It’s not a Pokémon game if you can’t trade. In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, trainers can learn how to trade in a couple of different methods. This way, you have a better chance of filling up your Pokédex or acquiring that hard-to-get Pokémon from a friend. Our guide will show you both ways to trade in the game, but take caution, as one method might not get you what you want.
How to Trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Trading has remained a fundamental aspect of Pokémon whether you’re exchanging with friends or fellow trainers you just met. Thankfully, the latest games ensure you don’t need a direct cable link to trade. Nowadays, it’s as simple as visiting the Poké Portal.
In Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, there are two trade methods:
- Link Trade
- Surprise Trade
One is more straightforward, and you will always know what you are getting. The other, as the name implies, offers a surprise in your trade that you may or may not like.
We’ll break down both methods, so you know how to trade no matter what in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
How to Link Trade
With the Link Trade, you connect with friends via a Link Code and exchange Pokémon through the Poké Portal. This is a direct way to get what you want.
Follow the steps below to access this trading method:
- Open the main menu and select “Poké Portal”
- Select “Link Trade” and press “+” to set up a Link Code
- Choose “Begin Searching”
- When connected, choose the Pokémon you want to trade
When learning how to trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the Link Code is unique. So, you and your friend must input the same code. Also, if your friend is in the same room as you are, you will trade in Offline Mode. Otherwise, if they’re in another location, select Online Mode to trade.
How to Surprise Trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet
Now, this method is for those of you interested in a surprise every now and then. You might get a very generous trade partner that sets you up with something incredible. However, you can also get one who simply doesn’t care and will trade you an easy and weak Pokémon that you probably have too much of.
In any case, it’s a fun change of pace to use if you wish. Here’s how to Surprise Trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet:
- Open the main menu and choose “Poké Portal”
- Select “Surprise Trade”
- If not connected to the Internet, you will automatically connect at this point
- Choose your Pokémon to trade
- Wait for the game to find a trading partner
- Return to “Poké Portal,” choose “Surprise Trade”
- When one’s available, you’ll see a green tick next to it
Related:
What is the Masuda Method in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet?
Now that you’ve learned how to Surprise Trade in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, you must wait to see what you’ve received.
To do this, remember to always have a Pokémon in your box. That is the only way the Surprise Trade will work.
So, which trade method sounds better to you? While you’re at it, consider trying them both out to see first-hand how it works.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet is available on Nintendo Switch.
