What Pokemon Can Evolve By Trading Pokemon Go

Have you ever felt a pang of nostalgia while playing Pokémon GO, remembering the good old days of linking up with friends via a Game Boy link cable to evolve your Kadabra into Alakazam? The thrill of trading Pokémon has always been a core part of the Pokémon experience, fostering a sense of community and cooperation. While Pokémon GO has streamlined many aspects of the game, the element of trading to trigger evolution remains a fascinating, albeit slightly different, mechanic.

For long-time fans of the Pokémon franchise, the concept of trading Pokémon to initiate evolution is nothing new. It harkens back to the original games where certain Pokémon could only reach their final forms by being traded to another player. This created a unique social dynamic, encouraging players to interact and collaborate in order to complete their Pokédexes. In Pokémon GO, this concept has been adapted, offering a way to evolve specific Pokémon without relying solely on candies, thus adding another layer of strategy and interaction to the game.

Main Subheading

Trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO is more than just a way to fill out your collection; it’s a strategic tool that can help you acquire powerful Pokémon through evolution. The game cleverly incorporates this mechanic to honor the traditions of the main series Pokémon games, while also adapting it to the mobile platform. Understanding which Pokémon benefit from trade evolutions and how the process works can significantly enhance your gameplay and give you an edge in battles.

The introduction of trade evolutions in Pokémon GO was a welcome addition, particularly for veteran players who cherished the trading aspect of the original games. This feature not only adds depth to the game but also encourages players to engage with each other, fostering a sense of community. By understanding the nuances of trade evolutions, players can optimize their strategies, conserve valuable candies, and ultimately strengthen their teams.

Comprehensive Overview

The concept of trade evolutions in Pokémon GO is rooted in the mechanics of the core Pokémon games, where certain Pokémon require trading to evolve. This method was initially introduced to encourage player interaction and create a sense of community, as players needed to connect with one another to complete their Pokédexes. In Pokémon GO, the implementation is slightly different, but the core principle remains the same: trading facilitates evolution.

In Pokémon GO, specific Pokémon can evolve without using candies if they have been traded. Once a Pokémon has been traded, the candy requirement for its evolution is permanently removed. This means that after receiving a traded Pokémon, you can evolve it for free, without spending any candies. This mechanic is particularly useful for Pokémon that require a large number of candies to evolve, making trading a strategic advantage.

The list of Pokémon that can evolve through trading in Pokémon GO includes some popular and powerful species. These Pokémon typically require a significant number of candies to evolve, making the trade evolution a valuable shortcut. As of the latest updates, the primary Pokémon that benefit from trade evolutions include:

Kadabra (evolves into Alakazam)
Machoke (evolves into Machamp)
Graveler (evolves into Golem)
Haunter (evolves into Gengar)
Boldore (evolves into Gigalith)
Gurdurr (evolves into Conkeldurr)
Shelmet (evolves into Accelgor)
Karrablast (evolves into Escavalier)

These Pokémon share a common trait: their final evolutions are highly sought after for their battle prowess and unique abilities. By utilizing the trade evolution mechanic, players can obtain these powerful Pokémon more efficiently.

The evolution process after trading is straightforward. Once you receive one of the Pokémon listed above in a trade, the candy requirement for its final evolution is removed. To evolve the Pokémon, simply go to its profile in your Pokémon storage and select the "Evolve" option. You will notice that the candy cost is zero, allowing you to evolve the Pokémon immediately.

It's important to note that this candy discount applies only to the player receiving the Pokémon in the trade. The player who originally owned the Pokémon will still need to use candies to evolve their own Pokémon, unless they also receive the Pokémon back in a trade. This creates a balanced system where both players can benefit from the trading process.

Trends and Latest Developments

The trade evolution mechanic in Pokémon GO has seen some interesting trends and developments over the years. Initially, the feature was introduced to mirror the classic gameplay of the main series Pokémon games. However, Niantic, the developer of Pokémon GO, has continued to tweak and refine the system based on player feedback and evolving game mechanics.

One notable trend is the increasing awareness and strategic use of trade evolutions among players. Early on, many players were unaware of the benefits of trading for evolution, often evolving Pokémon using candies without realizing they could save resources by trading first. However, as more players have become familiar with the mechanic, it has become a common strategy for obtaining powerful Pokémon efficiently.

Another trend is the integration of trade evolutions into special events and challenges within Pokémon GO. Niantic frequently introduces limited-time events that feature increased spawn rates for Pokémon that can evolve through trading. These events often include research tasks or collection challenges that reward players for trading specific Pokémon, further incentivizing player interaction and collaboration.

Data from various Pokémon GO communities and online forums indicates a growing interest in optimizing trade evolutions. Players often coordinate trades with friends or local groups to maximize their benefits. Some players even maintain lists of Pokémon they need to trade in order to complete their Pokédexes or build strong teams for battles and raids.

Professional insights suggest that Niantic is likely to continue supporting and expanding the trade evolution mechanic in future updates. The feature aligns well with the game's core principles of exploration, collection, and social interaction. It also provides a way for Niantic to introduce new Pokémon and challenges without relying solely on traditional evolution methods.

Moreover, the trade evolution mechanic has been linked to other in-game features, such as friendship levels. As players increase their friendship levels with each other, they unlock benefits like reduced stardust costs for trading. This creates a synergistic relationship between trading and friendship, encouraging players to build long-term relationships within the game.

