How to trade pokémon in Pokémon Go

How to trade Pokemon in Pokemon Go on iOS and Android.

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Quick steps

Quick steps

How to trade in Pokémon Go

How to trade in Pokémon Go

Pokémon Go requires you to go outside and find Pokémon situated in real-world locations. However, you likely won’t be able to catch every one if you stay in your local area.

That’s where trading comes in, which allows you to exchange creatures with a nearby friend in order to get your hands on the creatures you need.

Tools and Requirements

Trading in Pokémon Go is important, especially when you consider that some Pokémon can only evolve when you trade. However, there are a few hoops you’re going to need to jump through to make it happen.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to swap Pokémon with a friend. It won’t require a Link-Cable like in the days of Pokémon Red and Blue, however, it will require a friend and some spare Stardust.

Steps

Final thoughts

Trading is a key part of Pokémon’s identity, and it’s no different in Pokémon Go. This is a powerful tool in rounding out your Pokedex but also in getting Pokémon you may need for leveling.

One thing to keep in mind is that trading is influenced by theFriendship Levelyou have with the other player, affecting everything from the variance in their stats to how much the trade costs. So, if at all possible, trade with the people you have the highest Friendship Level with.

Also worth noting is that you can do up to100 trades in a day, but only one can be aspecial trade. These are trades involving Legendary, Shiny, or unregistered Pokémon (Pokémon not currently in your Pokedex).

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You’re now equipped with what you need to know about making trades happen, so get out into the world and find new creatures to send to your friends and family.

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Patrick Dane is TechRadar Gaming’s Guides Editor. With nearly a decade in the games press, he’s been a consistent voice in the industry. He’s written for a plethora of major publications and travelled the world doing it. He also has a deep passion for games as a service and their potential to tell evolving stories. To wit, he has over 2000 hours in Destiny 2, over 1000 in Overwatch and is now deeply into Valorant.

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