Understanding Pokémon Trading in Pokémon GO
Pokémon trading in Pokémon GO is a crucial mechanic that enhances your gameplay experience, allows you to complete your Pokédex, and strengthens your Pokémon by increasing their friendship levels. To trade effectively, understanding the mechanics behind trading, as well as some key strategies, will enhance your chances for successful exchanges.
Basics of Trading
Before engaging in trades, familiarize yourself with the fundamental mechanics of Pokémon trading. Trading requires two players, each with their own Pokémon GO account. To initiate a trade, players must be physically near each other—within approximately 100 meters.
Starting a Trade
- Open Pokémon GO: Launch the app and ensure you’re logged into your account.
- Find Your Trading Partner: Approach another player who you wish to trade with.
- Access the Friend List: Tap on the “Friends” icon, select your trading partner, and choose the “Trade” option.
- Select Pokémon: Each player can choose which Pokémon they want to trade, focusing on those that are rarer or duplicates.
Types of Trades
Trading can be divided into several categories:
- Standard Trade: Basic trading that does not incur special costs.
- Special Trade: This includes trading Legendary, Shiny Pokémon, or Pokémon not in your Pokédex. Special trades are limited to one per day and require Stardust.
Understanding these categories is important, as the Stardust costs can vary significantly based on the Pokémon being traded.
Stardust Costs
Each trade comes with an associated Stardust cost. The more valuable or rare the Pokémon, the higher the cost. Here’s a quick breakdown of potential Stardust costs:
- Common Pokémon: 100 Stardust
- Uncommon Pokémon: 800 Stardust
- Legendary or Shiny Pokémon: 20,000 Stardust
Managing your Stardust is imperative for successful trading, as you’ll need it to complete special trades.
Tips for Successful Pokémon Exchanges
Plan Your Trades
Before you even meet your trading partner, determine which Pokémon you want to exchange. Planning ahead can save time and ensures each player gets what they’re hoping for. Creating a checklist of desired Pokémon can streamline this process.
Evaluate Pokémon IVs
Individual Values (IVs) determine a Pokémon’s potential. When trading, pay attention to the IVs to ensure that you receive high-quality Pokémon. You can assess IVs using various apps or websites or by assessing the CP and HP in-game, providing a rough indication of their strength.
Use Good Friends or Best Friends
Trading with friends who have a higher friendship level reduces the Stardust cost of trading. The Friendship tiers are:
- Good Friend: 20% discount
- Great Friend: 25% discount
- Ultra Friend: 33% discount
- Best Friend: 50% discount
Optimizing your trading partner’s friendship level before a trade is wise to minimize Stardust expenses.
Best Pokémon for Trading
When trading, prioritize the following Pokémon types:
- Regional Pokémon: These are only available in specific areas. Trading for these can significantly enhance your Pokédex.
- Shiny Pokémon: If you have spare Shinies, they can be a good trade choice as they are highly sought after.
- High IV Pokémon: Keep an eye out for Pokémon with high IVs to bolster your own collection.
How to Trade Legendaries and Shinies
The process for trading Legendary and Shiny Pokémon is straightforward, but takes more planning due to their high Stardust costs. If you want to trade a Legendary Pokémon, wait until you have enough Stardust saved up, or trade during events offering discounts.
Special Trade Opportunities
Engaging in special trade opportunities that Niantic hosts can lead to unique Pokémon. Keep an eye on the game’s events, as trading opportunities for exclusive Pokémon arise often during these periods.
Utilizing the Poké Ball Plus
The Poké Ball Plus can enhance trading experiences. This accessory allows you to earn additional candy while walking as well as transfer Pokémon more efficiently. Ensure you connect it to your device ahead of time and use it to keep your gameplay experience fluid.
Walking with Pokémon for Better Trades
Walking with your Pokémon can increase your friendship level, which is essential for receiving lower costs during trades. The faster you develop your friendship, the more trade advantages you’ll unlock.
Take Advantage of Community Days
Community Days are a prime opportunity to catch and trade Pokémon with unique move sets. Use these days strategically to catch duplicates of special Pokémon and increase the quality of trades with friends.
Monitoring Trade Evolutions
Certain Pokémon evolve with trades, such as Machoke into Machamp. Keep this in mind when negotiating trades, as you can help each other by evolving Pokémon during this exchange process.
Organizing Trading Events
Consider organizing local trading events with fellow trainers. This could be during Pokémon GO Meetups or local gatherings, where multiple players can trade and share Pokémon knowledge, fostering community interaction.
Additional Trading Strategies
- Don’t Hesitate: If a trade opportunity arises for a Pokémon you need, do it. Waiting often results in missing out on good opportunities.
- Stay Informed: Join online forums or social media groups to stay updated on trading trends and people looking to trade certain Pokémon.
- Maintain Fairness: Aim for fair trades that benefit both parties. Some Pokémon have limited availability, making equal value assessments crucial.
Remembering Trade Limits
Each player has a daily limit of one Special Trade. Planning trades efficiently can maximize your opportunities, especially if you’re aiming to complete your Pokédex with Pokémon that are difficult to catch or evolve.
By understanding the intricacies of trading in Pokémon GO, harnessing the power of friendships, and strategically planning your trades, you can significantly improve both your Pokémon collection and gaming experience.
