How does trading work in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Like every mainline Pokémon game, trading is a core mechanic in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Players will need to get past the first part of the tutorial to unlock multiplayer to use this feature, but once they do, they can trade with their friends or random people entirely. These two trading methods can be done at any point and are necessary for getting Pokémon that only evolve through trade. This is how trading works in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet.

How to trade Pokémon online in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

After unlocking multiplayer at the first Pokémon Center that players come across, they will be allowed to trade anything that they have caught. This can be useful in getting Starter Pokémon, so there is little regret when deciding on which starter players choose. There are two ways that players can trade: with any Pokémon in their party or in their boxes. To do this, they must navigate to their menu and enter their Poké Portal.

• Link Trade - This trading method has players set a Link Code to match with one another to trade. Multiple people can use the same Link Code to group together and trade, so you should use a specific code for friends.
• Surprise Trade - This method of trading has players pick a Pokémon to trade and are given one back at random. Once the offer has been made, players will be notified when their Pokémon has been traded and to check what they got.

Related: Which direction to go first in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

Can you trade with your Union Circle in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet

When trying to connect with people grouped in a Union Circle, players can select Link Trade in their menus without entering a Link Code. This will make them connect automatically without setting up multiple codes. In each other's worlds, the exclusive version Pokémon for each person can also appear for each other, adding more incentive to playing with friends.

For more information on the Union Circle, check out How to use the Union Circle in Pokémon Scarlet & Violet on Pro Game Guides.