Scarlet & Violet trading

Scarlet and Violet trades happen through Link Trade in the Poké Portal. ApexDex helps you find a trainer who has the Pokémon you need, from version exclusives to Paradox Pokémon, and agree the trade before you meet in game.

How to trade in Scarlet & Violet

  1. Agree the trade on ApexDex and share a Link Code in the trade chat.
  2. In game, open the Poké Portal and choose Link Trade.
  3. Both enter the same 8-digit Link Code and search.
  4. Choose your Pokémon, check what your partner is sending, and confirm.
  5. Back on ApexDex, both tap We traded to complete the trade.

Version exclusives

Some Pokémon appear in only one version. The box legendaries are the clearest example: Koraidon is in Scarlet and Miraidon is in Violet. Ancient Paradox Pokémon appear in Scarlet and Future Paradox Pokémon in Violet. Trading is the only way to get the other version's exclusives without a second copy of the game.

Good to know

  • Trading online needs Nintendo Switch Online on both sides; trading locally over wireless doesn't.
  • Pokémon that evolve by trading, such as Haunter and Kadabra, evolve as soon as they arrive.
  • A Pokémon's Tera Type stays the same when it's traded.
  • Pokémon from another trainer may not obey you in battle above a level set by your Gym badges.

Before you agree a trade

  • Includes The Teal Mask and The Indigo Disk species.
  • Pokémon from HOME keep their stats when moved into Scarlet & Violet.

Frequently asked questions

Can Scarlet and Violet trade with Sword and Shield?

No. Link Trades only work between copies of the same game. To move a Pokémon between them, use Pokémon HOME, as long as the species exists in the game you're moving it to.

Do I need Nintendo Switch Online to trade?

For online trades, yes, on both consoles. Local wireless trades in the same room don't need it.

See also