- How to Trade Pokémon in Pokémon GO: Tips and Tricks
How to Trade Pokémon in Pokémon GO: Tips and Tricks
Understanding Pokémon Trading in Pokémon GO
Trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a strategic feature that allows trainers to exchange their Pokémon with friends. This vital gameplay aspect facilitates the completion of Pokédex entries, acquiring powerful Pokémon, and obtaining special bonuses. Understanding the ins and outs of trading can significantly enhance your experience in the game.
Setting Up for Trading
Before diving into trading, ensure you have a solid foundation. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Build Your Friend List
Trading requires you to be friends with the person you want to trade with. To grow your friend list:
- In-game, navigate to your friends list.
- Send friend requests by sharing your Trainer Code.
- Engage with your friends by sending gifts or battling together to strengthen friendship levels.
2. Assess Your Pokémon Collections
Evaluate your current Pokémon to determine which are available for trade. Pokémon with high CP, IVs (Individual Values), or those you simply have duplicates of are ideal candidates for trading.
3. Check Your Proximity
To initiate a trade, you need to be within 100 meters of the other trainer. Coordinate with your friend to meet up in a location where both of you can easily access Pokémon GO.
Types of Trades
Understanding different types of trades is crucial. Each type offers unique benefits or limitations:
1. Standard Trades
- Description: Regular trades without any special bonuses.
- Cost: No Stardust Cost if you’re trading Pokémon caught in the same event.
2. Special Trades
- Description: Involves trading Legendary Pokémon, Shiny variants, or Pokémon that have never been registered in each other’s Pokédex.
- Cost: Requires Stardust — typically between 20,000 to 1,000,000 depending on the rarity of the Pokémon.
Trading Tips for Success
1. Utilize Lucky Trades
When two trainers trade a Pokémon that both have, there is a chance to create a “Lucky Pokémon.” Lucky Pokémon have reduced powering-up costs and increased IVs:
- Ensure to trade with a friend who you haven’t traded with recently to trigger this feature.
- Make use of special events, as they may boost the chances of encountering Lucky Trades.
2. Optimize Stardust Use
Stardust is a valuable resource in Pokémon GO:
- Try to limit special trades to avoid high Stardust costs.
- Use regular trades to exchange common Pokémon or duplicates at no cost.
3. Timing is Key
Trade during special events:
- Community Days and Pokémon GO Fest often introduce bonuses to trading.
- Consider trading during events that offer double Stardust for trades to maximize the benefit.
Best Pokémon to Trade
1. Duplicates of High-Value Pokémon
- Focus on strong Pokémon you have rolled multiple times, especially those with high CP and IVs. This helps both parties.
2. Regional Pokémon
Regional Pokémon are often not available globally. Trading these can help complete your Pokédex while aiding friends who might not have access to them.
3. Legendary and Mythical Pokémon
These usually require special trades. Plan accordingly and facilitate trades of such Pokémon with trainers who need them for their collections.
How to Make Effective Trades
1. Use the Trade Interface
- Select the Pokémon you want to trade from your inventory.
- Tap on the trainer’s avatar to initiate the trade.
2. Communicate
Discuss with your trading partner about what each other needs. Clear communication ensures both parties leave satisfied.
Post-Trade Strategies
1. Evaluate New Pokémon
After trading, evaluate the CP and IVs of the new Pokémon. Each trade might result in improved attributes, so keep a close eye on which Pokémon should be powered up.
2. Candy Management
Arkently manage your candy stock. Trading may yield new Pokémon that require candy for evolution or powering up. Ensure you have enough resources.
Frequency of Trades
1. Daily Limits
Pokémon GO allows a certain number of trades per day, typically set at 100:
- Standard trades do not count toward the special trade limit.
- Plan your daily trades to maximize Pokémon acquisition while managing the Stardust investment.
2. Take Advantage of Remote Trading
Since the introduction of remote trading, you can trade with friends without being physically nearby:
- Make sure to strategize with friends ahead of time to maximize your trades.
Common Trading Mistakes to Avoid
- Overestimating Stardust: Ensure you have enough Stardust for the trades you plan.
- Trading Without a Plan: Entering trades without knowing what you want can lead to regrets post-trade.
- Ignoring Lucky Pokémon: Avoid trading Pokémon randomly; instead, aim for potential Lucky trades.
Trading Notifications
Stay informed about Pokémon GO updates that affect trading. Monitoring forums, blogs, and social media will ensure you’re aware of any promotional events that offer trading bonuses or changes to trade mechanics.
Community Engagement
Participate in trading communities both online and offline. Local Pokémon GO groups often organize trading events, enhancing the trading experience. Use platforms like Reddit, Discord, and local social media groups for resources and potential trades.
Trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a rewarding dimension of gameplay that enhances both personal collections and friendships. Utilizing strategies, understanding trade mechanics, and maintaining communication with friends ensures each trade is more than just an exchange—it’s an opportunity for growth and discovery. Make the most of every trade, and keep exploring the vast world of Pokémon!
