Special Trade Pokémon GO: Requirements, Costs, Limits & How to Do It

Special Trade is one of the most valuable trading features in Pokémon GO, allowing Trainers to exchange rare Pokémon such as Legendary and Shiny Pokémon. However, unlike regular trades, Special Trades come with stricter rules, daily limits, and significantly higher Stardust costs.

Whether you're trying to complete your Pokédex, trade for your favorite Legendary Pokémon, or take advantage of a special in-game event, understanding how Special Trades work can save you both time and Stardust. In this guide, you'll learn everything you need to know about Special Trades Pokémon GO, including the requirements, costs, limits, and the exact steps to complete one successfully.

Part 1. What Is a Special Trade in Pokémon GO?

A Special Trade is a type of Pokémon trade that involves rare or previously unregistered Pokémon. Because these Pokémon are considered more valuable, Pokémon GO limits how often players can perform these trades and requires more Stardust than a standard trade.

A trade is considered a Special Trade if it involves:

• Legendary Pokémon
• Shiny Pokémon
• A Pokémon that the receiving player has never registered in their Pokédex
• Certain Mythical Pokémon that are eligible for trading (such as Meltan and Melmetal)

Meanwhile, most Mythical Pokémon, including Mew, Celebi, Jirachi, Victini, Shaymin, and Meloetta, cannot be traded at all.

Special Trade vs. Regular Trade

Part 2. What Are the Requirements for Special Trades?

Compared with regular trades, Special Trades have stricter requirements. Before you can complete one, both Trainers must meet all of the following conditions. If even one requirement isn't met, the Special Trade won't be available.

1. Become In-Game Friends

To perform any trade in Pokémon GO, including a Special Trade, both players must first add each other as friends.

Although you can trade at any friendship level, increasing your friendship to Great Friend, Ultra Friend, or Best Friend significantly reduces the Stardust required for a Special Trade. If you're planning to exchange valuable Pokémon, building your friendship beforehand can save a substantial amount of Stardust.

2. Stay Within Trading Distance

Under normal game rules, both Trainers must be within approximately 100 meters (328 feet) of each other to start a Special Trade.

Pokémon GO does not normally support remote Special Trades. However, Niantic occasionally hosts limited-time events that temporarily increase the trading distance, allowing friends farther apart to trade.

3. Trade Eligible Pokémon

Not every Pokémon can be traded.

A Special Trade typically involves:

• Legendary Pokémon
• Shiny Pokémon
• Pokémon not yet registered in the recipient's Pokédex
• Certain tradable Mythical Pokémon, such as Meltan and Melmetal

Meanwhile, most Mythical Pokémon (such as Mew, Celebi, and Jirachi), Shadow Pokémon, and some event-exclusive Pokémon cannot be traded.

In addition, every Pokémon can only be traded once. After a Pokémon has been traded, it cannot be traded again, regardless of whether it was a regular trade or a Special Trade.

4. Have Enough Stardust

Both Trainers must have enough Stardust to pay the required trading cost before the Special Trade can begin.

The amount of Stardust required depends on:

• Friendship level
• Whether the Pokémon has already been registered in the recipient's Pokédex
• Whether the trade involves a Legendary or Shiny Pokémon

Generally, the higher your friendship level, the lower the Stardust cost.

5. Reach Trainer Level 10

Trading is unlocked only after both players reach Trainer Level 10. If either Trainer is below Level 10, neither regular trades nor Special Trades will be available.

Part 3. How Many Special Trades Can I Do Daily?

Under normal gameplay, each Trainer can perform 1 Special Trade per day. This limit applies regardless of the type of Special Trade. However, during certain Pokémon GO events, Niantic may temporarily increase the daily limit. Depending on the event, Trainers may be allowed to perform:

• 2 Special Trades per day
• 5 Special Trades per day
• Even more during select global events

Because these bonuses vary by event, it's always worth checking the official event announcements. The daily Special Trade limit resets at midnight local time.

Part 4. How Much Does a Special Trade Cost?

The Stardust cost of a Special Trade depends on two major factors:

• Your Friendship Level
• Whether the Pokémon is already registered in the recipient's Pokédex

The closer your friendship, the lower the cost.

Typical Stardust Costs

Part 5. How to Do a Special Trade in Pokémon GO?

Once both Trainers meet the Special Trade requirements, completing the trade is quick and straightforward. The process is almost identical to a regular trade, except that Pokémon GO will automatically recognize eligible Pokémon as a Special Trade and display the required Stardust cost before you confirm the exchange.

Step 1. Open the Trade Screen

Launch Pokémon GO, tap your "Trainer Profile", then open the "Friends" tab. Select the friend you want to trade with and tap "Trade". Once your friend accepts the invitation, the trading screen will open.

