In Pokémon GO, trainers will soon be able to trade over long distances. For this, there is a new friendship level.
The Pokémon GO team has introduced the new long-distance trading feature. Essentially, it consists of two features: on one hand, the long-distance trade, and on the other, the new “Best Friends” level that you can achieve with other trainers.
When will the feature be available? The feature has been gradually rolled out since December 8th, with players in New Zealand being the first. Exact information on when it will be available in the rest of the world is still unknown.
We are providing a brief introduction to the feature here.
How does the long-distance trade work in Pokémon GO?
You can only conduct a long-distance trade with trainers who are “best friends” with you – more about that below. Once you achieve this status, the trade works as follows:
- You mark Pokémon from your collection with the new tag “Long-Distance Trade”
- You can see each other’s “Long-Distance Pokémon”
- You can alternately select up to three Pokémon from your trading partner. You then submit this wish list.
- After that, the desired Pokémon are offered.
- In the end, you confirm or cancel the trade.
- A long-distance trade is not a special trade – regardless of which Pokémon you trade.
- Lucky trades also work with a long-distance trade.
What cannot be traded? There are a few Pokémon that cannot be traded.
- Anything you have caught in the last 30 days. You must wait until these are older.
- Already traded Pokémon
- Shadow and Mythical Pokémon
- Pokémon that are currently in gyms, power plants, or PokéStops
- Current buddy Pokémon and Mega Evolutions
- Zacian and Zamazenta in their royal forms
But the new friendship level is crucial.
How does “Best Friends” work in Pokémon GO?
New “friendship points” are introduced into the game, which you earn through interactions like trades, gifts, or battles. Also, the new weekly challenges provide friendship points. They help you level up your friendship.
The new friendship level “Best Friends” is added as the latest, highest friendship level. It allows you to redeem friendship points for XP or more long-distance trades. Therefore, you will likely need to interact continuously to unlock more long-distance trades.
What do you think of the new feature? Do you already have friends with whom you want to trade at a distance? Let us know in the comments! And otherwise, there are plenty of interesting contents waiting in Pokémon GO. December is underway, and with it comes a full calendar: All events in December 2025 in Pokémon GO.
