Unlocking Legendary Trades in Pokémon GO: A Comprehensive Guide
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Yes, trading Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO absolutely qualifies as a Special Trade. This means that these trades come with specific requirements and considerations that differ from your run-of-the-mill Pokémon swaps. Get ready to dust off that Stardust and cultivate those friendships, because legendary trading is a whole different ball game!
What Makes a Trade “Special” in Pokémon GO?
Before diving deeper into the specifics of Legendary Pokémon trades, let’s clarify what distinguishes a Special Trade from a regular one. Several factors can elevate a trade into the “Special” category:
- Pokémon Not Already in Your Pokédex: This is a big one. If you’re receiving a Pokémon that’s entirely new to your collection, it triggers a Special Trade. This includes Pokémon you’ve never caught, evolved, or hatched before.
- Legendary Pokémon: As mentioned earlier, Legendary Pokémon always require a Special Trade. Their rarity and power demand extra considerations.
- Shiny Pokémon: Those coveted, differently-colored variants also fall under the Special Trade umbrella. Shiny Pokémon are highly sought after, and trading them reflects that.
- Pokémon with Unique Forms: This can be a bit more nuanced. It includes Pokémon with forms that you haven’t registered in your Pokédex, such as Unown (with its various letter forms), costumed Pikachu (like those from events), Alolan forms, and Castform’s weather-dependent forms.
These distinctions impact the Stardust cost associated with the trade, as well as other limitations that we will cover later on.
The Unique Requirements and Considerations for Trading Legendary Pokémon
Trading Legendary Pokémon is more than just clicking a button. There are some restrictions:
- Friendship Level: You must be at least Good Friends with the person you’re trading with. This means you’ll need to have interacted with them in-game (gifting, battling, trading, etc.) for at least one day. Higher friendship levels (Great, Ultra, and Best Friends) significantly reduce the Stardust cost of the trade.
- Stardust Cost: Brace yourself. Trading a Legendary Pokémon, especially if it’s new to your Pokédex, can be very expensive. The exact cost depends on your friendship level and whether either trainer does not have the Pokémon registered. Trading with a Best Friend significantly reduces the cost of a special trade.
- One Special Trade Per Day (Usually): Typically, you’re limited to one Special Trade per day. However, Niantic sometimes offers events that temporarily increase this limit, allowing for more Special Trades within a 24-hour period. Keep an eye on Pokémon GO news and announcements for these opportunities.
- Proximity: You must be physically close to the person you’re trading with. Pokémon GO doesn’t allow for long-distance trading. The range has varied based on real world events, but it is not unlimited.
- Shadow Pokémon Cannot be Traded: As of 2019, Shadow Pokémon can no longer be traded. This is important to remember if you were hoping to get rid of any undesirable Shadow Pokemon through trades.
Why are Legendary Trades Special?
The Special Trade system in Pokémon GO exists to preserve the value and rarity of certain Pokémon. Legendary Pokémon are powerful, sought-after, and play a crucial role in the game’s lore. By imposing restrictions on their trading, Niantic ensures that they remain special and not easily distributed. The Games Learning Society explores the impact of game mechanics on player behavior, a dynamic vividly displayed in Pokémon GO’s trading system. More information about this can be found at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Planning Your Legendary Trades for Success
Knowing the rules is only half the battle. Here’s how to maximize your Legendary trading experience:
- Prioritize Friendship: Level up your friendship with the person you plan to trade with before attempting the trade. Reaching Best Friends status will dramatically reduce the Stardust cost, saving you a substantial amount.
- Communicate and Coordinate: Discuss which Legendary Pokémon you and your trading partner need. This helps to avoid unnecessary trades and ensures that both of you get what you’re looking for.
- Stardust Management: Stardust is a valuable resource in Pokémon GO. Save up your Stardust in advance of your planned trade. Avoid unnecessary power-ups or other Stardust-intensive activities in the days leading up to the trade.
- Take Advantage of Events: Keep an eye out for events that increase the number of Special Trades allowed per day. This is a great opportunity to complete multiple Legendary trades in a short period.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Legendary Trading
1. Can you trade Mythical Pokémon?
Yes, Mythical Pokémon can be traded, but only under specific circumstances. Usually, Mythical Pokémon obtained through Special Research tasks (like Meltan) can be traded. They will be considered Special Trades, following the same rules as Legendary Pokémon.
2. Is Meltan a Special Trade?
Yes, since Meltan is classified as a Mythical Pokémon, any trade involving it is considered a Special Trade.
3. Can you trade a Legendary Pokémon more than once?
You can receive the same Legendary Pokémon multiple times through trading, but each trade will still count as a Special Trade and be subject to the daily limit.
4. What happens if I don’t have enough Stardust for a Special Trade?
If you don’t have enough Stardust, you won’t be able to complete the trade. The game will prevent you from initiating the trade if you lack the necessary resources.
5. Does a Lucky Pokémon trade count as a Special Trade?
No, a Lucky Pokémon trade is separate from a Special Trade. You can have a Lucky Trade that is also a Special Trade (like trading a Legendary that is also Lucky).
6. Can Ultra Friends trade Legendaries?
Yes, Ultra Friends can trade Legendaries. However, the Stardust cost will be higher than for Best Friends. It’s still significantly less than trading with Good or Great Friends.
7. Can there be multiple of the same Legendary Pokémon?
Yes, in Pokémon GO, it is entirely possible to have multiple of the same Legendary Pokémon. You can catch them during raids, events, or trade for them with other trainers.
8. Can you trade a Shadow Legendary?
No, Shadow Pokémon, including Shadow Legendary Pokémon, cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. This restriction was implemented to prevent abuse of the trading system.
9. Is trading a purified Pokémon a special trade?
Trading a Purified Pokémon only counts as a Special Trade if you have not registered that particular Pokémon in your Pokedex.
10. Does Ditto count as a special trade?
No, Ditto does not automatically count as a Special Trade unless you have never caught one before and it will be registered to your Pokedex for the first time.
11. Why can’t I trade my Legendary Pokémon?
The most common reasons why you can’t trade a Legendary Pokémon are: you are not at least Good Friends with the other trainer, you have already completed your Special Trade for the day, you don’t have enough Stardust, or you are not physically close enough to the other trainer. Shadow Pokémon also cannot be traded.
12. How do you guarantee a Lucky Trade?
The only way to guarantee a Lucky Trade is to become Lucky Friends with another trainer. This happens randomly when you reach Best Friends status with them. Once you’re Lucky Friends, your next trade with that person is guaranteed to result in Lucky Pokémon.
13. Can I trade a Pokémon back to the person I received it from?
Yes, you can trade a Pokémon back to the person you received it from, but it will still count as a trade for both of you. If it falls under the Special Trade category, it will also consume your daily Special Trade.
14. Can you bypass the special trade limitations in Pokémon GO?
Unfortunately, there is no legitimate way to bypass the Special Trade limitations in Pokémon GO. Any attempts to do so using third-party software or methods are likely to violate the game’s terms of service and could result in penalties.
15. Does the IV of a Pokémon change when you trade it?
Yes, the IVs (Individual Values) of a Pokémon are randomized when you trade it. This means the Pokémon you receive will have different stats than the Pokémon that was sent. Lucky Pokémon have guaranteed high IV floor.
Conclusion: Mastering the Art of Legendary Trading
Trading Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a rewarding experience that allows you to build your collection, strengthen your friendships, and engage with the game in new ways. By understanding the rules, planning your trades carefully, and managing your resources wisely, you can become a master of Legendary trading and unlock the full potential of this exciting feature. So go out there, connect with your fellow trainers, and start trading those legendary creatures!