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What are special trades in Pokémon Go?

What exactly is a special trade?

Players can trade Pokémon with friends in Pokémon Go for a small amount of Stardust. Trades will go down in cost with higher friendship levels, which come from interacting with other players in-game (sending gifts, trading Pokémon, battling in raids together, etc). Trading is a reliable way for players to get regional exclusives or event-based shinies that they may not have access to otherwise.

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Some special trades are considered "special trades." A trade is considered special when it meets certain criteria (listed below). The special trades in Pokémon Go will cost more Stardust than normal trades, and players are usually confined to one special trade per day unless there is an event happening at the time of the trade. These trades usually involve rare or valuable Pokémon like legendaries and shiny Pokémon.

Related: Best Druddigon counters and weaknesses in Pokémon Go

Things that count as a special trade in Pokémon Go:

  • Legendary Pokémon
  • Shiny Pokémon
  • Pokémon not registered in your Pokédex (This includes Pokémon with costumes or multiple forms like Unown)

Want to read more about Pokémon Go? Check out Best Movesets for Litleo and Pyroar in Pokémon Go on Pro Game Guides!


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Author
Image of CJ Kuzdal
CJ Kuzdal
CJ is a freelance writer with a passion for modern and retro video games, with an emphasis on RPGs and Pokemon games. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his cat and drinking way too much coffee.