How to Trade Pokemon in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

Trading is a fundamental part of the Pokemon franchise, so it’s no wonder players have a slew of ways to trade in Scarlet & Violet.

If you were hoping to switch Pokemon with your pals or even trade with a complete stranger, then you’re in luck, as Pokemon Scarlet & Violet accommodate both.

Of course, before you go ahead and trade away your Pokemon, why not check out every Gen 9 Pokemon in Scarlet and Violet first?

How to Link Trade With Other Players in Scarlet & Violet

To trade Pokemon with friends, first access the Poke Portal and then select Link Trade. You’ll need to give your friend your Link Code so you can connect and begin trading.

Once you’ve shared Link Codes, select Begin Searching, and you’ll match in no time. Then, all you need to do is choose the Pokemon you wish to trade.

For a more detailed breakdown of how to trade, continue reading:

• Press the X button to open up the main menu.
• Select Poke Portal.
• Scroll down and select Link Trade.
• Press the + button and enter your Link Code.
  • The Link Code can be any number, so long as you and your friend enter the same one. Otherwise, you won’t be able to connect.
• Then select Begin Searching.
  • If you’re trading with a friend in the same room as you, you’ll need to be in Offline Mode. If you want to connect with someone in a different location, you’ll want to be in Online Mode. Press the L button to switch between these two modes.
• Once you’ve connected, choose the Pokemon you wish to trade and accept.

How to Surprise Trade in Pokemon Scarlet & Violet

To do a Surprise Trade with another player, you’ll need to enter the Poke Portal and select Surprise Trade (which is found beneath Link Trade).

You must have a Pokemon in one of your Boxes first, and then you must be connected to the internet. Once you have, you will trade one of your Pokemon for a random Pokemon.

For a more detailed breakdown, continue reading:

• Press the X button to open up the main menu.
• Select Poke Portal.
• Scroll down and select Surprise Trade.
  • You must make sure you have a Pokemon in one of your boxes to do this. To move a Pokemon into your box, do the following:
    • Press X to open up the menu.
    • Select Boxes.
    • Choose the Pokemon from your Party you wish to put in the Box.
    • Select Move and then put them in the Box using the left joystick.
    • Press A to confirm the move and then B to leave the Boxes menu.
• It will automatically connect you to the internet (which is the only way you can do a Surprise Trade)
  • You can also connect to the internet by pressing the L button while in the Poke Portal menu.
• Next, choose the Pokemon you wish to trade and press A.
• Select Trade and then choose whether or not to save your progress.
• You’ll then be brought back to the game and will have to wait until you find a trading partner.
• Once the game finds one, head back into the Poke Portal menu and select the Surprise Trade option.
  • You will see a green tick next to the Surprise Trade option when one is available.
• Watch the animation play out, and then the trade will be complete.

You should only do this if you’re confident you don’t need or want the Pokemon you’re going to trade, as there is no way of retrieving it once it’s gone.

Once you’ve traded, you should learn how to play online with your friends in Pokemon Scarlet and Violet so you can try out your new Pokemon together.