Uncover the Secrets of Trading in Pokémon GO from Afar
Trading in Pokémon GO has added a thrilling element to the game, allowing players to exchange Pokémon and complete their Pokédex with the help of friends. However, not everyone can physically meet their friends to trade. Fortunately, there are some methods and tips to make long-distance trading possible in Pokémon GO. In this guide, we’ll uncover the secrets of trading in Pokémon GO from afar, providing a comprehensive look at the process, requirements, and essential tips for a seamless trading experience.
Why Trading Matters in Pokémon GO
Trading in Pokémon GO is more than just swapping creatures; it offers several benefits:
- Completing the Pokédex: Some Pokémon are exclusive to certain regions, making trades essential for collection purposes.
- Improving Stats: Traded Pokémon often receive a bonus to their stats, known as “IVs,” which are critical for battle strength.
- Saving Stardust: Certain trades, like Lucky Trades, reduce the Stardust cost needed for powering up.
Despite these benefits, trading in Pokémon GO has traditionally required close physical proximity. Let’s explore how you can bypass this limitation and make trades from afar.
How to Trade in Pokémon GO
Before diving into trading from a distance, it’s essential to understand how the trading system in Pokémon GO works.
In general, Pokémon GO requires two players to be within 100 meters of each other to initiate a trade. Here’s a quick rundown of the basic steps:
- Open the Friends list in Pokémon GO.
- Select the friend you want to trade with.
- Choose the “Trade” option and wait for both players to confirm the trade.
- Review the Pokémon to be traded and confirm if it meets your requirements.
- Confirm the trade, and it’s done!
However, for those who can’t meet in person, trading may seem out of reach. The next sections provide insights on how to trade Pokémon over long distances.
How to Trade Pokémon GO from Afar
While there’s no official long-distance trading feature, certain workarounds and strategies can help you trade Pokémon with distant friends.
Use Remote Raids and Coordination
The introduction of remote raid passes has allowed players to participate in raids from anywhere. You can join remote raids with your friends, helping to maintain your friendship level and unlock potential trading bonuses, such as Lucky Trades. Although this doesn’t enable trading directly, it increases the chance of getting a Lucky Trade when you eventually meet up.
Coordinate Location-Based Spoofing Carefully
Warning: This method involves altering your device’s location, which goes against Pokémon GO’s terms of service. This is risky and can lead to penalties if not used responsibly.
Some players use GPS spoofing to temporarily “move” their in-game location closer to their friends. This requires GPS spoofing tools and a strong internet connection. However, this approach should be used with caution as it can result in a soft ban, temporarily locking your account from game features.
Save for Pokémon GO Events
Occasionally, Niantic, the developer behind Pokémon GO, organizes events that may allow trades with increased distance limits. These events are rare but offer the perfect opportunity for distance trading. Keeping an eye on official announcements from Niantic ensures that you won’t miss these rare chances.
Tips for Successful Long-Distance Trading in Pokémon GO
Trading from afar in Pokémon GO can be challenging, but these tips can help you make the most of your efforts:
1. Increase Your Friendship Level
The higher your friendship level with a friend, the more benefits you receive in terms of Stardust discounts and trading bonuses. By regularly interacting with your friends through gifting, raiding, or PvP battles, you can reach the Best Friends level and unlock exclusive bonuses for trading. This in-game guide has more information on building friendship levels in Pokémon GO.
2. Plan Your Trades Around Events
Special Pokémon GO events often come with exclusive trading perks. For example, Community Day events may allow extended trade distances or reduce the Stardust cost. Keeping an eye on upcoming events can allow you to maximize your trades and get valuable Pokémon with less Stardust spent.
3. Use Lucky Eggs During Trades
When you engage in a trade, activating a Lucky Egg can double the experience points earned. This is especially useful if you are leveling up in the game. By pairing a trade with a Lucky Egg, you maximize both the Pokémon you receive and the experience you gain.
4. Be Selective with Lucky Trades
When trading from afar, always prioritize Lucky Trades. Lucky Pokémon require less Stardust to power up, making them highly valuable for high IV stats and battle purposes. To increase the chance of Lucky Trades, try to trade older Pokémon, as these have a higher chance of turning Lucky during the trade process.
Common Issues with Pokémon GO Long-Distance Trading
Trading from afar comes with its set of challenges. Here are common issues and troubleshooting tips:
GPS Location Issues
If you’re using a location spoofing tool, sometimes the GPS location may glitch, leading to an error when attempting to trade. Restarting the app and ensuring your GPS signal is stable may solve the problem.
Soft Ban from Niantic
Using unofficial methods can occasionally result in a soft ban, locking you out of trades temporarily. If this happens, wait for a few hours and avoid any further spoofing activity to prevent further penalties.
High Stardust Cost
Trading rare Pokémon or those not registered in your Pokédex requires more Stardust. To reduce this cost, focus on becoming Best Friends with your trading partner, as it significantly reduces the Stardust needed for each trade.
Conclusion
While trading in Pokémon GO from afar isn’t officially supported, creative methods and occasional events make it possible for players to exchange Pokémon across distances. By focusing on friendship levels, leveraging in-game events, and following the tips above, you can enhance your Pokémon GO trading experience without compromising your account’s safety. Remember to always stay updated with official Pokémon GO announcements for future trading perks and distance-trade opportunities. Whether you’re collecting regional exclusives or aiming for high IV Pokémon, these strategies will help you achieve your trading goals in Pokémon GO.
This article is in the category Guides & Tutorials and created by GameMasterHub Team