Discover the latest game-changing feature in Pokémon Go: distant Pokémon trading. This guide illuminates the mechanics of exchanging Pokémon with friends remotely and the essential steps to forge an unbreakable 'Forever Friend' bond, ensuring you're ready to trade with anyone, anywhere.
Connect and Trade: Unleash the Power of Distant Pokémon Exchange!
Seamlessly Engaging in Long-Distance Pokémon Trades
The highly anticipated functionality for exchanging Pokémon with allies across distances has now been integrated into the Pokémon Go universe. This innovation enables players to swap their beloved creatures with friends, regardless of geographical barriers, finally connecting those who have moved away but remain 'Lucky Friends.' However, this isn't an unlimited feature; it requires patience and adherence to specific conditions. Initially rolled out exclusively in New Zealand, this feature is slated for global release, promising to transform how players interact and build their collections.
Achieving the Pinnacle of Friendship: Becoming 'Forever Friends'
To partake in the distant Pokémon exchange, players must first elevate their friendship status to the newly introduced 'Forever Friends' tier, surpassing the 'Best Friends' level. This enhanced bond is a prerequisite for initiating any remote trades. The trading protocol, as detailed by the game's developers, involves several precise steps: first, attain 'Forever Friends' status with your desired trading partner. Next, designate up to three Pokémon for remote exchange using a special tag, making them visible to your 'Forever Friends.' Subsequently, select a Pokémon from your friend's tagged list that you wish to acquire, awaiting their reciprocal choice. Upon mutual agreement, the transaction can be finalized. A notable aspect of this system is the imposition of a cooldown: after each successful remote trade with a 'Forever Friend,' players must accumulate 90 friendship points to initiate another trade with the same individual, effectively regulating the frequency of exchanges.
Navigating the Nuances of Remote Trading
Even with the convenience of distant trading, certain restrictions apply. Crucially, any remote trade conducted between 'Lucky Friends' will retain its 'Lucky' status, ensuring the benefits of such an exchange are preserved. Furthermore, these remote transactions do not deplete your daily allowance of 'Special Trades,' allowing for the free exchange of legendary Pokémon, shiny variants, and new Pokédex entries without constraint. However, specific Pokémon are excluded from remote trading, including those caught within the last 30 days, previously traded Pokémon, Shadow Pokémon, Mythical Pokémon, and those currently defending Gyms or Power Spots. Additionally, Pokémon designated as your buddy, actively Mega-Evolved, or fused, along with specific legendary forms like Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta, and Pokémon stationed at Playgrounds, cannot be traded remotely.
Strategies for Fostering 'Forever Friends' Bonds
Cultivating the 'Forever Friends' status follows the established methods for increasing friendship levels within Pokémon Go. Players can enhance their bond by engaging in Weekly Challenges with their friends, participating in Pokémon trades, exchanging gifts, or joining forces in raids. While only one friendship point can typically be earned per day through these activities, Weekly Challenges offer additional points. Players should also look out for special events that periodically offer double friendship gains, providing accelerated opportunities to reach the 'Forever Friends' tier and unlock the full potential of remote Pokémon trading.
