Can You Trade the Same Pokémon Twice in Pokémon GO? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is a resounding no. Once a Pokémon has been traded in Pokémon GO, it becomes permanently untradeable. That means you cannot trade the same Pokémon twice. Think of it as a one-way street; once a Pokémon leaves your account through a trade, it cannot be traded again, either back to you or to another trainer. This fundamental rule significantly impacts trading strategies within the game and is crucial for every trainer to understand.
Why Can’t You Trade a Pokémon More Than Once?
Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, implemented this limitation to prevent abuse and maintain a healthy ecosystem. Imagine the chaos if trainers could repeatedly trade the same high-IV (Individual Value) or shiny Pokémon to multiple accounts. This could lead to imbalances in gameplay and severely devalue the effort invested in catching and training Pokémon. The “one trade only” rule ensures that trading remains a strategic decision with lasting consequences. It forces trainers to think carefully about which Pokémon they are willing to part with.
Understanding the Implications of the One-Trade Rule
This rule has several vital implications that affect how you approach trades:
- Irreversible Decisions: Once a trade is completed, there’s no going back. Make sure you’re comfortable with your decision before confirming.
- Value Considerations: Carefully assess the value of the Pokémon you’re trading, not just in terms of its stats but also its potential use in battles or as a rare collectible.
- Strategic Planning: Plan your trades strategically to maximize your benefits, whether you’re seeking to complete your Pokédex, improve your Pokémon’s IVs through rerolling, or build up Catch Combos for a specific Pokémon.
- Trust and Communication: Clear communication with your trading partner is paramount, especially for Special Trades involving rare or powerful Pokémon.
Factors Influencing Trading Decisions
Several factors can influence your trading decisions. These are critical to remember:
- Friendship Level: Higher Friendship Levels unlock better trading bonuses, such as reduced Stardust costs and increased chances of becoming Lucky Friends.
- Pokémon Rarity: The rarer the Pokémon (e.g., Legendary, Shiny), the more valuable it is in a trade, but such trades are categorized as Special Trades.
- Pokémon Age: Trading Pokémon caught long ago increases the chance of both Pokémon becoming Lucky.
- Individual Values (IVs): While IVs are rerolled during a trade, aiming for higher IVs can significantly improve a Pokémon’s performance in battles.
- Pokédex Entry: Trading Pokémon you haven’t caught before adds them to your Pokédex, which is a primary goal for many trainers.
- Distance: Trading Pokémon caught in different geographical locations can award extra Candies, useful for powering up that Pokémon.
Optimizing Trades for Lucky Pokémon
One of the most exciting aspects of trading is the potential for Lucky Pokémon. These Pokémon require less Stardust to power up and often have higher IVs.
- Lucky Friends: The best way to get Lucky Pokémon is by becoming Lucky Friends. This occurs randomly with Best Friends when interacting (e.g., opening gifts, battling together). The next trade with a Lucky Friend is guaranteed to result in Lucky Pokémon for both trainers.
- Older Pokémon: Trading Pokémon caught over a year ago significantly increases the chance of them becoming Lucky.
Mirror Trading: A Risky but Popular Strategy
Mirror trading involves trading the same Pokémon species with the hope of rerolling the IVs. While this strategy carries risk, it is common among trainers looking to improve their Pokémon. You might trade a Pokémon with poor IVs for one of the same species with much better IVs. While effective for the Pokémon, it could be argued the best strategy is one that does not create a trade for the same Pokémon.
Pokémon That Cannot Be Traded
Keep in mind, specific Pokémon cannot be traded at all:
- Mythical Pokémon: Celebi, Darkrai, Deoxys, Diancie, Genesect, Mew and others cannot be traded.
- Shadow Pokémon: As of now, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded, presumably to prevent abuse involving powerful shadow bonuses.
- Pokémon Assigned as Buddies or Defending Gyms: A Pokémon actively assigned as your Buddy or defending a Gym cannot be traded.
- Pokémon Obtained Illegally: Pokémon acquired through hacking or spoofing are flagged and cannot be traded.
- Eggs: You cannot trade eggs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Trading in Pokémon GO
1. Can I trade back a Pokémon if I regret the trade?
No, once a Pokémon is traded, it’s permanent. You cannot trade it back to the original owner.
2. What is a Special Trade, and how many can I do per day?
A Special Trade involves Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon, Pokémon not registered in your Pokédex, or Pokémon with special forms (like Alolan or Galarian). You can only conduct one Special Trade per day.
3. Does trading the same Pokémon multiple times increase the chances of getting a Lucky Pokémon?
No, simply trading the same Pokémon repeatedly doesn’t affect the base chance of getting a Lucky Pokémon. However, having one of the Pokémon be older increases the odds.
4. Can a Shiny Pokémon become Lucky when traded?
Yes! A Pokémon can be both Shiny and Lucky. This is a highly desirable outcome for many trainers.
5. How do I become Lucky Friends with someone?
After reaching Best Friends status, there’s a small chance of becoming Lucky Friends when interacting with each other daily (opening gifts, battling, etc.). The next trade will then result in Lucky Pokémon.
6. Can I trade Shadow Pokémon to purify them for better stats?
No, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded. This rule prevents abuse and potential exploitation of the purification mechanic.
7. What happens to the IVs of a Pokémon when it’s traded?
The IVs (Individual Values) of a Pokémon are rerolled during the trade. This means the Pokémon’s stats will change.
8. Is it better to trade with a high-level trainer or a low-level trainer?
The trainer’s level doesn’t directly affect the outcome of the trade. However, higher-level trainers often have more experience and better Pokémon to trade.
9. What are the benefits of trading Pokémon caught far away from each other?
Trading Pokémon caught in different geographical locations can award extra Candies, which can be useful for powering up or evolving that Pokémon.
10. What is mirror trading, and is it worth the risk?
Mirror trading is trading the same species of Pokémon to reroll the IVs. It’s risky because you might end up with worse IVs, but it can be worthwhile if you’re seeking better stats.
11. How many times can I trade in a day?
While there is a limit of 100 trades per account per day, keep in mind the limitation on Special Trades.
12. Can I trade Mythical Pokémon like Mew or Celebi?
No, Mythical Pokémon like Mew and Celebi cannot be traded.
13. Can I improve a Pokémon’s appraisal by evolving or powering it up?
No, evolving or powering up a Pokémon does not improve its appraisal. Only purifying a Shadow Pokémon will improve its appraisal.
14. Is it worth keeping a 0-star Pokémon?
A 0-star Pokémon is relatively rare. Some players keep it for the novelty, while others transfer it once they get a better one.
15. What are the risks of mirror trading?
The primary risk of mirror trading is that you have no active control over the trade being carried out. It’s difficult to know if we can trust them because the algorithm is being used to carry them out. This means there’s no guarantee you’ll receive a Pokémon with better IVs than the one you traded.
Concluding Thoughts
Trading is a fantastic feature in Pokémon GO that adds depth and strategy to the game. Understanding the rules, particularly the “one trade only” limitation, is crucial for making informed decisions and maximizing the benefits of trading. Whether you’re striving for Lucky Pokémon, completing your Pokédex, or optimizing your team for battles, strategic trading is essential. Now you know for certain; you cannot trade the same Pokémon twice in Pokémon GO. Always remember to communicate with your trading partners, plan your trades wisely, and enjoy the experience!
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