Since the day the game launched, Pokemon GO fans have been clamoring for a trading feature. Trading Pokemon has been a staple mechanic throughout the franchise's history, but so far has been missing from the mobile AR experience. Apparently, that all changes later this week when the Friends and Trading update for Pokemon GO rolls out.

This is huge news for fans of Pokemon GO and opens up some very exciting opportunities. That said, in typical Niantic fashion, things won't be as simple as they are in other Pokemon games. Before diving into the most valuable trades, Pokemon GO players will need to put some work into the Friend system and acquire best friend status for some essential discounts on Stardust costs.

Here's a look at some of the details related to trading...

"If you’re near a friend and have a Trainer Level of 10 or higher, you can trade Pokémon you’ve caught with that friend. Completing a trade earns a bonus Candy for the Pokémon you’ve traded away, and that bonus can increase if the Pokémon you traded were caught in locations far apart from each other! All trades are powered by Stardust, and some trades require more Stardust than others. As you build your Friendship Level with the friend you are trading with, you’ll find that you can complete the trade with much less Stardust."

pokemon-go-trading-steps

That cost of trading seems to skyrocket once players attempt to trade a Legendary with someone who they do not have Best Friend status with. We don't have the exact costs yet, but it definitely appears to be significant based on the screenshots...

"Certain Pokémon, such as a Legendary Pokémon, a Shiny Pokémon, or a Pokémon not currently in your Pokédex, require a Special Trade to complete, so keep that in mind before trading away that golden Magikarp! Special Trades can only occur once per day with a Great Friend or Best Friend, and it often requires a lot of Stardust to complete a Special Trade. Special Trades are a great way to show a friend how much you care!"

Keep an eye out for the update sometime later this week. Until then, good luck out there, trainers!

Pokemon GO is available now in select regions on Android and iOS devices.

Source: Pokemon GO