardust, depending on your Friendship level with the person you are trading with and whether you already own the Legendary Pokémon. This is significantly higher than standard trades and requires careful consideration before initiating a trade.
Understanding the Stardust Costs of Legendary Trades
The Stardust cost for trading a Legendary Pokémon is primarily determined by two key factors: Friendship Level and whether the Pokémon is already registered in your Pokédex. Understanding how these factors interact is crucial for planning your trades efficiently.
Friendship Level
Pokémon GO features a Friendship system that rewards players for interacting with each other. As your Friendship level increases, so do the benefits you receive when playing together, including reduced Stardust costs for trades. There are four Friendship levels:
- Good Friends: This is the starting level after adding someone as a friend. The Stardust cost for trading a non-registered Legendary is incredibly high at this level.
- Great Friends: Reaching this level reduces the Stardust cost significantly compared to Good Friends.
- Ultra Friends: This offers an even further reduction in Stardust cost, making trading more accessible.
- Best Friends: This level provides the lowest possible Stardust cost for trades, making it the most economical option for trading Legendary Pokémon.
Pokédex Registration (Ownership)
The second major factor influencing the Stardust cost is whether you already possess the Legendary Pokémon you’re trading for. If you do not already own the Legendary, it’s considered a Special Trade. Special Trades are always more expensive in Stardust than standard trades.
The Stardust Cost Matrix
To illustrate this better, here’s a table breaking down the Stardust costs for trading Legendary Pokémon based on Friendship Level and Pokédex registration:
| Friendship Level | Registered Legendary | Non-Registered Legendary (Special Trade) |
|---|---|---|
| —————- | ——————– | ————————————– |
| Good Friends | 20,000 Stardust | 1,000,000 Stardust |
| Great Friends | 2,000 Stardust | 80,000 Stardust |
| Ultra Friends | 1,600 Stardust | 8,000 Stardust |
| Best Friends | 800 Stardust | 400 Stardust |
As you can see, the difference in Stardust cost is dramatic, particularly for non-registered Legendary Pokémon. Reaching Best Friends before trading for a new Legendary is highly recommended to minimize the Stardust expenditure.
Daily Trade Limits
It’s important to remember that you are limited to one Special Trade per day. A Special Trade includes trading any Legendary or Shiny Pokémon that is not already registered in either player’s Pokédex. This limitation adds another layer of strategy to Legendary trading.
Strategies for Minimizing Stardust Costs
Here are some practical strategies to minimize the Stardust cost when trading Legendary Pokémon:
- Prioritize Friendship Levels: Focus on increasing your Friendship levels with players you frequently trade with, especially if you plan to exchange Legendary Pokémon. Send gifts daily, participate in Raids together, and battle each other in Trainer Battles.
- Coordinate Trades: Plan your trades in advance, especially if you’re aiming to acquire a new Legendary. Discuss with your trading partner and ensure you both reach the highest Friendship level possible.
- Participate in Trade Events: Pokémon GO occasionally hosts events that reduce the Stardust cost for trades. Keep an eye out for these events and take advantage of them.
- Consider Local Communities: Joining local Pokémon GO communities can provide opportunities to connect with other trainers, coordinate trades, and increase Friendship levels efficiently.
- Focus on Mirror Trades: If you already own the Legendary and simply want a better IV, focus on “mirror trades” – trading the same Pokémon for a chance at improved stats. This has a lower Stardust cost than trading for a new Legendary.
FAQs About Trading Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO
1. Can I trade any Legendary Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade any Legendary Pokémon as long as it is not a Mythical Pokémon. Mythical Pokémon, such as Mew and Celebi, cannot be traded.
2. Are Shiny Legendary Pokémon more expensive to trade?
Yes. Trading a Shiny Legendary that is not registered in your or your trading partner’s Pokédex is also considered a Special Trade and follows the same Stardust cost structure as non-registered regular Legendary Pokémon. Registered Shiny Legendary trades cost the same as regular registered legendary trades.
3. What happens if my Friendship level decreases after a trade?
The Stardust cost is determined at the moment the trade is initiated. If your Friendship level decreases after the trade starts, it will not affect the cost of that trade.
4. Can I trade a Legendary Pokémon multiple times?
Yes, you can trade a Legendary Pokémon as many times as you want, provided you adhere to the daily Special Trade limit. The Stardust cost will depend on your Friendship level and whether either party is registering the Legendary.
5. Does the level of the Legendary Pokémon affect the Stardust cost?
No, the level of the Pokémon being traded does not affect the Stardust cost. The primary factors are Friendship level and Pokédex registration.
6. What is the range of IVs possible in a trade?
The IVs (Individual Values) of a Pokémon are rerolled during a trade. The possible range of IVs is influenced by your Friendship level. Higher Friendship levels guarantee better minimum IVs.
7. Can I trade a Legendary Pokémon that I caught during a Raid?
Yes, you can trade Legendary Pokémon caught during Raids, Research Breakthroughs, or any other encounter.
8. Are there any Pokémon that cannot be traded at all?
Yes. Besides Mythical Pokémon, certain event-exclusive Pokémon or Pokémon obtained through specific means may be temporarily or permanently untradeable. Always check official Pokémon GO announcements for the most up-to-date information.
9. How long does it take to increase Friendship levels?
Increasing Friendship levels requires consistent interaction. Here’s a rough timeline:
- Good Friends: 1 day
- Great Friends: 7 days
- Ultra Friends: 30 days
- Best Friends: 90 days
These timelines assume daily interactions like sending gifts or participating in activities together.
10. Is there a way to reduce the Stardust cost outside of Friendship levels and events?
No, there are no other methods to directly reduce the Stardust cost for trading beyond increasing Friendship levels and taking advantage of special events.
11. Can I trade with someone who is not nearby?
No, Pokémon GO trades must be conducted in person with players within a limited proximity. Remote trading is not available.
12. What happens if one player doesn’t have enough Stardust to complete the trade?
If one player lacks the required Stardust, the trade cannot proceed. Both players must have sufficient Stardust to finalize the transaction.
13. Does trading a purified or Shadow Legendary affect the Stardust cost?
No, whether a Legendary Pokémon is purified or a Shadow Pokémon does not affect the Stardust cost of the trade. The same rules regarding Friendship level and Pokédex registration apply.
14. Will I get my Stardust back if the trade is interrupted?
If a trade is interrupted before completion, for example, due to a network error, the Stardust will be returned to both players.
15. What is the best strategy for building Friendship levels quickly?
The most efficient way to increase Friendship levels is by daily gift exchanges. Sending and opening gifts from friends contributes to your Friendship level progression. Participating in Raids together and engaging in Trainer Battles also helps. Make sure to interact with the friend at least once per day.
By understanding the factors influencing Stardust costs and implementing effective strategies, you can make the most of your Legendary Pokémon trades in Pokémon GO.