Pokémon GO Trade Evolution List – Which Pokémon Require 0 Candy? – Trading Pokémon in Pokémon GO is not only useful for exchanging Pokémon with friends, it can also trigger special evolutions. Some Pokémon evolve through trading rather than the normal candy method. When these Pokémon are traded between trainers, their evolution can become much cheaper or even free.
Because this mechanic is not always clearly explained in the game, many players search for which Pokémon evolve through trading.
Understanding the trade evolution system in Pokémon GO can help you save candy and evolve certain Pokémon much more easily. This guide explains the full list of trade evolution Pokémon GO and how the system works.
How Pokémon GO Trade Evolution List Works
Trade evolutions in Pokémon GO work slightly differently from the main Pokémon games. In the original Pokémon games, certain Pokémon only evolve when traded. In Pokémon GO, these Pokémon can still evolve normally with candy, but trading them first removes the candy requirement.
This means that if you trade one of these Pokémon with another trainer, the evolution becomes free and no candy is required.
For players who trade regularly, this can save a large amount of candy when evolving certain Pokémon.
If the Pokémon has not been traded, the normal candy cost will still apply.
Pokémon GO Trade Evolution List – Which Pokémon Require 0 Candy?
Several Pokémon currently benefit from the trade evolution mechanic in Pokémon GO.
Kadabra evolves into Alakazam
Machoke evolves into Machamp
Graveler evolves into Golem
Haunter evolves into Gengar
Boldore evolves into Gigalith
Gurdurr evolves into Conkeldurr
Karrablast evolves into Escavalier
Shelmet evolves into Accelgor
Phantump evolves into Trevenant
Pumpkaboo evolves into Gourgeist
If one of these Pokémon has been traded between players, the evolution will require no candy.
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Why Trade Evolutions Are Useful
Trade evolutions can be extremely useful for players who want to conserve candy. Some Pokémon require large amounts of candy to evolve, especially if they are rare or difficult to find in the wild.
By trading these Pokémon with a friend first, players can evolve them without spending any candy at all.
This is particularly helpful for Pokémon like Conkeldurr or Gigalith, which normally require a large number of candies to evolve.
Trading also has the added benefit of possibly creating Lucky Pokémon, which cost less Stardust to power up.
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Trading for Evolution With Friends
If you plan to evolve Pokémon through trading, it is often best to coordinate with a friend who also needs the same evolution.
For example, two players can trade Machoke with each other and both receive Machamp without spending any candy.
This makes trade evolutions one of the most efficient ways to complete certain Pokédex entries.
Players often arrange these trades during community events or meetups where multiple trainers are present.
Special Cases for Trade Evolutions
Some trade evolutions involve two specific Pokémon that evolve when traded with each other.
Karrablast and Shelmet are a good example of this. When Karrablast is traded for Shelmet, both Pokémon evolve into their final forms.
This mechanic comes directly from the main Pokémon games and has been recreated in Pokémon GO to keep the evolution method consistent.
Because of this, players often trade these Pokémon with each other specifically to trigger their evolutions.
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Do Traded Pokémon Always Evolve for Free
Only certain Pokémon receive the free evolution benefit after being traded.
If a Pokémon is not part of the trade evolution group, trading it will not affect its evolution cost. The normal candy requirement will still apply.
For Pokémon that do support trade evolution, the game will display a free evolution option after the Pokémon has been traded.
This makes it easy to identify which Pokémon can benefit from the trade mechanic.
Pokemon Go Trade Evolution List
Understanding the Pokémon GO trade evolution list can save players a significant amount of candy while completing their Pokédex. Several Pokémon, including Machoke, Kadabra, Graveler, and Haunter, can evolve for free after being traded with another trainer. This allows players to obtain powerful evolutions without spending any candy.
By coordinating trades with friends and using the trade evolution system strategically, trainers can evolve Pokémon more efficiently and even gain Lucky Pokémon in the process. For many players, trading remains one of the most useful mechanics in Pokémon GO for completing evolutions and strengthening their Pokémon collection.
