How to trade in Pokémon Legends Z-A

The main goal in every Pokémon game has always been to catch them all, though that wasn’t really possible in games where there were multiple versions. This was because of the version-exclusive Pokémon that could only be caught in specific versions of the game. That’s where trading came into play.

Pokémon Legends: Z-A also has the trading mechanic, but it’s slightly different than what most players may be used to. The feature becomes available after completing Mable’s introductory research, and trading is possible from the Link Trade option in the main menu. Of course, there are some restrictions to keep in mind.

So, if you want to trade your Pokémon ^[1] with other players in Pokémon Legends: Z-A, keep reading because we have you covered.

How do you unlock trading in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

The trading feature becomes available early in the story. You must complete Mable’s introductory research by catching your first five Pokémon and unlocking her rewards. After claiming Mable’s first reward, the Link Play option will appear in the menu. 

Once the Link Play feature has been successfully unlocked, you can access it directly by pressing the X button to open the in-game menu. This action will immediately display the Link Play selection, the gateway to the Link Trade option you need to exchange Pokémon.

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How to trade in Pokémon Legends: Z-A

In Pokémon Legends: Z-A, players can trade Pokémon with each other using the Link Trade feature in the Link Play menu. To start a trade:

1. Open the menu by pressing X, navigate to Link Play, and select Link Trade.
2. Choose Nearby Players for local wireless trading or Faraway players for online trading.
3. Both players must enter the same eight-digit link code to connect.
4. Once connected, select the Pokémon you wish to exchange and confirm the trade.

Note: “Faraway” trades require an active Nintendo Switch Online membership and an internet connection.

What are the restrictions for trading in Pokémon Legends: Z-A?

Some limitations and unique aspects apply to trading. Online trades require each player to have their own copy of Legends: Z-A, either the original Switch game or the Switch 2 Edition, updated to the latest version. Local trades need no internet, but similarly require matching game versions. Both link-trade modes use 8-digit codes. When trading online, select Faraway Players and enter the code. For local trades, the code is still used to pair up. Because any trainer using the same code can connect, choosing a common code such as “1111-1111” may accidentally match with strangers.

A special feature in Pokémon Legends: Z-A is trade-based evolution. Certain species, like Haunter, Kadabra, Machoke, and others, only evolve by trading. Pokémon Legends: Z-A uses designated “trade codes” for these. Two players each enter the code for a given Pokémon and trade it, causing each traded Pokémon to evolve. Any required items, such as Metal Coat, must also be in place for those evolutions. These trade-evolution codes are a unique twist on trading in Z-A.

References

1. [1] "Official Pokemon website". www.pokemon.com. Retrieved November 04, 2025