Can You Trade Shiny Event Pokémon? A Comprehensive Guide
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
Yes, you can trade Shiny Event Pokémon in Pokémon GO, but there are several important factors to understand before attempting to do so. While it’s possible to exchange these highly sought-after creatures with friends, it comes with specific limitations, costs, and rarity considerations. This guide will break down the intricacies of trading Shiny Event Pokémon, offering you a complete understanding of the process.
The Basics of Trading Event Pokémon
Event Pokémon are special creatures distributed during specific game events, often sporting unique moves, costumes, or other distinguishing characteristics. These Pokémon are typically more difficult to obtain than regular wild Pokémon, making them highly desirable among trainers.
Event Pokémon can be traded with friends, but they are restricted from being traded via the Global Trade System (GTS) or Wonder Trade, which are features found in the main series Pokémon games. This limitation is primarily due to the unique nature and rarity of event Pokémon. A special ribbon is often attached to prevent such trades.
Trading Event Pokémon, especially Shiny versions, comes with significant Stardust costs, influenced by both your Friend Level and whether the recipient already has that Pokémon registered in their Pokédex. The cost skyrockets when Shiny versions are involved, making it essential to plan your trades strategically.
Understanding Shiny Pokémon
Shiny Pokémon are extremely rare variations of Pokémon, sporting a different color palette from their standard counterparts. The odds of encountering a Shiny in the wild are typically very low. When an event features a Pokémon that can appear as a Shiny, it becomes even more coveted. Obtaining a Shiny Event Pokémon is often the most challenging task for many Pokémon GO players.
Trading Mechanics for Shiny Event Pokémon
Trading Shiny Pokémon, event or otherwise, falls under the special trade category in Pokémon GO. This means that it’s subject to certain restrictions and significantly higher Stardust costs compared to regular trades.
Stardust Costs
The Stardust cost for trading a Shiny Event Pokémon is influenced by the following factors:
- Friend Level: The higher your friendship level with the trade partner, the lower the Stardust cost. The levels are:
- Good Friends (lowest level): Highest Stardust cost
- Great Friends: High Stardust cost
- Ultra Friends: Moderate Stardust cost
- Best Friends: Lowest Stardust cost
- Pokédex Registration: If neither trainer has the Shiny version of the Event Pokémon registered in their Pokédex, the cost is dramatically higher. This encourages building a friendship before trading rare Pokemon.
For example, trading a Shiny Event Pokémon that both trainers already own might cost as little as 80,000 Stardust at the Ultra Friends level. However, if neither trainer has the Shiny registered, the cost can soar to 1,000,000 Stardust at the same level, a vast difference.
Limitations and Considerations
- One Special Trade Per Day: You are limited to one special trade per day, encompassing Shiny, Legendary, and Pokémon not already registered in your Pokédex. This limitation must be considered when planning trades.
- No Shadow Pokémon: Shadow Pokémon, regardless of their Shiny status, cannot be traded. This prevents the trading of Shadow forms received from Team Rocket battles.
- Mythical Pokémon (Except Meltan): Mythical Pokémon, such as Celebi, Darkrai, and Deoxys, are also generally not tradeable. The exception is Meltan.
- Double Trades are Prohibited: Once a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again, and cannot be traded back to its original trainer. This reinforces the permanent nature of trades.
Rarity and Value of Shiny Event Pokémon
Shiny Pokémon are already rare, and their availability during specific events makes them particularly challenging to acquire. This rarity, compounded by the limitations on trades and the high Stardust costs, contributes to their significant value. Some trainers focus on collecting these rare Pokémon, viewing them as trophies that signify dedication and perseverance.
Shiny Odds and Event Rates
The standard Shiny encounter rate in Pokémon GO is roughly 1 in 500. However, during events, these rates can be increased, especially for event-specific Pokémon. While these boosted rates can reach as high as 1 in 62.5 for some raids, they are still challenging to encounter.
Not all event Pokémon are available as Shiny variations. Many events do not have the possibility of a Shiny variant, which can make those that are, all the more desirable. Understanding the specifics of each event will inform you on how to increase your chances of acquiring a particular Shiny.
FAQs: Trading Shiny Event Pokémon
1. Can you trade any Event Pokémon?
Yes, almost all Event Pokémon can be traded with friends, excluding Mythical Pokémon (except Meltan) and Shadow Pokémon.
2. How much Stardust does it cost to trade a Shiny Event Pokémon?
The Stardust cost varies based on Friend Level and Pokédex registration. Costs range from 40,000 Stardust to 1,000,000 Stardust, with the highest cost when neither trainer has the Shiny registered.
3. Is it possible to get a Shiny Event Pokémon?
Yes, Shiny Event Pokémon are possible, but they are rare. Their availability depends on specific event conditions.
4. Are Shiny Event Pokémon more valuable than regular Shinies?
Yes, Shiny Event Pokémon are generally considered more valuable due to their limited availability and the challenge in obtaining them.
5. Can I trade a Shiny Event Pokémon if I just caught it?
Yes, you can trade a newly caught Shiny Event Pokémon as long as you adhere to the usual trading rules, like the stardust costs.
6. Do Lucky Pokémon appear when trading Shiny Event Pokémon?
Yes, there is a chance that a trade of a Shiny Event Pokémon can result in a Lucky Pokémon.
7. Can I trade a Shiny Event Pokémon with someone who doesn’t have it?
Yes, you can trade a Shiny Event Pokémon to a friend even if they don’t have it registered in their Pokédex, but it will cost a large amount of stardust.
8. Can you trade Shiny Shadow Pokémon?
No, Shiny Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO.
9. Can I get a Shiny from in-game trades?
No, in-game trades are preset and cannot result in a Shiny Pokémon.
10. What happens if you trade a Shiny in-game?
In-game trades are not true “trades” in the player-to-player sense, and they cannot be a shiny, the Pokémon received is preset.
11. Does trading Shiny Event Pokémon affect their stats?
No, trading does not affect the stats of a Shiny Event Pokémon, except for the IV reroll.
12. Why can’t Mythical Pokémon be traded?
Mythical Pokémon are often central to game events and stories, which is why Mythical Pokémon are restricted from being traded, as they are considered too powerful or special. Meltan is an exception.
13. Is it worth keeping a 0-star Shiny Shadow Pokémon?
Shadow Pokémon, even with low stats, can be powerful because of the Shadow bonus. It’s a strategy decision based on what you want to use the Pokémon for.
14. Are there boosted Shiny odds in Event Pokémon?
Yes, some events do have boosted Shiny encounter rates, often significantly increasing the chances of finding a Shiny version of an Event Pokémon.
15. Can trading Shiny Pokémon increase my odds of finding Shiny Pokémon?
No, trading a Shiny does not influence your odds of encountering other Shiny Pokémon. The odds are determined by the game’s encounter mechanics, not by ownership or trading history.
Conclusion
Trading Shiny Event Pokémon is a complex but rewarding process within Pokémon GO. Understanding the mechanics, costs, limitations, and rarity of these creatures is vital for any serious collector. While the challenges of obtaining and trading these Pokémon may be substantial, they contribute to their value and desirability. By following these guidelines and planning strategically, you can effectively engage in the trading community and hopefully add some rare and exciting additions to your collection.