Can Shadow and Mythical Pokemon be traded?
Pokémon traders and enthusiasts often debate the possibility of trading their rare and unique Pokémon. Among the most sought-after types are Shadow and Mythical Pokémon. But can you actually trade them?
Shadow Pokémon
According to Niantic, Shadow Pokémon cannot be traded in Pokémon GO. 1 Since July 2019, trading rules prohibit the exchange of Shadow-type creatures in any trade, making it impossible to exchange Shadow Pokémon. Additionally, transferring Shadow Pokémon to Pokémon HOME is not permitted either.
Mythical Pokémon
As for Mythical Pokémon, the picture is a bit more nuanced. While Mythical Pokémon are not available through in-game trades, they can be obtained through special events or by participating in contests. However, once they are in your possession, you cannot trade them through the Global Trading System (GTS). 2 This means that other trainers cannot request or respond to your trades with a Mythical Pokémon.
However, there is an exemption to this rule. While you cannot trade a single Mythical Pokémon at a time, you can trade Pokémon one at a time from a special trades list called the "Special Trades." This list includes Legendary or Mythical Pokémon, such as Mew or Zarude. 3 Note that trainers below Level 10 are not eligible for this option.
| Pokémon Type | Trading Notes |
|---|---|
| Shadow Pokémon | ❌Not Tractable |
| Mythical Pokémon | ✅One-time tradable through Special Trades* |
| Legendary Pokémon | ✅ Tradable through Special Trades* |
| Regular Pokémon | ✅ Tradable** |
Important Notes on Pokémon Trading
• Transfer of Shadow Pokémon to Pokémon HOME is not permitted
• Mythical Pokémon are not available through in-game trades
• Traders cannot request or respond with Mythical Pokémon through GTS, with few exemptions*
• Traders below Level 10 are not eligible for Special Trades
In Conclusion
While you can’t trade Shadow and Mythical Pokémon directly or through the GTS, there are still ways to exchange them under specific conditions. Keep in mind these important notes on Pokémon trading and plan your Pokémon game strategy accordingly.
References: 1 – gamerant.com, 2 – niantic help, 3 – gamefaqs.com.
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