Decoding the Trade Routes: A Comprehensive Guide to Pokémon GO Trading Rules
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So, you’re looking to swap some pocket monsters in Pokémon GO? Trading is a fantastic way to fill your Pokédex, obtain Pokémon with better stats, and even snag some Lucky Pokémon. But before you start sending those requests, it’s crucial to understand the intricate rules that govern this social feature. Trading in Pokémon GO isn’t as simple as just tapping a button; it involves specific requirements, limitations, and nuances that can significantly impact your trading experience.
Here’s the lowdown:
The core rules for trading in Pokémon GO revolve around several key elements:
- Trainer Level: You must be at least Level 10 to unlock the trading feature. This prevents newer players from being overwhelmed and safeguards against potential abuse.
- Friendship Level: Trading requires you to be friends with the person you’re trading with in the game. The higher your friendship level, the lower the Stardust cost for trading (more on that later!).
- Proximity: Both trainers must be physically within 100 meters of each other in the real world. This emphasizes the social aspect of the game and prevents long-distance trading.
- Tradeable Pokémon: Not all Pokémon are eligible for trading. Mythical Pokémon, Pokémon that have already been traded once, Shadow Pokémon, and Pokémon currently acting as your Buddy or defending a Gym are off-limits.
- Stardust Cost: Trading consumes Stardust, the in-game currency. The amount of Stardust required depends on your friendship level with the other trainer, as well as the rarity and novelty of the Pokémon being traded. Trading Pokémon that are not already registered to one trainer’s Pokédex increases the cost. Shiny and Legendary Pokemon are very expensive if one trainer does not own that specific Shiny or Legendary.
- Daily Limit: You are limited to making a maximum of 100 trades per day. This limit is in place to prevent excessive trading and maintain the game’s balance.
- Trade Evolution Considerations: Some Pokémon, after being traded, become eligible for a Trade Evolution. Pokémon like Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, and Haunter can evolve without using Candy after they’ve been traded. This can be a huge boon for saving resources.
Diving Deeper: Understanding the Nuances of Trading
The Pokémon GO trading system isn’t just a simple exchange; it has layers of complexity.
Friendship Levels and Stardust Costs
Your friendship level plays a crucial role in determining the Stardust cost for trades. The higher your friendship level (Good Friend, Great Friend, Ultra Friend, Best Friend), the lower the Stardust cost. This incentivizes players to build strong in-game relationships. Trading with a Best Friend will drastically reduce the cost for trading a Legendary or Shiny Pokémon.
Special Trades vs. Standard Trades
There are two main types of trades: Standard Trades and Special Trades. Standard Trades involve Pokémon that both players already have registered in their Pokédex. Special Trades involve Pokémon that are new to one of the players’ Pokédex, shiny Pokémon, or legendary Pokémon. Special Trades are limited to one per day per player.
The Mystery of IV Re-Rolls
When you trade a Pokémon, its Individual Values (IVs) are randomly re-rolled. This means that a Pokémon with perfect IVs (100% IV) could become significantly weaker after being traded, and vice-versa. This adds an element of chance to trading, as you never know what the final stats of the Pokémon will be. It’s crucial to remember this if you’re trading for competitive reasons. Games Learning Society has some interesting articles about the element of chance in games that can be found at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/.
Lucky Pokémon: A Trade-Induced Miracle
Sometimes, when you trade Pokémon, both Pokémon involved in the trade can become Lucky Pokémon. Lucky Pokémon require significantly less Stardust to power up, making them incredibly valuable. The longer a Pokémon has been in storage, the higher the chance that it will become a Lucky Pokémon when traded. Becoming Lucky Friends with another trainer guarantees that your next trade will result in Lucky Pokémon.
The Immutability of Trades
Once a trade is completed, it is permanent. You cannot undo or reverse a trade. Also, a Pokémon that has been traded cannot be traded again. So, think carefully before you commit!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Trading in Pokémon GO
Here are some of the most common questions about Pokémon GO trading, answered in detail:
1. Why can’t I trade a particular Pokémon?
Several factors could be preventing you from trading a Pokémon. Is the Pokémon a Mythical Pokémon, a Shadow Pokémon, your Buddy Pokémon, or currently defending a Gym? Has it already been traded? These Pokémon are all ineligible for trade.
2. What happens to the IVs when I trade a Pokémon?
The IVs of a Pokémon are randomly re-rolled when it is traded. This means that the Attack, Defense, and HP stats will change after the trade is complete.
3. How much Stardust does trading cost?
The Stardust cost depends on your friendship level with the other trainer and whether you already have the Pokémon registered in your Pokédex. Trading Pokémon that are new to your Pokédex, shiny Pokémon, or legendary Pokémon will cost more Stardust.
4. Can I trade with someone who lives far away?
No. Trading requires you and the other trainer to be physically within 100 meters of each other. Spoofing can allow trainers to trick the game into thinking they are closer than they are, although spoofing goes against the game’s rules and could potentially result in a ban.
5. How do I become Lucky Friends with someone?
After reaching Best Friends status with another trainer, there’s a small chance of becoming Lucky Friends each day when you interact with them (e.g., opening gifts, battling together, trading). Once you are Lucky Friends, your next trade is guaranteed to result in Lucky Pokémon.
6. What are the benefits of having Lucky Pokémon?
Lucky Pokémon require significantly less Stardust to power up, making them a cost-effective way to build strong teams.
7. Can I trade a Shiny Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Shiny Pokémon, but be prepared to pay a higher Stardust cost, especially if the other trainer doesn’t already have that Shiny Pokémon in their Pokédex.
8. Can I trade a Legendary Pokémon?
Yes, you can trade Legendary Pokémon, but like Shiny Pokémon, they come with a higher Stardust cost.
9. How many trades can I do in a day?
You can make a maximum of 100 trades per day.
10. Can I get my traded Pokémon back?
No, trades are permanent and irreversible. Once a Pokémon is traded, it cannot be traded back to you.
11. Can I trade the same Pokémon multiple times?
No, a Pokémon can only be traded once. After it has been traded, it cannot be traded again.
12. Does the level of the Pokémon change when it’s traded?
The level of the Pokémon does not change when traded. However, as mentioned earlier, the IVs are re-rolled.
13. What happens if I trade a Pokémon that can evolve by trading?
If you trade a Pokémon that can evolve through trading (like Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, or Haunter), it becomes eligible for Trade Evolution. This means you can evolve it without spending any Candy.
14. Are there any risks associated with trading?
The main risk is the re-rolling of IVs. You could potentially trade away a Pokémon with great stats and receive a Pokémon with worse stats in return.
15. What are “spoofing” and how do I report it?
“Spoofing” refers to the use of third-party apps or methods to falsify your GPS location. This can be used to bypass the proximity requirement for trading and other gameplay aspects. Spoofing is against the game’s Terms of Service. You can report suspected spoofers to Niantic through their support channels.
Trading in Pokémon GO is more than just a simple feature. It’s a social activity interwoven with strategic decision-making. By understanding the rules and nuances of trading, you can maximize your benefits and enhance your overall Pokémon GO experience. Remember to trade wisely, build friendships, and have fun!