Pokémon Go Trading: Finding And Offering Pokemon

Hey guys! Ever been on the hunt for that one elusive Pokémon, or maybe you've got a stockpile of something someone else desperately needs? Well, you've stumbled into the right place. Let's dive into the world of Pokémon trading, specifically focusing on those 30-day trades (unless, of course, we're talking about the ever-so-special Pikachu!).

Understanding the 30-Day Trade

So, what's the deal with this 30-day trade thing? In the wonderful world of Pokémon Go, trading is a fantastic way to fill out your Pokédex, snag some high-IV Pokémon, or even get your hands on region-exclusives. But there's a catch: Friendship levels. To trade, you need to be friends with someone in the game, and the higher your friendship level, the better the trade. This is where the 30-day trade comes into play. To achieve the Ultra Friend status required for reduced stardust costs on special trades, you need to interact with a friend for 30 days. This interaction typically includes sending gifts, battling together in raids or gyms, or even just opening each other’s gifts. The benefit of waiting those 30 days is significant, especially when trading for legendary, shiny, or other rare Pokémon.

The Stardust Factor

Stardust is the lifeblood of Pokémon Go, used for powering up your Pokémon and, crucially, for trading. The stardust cost for a trade depends on your friendship level and the rarity of the Pokémon you're trading. For example, trading a standard Pokémon with a Best Friend is relatively cheap, costing only 100 stardust. However, trading a legendary or shiny Pokémon with a Good Friend can cost a whopping 1,000,000 stardust! That's why aiming for Ultra Friend or Best Friend status is crucial for these trades. Ultra Friend status, achieved after 30 days of interaction, drastically reduces the stardust cost, making those dream trades much more accessible. So, remember, patience is a virtue when it comes to Pokémon Go trading, especially if you want to keep your stardust reserves healthy.

Special Trades and the Pikachu Exception

Now, let's talk about special trades. These are trades involving Pokémon you don't have in your Pokédex, shiny Pokémon, or legendary Pokémon. These trades are limited to one per day, and they come with a higher stardust cost than standard trades. This is where the 30-day rule really shines because the stardust reduction at higher friendship levels can save you a massive amount. And then there's the Pikachu exception. What's that all about? Well, certain Pikachu variants, particularly those wearing special hats or costumes from events, often fall into the “rare” category and may require a special trade even if it's "just" a Pikachu. This is because these event-exclusive Pikachu are often highly sought after, and their rarity can drive up the trade cost and desirability. So, if you're looking to complete your Pikachu collection, be prepared to potentially wait those 30 days for the best stardust rates.

Looking for Specific Pokémon

Okay, so you're on the hunt for a specific Pokémon. Maybe it's a shiny you've been dreaming of, a legendary that's eluded you in raids, or a region-exclusive that's never spawned in your area. The first step is to identify exactly what you're looking for. Be specific! Instead of saying