Long-Distance Trading in Pokémon GO: A Complete Guide
Trading Pokémon with friends is a core feature of Pokémon GO, allowing players to exchange creatures, complete their Pokédex, and acquire powerful Pokémon with better stats. While initially limited to local trading, Niantic introduced long-distance trading, opening up a world of possibilities for trainers worldwide. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about long-distance trading in Pokémon GO.
What is Long-Distance Trading?
Long-distance trading allows you to trade Pokémon with friends, even if they’re not physically near you. Unlike local trading, which requires trainers to be within 100 meters of each other, long-distance trading enables exchanges with friends located anywhere globally (with some limitations).
Requirements for Long-Distance Trading
To participate in long-distance trading, you must fulfill several criteria:
- Trainer Level: Both trading partners must be at least Trainer Level 10.
- Friendship Level: You need to be at least Good Friends with the person you want to trade with.
- Stardust Cost: Long-distance trades require significantly more Stardust than local trades, with the cost varying depending on factors like the Pokémon being traded, Special Trades, and Friendship Level.
Stardust Costs for Long-Distance Trading
Understanding Stardust costs is crucial for planning long-distance trades. Here’s a general overview:
- Standard Pokémon: Trading common Pokémon long-distance requires more Stardust than local trades.
- Legendary, Shiny, or Pokémon not registered in your Pokédex: These are considered Special Trades and have substantially higher Stardust costs.
- Friendship Level: Higher Friendship Levels offer reduced Stardust costs for long-distance trades. Best Friends and Lucky Friends enjoy the most significant discounts.
How to Initiate a Long-Distance Trade
Follow these steps to initiate a long-distance trade:
- Open your Friends List.
- Select the friend you want to trade with.
- Tap the Trade button.
- Choose the Pokémon you want to trade.
- Confirm the trade details, including the Stardust cost.
- Your friend will receive a trade request and must confirm the details on their end.
- Once both parties agree, the trade is complete.
Benefits of Long-Distance Trading
Long-distance trading offers several advantages:
- Completing your Pokédex: Trade for region-exclusive Pokémon or Pokémon you haven’t encountered locally.
- Obtaining powerful Pokémon: Trade for Pokémon with higher IVs or desirable movesets. Learn more about the best movesets in Pokemon GO.
- Building stronger friendships: Trading strengthens bonds with friends, leading to increased Friendship Levels and further trade benefits.
Limitations of Long-Distance Trading
While long-distance trading offers significant flexibility, some limitations exist:
- Stardust Cost: Special Trades, particularly involving Legendary or Shiny Pokémon, can have steep Stardust costs.
- One Special Trade per Day: You can only complete one Special Trade per day, regardless of your Friendship Level.
- Friendship Requirement: You cannot trade with trainers who are not on your Friends List or with whom you have a low Friendship Level.
Tips for Long-Distance Trading
Maximize the benefits of long-distance trading with these tips:
- Build strong friendships: Higher Friendship Levels reduce Stardust costs and increase the chances of Lucky Trades.
- Coordinate with your trading partner: Discuss desired Pokémon and IVs before initiating a trade to avoid disappointment.
- Consider IVs and movesets: Trading can significantly impact a Pokémon’s stats. Use IV checkers and moveset guides to ensure you are getting a good deal.
- Be mindful of Special Trades: Plan your Special Trades carefully, as you are limited to one per day. Prioritize valuable Pokémon that will significantly benefit your team.
- Check your Pokemon GO IV chart to understand the potential of the Pokemon you are trading.
Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friends
Two key elements can enhance long-distance trading: Lucky Pokémon and Lucky Friends.
- Lucky Pokémon: A Lucky Pokémon has guaranteed high IVs (12/12/12 minimum) and requires less Stardust to power up. The chance of a trade becoming Lucky increases with the age of the Pokémon being traded.
- Lucky Friends: Becoming Lucky Friends with another trainer guarantees that the next trade between you will result in both Pokémon becoming Lucky Pokémon. Learn more about lucky eggs and how they can further benefit your gameplay.
Trading and Shadow Pokémon
Trading Shadow Pokémon can be beneficial, as the purification cost is reduced by 10% for each trade. This can make it more affordable to purify valuable Shadow Pokémon with desirable stats.
Conclusion
Long-distance trading in Pokémon GO has revolutionized the way trainers interact and build their collections. By understanding the requirements, costs, and limitations, you can effectively utilize this feature to complete your Pokédex, acquire powerful Pokémon, and strengthen your friendships within the Pokémon GO community.