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What happens if I trade a Mega Evolved Pokémon?

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Trading a Mega Evolved Pokémon: What Happens in Pokémon GO?

So, you’re curious about trading a Mega Evolved Pokémon in Pokémon GO? Here’s the straight answer: When you trade a Pokémon that has previously undergone Mega Evolution, the act of trading itself doesn’t directly impact whether or not the Pokémon is in its Mega Evolved state. However, trading it will reset its Mega Level.

This means that the Pokémon you receive will be in its base form, and you’ll need to Mega Evolve it again using Mega Energy. Furthermore, trading a Pokémon in Pokémon GO has lasting implications that may or may not affect your decision. So, understanding the nuances of this process is crucial for any serious Pokémon GO player. Let’s delve into the details and address some common questions.

Understanding Mega Evolution and Trading Mechanics

The Nature of Mega Evolution

Mega Evolution in Pokémon GO is a temporary transformation that significantly boosts a Pokémon‘s stats and sometimes even changes its type. It is a powerful tool for raids, gym battles, and battling against Team Rocket. The duration of a Mega Evolution is typically limited (usually eight hours), after which the Pokémon reverts to its normal form.

How Trading Works in Pokémon GO

Trading in Pokémon GO is a feature that allows players to exchange Pokémon with nearby friends. This is an excellent way to fill your Pokédex, get Pokémon with better stats, or obtain Pokémon that are region-exclusive. However, there are limitations:

  • Distance: You need to be within a certain distance of the player you are trading with.
  • Friendship Level: Higher friendship levels unlock certain bonuses and allow for trading of more powerful Pokémon.
  • Stardust Cost: Trading costs Stardust, with the amount varying based on the Pokémon and your friendship level.
  • Special Trades: Only one Special Trade per day is allowed, encompassing Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon, and Pokémon not already in your Pokédex.

Key Considerations When Trading Pokémon That Have Mega Evolved

Knowing the mechanics, let’s consider what to keep in mind when trading Pokémon that have previously undergone Mega Evolution:

  • Mega Level Reset: Trading a Pokémon will reset its Mega Level. Mega Levels are benefits to the Pokémon that have been Mega Evolved, and the higher the Mega Level, the better the benefits.

  • No Direct Impact on Mega Evolution Status: The act of trading does not automatically trigger a Mega Evolution or prevent it. If a Pokémon has been Mega Evolved previously, that data resets upon trade.

  • Stats Reset: Trading also randomizes the stats of the Pokémon, so the Pokémon you receive will have different IVs (Individual Values) from the Pokémon the other player traded.

  • Mega Energy Still Required: The player receiving the Pokémon will need to expend Mega Energy to Mega Evolve the Pokémon, just as they would if they had caught it normally.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I trade a Pokémon that is currently Mega Evolved?

No, you cannot trade a Pokémon that is currently Mega Evolved. Pokémon must revert to their normal form before they can be traded.

2. Does trading a Pokémon impact its Mega Evolution cooldown?

No, there is no Mega Evolution cooldown. However, remember that Mega Level resets on the traded Pokémon. The new owner has to build it from the beginning.

3. If I trade a Pokémon that has Mega Evolved before, will the recipient receive Mega Energy?

No, the recipient will not receive any Mega Energy through the trade. Mega Energy is obtained through defeating Mega Raid Bosses, completing specific research tasks, or other in-game events.

4. Does the friendship level affect the ability to trade Mega Evolved Pokémon (past evolutions)?

Friendship level impacts your ability to trade Pokémon and reduces the Stardust cost. However, it does not affect the Mega Evolution status.

5. Can I trade a Shiny Pokémon that has Mega Evolved before?

Yes, you can trade a Shiny Pokémon that has Mega Evolved before. However, remember that this counts as a Special Trade for the day.

6. What happens if I trade a Pokémon and then trade it back?

Pokémon GO does not allow trading a traded Pokémon more than once. Once a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again. The trade is permanent.

7. Does Mega Evolution last longer at higher friendship levels?

Friendship level does not directly impact the duration of Mega Evolution. The duration of Mega Evolution is typically set at eight hours from the point you Mega Evolve the Pokémon.

8. Can Shadow or Clone Pokémon Mega Evolve?

No, Shadow Pokémon and Clone Pokémon cannot undergo Mega Evolution.

9. Will trading affect a Pokémon’s move set if it knows a move required for Mega Evolution (like Rayquaza’s Dragon Ascent)?

Trading will not change a Pokémon‘s move set, including moves like Dragon Ascent required for Mega Evolution.

10. Is there a limit to how many times a Pokémon can Mega Evolve after being traded?

There is no limit to how many times a Pokémon can Mega Evolve after being traded. The only limitation is that the new owner must spend Mega Energy to Mega Evolve it each time.

11. If I’ve Mega Evolved a Charizard into Mega Charizard X, will it affect the cost to Mega Evolve it into Mega Charizard Y after a trade?

Once you’ve Mega-Evolved a Charizard, the Mega Energy required for future Mega Evolutions will be reduced, but only for the form you chose. After a trade, the recipient starts fresh.

12. Can I put a Mega Evolved Pokémon in a Gym?

You can battle at Gyms with Mega-Evolved Pokémon, but you cannot leave them at a Gym to defend it.

13. How long does Primal Reversion last, and is it affected by trading?

Primal Reversion, like Mega Evolution, typically lasts for eight hours. The length of Primal Reversion is not affected by trading; it’s always eight hours from the point of reversion.

14. Should I power up my Pokémon before or after Mega Evolving (and potentially trading)?

Mega-Evolved Pokémon can’t be powered up while Mega-Evolved. Their boosted stats are calculated based on their stats in their normal form, so make sure you’ve powered up Pokémon you want to Mega Evolve as much as possible before Mega Evolving them.

15. Where can I learn more about the educational implications of games like Pokémon GO?

To explore how games like Pokémon GO can be integrated into educational settings, check out the Games Learning Society at https://www.gameslearningsociety.org/ or GamesLearningSociety.org. The Games Learning Society offers resources and research on the intersection of games and education.

Conclusion

In summary, while trading a Pokémon doesn’t directly affect the act of Mega Evolution, it does reset the Mega Level. This means the recipient will need to re-establish the Mega Level and expend Mega Energy to Mega Evolve the Pokémon. Understanding these nuances helps you make informed trading decisions in Pokémon GO. Happy trading!

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