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Can I Trade Machamp Back? A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon Trading

The short answer is no, you cannot trade Machamp back in Pokémon GO or any other Pokémon game where trading is restricted to a one-time exchange. Once a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again, preventing the original owner from getting it back through trade. Let’s delve into the intricacies of Pokémon trading, exploring the rules, limitations, and some frequently asked questions.

Understanding Pokémon Trading Mechanics

Trading Pokémon is a staple feature in the Pokémon franchise, allowing players to exchange Pokémon with each other. This fosters community, helps complete the Pokédex, and is sometimes required for certain Pokémon to evolve. However, trading comes with rules and limitations, and these vary between different Pokémon games. The primary restriction we’re focusing on here is the “one-time trade” rule.

The One-Time Trade Rule

This rule, particularly relevant in Pokémon GO, dictates that a Pokémon can only be traded once. This means that once you’ve traded your Machamp, you cannot get it back via trade, nor can the person you traded it to then trade it to someone else. This rule is in place to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of the game’s economy.

Reasons for Trade Restrictions

There are several reasons for these trade restrictions:

Preventing Exploitation: Without the one-time trade rule, players could potentially manipulate IVs (Individual Values) and stats through repeated trading, creating an unfair advantage.
Maintaining Rarity: Limiting trades helps preserve the rarity of certain Pokémon, especially Shiny Pokémon or those with high IVs.
Game Balance: Unrestricted trading could disrupt the game’s balance, making it too easy to acquire powerful Pokémon.

Alternative Ways to Obtain Machamp

If you regret trading your Machamp, don’t despair! Here are a few ways you can obtain another one:

Catching Machop and Evolving: Catching Machop in the wild or through research tasks and evolving it into Machoke and then Machamp remains the most straightforward method.
Raids: Keep an eye out for Machamp appearing in Raids. This is a great way to obtain a strong Machamp with decent IVs.
Trading with Other Players (Machop or Machoke): Trade for a Machop or Machoke from another player and then evolve it yourself.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pokémon Trading

Here are some frequently asked questions related to Pokémon trading to provide you with additional information and insights:

FAQ 1: Can you trade Pokémon back generations?

No, you can typically only trade Pokémon within specific generations or through dedicated transfer services. For example, you can transfer Pokémon from a 4th generation game to Black or White using the Poke Transfer lab, but it is impossible to bring them back to their original game due to game design. Transferring to more recent games like Pokemon Scarlet or Violet can only happen through Pokémon HOME.

FAQ 2: What Pokémon cannot be traded?

Generally, Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zarude, and others cannot be traded on the Global Trade System (GTS) or via Wonder Trade. While direct trades may be possible for some Mythical Pokémon, this varies by game. Also, Pokémon that have already been traded once cannot be traded again.

FAQ 3: Can you trade between Gen 1 and Gen 3 Pokémon?

No, you cannot directly trade between Generation 1 (Red, Blue, Yellow) and Generation 3 (Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald) games. The technology and game design are incompatible. However, you can use services like Pokémon Bank and Pokémon HOME to transfer Pokémon from virtual console versions of Gen 1 games (available on the Nintendo 3DS eShop) to modern generations.

FAQ 4: Can you ever trade a traded Pokémon?

Absolutely not. A traded Pokémon can only be traded once. No matter who you trade with, a traded Pokémon cannot be traded again to anyone. This rule is consistent across most Pokémon games with trading functionality.

FAQ 5: Can a 2-star Pokémon become a 3-star? Can you change a Pokémon’s star rating?

Unfortunately, you cannot directly change a Pokémon’s star rating or IVs after it’s been caught or traded. The IVs are fixed. However, in Pokémon GO, trading can re-roll the IVs, potentially resulting in a better or worse star rating. This is a risk, but sometimes it can pay off!

FAQ 6: How many times can Pokémon be traded per day?

In Pokémon GO, each trainer can make up to 100 trades per day. This is a generous limit, and most players will rarely reach it. This restriction is in place to prevent botting and other forms of exploitation.

FAQ 7: Why can’t I trade a Shiny Pokémon?

Trading Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is possible but expensive. The cost depends on your friendship level with the other player and whether they already have the Shiny Pokémon in their Pokédex. If one of you doesn’t have the Shiny form, it will cost a substantial amount of Stardust at Ultra Friends. Shinies are rare and valuable, hence the high cost.

FAQ 8: Why can’t I trade Pokémon again?

You cannot trade Pokémon more than once. Pokémon GO (and most other Pokémon games) does not allow you to trade a Pokémon that has already been traded. This is part of the one-time trade rule designed to prevent abuse and manipulation.

FAQ 9: Why do Shinies cost so much to trade?

Shiny Pokémon are color variants of regular Pokémon, and they are incredibly rare. This rarity increases their value, hiking up the required Stardust cost of trading them between trainers. The higher the Stardust cost acts as a deterrent and preserves the rarity and desirability of Shiny Pokémon.

FAQ 10: Is Zarude a Mythical Pokémon?

Yes, Zarude is a Mythical Pokémon in Pokémon Sword and Shield, introduced in the Isle of Armor DLC. Being Mythical, it is subject to the same trade restrictions as other Mythical Pokémon, which typically means it can only be traded through direct trades and not through the GTS or Wonder Trade.

FAQ 11: Do traded Pokémon still level up faster?

In main series Pokémon games, Pokémon traded from other players or in-game Trainers gain boosted experience and level up more quickly than Pokémon that are native to your copy of the game. This is a long-standing tradition designed to encourage trading and make traded Pokémon more appealing.

FAQ 12: Should I keep 0-star Pokémon?

Whether to keep 0-star Pokémon is a matter of personal preference. They have very low IVs, making them less effective in battles. However, some players keep them as collectors’ items due to their rarity. If you are limited by Pokémon Storage, it’s generally best to release them.

FAQ 13: How rare is a 0% IV Pokémon in Pokémon GO?

A fully 0% IV Pokémon is exceptionally rare, even compared to perfect 4-star Pokémon. Some players collect these for their novelty, even though they aren’t optimal for battling.

FAQ 14: Why do Pokémon evolve when traded?

Some Pokémon, like Machoke, require trading to evolve. The in-game explanation is that Pokémon learn from new trainers, triggering their evolution.

FAQ 15: Do traded Pokémon not obey you?

In main series Pokémon games, traded Pokémon might not obey your orders if your trainer level or Gym Badges are insufficient. As you progress and earn more Gym Badges, traded Pokémon of higher levels will begin to obey you.

Conclusion

While you can’t get your specific Machamp back once you’ve traded it, understanding the mechanics and restrictions of Pokémon trading can help you make informed decisions in the future. Remember to weigh the pros and cons before trading valuable Pokémon. Embrace the community, participate in raids, and perhaps you’ll find an even better Machamp to add to your collection! To learn more about how games enrich the learning process, be sure to check out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org, a fantastic resource for educators and gamers alike!

Can I trade Machamp back?