How to Trade Pokemon | Pokemon Sword Shield

Last Updated: August 21, 2022 10:59 PM

Read this Pokemon Sword and Shield (SWSH) guide to learn how to trade Pokemon! Includes how to trade with friends, how to trade locally, or online, and all trading methods!!!

Table of Contents

How to Trade Pokemon Online
How to Trade Pokemon Locally
What Is Trade?
Tips for Trading

Check Out the Beginners Tips & Guides Here!

How to Trade Pokemon Online

Step 1: Open the Y-Comm Menu

While exploring, press the Y Button to open the Y-Comm menu. This will bring up the menu with a list of features.

Step 2: Connect Online

Before selecting Link Trades, make sure to Connect Online by hitting the + button. Once you're connected online, you will be able to make Link Trades.

Online Trading Requires NSO Subscription

Keep in mind that in order for you to trade online, you will need to have an active subscription to Nintendo Switch Online.

Check Out How to Sign Up For Nintendo Switch Online!

Step 3: Select Link Trade

Once you're connected online, select the Link Trades option from the menu. The game will automatically start looking for a trade partner for you, & will notify you once a trade partner has been found!

Use a Link Code To Trade With A Certain Person

Set A Link Code To Trade With A Specific Person

You can set a Link Code if you want to trade with a specific person. This is a 4-digit pin number that will ensure that you and the person with the same Link Code will be trading Pokemon!

Step 4: Trade Away

After finding a trade partner, select the Pokemon you want to trade to the other player. Wait for their selection, then the trade should commence!

Optional: Use Surprise Trade for Random Trades

Surprise Trade is another way of trading Pokemon in Sword and Shield! Register a Pokemon you want to trade, then wait for another person to trade with you! You never know what you will get with Surprise Trades!

Check Out Surprise Trades Here!

How to Trade Pokemon Locally

Step 1: Open the Y-Comm Menu

Just like with online trades, open the Y-Comm menu using the Y button while exploring.

Step 2: Select Link Trade

Select the Link Trades option and wait for the game to find another player that is willing to trade.

Send a Link Code to Trade With A Specific Person

If you want to trade with a specific person, it would be best to set a Link Code! Make sure that both you and the other player enter the same Link Code to ensure that both of you get matched up!

Step 3: Trade Away

Once you are matched with another player, select the Pokemon you want to trade. Once both of you have selected a Pokemon to be traded, the trade will start!

What Is Pokemon Trade?

Trade Pokemon With Other Trainers

Trades allow you to swap Pokemon with other trainers from across the world! You will be able to use this feature while traveling the Galar region via the Y-Comm feature!

Check Out the Multiplayer Guide Here!

Trade Online or Locally

You will be able to trade Pokemon with other trainers over the internet or through local networks using your Nintendo Switch! Keep in mind that for online trades, you will need to have an active Nintendo Switch Online subscription!

Benefits of Trading Pokemon

Complete Your Pokedex

Certain Pokemon will only be available for certain versions of the game. Trading Pokemon with players of the opposite version will allow you collect all Pokemon and complete your Pokedex!

Version Differences

Galarian Pokedex

Earn Exp Faster

Traded Pokemon will earn Exp much faster than normal Pokemon! If you are aiming to quickly and efficiently train Pokemon, you can train a traded Pokemon to quickly reach the max level!

Check Out the Exp Farming & Leveling Guide!

Certain Pokemon Evolve After Trades

Certain Pokemon will only evolve after being traded to another player. Below is a list of Pokemon that evolve via trades.

Click Here For a List of Pokemon That Evolve Via Trade

Pokemon	Evolve Conditions
Accelgor	- Evolves from a Shelmet that's traded for a Karrablast
Aromatisse	- Evolves by trading a Spritzee while holding a sachet
Conkeldurr	- Evolves by trading a Gundurr
Dusknoir	- Evolves by trading a Dusclops with a Reaper Cloth
Escavalier	- Evolves from a Karrablast that's traded for a Shelmet
Gengar	- Evolves by trading a Haunter
Gigalith	- Evolves by trading a Boldore
Gourgeist	- Evolves by trading a Pumpkaboo
Machamp	- Evolves by trading a Machoke
Milotic	- Evolves by trading a Feebas while holding a Prism Scale
Rhyperior	- Evolves by trading a Rhydon while holding a Protector
Slurpuff	- Evolves by trading a Swirlix while holding a Whipped Dream
Steelix	- Evolves by trading an Onix while holding a Metal Coat
Trevenant	- Evolves by trading a Phantump

Trade Pokemon Guide

Traded Pokemon With High Levels May Not Listen To You

If your traded Pokemon starts to goof off mid battle, or doesn't listen to your commands, you may need to get more gym badges! Gym badges show that you are a strong trainer, and will prove to Pokemon that you are a strong enough trainer to handle them!

Check Out the All Gym Leader List Here!

Traded Pokemon's Nicknames Are Permanent

If you acquired a Pokemon with a nickname via a trade, you will not be able to change that Pokemon's nickname.

Why Can't I Trade or Connect?

Check if Nintendo Switch is in Airplane Mode

Y-Comm features will be inaccessible when your Nintendo Switch is on Airplane mode. Be sure to turn this feature off from the Quick Menu accessible by holding the Switch's Home Button.

Try Connecting on Internet When Local Trade Fails

Local connection will only be able to connect with players in your close vicinity. If you are having trouble connecting with your trade partner, double check you are using the proper connection method.