Trading Pokémon has always been at the heart of every trainer’s journey — from the classic days of Game Boy link cables to the modern era of online connectivity.
In Pokémon Legends ZA, this tradition continues, allowing players from across the world to exchange Pokémon, complete their Pokédex, and connect with fellow trainers. But the real game-changer? Trade Codes — the easiest way to trade specific Pokémon safely and efficiently.
If you’re wondering how to use these trade codes or where to find them, this guide covers everything you need to know about trading in Pokémon Legends ZA.
What Are Trade Codes in Pokémon Legends Z-A?
In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, Trade Codes are specific, 8-digit numerical passwords used to connect two players online for a Link Trade.
Unlike a random trade, where you connect with an unknown player and don’t know what you’ll get, a trade code ensures you match with another trainer who has entered the exact same code and is looking to make a specific exchange.
This system is a community-driven solution, first popularized in Pokémon Sword and Shield (often called “Link Codes”) and continuing its success in newer generations.
The brilliance of these codes lies in the community establishing them for common needs, primarily trade evolutions (e.g., trading Haunter for Haunter so both players get a Gengar) or Pokédex completion (e.g., trading one version-exclusive Pokémon for another).
They eliminate the frustration of searching for a random player who just happens to have the Pokémon you need.
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How to Use Trade Codes in Pokémon Legends Z-A
Connecting with a worldwide partner using a Trade Code is a straightforward process that gets you into a successful trade session quickly. You must have an active Nintendo Switch Online membership to trade with “Faraway Players.”
Here is the step-by-step guide:
- Open the Menu: Press X to open your main menu.
- Access Link Play: Navigate to the Link Play option. This feature is unlocked early in the game after completing a few main missions.
- Select Link Trade: Choose the Link Trade option.
- Connect Online: Select Faraway Players to connect over the internet.
- Enter the Code: You will be prompted to enter a Link Code. This is where you input the 8-digit Trade Code (e.g.,
0063 0063). - Start Searching: Select OK and the game will begin searching for a partner who has entered the identical code.
- Complete the Trade: Once connected, you will see your partner. Select the Pokémon you wish to trade (the one that matches the intended code) and confirm the exchange.
Quick Tip: A stable internet connection is essential for successful, uninterrupted trades. If you are struggling to connect, try the code again or switch to a different, less busy code if one is available for your desired trade.
List of Common Pokémon Legends Z-A Trade Codes
Community-established Trade Codes are invaluable for achieving the most common trading goals: evolving Pokémon and swapping regional exclusives.
Below are the most frequently used Trade Codes for essential exchanges in Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
| Trade Goal (You Offer ↔ You Receive) | Trade Code | Notes |
| Trade Evolution (Kadabra ↔ Kadabra) | 0063 0063 | Both evolve to Alakazam. |
| Trade Evolution (Haunter ↔ Haunter) | 0066 0066 | Both evolve to Gengar. |
| Trade Evolution (Machoke ↔ Machoke) | 0126 0126 | Both evolve to Machamp. |
| Trade Evolution (Onix w/ Metal Coat ↔ Onix w/ Metal Coat) | 0197 0197 | Both evolve to Steelix. Must hold Metal Coat! |
| Trade Evolution (Spritzee w/ Sachet ↔ Spritzee w/ Sachet) | 0096 0096 | Both evolve to Aromatisse. Must hold Sachet! |
| Starter Swap (Chikorita ↔ Tepig/Totodile) | 0152 0155 | For obtaining the other starter Pokémon. |
| Regional/Version Exclusives (Generic) | 0200 0201 | A common “safe zone” for specific exclusive swaps. |
Pro Tip: Find Your Partner!
Many codes are established by the community on platforms like Reddit (r/LegendsZA) or Discord servers. For any specific trade, such as swapping version exclusives or coordinating legendary trades (e.g., 0100 0101 for Legendary swaps), always check the current community lists, as the most popular codes can change.
Also Read: Pokémon Mega Evolutions: The Game-Changing Mechanic You Need to Know
Safe Trading Tips for Players
While trading can be exciting, it’s also important to stay safe. Here are some essential tips to protect your Pokémon and account:
- ✅ Verify Pokémon before confirming. Always double-check stats, type, and name to ensure it’s the one you expect.
- 🚫 Avoid hacked Pokémon. If something looks suspicious (like an impossible shiny or level), cancel the trade immediately.
- 🔒 Never share personal information such as login details or codes outside the game.
- 🌍 Use trusted communities. Stick to verified Pokémon trade servers or official groups for fair exchanges.
Following these precautions ensures your trades remain safe and legitimate.
How to Find Trade Partners Worldwide
The entire globe is your market! Here’s how to best leverage the online community to find the perfect trade partner:
- Dedicated Subreddits and Forums: r/LegendsZA and other fan-run forums are the primary hubs. Posts are often categorized by the specific trade needed, making it easy to coordinate a session and share a link code.
- Discord Trading Servers: Many large Pokémon Discord communities have dedicated channels for trading, allowing for real-time chat to set up the trade, share the code, and confirm the details quickly.
- Official Nintendo Online Services: While not a “code” system, having your Nintendo Switch Online subscription allows you to be an active part of the global trading ecosystem, ready to jump into any community-coordinated trade session.
- Themed Community Trade Events: Look out for community-organized “Trade Days” or “Shiny Swap Events.” These often use a single, shared code for a specific time window, increasing your chances of finding rare Pokémon.
Benefits of Using Trade Codes
Trade codes are more than just a convenience; they significantly enhance your experience in Pokémon Legends: Z-A:
- Complete Your Pokédex Faster: This is the most significant benefit. By using the dedicated codes, you swiftly knock out all the trade-exclusive evolutions and easily secure the opposite game’s version exclusives.
- Trade Rare and Version-Exclusive Pokémon: Codes allow for targeted exchanges, helping you get that elusive starter, a specific regional variant, or a hard-to-find Pokémon from another region’s player.
- Connect with a Global Player Base: Trading brings trainers together, fostering a sense of collaboration and community across borders and time zones.
- Join Themed Trading Events: Many communities use codes to hold fun, themed events, like “GTS Wonder Trade,” but with a higher chance of getting a specific type of Pokémon.
Future of Trading in Pokémon Legends Z-A
As a new installment in the series, the trading features in Pokémon Legends: Z-A are likely to evolve. Fans have high expectations for:
- Integration with Pokémon HOME: Connectivity with Pokémon HOME, the cloud service for storing and trading Pokémon, is inevitable (scheduled for a future update), which will open up a vast library of Pokémon from past games to bring to Lumiose City.
- Improved Global Linking: The community always hopes for improvements to the core “Global Trade System” experience, perhaps making it easier to search for specific Pokémon without needing to see them first.
- Event-Based Trades: We may see official, in-game events that use unique temporary codes to distribute rare, legendary, or Mythical Pokémon, further enhancing the collaborative nature of the game.
Conclusion
Trade Codes are an invaluable, player-driven tool that transforms the experience of completing your Pokédex in Pokémon Legends: Z-A. They cut through the complexity of online connectivity and get you straight to the trade you need, whether it’s evolving a Kadabra into Alakazam or finding a version-exclusive starter.
So, grab your Switch, set your link code, and start trading today. Who knows? Your next trade could bring you the rarest Pokémon in the region!
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