Can You Trade a Pokémon Only Once? The Definitive Guide to Pokémon GO Trading
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Yes, in Pokémon GO, a Pokémon can be traded only once. Once a Pokémon has been traded to another trainer, it cannot be traded again to anyone else, including back to the original owner. This rule is a cornerstone of the trading mechanic in the game and shapes how players strategize and engage with the feature. The trade is effectively set in stone once it is completed.
Why the One-Trade Limit?
The one-trade limit is in place for several key reasons, primarily to prevent exploitation of the trading system and to maintain a balanced gameplay experience.
- Preventing Stat Re-Rolling: Trading alters the Individual Values (IVs) of a Pokémon. Without the trade limit, players could repeatedly trade Pokémon back and forth, essentially “re-rolling” their stats until they achieve desired IVs. This would devalue the effort of catching and raising Pokémon in the wild and diminish the role of luck in obtaining strong Pokémon.
- Discouraging Illegal Activities: Allowing unlimited trading would create opportunities for real-money trading and black market activities. Players could sell high-IV Pokémon for real currency, which is against the terms of service for Pokémon GO.
- Maintaining Game Balance: The one-trade limit encourages players to build their own collection through catching and hatching eggs rather than relying solely on trading for strong Pokémon. This promotes a more diverse and engaging gameplay experience for everyone.
The Nuances of Trading in Pokémon GO
While the one-trade limit is the primary rule, several other aspects of trading affect how you interact with the feature. Understanding these nuances is crucial for making the most of trading.
Prerequisites for Trading
Before engaging in any trades, certain conditions must be met:
- Friendship Level: You must be at least Good Friends with the trainer you wish to trade with. Higher friendship levels (Great Friends, Ultra Friends, Best Friends) offer benefits such as reduced Stardust costs for trading.
- Trainer Level: Both trainers must be at least Level 10. This requirement prevents new accounts from being created solely for the purpose of trading.
- Proximity: Trainers must be physically near each other to initiate a trade. This promotes in-person interaction and discourages remote trading.
- Account Restrictions: Trainers that log in using Niantic Kids or Pokémon Trainer Club may need to enable social features in the Niantic Kids Parent Portal or Pokémon Trainer Club website.
Pokémon That Cannot Be Traded
Certain Pokémon are restricted from being traded altogether:
- Mythical Pokémon: Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys (any form), Diancie, and Genesect (any Drive) cannot be traded.
- Shadow Pokémon: Pokémon that have a Shadow status cannot be traded. You must purify them first.
- Eggs: Pokémon Eggs cannot be traded.
- Current Buddies: A Pokémon currently set as your Buddy cannot be traded.
- Pokémon Defending Gyms: Pokémon currently placed in a Gym to defend it cannot be traded.
- Fainted/Not Full Health Pokémon: Pokémon that are fainted or not at full health cannot be traded.
- Already Traded Pokémon: As the central topic highlights, traded Pokémon cannot be traded again.
- Illegally Obtained Pokémon: Pokémon obtained through hacking, botting, or spoofing are ineligible for trade.
The Impact on IVs and CP
When you trade a Pokémon, its IVs (Individual Values) are randomized. This means a perfect IV Pokémon (100% IV) can become a much weaker Pokémon after being traded, and vice-versa. Additionally, a traded Pokemon level will be adjusted to the maximum power up level the recipient can perform. If you try to trade a higher level Pokemon to someone who can’t normally power up to that level, the Pokemon’s level will go down. This change aims to prevent abuse and maintains the challenge of finding strong Pokémon through catching and hatching.
Daily Trade Limits
Each trainer can make a limited number of trades per day. The limit is set at 100 trades per day. This restriction helps to prevent mass trading and potential abuse of the system.
The Lucky Pokémon Phenomenon
Trading offers a chance for both Pokémon involved to become Lucky Pokémon. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up, making them easier to strengthen. Trading Pokémon that have been in storage for a longer time increases the chances of them becoming Lucky.
Trading Shiny Pokémon
Trading Shiny Pokémon can be more expensive than trading regular Pokémon. The cost of trading Shiny Pokemon in Pokemon GO can have a base cost of 1,000,000 Stardust, depending on your friendship level with the other trainer and whether or not you already have that Shiny registered in your Pokédex.
FAQs: Your Burning Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the intricacies of trading in Pokémon GO:
1. What happens if I trade a perfect IV Pokémon?
The IVs of the traded Pokémon will be rerolled. It is highly unlikely that it will remain a perfect IV Pokémon after the trade.
2. Can I get a Pokémon back if I regret trading it?
No, you cannot get a Pokémon back once it has been traded. Trades are final and irreversible.
3. Are there any Pokémon that I absolutely cannot trade?
Yes, Mythical Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon (until purified), already traded Pokémon, Eggs, and Pokémon obtained through illegitimate means cannot be traded.
4. Why can’t I trade a Pokémon twice?
This is due to the HP and CP changing feature, to stop players “re-rolling a Pokémon’s stats through trade” over and over.
5. How does friendship level affect trading?
Higher friendship levels reduce the Stardust cost of trading and increase the chances of becoming Lucky Friends.
6. What is a Lucky Pokémon?
Lucky Pokemon are obtained by trading Pokemon with friends and They require less Stardust to power up.
7. How many trades can I do in a day?
You can make a maximum of 100 trades per day.
8. Does trading affect the CP of a Pokémon?
Yes, the CP (Combat Power) of a Pokémon can change after it is traded.
9. Can I trade a Pokémon to someone who is not near me?
No, trainers must be physically near each other to trade.
10. What level do I need to be to trade?
Both trainers must be at least Level 10 to trade.
11. What happens if I try to trade a Pokémon that is currently in a Gym?
You cannot trade a Pokémon that is currently defending a Gym.
12. Does trading change the moves of a Pokémon?
No, trading does not change the moves of a Pokémon. However, if a purified Shadow Pokémon learns Return, it keeps that move.
13. Can I trade a Shadow Pokémon?
No, you must first purify a Shadow Pokémon before it can be traded.
14. What happens if I trade a Shiny Pokémon?
Trading Shiny Pokémon can be more expensive, costing a lot of Stardust, and the IVs will still reroll just like any other trade.
15. Does the size of the Pokémon change when traded?
Though HP and CP of a Pokemon when traded changes, other aspects – such as size and moves – do not.
Conclusion: Trading Wisely
Trading in Pokémon GO is a complex system with a significant impact on your gameplay experience. The restriction of trading a Pokémon only once forces players to be strategic about their trades, carefully considering which Pokémon to exchange and with whom. Remember that IVs will change, certain Pokémon are off-limits, and friendship levels play a crucial role. By understanding these mechanics, you can maximize the benefits of trading and enhance your Pokémon GO journey. For more information on learning in games, consider checking out the Games Learning Society at GamesLearningSociety.org.