The Fate of Fortune: Do Lucky Pokémon Stay Lucky When Transferred?
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Alright, Trainers, let’s cut right to the chase. You want to know if that shimmering, stardust-saving Lucky Pokémon will retain its blessed status when you send it off to another trainer via trade. The definitive answer is: Yes, Lucky Pokémon remain Lucky even after being traded. The Luck, once bestowed, sticks like glue!
Now, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty, shall we? Because while the core answer is simple, the world of Pokémon Go is anything but. We’re talking about probabilities, friendship levels, and a whole lot of stardust. So, grab your Poffins and buckle up.
The Core Mechanics of Lucky Pokémon
Before we delve deeper into trading mechanics, let’s quickly recap what makes a Lucky Pokémon so darn desirable in the first place. Lucky Pokémon require significantly less stardust to power up. This is a game changer, especially when you’re aiming to max out those formidable raid attackers or PvP powerhouses. Additionally, Lucky Pokémon are guaranteed to have higher IVs (Individual Values) than average, making them even more potent.
Lucky Pokémon are typically acquired through trading. The older the Pokémon being traded, the higher the chance of them becoming Lucky. This “age” mechanic adds another layer of strategy to trading, as holding onto older Pokémon can become quite valuable. However, this isn’t the only way! Sometimes, you’ll get lucky (pun intended) from a research encounter or a raid.
Trading and Lucky Pokémon: What You Need to Know
The crucial factor for a Lucky Pokémon’s status is that its Luck is tied to the Pokémon itself, not the trainer who owns it. Once a Pokémon becomes Lucky, that characteristic remains regardless of who possesses it. This means you can confidently trade away your Lucky Pokémon without fear of it reverting to its normal state. Think of it like a digital stamp of approval – once it’s there, it’s there for good.
This mechanism is vital for building strong teams and helping friends fill out their Pokédex. It creates a thriving community of players willing to share their fortunate finds. It’s a cornerstone of the social aspect of the game.
Deep Dive: Exploring the Nuances
While the answer regarding whether Lucky Pokémon retain their status is straightforward, the conditions surrounding Lucky Pokémon, trades, and best friends add layers of complexity. The game’s algorithms can be obscure, and understanding how each factor interacts with the others can optimize your gameplay. Let’s explore the questions that players often ask about Lucky Pokémon and their trade implications.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Lucky Pokémon
Here’s a detailed look at the most common questions surrounding Lucky Pokémon and trading. We will cover various aspects related to friendship level, stardust cost, guaranteed lucky trades, and other essential points.
1. Does friendship level affect the chances of a Pokémon becoming Lucky during a trade?
Yes! A higher friendship level increases the odds of Pokémon becoming Lucky during a trade. Best Friends have the highest chance, followed by Ultra Friends, Great Friends, and then Good Friends.
2. Does the age of both Pokémon involved in the trade impact the chance of becoming Lucky?
Yes, the age of both Pokémon matters, though the older the older Pokémon, the better. Both Pokémon have an effect on the odds of becoming Lucky. The game seems to weigh the older of the two significantly more, but the age of the other still contributes.
3. What is a Guaranteed Lucky Trade, and how do I get one?
A Guaranteed Lucky Trade occurs when at least one of the trainers involved has fewer than 25 Lucky Pokémon in their Pokédex. The first 25 trades between trainers who meet this condition will result in guaranteed Lucky Pokémon. This can be a great way to secure high-IV Pokémon. There is also another type of guaranteed lucky trade. If you have a Pokemon from July or August of 2016, the game guarantees that the next trade you conduct with it will produce a Lucky Pokemon.
4. If I trade a Lucky Pokémon to someone, and they trade it back, will it still be Lucky?
Absolutely! As we established, the Lucky status remains constant through multiple trades. If it’s Lucky to begin with, it’ll remain Lucky.
5. How much stardust does it cost to trade a Lucky Pokémon?
The stardust cost depends on your friendship level with the trainer and whether the Pokémon is already in their Pokédex. Lucky status itself doesn’t directly influence the stardust cost of trading.
6. Can Mythical Pokémon become Lucky through trades?
No, Mythical Pokémon (such as Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan, Melmetal, Zarude) cannot be traded, so they cannot become Lucky through this method.
7. Can Shadow Pokémon be traded to become Lucky?
Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded. Therefore, they cannot become Lucky via trading. You’ll have to purify them first (which also changes their IVs), then trade them.
8. Is there a limit to how many Lucky Pokémon I can have?
No, there’s no limit to the number of Lucky Pokémon you can collect. Catch ’em all, and trade ’em all!
9. Can purified Pokémon become Lucky through trades?
Yes! Purified Pokémon can become Lucky through trades, just like regular Pokémon. Remember, however, that trading a purified Pokemon will remove the Return charge move.
10. If a Pokémon becomes Lucky during a trade, will its IVs always be perfect?
While Lucky Pokémon have higher IVs than average, they are not guaranteed to be perfect (100% IVs, also known as “hundo”). They are guaranteed to have a floor of 12/12/12 in each stat, rather than the 0/0/0 that is possible with wild or research encounter Pokemon. The IVs are rerolled upon the trade occurring.
11. What are the visual cues that indicate a Pokémon is Lucky?
Lucky Pokémon are easily identifiable by the shimmering golden effect surrounding them in your Pokémon storage, and the Lucky icon displayed on their profile.
12. Does the size of the Pokémon (XS or XL) affect its chances of becoming Lucky?
No, the size of the Pokémon (XS or XL) does not influence its chances of becoming Lucky during a trade.
13. Are there any events that increase the odds of Lucky Trades?
Yes, Niantic occasionally hosts events that boost the chances of Lucky Trades, so keep an eye on official announcements. These events often coincide with Community Days or other special occasions.
14. If I trade a Pokémon that knows a Community Day exclusive move, will it keep that move after it becomes Lucky?
Yes, the Pokémon will retain its Community Day exclusive move after becoming Lucky. This is tied to the specific Pokémon and isn’t affected by the trade.
15. Where can I learn more about the math behind trading, friendship bonuses, and other aspects of Pokémon Go?
The Pokémon Go community is incredibly resourceful! There are numerous websites, forums, and dedicated research groups that delve into the game’s mechanics. One great resource is the Games Learning Society, which explores the educational aspects of gaming and its community. You can visit their website at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Final Thoughts
Trading Lucky Pokémon is a core mechanic in Pokémon Go, contributing to both the social aspect and the depth of gameplay. Knowing the ins and outs can significantly improve your experience and strengthen your team. So, get out there, trade strategically, and may the odds be ever in your favor when it comes to finding those shimmering, stardust-saving Lucky Pokémon! Now, go forth and become the very best, like no one ever was!