Trading Titans: A Comprehensive Guide to Trading Pokémon in Black 2 & White 2
So, you’re ready to dive back into the Unova region and experience the thrill of trading Pokémon in Black 2 or White 2? Excellent! The core process is straightforward: Once you’ve progressed past the initial stages of the game, specifically after beating the first Gym, you can access the Union Room in any Pokémon Center. Head upstairs and speak to the lady in the center to connect to Nintendo WFC, trade with local friends, and obtain your Pal Pad. From there, you exchange Friend Codes, register each other in your Pal Pads, and initiate trades through the Union Room. But that’s just the beginning. Let’s delve deeper into the nuances of trading, explore related features, and answer some burning questions you might have.
Unleashing the Power of Trading in Unova
Trading Pokémon isn’t just about acquiring new creatures for your team; it’s a strategic element of the game. It allows you to obtain version-exclusive Pokémon, complete your Pokédex, evolve certain Pokémon that only evolve through trading, and even leverage Pokémon with hidden abilities. Let’s break down the process step-by-step.
Gearing Up for Trading
Before you can engage in the exhilarating world of trading, you need to meet a few prerequisites:
- Progress Beyond the First Gym: This is your initial hurdle. Overcome the challenges of the first Gym and prove your mettle as a trainer.
- Obtain the Pal Pad: This is crucial for exchanging Friend Codes. The lady in the center of the Union Room will connect you to the Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection for the first time and grant you the Pal Pad.
- Register Friend Codes: Talk to your friends and exchange your respective Friend Codes.
The Union Room: Your Trading Hub
The Union Room, located on the second floor of any Pokémon Center, is your gateway to both local and online trades.
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Local Trades: If your friend is nearby and also has a copy of Black 2 or White 2, you can trade directly with them in the Union Room. Simply coordinate with your friend, enter the Union Room, and select the “Trade” option.
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Online Trades: While the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service for DS games is discontinued, there are fan-made alternatives like Wiimmfi that allow you to trade online. Set up your Nintendo DS to connect to these services. After this, register each other with the Pal Pad.
Initiating and Completing the Trade
Once you and your friend are both in the Union Room, follow these steps:
- Speak to Your Friend: Initiate a conversation with the player you wish to trade with within the game.
- Propose a Trade: The option to trade should appear as you talk to them.
- Select Pokémon: Choose the Pokémon you want to offer for the trade.
- Review the Offer: Both players must review the proposed trade before confirming.
- Confirm the Trade: Once both parties are satisfied, confirm the trade, and the Pokémon will be exchanged.
Evolving Through Trade
Some Pokémon, like Haunter, Kadabra, Machoke, and Graveler, require trading to evolve. This adds a fun layer of cooperation and trust to the game. Trade these Pokémon to a friend, and they will evolve into Gengar, Alakazam, Machamp, and Golem, respectively. You’ll need to coordinate with your friend to trade the evolved Pokémon back to you, if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about trading in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2:
1. Can I still trade in Black 2 and White 2?
Yes, you can still trade, but the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection service is discontinued. You will need to set up your Nintendo DS to connect to private server alternatives, such as Wiimmfi, in order to trade online. Local trades are still functional.
2. Can I trade between Pokémon Black 2 and Black?
Absolutely! You can trade between Pokémon Black, White, Black 2, and White 2.
3. When can I start trading in Black 2?
You can begin trading after beating the first Gym.
4. How do I unlock trading in Black and White 2?
After beating the first gym, head to the Pokémon Center and speak to the woman in the middle, on the second floor.
5. Can I trade with friends locally in Pokemon Black and White 2?
Yes, you can trade with friends locally via the Union Room in any Pokemon Center.
6. Can I transfer Pokémon from Black 2 to Pokémon Home?
Yes, but it’s a multi-step process. You will need to first transfer your Pokemon to Pokemon Black or White, then to Pokemon Bank. After this, you can transfer your Pokemon from Pokemon Bank to Pokemon Home.
7. How do I transfer Pokémon from Black 2 to another DS game?
You cannot directly transfer to another DS game except for Black or White. If you want to transfer to Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, or SoulSilver, you will need to transfer them to Black or White first, using the Poke Transfer Lab.
8. What are Friend Codes, and how do I use them?
Friend Codes are unique identifiers that allow you to connect with other players online. You obtain these through your Pal Pad within the game. Exchange them with your friends, register them in your Pal Pad, and then you can trade online with them.
9. What Pokémon cannot be traded?
Generally, any Pokémon that has been flagged as illegitimate by the game’s anti-cheating systems cannot be traded. Also, you can’t trade Pokémon from Black 2 or White 2 directly to newer generation games. You have to use Pokémon Bank and Pokémon Home to transfer.
10. Is trading necessary to complete the Pokédex in Black 2 and White 2?
While not strictly necessary, trading makes completing the Pokédex significantly easier, as it allows you to obtain version-exclusive Pokémon.
11. What are the advantages of trading in Pokémon Black 2 and White 2?
Trading allows you to acquire version-exclusive Pokémon, evolve certain Pokémon, and build stronger, more diverse teams.
12. Can you get Gigalith without trading in Black 2 and White 2?
Yes! On Route 7, a man in a house will trade you his Gigalith for your Emolga. Emolga can also be found on Route 7.
13. Why are Black 2 and White 2 so expensive?
Black 2 and White 2 are expensive due to their relative scarcity and high demand among collectors and players.
14. What happens if the trade gets interrupted during the process?
If a trade is interrupted, the game will typically revert to the state before the trade began. You might lose temporary progress, but you shouldn’t lose any Pokémon permanently.
15. What’s the best way to find someone to trade with online, considering the official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection is down?
Explore online Pokémon communities, forums, and Discord servers dedicated to Black 2 and White 2. Many players are actively using fan-made servers like Wiimmfi to trade and battle.
Beyond Trading: The Enduring Appeal of Pokémon
Trading is just one facet of the rich and rewarding Pokémon experience. The series continues to captivate players of all ages with its blend of exploration, strategy, and socialization. With the ongoing contributions of organizations such as Games Learning Society, we can continue to deepen our understanding of how games enrich our lives. Learn more about the role of games in education at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Embrace the spirit of adventure, build your dream team, and forge unforgettable memories in the Unova region and beyond! Happy trading, trainers!