Pokémon Go finally adds a feature that fans have wanted for years
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The ever-popular mobile game Pokémon Go is finally adding a feature that fans have wanted for years, we’re very happy to confirm.
Ever since the game launched, way back in 2016, Pokémon Go has been regularly updated with new content and seasonal goodies. But this new feature has been a long time coming, to say the least.
With next year marking the 10th anniversary of the original Pokémon Go summer (believe it or not), now is the perfect time for developers Niantic to get their ducks in a row. After all, there’s bound to be renewed interest from the mainstream next year.
So, what’s the new feature being added? It is… remote trades!
Yep, that’s right. With this new update, players will finally be able to trade Pokémon with one another without having to be in the same place at the same time.
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Fans have wanted this feature for years, and it will certainly come in very handy when it comes to filling in your Pokédex, particularly when some creatures need to be traded to evolve.
So, how will this new feature work? It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Niantic is going to make you work for those remote trades!
First of all, you will need to reach ‘Forever Friends’ status with the person you want to remote trade with.
This new level of friendship is one step higher than ‘Best Friends’, the previous highest level, and we’re sure that you’ll need to send a lot of gifts back and forth before you become Forever Friends.
Once you become Forever Friends, you’ll be able to complete your first remote trade with one another!
It’s worth noting that you’ll need to earn more friendship points — by continuing to interact through battles, trades and gifts — if you want to earn additional remote trades with the same person.
There are also some terms and conditions to bear in mind with your Forever Friend remote trades.
You’ll have to use “A special Remote Trade tag” to mark the Pokémon that you’re willing to trade. When you initiate the trade, you can pick three tagged Pokémon from your friend’s list. You’ll then each get the final say on which Pokémon you’re going to part with.
It’s also worth noting that the following types of Pokémon are not allowed in remote trades:
- Pokémon caught in the last 30 days
- Previously traded Pokémon
- Shadow Pokémon
- Mythical Pokémon
- Pokémon defending Gyms or Power Spots
- Pokémon currently set as your buddy
- Actively Mega-Evolved Pokémon
- Fused Pokémon
- Crowned Sword Zacian and Crowned Shield Zamazenta
- Pokémon placed at Pokémon Playgrounds
So, when are these remote trades starting? A “phased rollout” has already begun, with players in New Zealand being able to use the feature from Monday 8th December.
There’s no word yet on exactly when this feature will reach the UK, but we look forward to try it out! Watch this space.
Think you're a Pokémon master? Test your mettle with our quiz below!
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Read more on Pokémon:
- Best Pokémon gifts - the greatest merch
- Best Pokémon games on Switch - our ranking
- Best shiny Pokémon - the coolest creatures
- Best Dragon-type Pokémon - who's your fave?
- All cat Pokémon - the felines to catch
- Pokémon natures guide - all you need to know
- Pokémon type chart - strengths and weaknesses explained
- Legendary Pokémon - the full list
- Pokémon Scarlet and Violet cheats - handy hacks
- Pokémon Emerald cheats - what you need to know
- Pokémon Fire Red cheats - all codes
- Pokémon Go friend codes - and how to find them
- Pokémon games in order - where to start
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Authors

Rob Leane is the Gaming Editor at Radio Times, overseeing our coverage of the biggest games on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch, PC, mobile and VR. Rob works across our website, social media accounts and video channels, as well as producing our weekly gaming newsletter. He has previously worked at Den of Geek, Stealth Optional and Dennis Publishing.

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