Step 2. Select an Eligible Pokémon

Choose the Pokémon you want to trade. If the trade involves a Legendary Pokémon, Shiny Pokémon, or a Pokémon that the other player hasn't registered in their Pokédex, Pokémon GO will automatically identify it as a Special Trade.

The game will display a confirmation screen showing the required Stardust cost and reminding you that the trade counts toward your daily Special Trade limit.

Step 3. Review the Trade Details

Before confirming, carefully check:

• The Pokémon each Trainer is offering
• The Stardust cost for both players
• Whether the trade uses your daily Special Trade allowance

Make sure everything is correct, as trades cannot be undone once completed.

Step 4. Confirm and Complete the Trade

When both Trainers tap "Confirm", the trade will be completed immediately.

After the trade:

• The traded Pokémon's IVs (Individual Values) are randomly rerolled.
• Its CP may change accordingly.
• The Pokémon cannot be traded again.
• There's a chance it will become a Lucky Pokémon, which requires less Stardust to power up.

Once the trade is complete, your daily Special Trade limit will be updated automatically. If no event bonus is active, you'll usually need to wait until the next day to perform another Special Trade.

FAQs on Pokémon GO Special Trade

1. Why can't I do a Special Trade in Pokémon GO?

If you can't complete a Special Trade, one or more trading requirements haven't been met. The most common reasons include:

• You've already used your daily Special Trade for the day.
• You or your friend doesn't have enough Stardust.
• You're too far apart (normally, both Trainers must be within 100 meters).
• The Pokémon isn't eligible for trading, such as most Mythical Pokémon or a Pokémon that has already been traded once.
• One or both Trainers are below Trainer Level 10.

Double-check these requirements before attempting another Special Trade. If a special event is active, be sure to review the event bonuses as they may temporarily change the trading rules.

2. Are special trades always lucky?

No. Special Trades do not guarantee a Lucky Pokémon. Every Special Trade has a chance of becoming a Lucky Trade, but the outcome is random unless you and your friend are Lucky Friends. When Lucky Friends perform their next trade, the exchanged Pokémon are guaranteed to become Lucky Pokémon.

Lucky Pokémon require 50% less Stardust to power up, making them highly valuable for Legendary, Shiny, and other rare Pokémon.

3. Can I increase my daily Special Trade limit permanently?

No. There is currently no way to permanently increase your daily Special Trade limit in Pokémon GO. Under normal gameplay, each Trainer can perform one Special Trade per day. However, during certain Pokémon GO events, Niantic may temporarily increase this limit to two, five, or even more Special Trades per day. These bonuses are event-specific and expire once the event ends.

If you're planning to exchange multiple rare Pokémon, keep an eye on upcoming Pokémon GO events, as they often offer increased Special Trade limits and reduced Stardust costs.

Bonus: How to Play Pokémon GO Without Moving

Sometimes, you may want to participate in raids, catch region-exclusive Pokémon, or complete trades with nearby friends without physically traveling. In these situations, a GPS location changer can help you explore different areas of the Pokémon GO map more conveniently.

One popular option is Location Changer, a location-changing tool for both iOS and Android devices. It allows you to simulate GPS movement without jailbreaking or rooting your device, making it easier to enjoy location-based games from home.

Some of its key features include:

• Change your GPS location to anywhere in the world with one click.
• Simulate walking routes at customizable speeds to make your movement appear more natural.
• Control movement with a GPS joystick for flexible in-game navigation.
• Import GPX routes for realistic travel simulations.
• Support multiple location-based apps, including Pokémon GO, Monster Hunter Now, and other AR games.
• Compatible with the latest iOS and Android devices.

Free Download for PC

 

Free Download for Mac

How to play Pokémon GO without moving?

Final Words

Special Trades are one of the best ways to expand your Pokémon collection, complete your Pokédex, and obtain rare Pokémon that aren't easily available through normal gameplay. By understanding the trading requirements, daily limits, and Stardust costs, you can plan your trades more efficiently and avoid wasting valuable resources.

If you also want to explore different regions, participate in more events, or catch location-exclusive Pokémon without extensive travel, a reliable location changer like Location Changer can make your Pokémon GO experience more flexible. Whatever your goal, planning your Special Trades carefully and taking advantage of event bonuses will help you get the most out of every trade.

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Regional Pokémon Info & How to Get Regional Pokémon Without Traveling

How to Hatch Eggs in Pokémon GO Without Walking [5 Methods You Should Try]

How to Get Gimmighoul in Pokémon GO with/without Switch

The Complete Guide to Glaceon in Pokémon GO You Might Need