If you have ever tried to trade a Pokémon in Pokémon GO and received a message saying the trade cannot be completed, you may have encountered the Pokémon GO Special Trades limit. Special Trades are a unique trading category in Pokémon GO that includes certain rare or valuable Pokémon.
Because these trades involve uncommon Pokémon such as Legendary or shiny Pokémon, the game places restrictions on how often they can happen. Many players are confused when their trade fails without understanding why.
This guide explains Special Trades Pokémon GO, which Pokémon count as Special Trades, and how the daily trade limits work.
What Is a Special Trade in Pokémon GO
A Special Trade in Pokémon GO is a trade involving a Pokémon that is considered rare or significant. These trades have additional restrictions compared to normal Pokémon trades.
Certain Pokémon automatically count as Special Trades when they are traded between players. Because these Pokémon are often harder to obtain, Pokémon GO limits how many Special Trades can occur each day.
When you attempt to trade one of these Pokémon, the game will display a message informing you that the trade counts as a Special Trade.
Which Pokémon Count as Special Trades
Several types of Pokémon are classified as Special Trades in Pokémon GO.
Legendary Pokémon are one of the most common examples. Because they are usually obtained through raids or special events, trading them counts as a Special Trade.
Shiny Pokémon are also considered Special Trades. Even if both players already own the shiny Pokémon, trading it still counts as a Special Trade.
Pokémon that the receiving player has not previously registered in their Pokédex also count as Special Trades. This means trading a new Pokémon species to someone who has never caught it before will trigger the Special Trade restriction.
Certain Mythical Pokémon that can be traded may also fall under the Special Trade category depending on the circumstances.
Special Trade Daily Limit
In Pokémon GO, players are normally limited to one Special Trade per day.
This means that once you complete a Special Trade with another trainer, you cannot perform another Special Trade until the next day. The limit resets at midnight local time.
Normal Pokémon trades are not affected by this rule and can be completed multiple times in the same day.
Occasionally, special events in Pokémon GO temporarily increase the Special Trade limit. During these events, players may be allowed to complete multiple Special Trades in a single day.
Stardust Cost for Special Trades
Special Trades often require a higher amount of Stardust compared to regular trades.
The exact Stardust cost depends on your friendship level with the other trainer and whether the Pokémon has already been registered in the Pokédex. Trading with a Best Friend generally results in the lowest Stardust cost.
For example, trading a new shiny Pokémon with a trainer who does not already have that Pokémon can cost a very large amount of Stardust if the friendship level is low.
Because of this, many players wait until they reach higher friendship levels before completing valuable trades.
Special Trades and Lucky Trades
Special Trades can sometimes result in Lucky Pokémon if the trade triggers the Lucky Pokémon mechanic.
If two players are Lucky Friends, their next trade will always produce Lucky Pokémon, even if the trade is also considered a Special Trade. This makes Lucky Friends the ideal time to trade rare Pokémon such as Legendary or shiny Pokémon.
Combining Lucky Friends with Special Trades allows players to obtain powerful Lucky Pokémon while saving large amounts of Stardust.
Tips for Planning Special Trades
Because players are limited to one Special Trade per day, it is often worth planning these trades carefully.
Many trainers coordinate trades with friends ahead of time so that they can exchange rare Pokémon efficiently. Waiting until you reach Best Friends status with another trainer can also significantly reduce the Stardust cost of valuable trades.
Some players also save their Special Trades for important Pokémon such as Legendary raid bosses, shiny Pokémon, or region exclusive Pokémon.
Planning ahead ensures that your daily Special Trade is used wisely.
Final Thoughts on Pokémon GO Special Trades
Understanding Special Trades Pokémon GO can help you avoid confusion when trading rare Pokémon with friends. Special Trades include Pokémon such as Legendary Pokémon, shiny Pokémon, or Pokémon that the receiving trainer has not yet registered in their Pokédex. Because these trades involve valuable Pokémon, the game normally limits players to one Special Trade per day.
By increasing your friendship level with other trainers and planning your trades carefully, you can reduce Stardust costs and make the most of your daily Special Trade. When combined with the Lucky Friends system, Special Trades can become one of the best ways to obtain powerful Lucky Pokémon in Pokémon GO.
