Why Can’t My Friend Trade Me a Shiny?
The frustration is real: you’ve finally found someone willing to part with a coveted shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO, but the trade won’t go through! Several reasons could be preventing you from completing this exchange. The most common culprits include friendship level restrictions, stardust costs, Pokédex registration, trade eligibility of the specific Pokémon, and proximity requirements. Let’s break down each of these potential roadblocks.
Understanding the Trade Restrictions in Pokémon GO
Friendship Level is Key
First and foremost, your friendship level with the other trainer plays a crucial role. While you only need to be “Good Friends” to initiate trades, certain Pokémon, including shinies and legendaries, often require a higher friendship level to reduce the steep stardust cost. Aim for Ultra Friends or Best Friends to significantly lower the stardust expenditure, making the trade more feasible. Remember, increasing your friendship level takes time and interaction, such as gifting, battling together, or participating in raids.
The Stardust Price Tag
The next hurdle is the stardust cost. Trading a shiny Pokémon, especially one that you don’t already possess in your Pokédex, can be incredibly expensive. The cost can range from tens of thousands to a million stardust, depending on your friendship level and whether you both already own the shiny. To avoid sticker shock, coordinate with your friend to reach a higher friendship level before attempting the trade. Keeping an eye out for Stardust boost events can also help alleviate the financial burden.
Pokédex Registration Matters
Another critical factor is whether you already have the Pokémon registered in your Pokédex. If neither of you has the standard version of the shiny Pokémon in your Pokédex and you are trading a shiny, the stardust cost is significantly higher. Before you attempt the trade, consider trading a normal version of that Pokémon (if possible) to lower the stardust cost of the shiny.
Is the Pokémon Tradeable?
Certain Pokémon are simply untradeable. Mythical Pokémon like Mew, Celebi, and others obtained through Special Research cannot be traded under any circumstances. Additionally, any Pokémon that has already been traded once cannot be traded again. This restriction is in place to prevent abuse and maintain the integrity of the game.
Proximity is Paramount
Finally, you and your friend must be physically close to each other to initiate a trade. Pokémon GO requires players to be within a certain distance of each other in the real world to facilitate trading. This feature prevents long-distance or remote trading, encouraging in-person interaction.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Shiny Pokémon Trading
1. What friend level do I need to trade a shiny Pokémon?
While you can technically trade at the “Good Friends” level, it’s highly recommended to reach Ultra Friends or Best Friends to significantly reduce the stardust cost.
2. How much stardust does it cost to trade a shiny Pokémon?
The stardust cost varies greatly depending on your friendship level and whether both trainers have the Pokémon registered in their Pokédex. It can range from 40,000 stardust (Best Friends, both have the shiny registered) to 1,000,000 stardust (Good Friends, neither has the shiny registered).
3. Can I trade a shiny Mew?
No, Mythical Pokémon like Mew are untradeable.
4. Are all shiny Pokémon tradeable?
Most shiny Pokémon are tradeable, but Mythical Pokémon and Pokémon that have already been traded once are exceptions.
5. Does the IV of a shiny Pokémon change when traded?
Yes, the IVs (Individual Values) of a Pokémon are randomized when traded. The original stats will not stay the same. This adds an element of risk and excitement to trading.
6. Can I trade a shiny Pokémon with someone far away?
No, Pokémon GO requires you to be physically near the other trainer to trade.
7. What happens if I trade a shiny to someone who already has it?
The trade will proceed as normal, assuming all other requirements are met. The stardust cost will be lower if both trainers have the shiny registered in their Pokédex.
8. Can I trade a shiny shadow Pokémon?
Yes, shiny shadow Pokémon can be traded, but the same rules regarding friendship level, stardust cost, and Pokédex registration apply.
9. Is trading a shiny considered a special trade?
Yes, trading a shiny Pokémon is considered a special trade. You are limited in the amount of special trades you can conduct in a day. This limit also applies to legendary Pokémon and Pokémon that are new Pokédex entries for either trainer.
10. Can I trade a shiny Pokémon I received in a trade?
No, a Pokémon that has been traded once cannot be traded again.
11. Why is trading shiny Pokémon so expensive?
The high stardust cost reflects the rarity and value of shiny Pokémon. This system is designed to prevent abuse and encourage players to build strong friendships before engaging in such valuable trades.
12. What are the shiny locked Pokémon?
Certain Pokémon are specifically coded to never appear as shiny in the game. This is often the case for event-exclusive Pokémon or Mythicals. As of the current moment these are: Victini, Keldeo, Meloetta, Hoopa, Volcanion, Cosmog, Cosmoem, Magearna.
13. If I’m having issues with Pokémon GO in general, where can I find more information about how the game works?
The Games Learning Society (GamesLearningSociety.org) focuses on the educational applications and deep mechanics of games and may provide further insights into the game’s design and player behavior.
14. Will the shiny stay shiny when traded?
Yes, the shiny status remains when a Pokémon is traded.
15. Should I trade perfect IV Pokémon?
Trading perfect IV Pokémon is not recommended, as the IVs get re-rolled.
By understanding these restrictions and planning ahead, you can increase your chances of successfully trading those coveted shiny Pokémon with your friends in Pokémon GO! Remember to prioritize building friendship levels, be mindful of the stardust cost, and always double-check if the Pokémon is tradeable. Good luck, trainers!