Decoding the Trading Times: When Can You Trade in Pokemon Black and White 2?
So, you’ve got your hands on Pokemon Black 2 or White 2, itching to bolster your team with some sweet trades? You’re probably wondering, “When can I finally start trading Pokemon?” The answer is sooner than you might think! You can begin trading as soon as you reach the first Pokemon Center, which happens very early in the game.
Specifically, after receiving your starter Pokemon from Professor Juniper and progressing through the initial tutorial sequences in Aspertia City, you’ll reach the Pokemon Center. Upon entering, you’ll be guided through a brief introduction to its facilities. Once that’s done, you’re good to go! You can trade with friends locally or, with some additional setup (more on that later), over the internet. This early access to trading allows you to quickly diversify your team and gain access to Pokemon you might not otherwise encounter until much later in your adventure.
Diving Deeper into Pokemon Black and White 2 Trading
While the ability to trade is unlocked early, there are nuances to understand to make the most of the trading system. The Pokemon Center’s Global Trade System (GTS) and Wifi Club offer different trading experiences, and certain Pokemon might be unavailable for trade until you’ve progressed further in the story. This makes early trades even more valuable, as you can potentially acquire Pokemon that will give you a significant advantage in the early game.
Understanding the requirements for each trading method will help you become a more efficient and successful trainer. Let’s explore some common questions related to trading in these iconic games.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trading in Pokemon Black and White 2
Here are 15 FAQs to address all your burning questions about trading in Pokemon Black and White 2:
1. Where exactly do I go to trade in Pokemon Black and White 2?
You’ll conduct trades primarily within the Pokemon Centers. Talk to the nurse at the counter on the right to access the Union Room for local trades. For online trades via the GTS or Wifi Club, you’ll use the machines located upstairs in the Pokemon Center. Remember that the online services for the DS games are no longer officially supported by Nintendo.
2. Can I trade Pokemon immediately after receiving my starter?
Yes, as soon as you visit the first Pokemon Center after receiving your starter Pokemon and completing the tutorial, you can access the trading features.
3. What are the different methods of trading in the game?
There are two main methods:
- Local Wireless Trading: Trading with friends who are physically nearby using the DS’s wireless communication. This happens in the Union Room inside the Pokemon Center.
- Online Trading: This method involves trading with players over the internet using the GTS (Global Trade System) or the Wifi Club. Note that official Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection services are discontinued.
4. How do I trade Pokemon locally?
Go to the Union Room in the Pokemon Center. Ensure both you and your friend are in the Union Room simultaneously. Then, talk to each other’s characters in the game to initiate a trade.
5. How do I trade Pokemon online using the GTS?
The GTS is located upstairs in the Pokemon Center. After accessing it, you can deposit a Pokemon you want to trade and request a specific Pokemon in return. Or, you can search for Pokemon that other players are offering. Keep in mind that the original Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection services are no longer active. Setting up an alternative connection is required.
6. How do I trade Pokemon online using the Wifi Club?
The Wifi Club, also located upstairs in the Pokemon Center, allows you to trade and battle with friends. It’s similar to the Union Room but for online play. Similar to GTS, Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection services are discontinued, so an alternative connection method is needed.
7. Are there any Pokemon that can’t be traded?
Generally, all Pokemon can be traded. However, some Pokemon might be restricted until you obtain certain items or reach a specific point in the game. Event-exclusive Pokemon or Pokemon obtained through glitches might also be problematic to trade.
8. Do I need a specific item to trade?
No, you don’t need any specific item to initiate a basic trade. However, items can be held by Pokemon during trades, allowing you to exchange items alongside Pokemon.
9. Can I trade eggs in Pokemon Black and White 2?
Yes, you can trade Pokemon eggs. This can be a useful way to obtain Pokemon with specific natures or abilities early in the game.
10. What is the DNS exploit for online trading in Pokemon Black and White 2?
Since Nintendo’s official Wi-Fi services are no longer available for DS games, the DNS exploit is a workaround used to connect to fan-run servers that replicate the original online functionality. You’ll need to change your DS’s DNS settings to point to these community servers. Search online for current and reliable DNS server addresses for Pokemon Black and White 2.
11. Will trading affect my Pokemon’s level or stats?
Trading itself doesn’t directly affect a Pokemon’s level or stats. However, traded Pokemon gain experience at a slightly faster rate than Pokemon caught in the wild, which is a bonus. Also, if a Pokemon requires high friendship to evolve and is traded, its friendship will reset, potentially affecting its evolution.
12. Can I trade Pokemon between Black and White 2 and other Pokemon games?
You can only trade directly between Pokemon Black 2 and White 2, as well as with the original Pokemon Black and White. Trading with games from different generations (e.g., Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, HeartGold, SoulSilver, X, Y, Omega Ruby, Alpha Sapphire, Sun, Moon, Ultra Sun, Ultra Moon) requires the use of the Pokemon Transporter and Pokemon Bank services (for transferring to later generations).
13. Is it possible to evolve Pokemon through trading in Black and White 2?
Yes, certain Pokemon evolve when traded, such as Haunter evolving into Gengar, Kadabra evolving into Alakazam, Machoke evolving into Machamp, and Graveler evolving into Golem.
14. What happens if I trade a Pokemon holding an item?
The Pokemon will be traded along with the item it’s holding. This is a convenient way to exchange items with other players.
15. Are there any risks involved in trading?
The primary risk is trading with untrustworthy individuals online. Be cautious about trading valuable Pokemon with strangers, as there’s a small chance they might disconnect during the trade or offer unfair trades. Otherwise, the trading system itself is safe to use.
The Power of Trading: More Than Just Swapping Pokemon
Trading in Pokemon Black and White 2 is more than just a means to complete your Pokedex. It fosters a sense of community, allows for strategic team building, and even enhances the learning experience. Think about it: players need to negotiate, understand the value of different Pokemon, and even learn about game mechanics to effectively trade. This aligns with the goals of organizations like the Games Learning Society, who explore the educational potential of games. You can explore more about their mission and research at GamesLearningSociety.org.
Trading is a cornerstone of the Pokemon experience. So, jump into Pokemon Black and White 2, connect with other trainers, and start building your dream team! Remember to be patient, be courteous, and most importantly, have fun!