How trading works in Pokémon Go

There are hundreds of Pokémon to find and catch in Pokémon Go, and while the majority of them can be found close by, there are a few that only appear in certain parts of the world. If you or a friend travel to one of those places and come back with some new and powerful Pokémon, you may want to share your catches with each other – and that's where trading comes in.

This guide will give you all the info you need for making trades in Pokémon Go. You'll see where trades are made, what you'll need in order to trade, and learn about some trades that require a little more effort than others. If you're the type who likes to share the wealth with those around you, Pokémon Go's trading system will work wonders for you.

Pokémon trading is, at its core, the transfer of two Pokémon between two players. Each player designates which Pokémon they want to send to the other player, and then once everything is in place, the trade can begin. However, there are a few caveats that you need to consider first.

First, you should be at Trainer Level 10 to unlock the ability to trade. Second, the friend you wish to trade with must be with you physically at the time, as there are no remote trades in Pokémon Go. Finally, once a Pokémon has been traded, you can’t trade it again; once you've received a Pokémon from a pal, it's yours forever.

Trading in Pokémon Go is done through the Friend List menu, which you can find by opening your Trainer profile from the main screen, then tapping the Friends tab. Scroll through your friends list to find the friend you wish to trade with, tap on the friend's profile, then tap Trade to begin.

Once on the Trading screen, the game will look for your nearby friend in order to start the trade. Once that friend is found in-game, you both can select the Pokémon you'll be sending, and then confirm the trade to send the creature away. Keep in mind that the CP, HP, and other stats of the traded Pokémon may change based on your Friends Trainer Level.

While playing through Pokémon Go, you'll collect large amounts of a purple item called Stardust for catching Pokémon, defeating other players, etc. This Stardust is commonly used to power up your Pokémon, increasing their level and overall stats, but Stardust is also used to pay for trades with your friends.

Be sure that you have enough Stardust in your inventory for the trade you wish to complete before initiating it. The amount of Stardust required will depend on your Friendship Level with the friend you're trading with. If you can't afford the Stardust, you won't be able to complete the trade. Most trades don't use a lot of Stardust, but Special Trades require a hefty investment.

Special Trades in Pokémon Go are trades that have more of an impact on either player than just swapping two Pokémon. If the trade you're trying to complete is a Special Trade, it will be noted on the Trading screen, along with the additional Stardust investment.