Can Shiny Mew Be Traded in Pokémon GO? Unveiling the Mysteries
The burning question on every Pokémon GO trainer’s mind: Can that elusive Shiny Mew be traded? The answer, unfortunately, is no. Mythical Pokémon, including Shiny Mew, are among the Pokémon that cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. This restriction is in place to maintain the rarity and exclusivity of these coveted creatures.
Why Can’t I Trade My Shiny Mew?
The inability to trade Shiny Mew boils down to its classification as a Mythical Pokémon. Pokémon GO has specific restrictions on trading to prevent the mass distribution of rare and powerful Pokémon. Imagine the chaos if everyone could simply trade for a Shiny Mew! It would diminish the accomplishment of those who invested time, effort, and sometimes, a little bit of luck, into obtaining one.
The untradable status also applies to other Mythical Pokémon like Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Diancie, and Genesect, regardless of their form or whether they are shiny. This is a blanket rule enforced by Niantic to preserve the game’s balance and the value of these exceptional Pokémon.
The Rarity Factor: Shiny Mew’s Allure
Shiny Mew holds a special place in the hearts of Pokémon GO players. Its pastel pink hue sets it apart from the standard Mew, instantly making it a prized possession. The limited availability of Shiny Mew further fuels its desirability.
The opportunity to catch a Shiny Mew has only been available a few times in Pokémon history, including through special research tasks during events like the Pokémon GO Kanto Tour. These events often require purchasing a ticket and completing a series of challenging objectives, making the acquisition process a significant achievement.
Trading Mechanics in Pokémon GO: What You Can Trade
While Shiny Mew and other Mythical Pokémon are off-limits, Pokémon GO does offer a robust trading system. You can trade most Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon (that aren’t Mythical), and regular Pokémon with other players on your friends list. However, there are some important caveats to keep in mind.
Stardust Costs and Friendship Levels
Trading isn’t free. It requires Stardust, the in-game currency, and the cost depends on the rarity of the Pokémon being traded and your friendship level with the other player.
- Good Friends: Base Stardust cost, but certain Pokémon may still be untradable.
- Great Friends: Reduced Stardust cost.
- Ultra Friends: Even lower Stardust cost.
- Best Friends: The lowest Stardust cost, making it the most economical way to trade valuable Pokémon.
Trading a Shiny Pokémon or a Legendary Pokémon that one of you doesn’t already own is considered a “Special Trade.” Special Trades can only be done once per day, and they often require a significant amount of Stardust, particularly at lower friendship levels.
Pokémon That Can’t Be Traded
Besides Mythical Pokémon like Shiny Mew, several other categories of Pokémon are untradable:
- Shadow Pokémon: Purify them first!
- Eggs: Eggs are not tradeable.
- Current Buddies: Unset the Pokémon as your buddy first.
- Pokémon Defending a Gym: Remove the Pokémon from the gym.
- Fainted Pokémon: Revive them.
- Pokémon Already Traded: A Pokémon can only be traded once.
- Pokémon Obtained Illegitimately: Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing are not tradeable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trading in Pokémon GO
1. Is it possible to trade Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Yes, it is possible to trade Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO, except for Shiny Mythical Pokémon like Shiny Mew. The Stardust cost depends on your friendship level and whether you both already have that Shiny Pokémon in your Pokédex.
2. What Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO?
The following Pokémon cannot be traded: Mythical Pokémon (including Shiny Mew, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Diancie, and Genesect), Shadow Pokémon, Eggs, Pokémon that are your current buddy, Pokémon defending a Gym, Pokémon that are fainted, Pokémon that have already been traded, and Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing.
3. Will Shiny Mew ever come back to Pokémon GO?
It’s likely! Niantic often reintroduces rare Pokémon and their shiny variants during special events and through research tasks. Keep an eye on official Pokémon GO announcements for future opportunities.
4. Is Shiny Mew the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
While rarity is subjective and depends on individual experiences, Shiny Mew is undeniably one of the rarest and most sought-after Pokémon in Pokémon GO. Its limited availability and iconic status contribute to its perceived rarity.
5. What is the hardest Shiny to get in Pokémon GO?
Hardest shinies to find are those that are Event Pokémon, Abra, Aerodactyl, Kecleon, Regional Pokémon, Ditto.
6. How do you get a Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO?
Shiny Mew has been available through limited-time Special Research tasks. To get a Shiny Mew in Pokémon GO, you typically need to complete a multi-stage research quest that requires dedicated gameplay.
7. Is the free Mew shiny locked?
The Mew available through the original Special Research “A Mythical Discovery” is shiny locked, meaning it cannot be shiny. However, Shiny Mew has been available through separate, paid research quests.
8. Is trading a Shiny a Special Trade?
Yes, trading a Shiny Pokémon is considered a Special Trade in Pokémon GO. This means it can only be done once per day and typically requires a significant amount of Stardust.
9. What happens if you transfer a Shiny Pokémon?
If you transfer a Shiny Pokémon to Professor Willow, it’s gone permanently! Be absolutely sure you want to transfer it before doing so. Shiny Pokémon transferred to Pokémon HOME retain their shiny coloration.
10. What is my rarest Shiny?
The rarity of a Shiny Pokémon depends on various factors, including its availability during events, its spawn rate in the wild, and its usefulness in battles. Some commonly cited rare shinies include Shiny Alolan Grimer, Shiny Nidorina/Nidoqueen, Shiny Alolan Vulpix, and Shiny Alolan Marowak.
11. How rare is a Shiny Pokémon?
The base shiny rate in Pokémon GO is generally believed to be around 1 in 450 encounters. However, this rate can be boosted during Community Days and special events.
12. How do I know if my Shiny Mew is legitimate?
A legitimate Shiny Mew would have been obtained through the special research events held during the Pokémon GO Kanto Tour or the original Emerald event (Japan only). If the Mew wasn’t obtained during one of these events, it’s likely not legitimate.
13. What is Shiny Mew weak to?
Mew is weak to Bug, Dark, and Ghost-type moves.
14. How many times has Shiny Mew been in Pokémon GO?
Shiny Mew has been legitimately obtainable a few times through special research events. These events are highly anticipated and offer a limited-time opportunity to acquire this elusive Pokémon.
15. What is the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO?
Rarity is subjective and depends on the context. However, some of the rarest Pokémon in Pokémon GO, considering their limited availability or challenging acquisition methods, include Mewtwo, Alakazam, Aerodactyl, Dragonite and others.
Final Thoughts
While you can’t trade your Shiny Mew, its untradable status only amplifies its value. Cherish your Shiny Mew, train it well, and show it off in battles and Gyms! The rarity and accomplishment associated with obtaining one make it a true testament to your dedication as a Pokémon GO trainer. And remember that the world of gaming is an evolving one, and it is a great teaching tool for everyone. The Games Learning Society promotes this concept, visit the GamesLearningSociety.org website today.