How to trade with friends online in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet

Here's how you can get that coveted trade evolution easily.

Four Trainers pose for a photo.
Screenshot by Dot Esports

Players are beginning to kick off their latest Pokémon journeys with the release of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet today. Although the game can be played solo, the newest installments in the popular monster-trading franchise have a lot to offer players looking to experience the Paldea region with their friends. Besides, any adventure is more fun when you bring your buddies.

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Like previous mainline games in the franchise, there are certain Pokémon species found only in one game, which means you’ll have to trade with someone who owns whichever version of the game you don’t have to unlock them all. Other Pokémon evolve through trade, making it an essential feature for those looking to complete their Pokédex.

Related: Can an official Pokémon not look like a Pokémon? Expert artist analysis details how it can happen

Here’s how to trade with friends in Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.

Related: The best Pokemon Scarlet and Violet trade codes from Prima Games

How to trade Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet

Pokémon fans who played Sword and Shield may find the trading method in Scarlet and Violet familiar since it uses the same Link Code structure found in the Gen VIII games. The only difference is certain aspects have been smoothed out within the interface. 

From the main menu, simply navigate to the Poké Portal menu after making sure you are connected to the internet if you want to trade with people online. From there, you will select the Link Trade option and set a Link Code that you will share with your intended trade partner. 

Once both players are connected to the same room via Link Code, you can trade as many Pokémon as you want without needing to disconnect and reconnect. Just be aware that before you trade online, you will need a Nintendo Switch Online subscription, which you can purchase from the eShop.

Author
Image of Rachel Samples
Rachel Samples
Managing Editor. In 2018, Rachel graduated from the University of Texas with a bachelor’s in Rhetoric and Writing and first entered the esports industry in the same year. Her favorite games include indies, deckbuilders, and the entire Mass Effect franchise. Need any calibrations?
Author
Image of Cale Michael
Cale Michael
Lead Staff Writer for Dota 2, the FGC, Pokémon, Yu-Gi-Oh!, and more who has been writing for Dot Esports since 2018. Graduated with a degree in Journalism from Oklahoma Christian University and also previously covered the NBA. You can usually find him writing, reading, or watching an FGC tournament.