Trading Zacian in Pokémon GO: A Stardust Deep Dive
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So, you’re looking to trade a Zacian in Pokémon GO? The Stardust cost can vary wildly depending on a few key factors, primarily your Friendship Level with the person you’re trading with and whether or not they already have Zacian registered in their Pokédex.
Here’s the short and sweet answer:
- Unregistered Zacian: If your trade partner doesn’t have Zacian registered in their Pokédex, be prepared to shell out a significant amount of Stardust. The cost ranges from 1,000,000 Stardust (Good Friends) down to 40,000 Stardust (Best Friends).
- Registered Zacian: If your trade partner does have Zacian registered in their Pokédex, the Stardust cost drops dramatically. Expect to pay anywhere from 20,000 Stardust (Good Friends) to as little as 800 Stardust (Best Friends).
Let’s break this down further and explore all the nuances of trading Zacian (and other Legendaries) in Pokémon GO.
Understanding Stardust Costs for Trading
Stardust is a valuable resource in Pokémon GO, used for powering up Pokémon and performing trades. Trading is a fantastic way to fill out your Pokédex, obtain stronger Pokémon, or even get your hands on a coveted Shiny. However, before you hit that “Trade” button, it’s crucial to understand how Stardust costs are calculated.
Key Factors Affecting Stardust Costs
Several factors determine the amount of Stardust required for a trade:
- Friendship Level: This is the most significant factor. The higher your Friendship Level with the other Trainer, the lower the Stardust cost. Friendship levels are:
- Good Friends: Initial level after becoming friends.
- Great Friends: Achieved after one day of interaction.
- Ultra Friends: Achieved after seven days of interaction.
- Best Friends: Achieved after 30 days of interaction.
- Pokédex Registration: Whether or not the receiving Trainer already has the Pokémon registered in their Pokédex has a massive impact. Unregistered Pokémon cost significantly more.
- Pokémon Type: Legendary and Shiny Pokémon have a higher base Stardust cost than common Pokémon. Mythical Pokemon, like Mew, cannot be traded.
- Event Bonuses: Occasionally, Pokémon GO events offer temporary reductions in Stardust costs for trades.
Stardust Costs for Trading Zacian
Here’s a table summarizing the Stardust costs for trading Zacian, assuming it’s a Legendary and potentially Shiny Pokémon:
| Friendship Level | Registered Zacian (Already in Pokédex) | Unregistered Zacian (Not in Pokédex) |
|---|---|---|
| :————— | :————————————– | :———————————— |
| Good Friends | 20,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Great Friends | 16,000 | 800,000 |
| Ultra Friends | 1,600 | 80,000 |
| Best Friends | 800 | 40,000 |
As you can see, the difference is substantial. Aim to reach Ultra Friends or Best Friends with your trading partner to minimize the Stardust expenditure, especially if they don’t already own a Zacian.
Maximizing Stardust Gains
Since trading Legendaries can be Stardust-intensive, it’s crucial to know how to maximize your Stardust earnings.
Top Stardust Farming Methods
- Catching Pokémon: This is the most basic and consistent method. Weather boosts can increase the Stardust earned from certain Pokémon.
- Hatching Eggs: Higher-rarity eggs (10km, 12km) typically reward more Stardust upon hatching.
- Completing Research Tasks: Special Research and Field Research tasks often offer Stardust rewards.
- Participating in GO Battle League: Even if you don’t win every battle, you’ll earn Stardust for participating.
- Opening Gifts: Gifts from friends can contain Stardust.
- Defeating Team GO Rocket: Grunts, Leaders, and Giovanni all reward Stardust upon defeat.
- Spotlight Hour and Community Day Bonuses: Keep an eye out for events that offer increased Stardust rewards.
Additional Considerations
- Lucky Pokémon: Trading can result in Lucky Pokémon, which require less Stardust to power up. Lucky Pokemon occur at random, though older Pokemon are more likely to be Lucky when traded.
- IVs (Individual Values): Trading reshuffles the IVs of a Pokémon. Therefore, don’t expect a perfect IV Zacian to remain perfect after a trade.
- Mythical Pokémon: Remember that Mythical Pokémon, like Mew, cannot be traded.
FAQs: Trading in Pokémon GO
Here are 15 frequently asked questions to help you navigate the intricacies of trading in Pokémon GO:
1. Can I trade a Zacian for a Zamazenta?
Yes, you can trade a Zacian for a Zamazenta, provided both players meet the trading requirements (level 10 or higher and within trading distance).
2. Does it matter if my Zacian is Shiny?
Yes, if your Zacian is Shiny and the receiving Trainer doesn’t have the Shiny form registered, the Stardust cost will be even higher than trading a standard unregistered Legendary.
3. Can I trade a Pokémon back to the original owner?
No, Pokémon GO does not allow trading a Pokémon more than once. Once a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again.
4. What happens if I don’t have enough Stardust for a trade?
You simply won’t be able to initiate the trade. The game will display an error message indicating insufficient Stardust.
5. Does my Trainer Level affect the Stardust cost?
No, your Trainer Level does not directly affect the Stardust cost of a trade. Only Friendship Level and Pokédex registration matter.
6. Can I trade from anywhere in the world?
No, trades must be conducted within a limited distance of each other.
7. What Pokémon cannot be traded?
Mythical Pokémon (like Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Deoxys, Phione, Manaphy, Darkrai, Shaymin, Arceus, Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Genesect, Diancie, Hoopa, Volcanion, Magearna, Marshadow, Zeraora, Meltan and Melmetal), Pokémon that have already been traded once, and Pokémon flagged as special (such as shadow or purified pokemon unless there is a special in-game event) cannot be traded.
8. Does trading a Ditto count as catching one for a quest?
No, trading for a Ditto does not count towards quests that require you to “catch” a Ditto.
9. Are all traded Pokémon Lucky?
No, only a small percentage of traded Pokémon become Lucky. The chances of a Lucky Trade increase with the age of the Pokémon being traded.
10. Does trading affect a Pokémon’s stats?
Trading rerolls a Pokemon’s IVs (Individual Values). The CP (Combat Power) and level will stay the same but the stats may shift.
11. How do I increase my Friendship Level quickly?
The fastest way to increase Friendship Level is to interact daily: sending gifts, battling together in Raids or Gyms, or engaging in Trainer Battles.
12. What is the benefit of having a higher Friendship Level besides lower Stardust costs?
Higher Friendship Levels also grant attack bonuses during Raids and Gym battles when battling alongside your friend, and allow for trading from further distances (at Ultra and Best Friend levels).
13. Do events ever affect Stardust trading costs?
Yes, Pokémon GO occasionally hosts events that reduce Stardust costs for trading. Keep an eye on in-game announcements.
14. What’s the best way to get a Lucky Pokémon?
The best way to increase your chances of a Lucky Pokémon is to trade older Pokémon (the older the Pokémon, the higher the chance). Also, “Lucky Friends” are guaranteed Lucky Trades.
15. Where can I learn more about the science behind games and learning?
For more information about the intersection of games and learning, you can visit the Games Learning Society website. The GamesLearningSociety.org explores how game mechanics, design principles, and learning theories interact. It’s a fantastic resource for anyone interested in the educational potential of games.
Trading Zacian in Pokémon GO can be a rewarding experience, especially when you understand the intricacies of Stardust costs and Friendship Levels. Plan your trades strategically, maximize your Stardust gains, and enjoy expanding your Pokédex!