How Much Stardust to Trade Shiny Pokémon?
Trading Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a thrilling experience, but it requires careful consideration of the Stardust cost. This guide will help you understand the Stardust investment involved in trading Shiny Pokémon and how to make informed decisions.
Understanding Stardust Costs in Trading
The Stardust cost of a trade depends on several factors:
- Friendship Level: Your friendship level with the other trainer significantly impacts the Stardust cost. Higher friendship levels result in lower Stardust costs. Trading with a Best Friend will be significantly cheaper than trading with a Good Friend or a Great Friend.
- Pokémon's Evolution Stage: Trading a fully evolved Shiny Pokémon will cost more Stardust than trading its pre-evolved forms.
- Recent Trades: The game might increase the Stardust cost after you complete a certain number of trades in a short period.
Stardust Costs at Different Friendship Levels:
Here's a general overview of Stardust costs based on friendship levels (Note: these values may vary slightly based on the game's updates).
| **Friendship Level | Stardust Cost (Approximate)** |
|---|---|
| Good Friend | 800-1000 Stardust |
| Great Friend | 400-600 Stardust |
| Ultra Friend | 200-400 Stardust |
| Best Friend | 100-200 Stardust |
Optimizing your Stardust Investment:
- Maximize Friendship: Building your friendship level with other trainers is crucial. Engage in activities like sending gifts, battling together in raids, and completing trades to rapidly increase your friendship level.
- Trade Earlier Evolutions: Trading pre-evolved Shiny Pokémon will save you significant Stardust. You can always evolve it afterwards.
- Trade Strategically: Plan your trades to minimize Stardust expenditure. Prioritize the most valuable Shiny Pokémon that you really want to acquire or trade away.
- Be Patient: Don't rush into trades. Take the time to build friendships and find optimal trading opportunities.
Is it Worth the Stardust?
Determining whether a Shiny Pokémon trade is worth the Stardust investment is highly subjective. Consider these points:
- The Rarity of the Shiny Pokémon: Is the Shiny Pokémon you're trading for incredibly rare and highly sought after? If so, the higher Stardust cost might be justifiable.
- Your Overall Stardust Supply: If you have an abundant supply of Stardust, spending more on a rare Shiny Pokémon might be worthwhile.
- Sentimental Value: Sometimes, a Shiny Pokémon's sentimental value surpasses the Stardust cost, making the trade worthwhile regardless of its rarity or potential CP.
Conclusion:
Trading Shiny Pokémon in Pokémon GO is a dynamic aspect of the game, and understanding the Stardust costs involved is paramount. By strategizing your trades, maximizing your friendship levels, and carefully considering the value of the Pokémon, you can significantly optimize your Stardust investment and enhance your trading experience. Remember that the community is a great source of information - don't hesitate to discuss trades and strategies with other trainers!
