The Pokémon GO trade distance system has changed, and it’s a big deal for players who rely on long-distance trades. With the introduction of a new friendship level that allows distance trades, trainers can now trade Pokémon from much further away than before. If you’ve been waiting for a way to trade with friends who aren’t nearby, this update completely changes how trading works in Pokémon GO.
In this guide, we break down the new Pokémon GO trade distance rules, how the new friendship level works, and what it means for your trades going forward.
What is the Pokémon GO trade distance?
Traditionally, the Pokémon GO trade distance has been extremely limited. Players needed to be within roughly 100 metres of each other to initiate a trade, making it difficult to trade with friends who live far away.
Niantic occasionally increased the Pokémon GO trade distance during special events, sometimes extending it to 40 km or more, but these boosts were temporary and not part of the core game.
That has now changed with the introduction of a new friendship level designed specifically for distance trading.
New friendship level allows distance trades in Pokémon GO
The latest update introduces a new friendship tier that unlocks long-distance trading in Pokémon GO. Once you reach this new friendship level with another player, you are no longer restricted by the standard trade distance.
This means you can:
- Trade Pokémon from different cities or even countries
- Complete Lucky Trades without needing to meet in person
- Exchange region-exclusive Pokémon more easily
- Trade rare Pokémon without waiting for in-person meetups
This is one of the biggest quality-of-life updates Pokémon GO has seen for trading.
How to unlock distance trades in Pokémon GO
To use the new Pokémon GO trade distance feature, you must first reach the new friendship level with another player.
You can increase friendship levels by:
- Sending and opening gifts
- Battling together in raids or PvP
- Trading Pokémon regularly
- Participating in events together
Reaching this new level will take consistent interaction, similar to how Best Friends works, but the reward is permanent access to distance trading with that specific player.
Does the new Pokémon GO trade distance have limits?
While the new system allows distance trades, there may still be some limitations depending on how Niantic implements it long term.
Things to keep in mind:
- Special Trades (like Legendary or Shiny Pokémon) may still be limited to one per day
- Stardust costs may remain high for rare trades
- You still need to build friendship before unlocking distance trades
- Some restrictions could apply during certain events or updates
Even with these limits, the new Pokémon GO trade distance feature is a massive upgrade compared to the old system.
If you’re powering up Pokémon as you level, make sure to read our how to get Stardust fast in Pokémon GO guide to keep your resources topped up.
Why the new Pokémon GO trade distance update matters
This update completely changes how players approach trading in Pokémon GO.
Before, trading required physical proximity, which made it difficult for:
- Rural players
- Players with international friends
- Trainers who rely on online communities
Now, the new Pokémon GO trade distance system opens up the game globally. You can finally trade with friends you’ve added from raids, events, or online communities without needing to meet in person.
It also makes completing your Pokédex much easier, especially when it comes to region-exclusive Pokémon.
Best tips for using Pokémon GO distance trades
If you want to make the most of the new Pokémon GO trade distance feature, here are some quick tips:
Focus on building friendship daily with key players so you unlock distance trades faster
Save high-value Pokémon like Shinies or Legendaries for when you reach the required level
Coordinate Lucky Trades with long-distance friends to maximise value
Use distance trades to complete regional Pokédex entries
Planning ahead will help you get the most out of this new system.
Pokémon GO trade distance update final thoughts
The Pokémon GO trade distance update is one of the most impactful changes to trading since the feature was first introduced. By adding a new friendship level that allows distance trades, the game becomes far more connected and accessible for players worldwide.
If you’ve ever struggled with the old Pokémon GO trade distance limits, this update finally removes that barrier. Now it’s all about building friendships and making the most of global trading opportunities.
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