The easiest way to trade in Pokémon Go

TL;DR

  • Trading requires physical proximity and Trainer Level 10+ for both players
  • Stardust costs range from 100 to 20,000 based on trade type and friendship level
  • Special trades have daily limits but offer friendship-based discounts
  • Mythical Pokémon and previously traded Pokémon cannot be exchanged
  • Candy rewards scale with capture distance between traded Pokémon

Pokemon GO

Filling your Pokedex represents a primary objective for dedicated Pokémon Trainers. Achieving complete collection often necessitates collaboration with fellow players through the trading system. Exchanging creatures in Pokémon Go follows a straightforward procedure that experienced players can complete in just four strategic steps.

A crucial requirement to remember is that Pokémon Go trades exclusively function when two participants are physically near each other. This proximity mandate ensures all exchanges occur face-to-face between Trainers who have reached at least Level 10 in their progression.

While trading mechanics remain accessible, they aren’t without expense. Every transaction demands Stardust payment, with the specific amount fluctuating according to the trade category players select. Special Trades constitute any exchange involving Pokémon absent from your Pokedex, including Shiny variants, Ultra Beasts, legendary creatures, and Pokémon displaying alternate forms missing from your collection, such as costumed Pokémon.

Special Trades operate under a strict 24-hour cooldown period and may require up to 20,000 Stardust. Participants boasting elevated friendship tiers can execute Special Trades at substantially reduced rates.

Pro Tip: Building friendship levels through daily interactions, gift exchanges, and raid participation can slash Special Trade costs by up to 96% at Best Friend status.

The friendship discount structure progresses through four tiers: Good Friends (1 day) offer minimal reduction, Great Friends (7 days) provide noticeable savings, Ultra Friends (30 days) deliver significant discounts, and Best Friends (90 days) maximize cost efficiency. Plan your Special Trades around friendship milestones to conserve valuable Stardust for power-ups and evolutions.

Certain Pokémon remain completely untradeable regardless of circumstances, including mythical specimens like Mew and creatures that have undergone previous trading transactions.

Common Mistake Alert: Many trainers attempt to trade Shadow Pokémon without purifying them first, or try exchanging Pokémon with exclusive moves—both scenarios will result in failed transactions. Always verify a Pokémon’s trade eligibility before initiating the process.

Additionally, traded Pokémon receive a trade counter that prevents them from being exchanged again, creating a permanent ownership record. This restriction encourages thoughtful trading decisions rather than temporary Pokémon circulation.

How to trade in Pokémon Go

Begin by coordinating physical location with your trading partner. Access your Friend List, select the desired friend for trading, and tap the Trade option. While this feature appears for all friends, insufficient proximity triggers an alert stating exchanges only work with nearby companions.

Choose your Pokémon for trade and finalize selection. The interface displays required Stardust amounts alongside candy quantities each participant gains. Candy yields correlate directly with geographical distance between capture locations—Pokémon caught in different countries generate substantially more candy than those captured locally.

Advanced Strategy: For maximum candy farming, coordinate with friends traveling to different regions or countries. A Pokémon caught in Japan and traded for one caught in Brazil could yield 3+ candies versus the standard 1 candy for local trades.

Upon completion, newly acquired Pokémon automatically register in your Pokedex. Successfully traded Pokémon also receive IV (Individual Values) rerolls, potentially transforming mediocre specimens into combat-ready contenders.

Action Checklist

  • Verify both players are Level 10+ and within 100 meters
  • Check friendship level and calculate potential Stardust savings
  • Plan Special Trades around daily cooldown and friendship milestones
  • Coordinate long-distance Pokémon for maximum candy yields
  • Verify Pokémon trade eligibility (non-mythical, not previously traded)

No reproduction without permission:Games Guides Website » The easiest way to trade in Pokémon Go Master Pokémon Go trading with expert strategies for cost reduction, candy maximization, and Pokedex completion