Tips and Expert Advice

To make the most of trade evolutions in Pokémon GO, consider these practical tips and expert advice:

Identify Tradeable Pokémon: Always be aware of which Pokémon benefit from trade evolutions. Currently, this includes Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, Haunter, Boldore, Gurdurr, Shelmet, and Karrablast. Prioritize trading these Pokémon whenever possible to save candies.

Before initiating any trades, it's crucial to identify the Pokémon that can evolve through trading. Keeping a list handy can help you quickly determine which Pokémon to prioritize for trades. Additionally, pay attention to announcements from Niantic regarding any potential additions or changes to the list of tradeable Pokémon.
Coordinate with Friends: Trading is most effective when you coordinate with friends or other players in your local Pokémon GO community. Communicate your needs and preferences to ensure that both parties benefit from the trade.

Effective communication is key to successful trading. Use messaging apps or local community groups to coordinate trades with other players. Discuss which Pokémon you need and what you're willing to offer in return. By working together, you can both achieve your goals and strengthen your teams.
Consider IVs and Stats: While trading removes the candy requirement, remember that the stats of a Pokémon can change after a trade. Consider the Individual Values (IVs) and Combat Power (CP) of the Pokémon before trading, and be prepared for a potential shift in these stats.

Understanding the mechanics of IVs and CP is crucial for making informed trading decisions. While trading can save you candies, it can also alter the stats of the Pokémon. Before initiating a trade, carefully evaluate the IVs and CP of the Pokémon to ensure that you're not sacrificing too much in terms of performance.
Take Advantage of Events: Keep an eye out for special events that feature increased spawn rates for tradeable Pokémon or offer bonuses for trading. These events provide excellent opportunities to acquire and trade these Pokémon more efficiently.

Niantic frequently introduces special events that offer various bonuses, including increased spawn rates for certain Pokémon or reduced stardust costs for trading. Take advantage of these events to maximize your trading efforts. Plan ahead and coordinate with friends to make the most of these limited-time opportunities.
Manage Your Pokémon Storage: Trading can help you clear out your Pokémon storage by transferring unwanted Pokémon to other players. Use this as an opportunity to manage your storage space and focus on keeping the best Pokémon for battles and raids.

Efficiently managing your Pokémon storage is essential for a smooth gameplay experience. Trading can be a valuable tool for clearing out unwanted Pokémon and making room for new catches. Regularly assess your storage and identify Pokémon that you're willing to trade, focusing on those that you don't need for battles or raids.
Increase Friendship Levels: Higher friendship levels reduce the stardust cost for trading. Work on increasing your friendship levels with other players to make trading more affordable and accessible.

Building strong friendships with other players in Pokémon GO has numerous benefits, including reduced stardust costs for trading. The higher your friendship level, the lower the cost of trading, making it easier to acquire and trade Pokémon with your friends. Focus on increasing your friendship levels by interacting with other players regularly through gifting, battling, and raiding.
Understand Trade Restrictions: Be aware of the trade restrictions in Pokémon GO, such as the distance limit and the number of special trades allowed per day. Plan your trades accordingly to avoid any surprises.

Pokémon GO imposes certain restrictions on trading, including a distance limit and a limit on the number of special trades allowed per day. Be aware of these restrictions before initiating a trade to avoid any disappointment. Plan your trades carefully and coordinate with other players to ensure that you can complete them successfully.

FAQ

Q: Which Pokémon can evolve through trading in Pokémon GO?

A: The primary Pokémon that can evolve through trading are Kadabra, Machoke, Graveler, Haunter, Boldore, Gurdurr, Shelmet, and Karrablast.

Q: How does trading remove the candy requirement for evolution?

A: Once you receive one of the specified Pokémon in a trade, the candy requirement for its final evolution is permanently removed. You can then evolve the Pokémon without spending any candies.

Q: Does the player who trades away the Pokémon also get the candy discount?

A: No, the candy discount only applies to the player receiving the Pokémon in the trade. The original owner will still need candies to evolve their own Pokémon.

Q: Can the stats of a Pokémon change after it is traded?

A: Yes, the Individual Values (IVs) and Combat Power (CP) of a Pokémon can change after a trade.

Q: Are there any restrictions on trading in Pokémon GO?

A: Yes, there are restrictions, including a distance limit and a limit on the number of special trades allowed per day. Additionally, stardust is required to trade, with the amount varying based on friendship level and the rarity of the Pokémon.

Q: How do friendship levels affect trading?

A: Higher friendship levels reduce the stardust cost for trading. Increasing your friendship level with another player makes trading more affordable.

Q: What happens if I trade a Shiny Pokémon?

A: Trading a Shiny Pokémon works the same way as trading any other Pokémon. The candy discount applies to the receiver, and the stats can change after the trade. Be cautious when trading rare Pokémon like Shinies.

Conclusion

Understanding which Pokémon can evolve by trading in Pokémon GO is a strategic advantage that can save you valuable candies and help you acquire powerful Pokémon more efficiently. By coordinating with friends, taking advantage of events, and managing your Pokémon storage effectively, you can make the most of this feature and strengthen your team.

Ready to start trading? Connect with your local Pokémon GO community, coordinate trades, and evolve those Pokémon! Share your trading experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's help each other become the best Pokémon trainers we can be!