How to Trade Legendaries in Pokémon GO

Trading Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO can be an exciting way to complete your collection, strengthen your team, and bond with other players. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to trade these rare and powerful Pokémon, including the best strategies and tips to ensure a successful trade.

Understanding Legendary Pokémon Trading

Legendary Pokémon are some of the rarest and most sought-after creatures in Pokémon GO. They typically appear only during special events or raids, making them hard to obtain. Because of their rarity and power, trading these Pokémon can be both rewarding and challenging.

Requirements for Trading Legendaries

To trade Legendary Pokémon, you need to meet certain requirements:

1. Friendship Level: Both players must be at least Great Friends. Higher friendship levels increase the chance of successful trades and reduce the cost of Stardust.
2. Stardust Cost: Trading Legendaries requires a significant amount of Stardust, which can vary based on your friendship level and whether the Pokémon is shiny or not. At Great Friends, the cost is around 20,000 Stardust, but it can increase to 100,000 Stardust for Legendary Pokémon not in your Pokédex or shiny ones.
3. Trade Limits: You can only trade once per day with each friend. However, you can trade as many times as you want with different friends.

Best Practices for Trading Legendaries

1. Plan Ahead: Coordinate with your trading partner to ensure both parties have the Pokémon they want to trade. Use apps or social media to find trading partners.
2. Check IVs: Before trading, check the Individual Values (IVs) of the Pokémon you plan to trade. Trading a Pokémon with high IVs can be more beneficial.
3. Timing: Legendary Pokémon are often featured in raids or special events. Make sure you trade during these times to maximize the value of your trade.
4. Use Lucky Trades: If you’re lucky, you might get a Lucky Trade, which guarantees that the Pokémon will have higher IVs and reduced Stardust cost.

Step-by-Step Guide to Trading Legendaries

1. Send a Trade Request: Open your Friends list, select the friend you want to trade with, and send a trade request. Ensure you’re both online and ready to trade.
2. Select Pokémon: Choose the Legendary Pokémon you wish to trade from your collection. Both players should agree on which Pokémon will be traded.
3. Confirm the Trade: After selecting the Pokémon, confirm the trade. Be aware of the Stardust cost and ensure you have enough Stardust to complete the trade.
4. Receive Your Pokémon: Once the trade is complete, you will receive the Legendary Pokémon in your collection. Check its IVs and its stats to ensure it’s what you expected.

Tips for a Successful Trade

• Be Patient: Trading Legendary Pokémon can be time-consuming and expensive. Be patient and strategic about your trades.
• Use Special Events: Take advantage of special events or community days where Legendary Pokémon are more likely to appear or have reduced Stardust costs.
• Communicate: Clear communication with your trading partner is crucial to ensure a smooth and successful trade.

Common Issues and Troubleshooting

1. Stardust Shortage: If you don’t have enough Stardust, consider completing some Pokémon GO tasks or events to gather more.
2. Connection Problems: Ensure you have a stable internet connection. Connection issues can disrupt the trade process.
3. Friendship Level: If you’re not at the required friendship level, consider spending more time interacting with your friend to increase the level.

Conclusion

Trading Legendary Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a fun and rewarding experience, but it requires careful planning and coordination. By following these tips and strategies, you can maximize the benefits of your trades and build an impressive collection of these rare creatures.