Does Trading Count as Catching in Pokémon GO? The Definitive Guide
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The short answer is: no, trading in Pokémon GO does not count as catching a Pokémon for most in-game purposes. While trading is a valuable and exciting feature, it’s crucial to understand its limitations, particularly regarding quests and challenges that require you to “catch” specific Pokémon. This comprehensive guide delves into the intricacies of trading, its benefits, and how it interacts with various game mechanics to provide you with a complete understanding of the system.
Trading in Pokémon GO: What You Need to Know
Trading was introduced to Pokémon GO as a way for players to interact and help each other, fulfilling the core concept of community that the Pokémon franchise is built upon. It allows you to exchange Pokémon with friends, potentially obtaining species that are rare in your region or have desirable stats. However, it’s not a direct substitute for catching Pokémon in the wild.
The Nuances of Catching vs. Trading
The distinction between catching and trading is important because many in-game features rely specifically on the act of catching. Here are some key areas where this difference matters:
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Special Research Tasks: Many Special Research tasks require you to catch specific Pokémon. Trading for these Pokémon will not fulfill these requirements. You must find and catch them yourself in the wild or through encounters.
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Field Research Tasks: Similar to Special Research, Field Research tasks often involve catching particular Pokémon types or species. Trading will not advance progress on these tasks.
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Medals and Achievements: Some medals are specifically tied to catching Pokémon of certain types (e.g., “Catch 1000 Fire-type Pokémon”). Trading for these types does not contribute to your medal progress.
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Ditto Encounters: Catching a Ditto is often a challenging quest. Trading for a Ditto will not count toward completing the quest, as you have to catch Ditto yourself disguised as another Pokemon.
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Pokedex Completion: While trading can help fill gaps in your Pokedex by obtaining Pokémon you haven’t seen before, it doesn’t contribute to any “catch all X Pokemon” challenges, since it doesn’t technically count as catching.
The Benefits of Trading: Beyond “Catching”
While trading doesn’t substitute for catching, it offers several significant advantages:
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Obtaining Region-Exclusive Pokémon: Some Pokémon are only available in specific geographic regions. Trading is the primary way to obtain these Pokémon if you don’t travel.
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Improving Pokémon IVs (Potentially): While IVs are randomized during a trade, there’s a chance for the traded Pokémon to have better stats than before, especially with higher friendship levels.
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Lucky Pokémon: Trading offers the chance to receive a Lucky Pokémon. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up and are more likely to be strong in battle, making them a valuable asset.
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Distance Trading Bonus: Trading Pokémon caught far apart (at least 100km) awards bonus Candy. This is a great way to stock up on Candy for Pokémon that are difficult to find in your local area.
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Friendship Level Boost: Each trade increases your friendship level with the other player, unlocking benefits like increased damage in raids and discounted Stardust costs.
Trading Mechanics: A Closer Look
Understanding the mechanics of trading is crucial for maximizing its benefits:
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Stardust Cost: Trading requires Stardust, and the cost varies depending on your friendship level and the Pokémon being traded. Shinies and Legendaries cost more Stardust, especially if you don’t already have them registered in your Pokedex.
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Friendship Level: Higher friendship levels reduce the Stardust cost of trading and increase the chance of receiving a Lucky Pokémon.
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Trade Distance: You must be physically close to the person you are trading with (within a limited range) for the trade to occur.
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Pokémon Limitations: Certain Pokémon, like Mythical Pokémon, cannot be traded.
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IV Reroll: When a Pokémon is traded, its IVs are randomly rerolled. The range of possible IVs is influenced by your friendship level. Best Friends have a higher chance of receiving Pokémon with better IVs.
FAQs: Your Trading Questions Answered
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to further clarify the ins and outs of trading in Pokémon GO:
1. Can I trade a Shiny Pokémon to complete a “Catch a Shiny” task?
No. A “Catch a Shiny” task requires you to personally encounter and catch the Shiny Pokémon. Trading will not satisfy this requirement.
2. Does trading count towards the “Catch X Pokémon of a specific type” medals?
No, trading Pokémon does not count toward medals for catching a particular type of Pokémon.
3. What happens to the CP and HP of a Pokémon when it’s traded?
The CP and HP of a Pokémon will change when it is traded, and a range of potential outcomes is displayed before you confirm the trade. IVs are re-rolled, directly influencing CP and HP.
4. Is it possible to trade a 100% IV Pokémon and keep its perfect stats?
No. The IVs are always re-rolled during a trade. There is no guarantee that a 100% IV Pokémon will remain perfect after being traded.
5. Does trading for a Legendary Pokémon count if I don’t have it in my Pokedex?
Yes, you can trade for a Legendary Pokémon even if you don’t have it in your Pokedex. However, it will be considered a “special trade,” which requires more Stardust and can only be done once per day (for most friendship levels).
6. What is a Lucky Pokémon, and how do I get one?
A Lucky Pokémon requires less Stardust to power up and appears with a shimmery effect. They are obtained randomly when trading Pokémon. Higher friendship levels increase the chance of receiving a Lucky Pokémon.
7. Can I trade a Mythical Pokémon?
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, and Melmetal cannot be traded.
8. What is the maximum distance I can be from someone to trade with them?
The trade distance is limited. You must be in close physical proximity to the person you are trading with. Niantic periodically adjusts the trade distance for special events.
9. How does friendship level affect trading?
Higher friendship levels reduce the Stardust cost of trades, increase the chance of receiving Lucky Pokémon, and increase the potential IV range of traded Pokémon.
10. What are the Stardust costs for trading different types of Pokémon?
The Stardust cost depends on your friendship level and the type of Pokémon being traded. Regular Pokémon are the cheapest, followed by new Pokedex entries, Shiny Pokémon, and Legendary Pokémon.
11. Can I trade Pokémon caught in other games (e.g., Pokémon Let’s Go)?
No, trading is restricted to Pokémon caught within Pokémon GO.
12. What happens if I trade a Pokémon with a costume?
Pokémon with costumes can usually be traded, but they will still count as “special trades” that require more Stardust. There are limited exceptions for certain event Pokemon.
13. Does trading help me complete my Pokedex?
Yes, trading can help you obtain Pokémon that you haven’t caught before, filling entries in your Pokedex. This is especially useful for regional exclusives.
14. Is there a limit to how many times I can trade in a day?
There are no hard limits on the number of regular trades you can perform per day. However, special trades (Shiny, Legendary, or new Pokedex entries) are usually limited to one per day.
15. Does evolving a Pokemon I received via trade count towards evolution tasks?
Yes, evolving a Pokémon you received through trading does count toward evolution tasks.
Conclusion: Trading is Valuable, but Not a Catch-All
While trading is an excellent feature in Pokémon GO, it’s essential to understand its limitations. It’s a fantastic way to obtain rare Pokémon, improve stats, and build friendships, but it doesn’t replace the core gameplay mechanic of catching Pokémon. Trading for species you have to catch will not fulfill Research tasks, Special Research tasks, or medal requirements that specify catching. So, get out there, explore, and keep catching those Pokémon! Consider further exploring game-based learning at GamesLearningSociety.org.